Web3 in gamedev, what trends await us

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Cookie.Games — Full cycle Game Development / NFT / 2D / 3D / Unity / Unreal Engine

20 min readMar 7, 2023

Definition of Web3

Web3 is a decentralized, open-source platform for the Internet that enables users to own and control their data and personal information. It is a new iteration of the Internet that is designed to empower users and increase privacy, security, and autonomy in the digital world. Unlike Web2, which is based on centralized servers and controlled by corporations and governments, Web3 is based on a decentralized network of nodes, powered by blockchain technology.

In Web3, there are no middlemen involved in transactions, and data is stored securely on a decentralized ledger. This enables individuals to freely and securely access and share their personal information and digital assets without the risk of data breaches or censorship.

Web3 also introduces new applications and technologies that enable users to interact with digital content and assets in innovative and exciting ways. For example, Web3 introduces the concept of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which are unique digital assets that can be bought, sold, and traded on blockchain-based platforms. This opens up new possibilities for creators and owners of digital assets, as well as for investors and collectors.

Web3 is a radical departure from the current web that we know and use today. It offers a new vision for the future of the Internet that prioritizes privacy, security, and autonomy for users, and has the potential to transform the way we interact with digital content and assets.

Importance of Web3 in the gaming industry

The gaming industry is one of the sectors that stand to benefit greatly from the advancements of Web3 technology. The decentralized and secure nature of Web3 offers a number of unique opportunities for the gaming industry, including increased player engagement, new monetization models, and enhanced player experiences.

One of the key benefits of Web3 in gaming is the ability to decentralize game development and distribution. This enables game developers to bypass traditional intermediaries, such as game publishers and platform providers, and connect directly with players. This not only opens up new revenue streams for developers but also allows for more creative freedom in game development.

Another advantage of Web3 in gaming is the ability to create in-game economies based on blockchain-based currencies and assets. This enables players to trade and exchange in-game items and currency with one another, creating a more immersive and engaging gaming experience. The use of NFTs in gaming also enables players to own and control their in-game assets, providing a new level of ownership and investment that was not possible in previous generations of gaming.

Additionally, Web3 technology also offers the potential to enhance player experiences by providing more transparency and security in game play. Players can be assured that their in-game data and assets are stored securely on a decentralized ledger, and that their personal information is not being sold or used for profit.

Web3 technology has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry by enabling new monetization models, enhancing player experiences, and providing new opportunities for game developers. As the technology continues to evolve and mature, it is likely that we will see more and more gaming applications and platforms built on Web3 technology, leading to a more engaging and innovative gaming landscape for players and developers alike.

Purpose of the article

The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of Web3 technology on the gaming industry. The article aims to educate readers on the basics of Web3, its background, and its benefits for the gaming industry.

The article is intended for a general audience with an interest in technology and gaming. It provides an in-depth analysis of the various aspects of Web3 in gaming, including game design, monetization, and player experience. The article also covers future trends in the gaming industry and what we can expect to see in the coming years as Web3 technology continues to evolve.

The purpose of the article is to inform and inspire readers to understand the potential of Web3 technology in gaming, and how it is likely to shape the future of the gaming industry. It is designed to provide insights into the current state of the technology and its future potential, and to help readers understand why Web3 is an important technology trend to watch in the gaming industry.

The article aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the impact of Web3 on the gaming industry, and to educate them on the current state of the technology and its future trends. The purpose of the article is to inspire readers to learn more about the technology and how it is likely to shape the future of gaming.

Background of Web3

Evolution of the Internet

The Internet has undergone a significant evolution since its inception in the 1960s. Initially, the Internet was created as a means of communication between government and military agencies, and it was limited to a small number of users. Over time, the Internet evolved into a global network of connected computers, accessible to anyone with a computer and an Internet connection.

The first phase of the Internet, referred to as Web1, was characterized by static web pages and limited user interaction. Users could only view information on web pages and had no means of actively engaging with the content.

The second phase of the Internet, referred to as Web2, brought about significant advancements in the way users interact with the Internet. With the introduction of dynamic web pages and social media platforms, users could now actively engage with the content and connect with others in real-time. This era of the Internet was characterized by the rise of e-commerce, social media, and cloud computing.

Web3 represents the next phase of the Internet’s evolution, and it represents a major departure from the current web that we know and use today. Unlike Web2, which is based on centralized servers and controlled by corporations and governments, Web3 is based on a decentralized network of nodes, powered by blockchain technology.

In Web3, data is stored securely on a decentralized ledger, and there are no middlemen involved in transactions. This offers a new level of privacy, security, and autonomy to users, and has the potential to transform the way we interact with digital content and assets.

The Internet has evolved significantly since its inception, and Web3 represents the next phase of its evolution. With its focus on privacy, security, and autonomy, Web3 has the potential to transform the way we interact with digital content and assets, and to shape the future of the Internet.

What is Web3 and how does it differ from Web2

Web3 is the next generation of the Internet, and it represents a major departure from the current web that we know as Web2. Web3 is based on decentralized technology, powered by blockchain and other decentralized technologies, and it promises to offer a new level of privacy, security, and autonomy to users.

In contrast, Web2 is based on centralized servers and is controlled by corporations and governments. This means that users’ data and personal information is stored on centralized servers and is subject to manipulation and exploitation by third parties.

