Slowly but surely, NFTs are becoming a part of pretty much every industry. In arts, sports, and social media, with each distinct community and environment that NFTs spread to, they change a bit, adapt and transform. The same is true for the gaming industry. This article will examine the interactions between gaming and NFTs, give a quick refresher about the underlying technologies, and explore how NFTs can positively impact the gaming experience.
The Technology Behind It All
Of course, we have to begin with blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Look, we understand that every article remotely connected with NFTs has a decent chunk dedicated to explaining blockchains and cryptocurrencies. Though we certainly won't be boring you with historical remarks. Regardless, feel free to skip the upcoming section if you know everything necessary. Let’s get started.
Blockchains
Blockchains are the technology on which all cryptocurrencies and NFTs are hosted. Blockchains are databases composed of linked blocks, and the entirety of the database is shared among the nodes of a network. The blockchain can store any digital data, including media, financial ledgers, etc. Every transaction performed on the blockchain is available to the public.
The main difference from traditional databases, excluding the decentralised structure, is that blockchains offer near-perfect security without needing a central controlling body. As a block is filled with data, it is set in stone and cannot be altered. Additionally, if any piece of data were to be changed in a single block, the change would have to get approved across multiple nodes. Confirming requests over multiple blocks does take processing power and time, rendering the blockchains somewhat inefficient; however, that problem was tackled by Layer 2 scaling solutions.
Layer 2 Scaling
Layer 2 scaling solutions are designed to increase blockchains' efficiency and processing capacity. Solutions like Immutable X increase the TPS (transactions per second) manifold, decreasing power consumption. These solutions are the jumping point to the next generation of blockchains.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies on the blockchain. Enhanced by the security measures provided by the blockchain, cryptocurrencies are impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. And similar to any blockchain project, they are immune to direct influence from the government. You can divide cryptocurrencies into two types.
- The main cryptocurrency of the blockchain
Cryptocurrencies like ETH (Ethereum) and BTC (Bitcoin) are primary trading coins on their native blockchains.
- Project-specific cryptocurrencies
Project-specific cryptocurrencies are created to support a small ecosystem without relying solely on the primary crypto of the chain. Currencies like $GODS in “Gods Unchained,” a premier TCG (Trading Card Game), make it easier to trade and act as an earnable in-game currency.
A Refresher On NFTs
NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are digital assets with unique identifying codes hosted on different blockchains. The most popular form of NFTs in the current markets is digital art; however, they can be any asset ranging from music to in-game items or anything with the potential to be digitised. While every NFT has an entirely unique identifying code, the art or asset they represent may be the same.
NFTs In Gaming
As previously mentioned, even in-game items can become NFTs. This is the cornerstone of crypto games. By transforming some in-game items into NFTs, the developers have given the players actual ownership of the item. This comes with additional freedoms as, like any NFT, the in-game items can be traded without restrictions.
Reasons Gaming Is The Future Of NFTs
It is no secret that the NFT trade is slowing down, specifically for digital art. The high volatility of the trade, the latest market crash, and the general decline of enthusiasm toward art collectables have left an opportunity, and crypto gaming may be the genre to seize it.
There are several reasons why crypto games continue to thrive even during a global market crash.
1. Collectable Vs. Utility
Arguably the most significant contrast between in-game NFTs and art collectables is their function. Let me explain. Though the initial idea of tuning art into NFTs was to support artists and give them a platform to sell their work, it quickly became a speculative stock market. The main reason for buying NFTs was to sell them back for a profit, and when the market is in decline, no one’s buying.
In-game NFTs have actual gameplay purposes. They are a valuable tool used in progressing through in-game content, rendering them more valuable than regular collectables.
2. Community Game-Building and True Ownership
Another core value of NFT games. By transferring the ownership of in-game assets to the player, crypto games promote a sense of partnership and help build a connection between developer and player. Dismantling an established gaming community will take more than market volatility or some negativity. Moreover, you actually own your items in-game which isn't possible in the traditional gaming industry.
3. Bringing In The Masses
NFT games like “Gods Unchained” welcome players into web3 and NFTs. There is much to be done on ease of onboarding but we're taking steps in the right direction. The game even provides options for people who want to play without spending too much time or any money at all (free to play)!
4. Rewarding Time-Spent
NFT games give the players an opportunity to get rewards in tokens by playing the game. Now, this isn’t the only gaming industry ever where people have received rewards from games. However, it is the only actual genre where rewards are:
- An inherent part of the game mechanics
- (Almost) uncontrolled by the game developers
- Not banned or considered a black market
Presenting Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is a TCG (trading card game) focused on deck building and card collecting. A free-to-play game, anyone can just download and join the community with no need to invest. Of course, you are welcome to link a crypto wallet to the game to actually start earning NFTs and gain access to mechanics like Fusing in the Forge.
Do It Differently (And Correctly)
Gods Unchained is a good example of a web3 game that builds upon the advantages mentioned earlier.
As a free-to-play game, we at Gods Unchained put equal importance on gameplay and NFT mechanics. Using NFTs, we explored a way to give power back to the players with true ownership. Royalties from fusing mechanics using the native cryptocurrency $GODS reenter the prize pool of different events. Community-created guides and decks are available for anyone to use, and new players are welcomed and introduced to the game mechanics by consistent updates and blog posts from the developers. NFTs have been a crucial part of the game's development, and they continue to be to this day.
Gods Unchained has been around for years and will continue to reach its vision of onboarding millions of players into web3 gaming.
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