Top Blockchain Gaming Trends Driving Crypto and NFT Adoption

Introduction

Today, there are over 3 Billion active video gamers worldwide. Additionally, Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality gaming is expected to reach $ 11 Billion by 2026. Furthermore, with cross-platform gaming experiences, gamers have seen light at the other end of the tunnel. Thus, it can be said that the gaming industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. It is owing to the advent of blockchain technology. 

players new opportunities to truly own and monetize their in-game assets. It also drives the adoption of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). 

This blog will explore seven key trends shaping the blockchain gaming landscape. To add to this, we will discuss their potential for the future. 

Additionally, we will provide insights into 

1. What are blockchain games? 
2. How do they work? 
3. A list of popular blockchain games, and 
4. Guidance on investing in this exciting space.

Blockchain Gaming Is Driving Crypto and NFT Adoption

Blockchain games have emerged as a driving force behind the adoption of cryptocurrencies and NFTs. By integrating blockchain technology into game mechanics, developers enable players to trade, buy, and sell in-game assets securely and transparently. This decentralized approach appeals to both gamers and investors. The core reason is that it provides a unique opportunity to earn real value from virtual assets.

According to DappRadar, daily active users in blockchain games have grown significantly. The numbers should cross over 10,00,000 in 2023 [source: DappRadar].

High-Quality AAA Games are Becoming Popular.

Initially, blockchain games were associated with simpler graphics and gameplay. However, today the industry is maturing with every passing day. We have witnessed the emergence of high-quality AAA blockchain games. Prominent game developers and studios recognize blockchain technology’s potential to enhance gameplay, increase player engagement, and unlock new revenue streams.

Introducing blockchain-based marketplaces and play-to-earn mechanics in these AAA games can potentially revolutionize the gaming industry.

Large Number of Use Cases for NFTs in Blockchain Games

Non-fungible tokens have gained significant traction in the blockchain gaming industry. Initially used to represent in-game assets, such as weapons, characters, or land, NFTs are now expanding into broader use cases. They can create unique virtual identities, enable cross-game compatibility, and even serve as access keys to exclusive events or experiences. The versatility of NFTs is attracting both developers and players. This is creating a vibrant ecosystem around these digital collectables.

Rise of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)

In the rapidly evolving gaming world, decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are at the epicenter. These innovative entities are reshaping the gaming landscape by revolutionizing ownership, community engagement, and economic structures. Let’s delve into the key trends and statistics surrounding the rise of DAOs in the gaming industry.

•   The concept of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)

DAOs are self-governing communities. They operate through smart contracts on blockchain technology. They allow gamers to collectively make decisions, own in-game assets, and participate in the development of games. With no central authority, DAOs empower players to take control and shape their gaming experiences.

• Popularity

The popularity of DAOs in gaming has skyrocketed in recent years. According to industry data, the number of gaming DAOs has surged by an astonishing 300% in the past year alone. This surge highlights the increasing recognition of the value and potential of decentralized governance in gaming communities.

• Enhanced Ownership

One key trend is the concept of enhanced ownership. Players can securely own and trade in-game assets through blockchain technology, such as virtual real estate, characters, and items. This shift has led to a vibrant secondary market. Today, the total trading volume of in-game assets in DAOs has already surpassed $1 billion in the last quarter.

• Community Engagement

DAOs promote active community engagement by allowing players to shape game development decisions. By allowing token holders to vote on proposals, game developers can effectively gather feedback and make decisions that align with the desires of the player base. This collaborative approach has resulted in increased player satisfaction and stronger community bonds.

• Economic Opportunities

The rise of gaming DAOs has unlocked new economic opportunities for players. Through tokenized economies, gamers can earn income by participating in various activities, such as content creation, esports tournaments, and in-game asset trading. Over 100,000 gamers are estimated to earn a sustainable income through these decentralized ecosystems.

• Success Story: Axie Infinity

A prime example of the success of gaming DAOs is the blockchain-based game, Axie Infinity. This play-to-earn game has garnered immense popularity. Today, it has over 2 million daily active users. By owning and breeding digital pets called “Axies,” players can earn cryptocurrency tokens. These currencies can be exchanged for real-world value.

Axie Infinity’s success has been phenomenal. The game generated over $1 billion in revenue in the first half of 2023. This remarkable achievement has highlighted the immense potential of gaming DAOs to create sustainable economic ecosystems that benefit both developers and players.

Communities Are at the Core of Blockchain Gaming

Blockchain games thrive on the power of communities. Players are not just users. They actively engage with developers, fellow players, and content creators. The community aspect extends beyond the game itself. Forums, social media groups, and streaming platforms become hubs of interaction.

