Designing a game for long-term success is far from easy. With the introduction of decentralization, the entire gaming sphere is shifting from studio control to player control. Web3 gamers can help to navigate the fundamentals of in-game economies, player ownership and community driven ecosystems when considering a new approach to game design.
Furthermore, the highly anticipated growth of VR and AR technologies into gaming environments is forcing studios to re-think their business models. The Web3 approach asks all game designers, developers and publishers to rethink the mechanics from the ground up. This grassroots approach places an emphasis on player engagement, longevity and creating more inclusive gaming environments.
Here’s what Web3 gaming can teach Web2 studios about designing successful games for the long haul:
1. Player Ownership and Community-Driven Development
One of the fundamental shifts in Web3 gaming is placing the player, not the developer, at the center of the game’s economy. Web3 games are designed to give players ownership of their in-game assets, allowing them to participate in the governance of the game and even influence its direction. This contrasts sharply with traditional Web2 games, where developers control everything, from in-game economies to updates, leaving players with little say beyond fan forums.
By involving players in the development process and giving them a stake in the game, Web2 studios can build stronger, more engaged communities. This can foster a sense of ownership and loyalty, extending the lifespan of games.
2. Monetization Beyond Ads
A recurring challenge in the Web2 gaming space is the reliance on ad-based monetization and microtransactions, which can feel exploitative. Sebastian Borget, Founder of Sandbox recently pointed out that the ad-based model often turns players into the product, with companies profiting from their data and privacy. In contrast, Web3 games explore alternative monetization models that benefit players directly, such as play-to-earn mechanisms and decentralized economies.
Getting creative with new monetization strategies should be front and center of the conversations within Web2 gaming studios. Creating in-game economies where players can earn and trade assets with real-world value, for example, would not only increase engagement but also foster long-term sustainability.
3. Building Sustainable Game Economies with Web3 Gamers
One of the pitfalls of Web2 games is the imbalance that occurs when a few top players or early adopters dominate in-game economies. This can alienate new or casual players, creating an unhealthy ecosystem. In contrast, Web3 games are starting to build more sustainable models that emphasize effort and long-term player investment, rather than short-term monetary gains.
David Paskett, Head of Community of Upland, believes that ownership models in Web3 are game-changing when it comes to creating sustainable gaming economies where players’ efforts are genuinely valued and that the community of players always comes first.
“When players truly own their digital items, everything changes. They feel more invested, more engaged, and it makes them want to do more than just play, they want to help build the community. Ownership turns players into active participants, driving both their involvement and the strength of the community itself,” notes Paskett.
4. Transparency, Trust, and Fairness
Trust is a critical issue in gaming. Cheating, hacking, and manipulative practices can ruin the player experience. Web3 technology, with its decentralized nature and blockchain-based transparency, offers a solution. As Tashi Protocol’s Consensus Engine (TCE) demonstrates, Web3 games can ensure fairness by decentralizing control and verifying actions through consensus mechanisms.
Ken Anderson, CTO at Tashi recently noted where the issue stems from. “A single-player game that is no longer supported by a publisher has no reason not to continue to be playable. There is a strong argument for making such games available after their end-of-life to players who have purchased the game or digital assets in the game.” The control of publishers over a game extends beyond development to include “the power to alter, suspend, or discontinue services without notice.”
Web2 studios can borrow from this playbook by incorporating more transparent and fair practices in their games. This doesn’t necessarily mean adopting blockchain technology, but it does mean creating systems where fairness and trust are paramount. Whether through better anti-cheat measures or more transparent in-game mechanics, these steps can lead to a more loyal and engaged player base.
5. The Power of Originality
Web3 games have shown that it’s not just about integrating blockchain or NFTs—it’s about creating new intellectual property (IP) that can only exist in this decentralized, player-driven context. Rather than relying on old franchises Web2 studios have the opportunity to create new IP.
Web2 studios can focus on putting innovation first. Instead of churning out sequels or remakes, they could experiment with new IPs that take advantage of new technologies, community-driven development, or unique gameplay mechanics. Creating fresh, unique experiences will help capture the attention of modern gamers, many of whom are tired of repetitive gameplay models.
Paskett believes that new IPs could be a key ingredient when it comes to the success of both Web2 and Web3 games,
“I actually think new IPs are THE key to success. Sure, it’s risky, but no more so than trying to break into an already crowded genre where someone else is already dominating. Players crave fresh ideas and unique experiences, and that’s what will really stand out. In the end, new takes and bold creativity are what win,” says Paskett.
Web3 gaming offers a new vision for the future of our relationships with games. It’s not just about the technology, it is about a shift in mindset to understand the value of the time invested in these games by the players. By adopting some of the core principles of Web3, like user ownership, transparency, and sustainable monetization, Web2 studios can create long-lasting, successful games.