This collaborative environment enables players to share strategies, discuss game updates, and foster friendships. Successful blockchain games understand the importance of cultivating and nurturing their communities. These factors are crucial for driving engagement and long-term sustainability.

Virtual Real Estate Is Booming

Virtual real estate is a burgeoning sector within the blockchain gaming space. Like in the physical world, players can own and trade virtual land and properties in blockchain games. This creates opportunities for immersive experiences, social interactions, and the development of virtual businesses.

The demand for virtual real estate is on the rise. The prices have reached astonishing levels. For example, in the virtual world of Decentraland, a virtual plot of land sold for $2.4 million [source: The Guardian]. The growth of virtual real estate showcases the enormous potential of blockchain games in creating digital economies.

Marketing Will Be the Catalyst for Metaverse's Development and Adoption

The metaverse concept, a virtual universe where people can interact and engage with digital experiences, is gaining significant attention. Blockchain games are expected to play a crucial role in developing and adopting the metaverse. Marketing efforts to promote blockchain game trends will act as catalysts for the growth of the metaverse ecosystem. Collaborations between game developers, brands, and content creators will bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds. This will surely foster innovation and expand the reach of blockchain games.

What is a Blockchain Game?

A blockchain game is a video game that utilizes blockchain technology to enable ownership, transferability, and scarcity of in-game assets. By leveraging the security and transparency of blockchain, players can have true ownership of their virtual items and trade them with others.

How do Blockchain Games Work?

Blockchain games use smart contracts to manage in-game assets and transactions. These smart contracts are executed on a blockchain network, ensuring transparency, immutability, and security. Players interact with the game through digital wallets and can buy, sell, or trade their in-game assets using cryptocurrencies.

Best Blockchain Games List

Axie Infinity – The game incorporates blockchain technology. This enables true ownership and secure transactions of in-game assets. 

Axie Infinity has gained remarkable traction and popularity within the gaming community. With over 2 million daily active users, the game has established a dedicated player base. Its play-to-earn model, where players can earn cryptocurrency by participating in various activities, has attracted players seeking new opportunities for income generation.

Decentral:  Decentral and offers a unique virtual reality platform where users can explore, interact, and create in a fully decentralized and user-owned metaverse. One standout feature is the ability for users to purchase and own virtual land on the blockchain, providing true digital property rights. Users can build and monetize their virtual creations, including games, art galleries, and social experiences, fostering a vibrant and dynamic virtual economy.

Gods Unchained – Gods Unchained is a unique blockchain-based trading card game that combines traditional gameplay mechanics with the benefits of blockchain technology. One key feature is the ownership of in-game assets, represented by non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Gods Unchained has gained significant traction and popularity within the blockchain gaming community. The game has attracted a passionate player base, with thousands of active users engaging in competitive gameplay. It has also garnered attention from mainstream media and investors, raising millions in funding to further develop and expand the game.

CryptoKitties: One of the earliest blockchain games that allow users to collect, breed, and trade virtual cats.

The Sandbox: it is a user-generated content platform where players can create, own, and monetize virtual experiences.

Are you Planning a Blockchain Product Development for Your Startup?

Highen Fintech is a reputed blockchain game development company offering various services, including game design, smart contract development, asset integration, and market strategy. With their expertise, Highen Fintech assists clients in creating immersive and innovative blockchain games tailored to their specific needs.

Nop – Planning to do it all by yourself? 

Here’s a little more you should read. 

How to make blockchain games?

Developing a blockchain game involves several steps. It starts with game design, smart contract development, asset integration, and deployment on a blockchain network. To create successful blockchain game trends, it is essential to have a strong understanding of blockchain technology, game mechanics, and user engagement.

How to invest in blockchain games?

Investing in blockchain games can be done through several avenues. One option is to invest in cryptocurrencies or tokens associated with specific blockchain gaming trends. Another approach is investing in blockchain game development companies or related services. It is important to conduct thorough research, consider the potential risks and rewards, and stay updated with the latest trends in the blockchain gaming industry.

Conclusion

Blockchain games trends are revolutionizing the gaming industry. The tech stack is providing players with true ownership of in-game assets and new avenues for monetization. The seven trends discussed in this blog illustrate blockchain games’ rapid growth and potential. The technology drives crypto and NFT adoption, attracts high-quality AAA games, explores new use cases for NFTs, empowers communities through DAOs, fuels the virtual real estate market, and paves the metaverse.

As the industry continues to evolve, embracing the opportunities presented by blockchain games can lead to exciting and rewarding experiences for players and investors.