Web3 seeks to address the shortcomings of Web2 by offering a more secure and private environment for users. In Web3, data is stored on a decentralized ledger, and there are no middlemen involved in transactions. This eliminates the need for users to trust intermediaries with their personal information and assets, and offers a new level of privacy and security.

Additionally, Web3 also offers new opportunities for decentralized applications and services, enabling users to interact directly with content and assets without the need for intermediaries. This has the potential to revolutionize a range of industries, including finance, gaming, and social media, and to transform the way we interact with digital content and assets.

Web3 represents a major shift from the current web and offers a more secure, private, and autonomous environment for users. It represents the future of the Internet and has the potential to transform a range of industries and to shape the way we interact with digital content and assets.

Benefits of Web3 for the gaming industry

Web3 technology has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry, offering numerous benefits for game developers, players, and the industry as a whole. Some of the key benefits of Web3 for the gaming industry are:

Decentralized gaming platforms: Web3 enables the creation of decentralized gaming platforms, where players can interact directly with the content and assets. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, such as centralized servers and platforms, and offers a new level of autonomy and control for players.
Improved monetization: With Web3, game developers have the opportunity to create new, decentralized monetization models that are fairer and more transparent. For example, players can earn rewards for playing games or contributing to the development of the platform.
True digital ownership: Web3 technology offers the possibility of true digital ownership, where players can truly own their in-game assets and content. This opens up new opportunities for players to trade, buy, and sell their assets, creating new revenue streams for the gaming industry.
Increased security and privacy: Web3 offers a more secure and private environment for players, as data is stored on a decentralized ledger and there are no intermediaries involved in transactions. This protects players’ data and assets from potential breaches and exploitation.
Enhanced player experience: With Web3, players can expect a more immersive and interactive gaming experience, as they can interact directly with the content and assets. This offers a new level of engagement and creativity for players and has the potential to shape the future of gaming.

Web3 technology offers numerous benefits for the gaming industry, including decentralized gaming platforms, improved monetization, true digital ownership, increased security and privacy, and enhanced player experience. The potential of Web3 to revolutionize the gaming industry is significant, and it is likely to shape the future of the industry in the coming years.

Web3 and Game Design

Decentralization of gaming

Decentralization of gaming refers to the process of creating gaming platforms and applications that are powered by decentralized technology, such as blockchain and peer-to-peer networks. Decentralization has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry by enabling players to interact directly with the content and assets without the need for intermediaries, such as centralized servers and platforms.

With decentralized gaming, players have greater control over their assets and data, and they are able to participate in the platform in a more autonomous and equitable way. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, and it creates a fairer and more transparent environment for players.

Additionally, decentralized gaming platforms offer new opportunities for monetization, as players can earn rewards for playing games or contributing to the development of the platform. They also offer the possibility of true digital ownership, where players can truly own their in-game assets and content.

Furthermore, decentralized gaming also offers increased security and privacy, as data is stored on a decentralized ledger and there are no intermediaries involved in transactions. This protects players’ data and assets from potential breaches and exploitation, and it offers a new level of trust and transparency.

Decentralization of gaming represents a major shift in the gaming industry and has the potential to revolutionize the way players interact with the content and assets. It offers numerous benefits for players, including greater control, fairer monetization, true digital ownership, increased security and privacy, and a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.

Blockchain-based gaming

Blockchain-based gaming refers to the use of blockchain technology to power decentralized gaming platforms and applications. Blockchain technology is a decentralized ledger that allows for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions and data storage. By leveraging blockchain technology, blockchain-based gaming offers a new level of trust and transparency to players.

Blockchain-based gaming platforms enable players to interact directly with the content and assets, eliminating the need for intermediaries such as centralized servers and platforms. This offers a new level of autonomy and control for players, and it creates a fairer and more transparent environment for players.

Additionally, blockchain-based gaming also offers new opportunities for monetization, as players can earn rewards for playing games or contributing to the development of the platform. They also offer the possibility of true digital ownership, where players can truly own their in-game assets and content.

Furthermore, blockchain-based gaming also offers increased security and privacy, as data is stored on a decentralized ledger and there are no intermediaries involved in transactions. This protects players’ data and assets from potential breaches and exploitation, and it offers a new level of trust and transparency.

In-game economics

In-game economics refers to the economic systems and models that exist within video games. These systems and models determine how resources, assets, and currency are generated, traded, and used within the game.

In traditional video games, in-game economics is often controlled by the game developer or publisher. However, with the advent of blockchain-based gaming, in-game economics is becoming increasingly decentralized and player-driven.

In blockchain-based games, players have the opportunity to own and trade in-game assets, such as digital items, currency, and collectibles, in a secure and transparent manner. This creates new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry, and it also offers players new ways to participate in the game and to benefit from their activities.

For example, players can earn rewards for participating in the game, such as through completing quests, trading assets, or contributing to the development of the platform. They can also trade their assets with other players, creating new revenue streams for the gaming industry.

In-game economics is a critical aspect of the gaming industry, and it is evolving with the advent of blockchain-based gaming. With blockchain-based gaming, in-game economics is becoming increasingly decentralized and player-driven, creating new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry, and offering players new ways to participate in the game and to benefit from their activities.

Examples of Web3 games

Web3 games are decentralized games built on the blockchain, offering a new level of transparency, security, and player ownership. Some examples of Web3 games include:

Axie Infinity: a blockchain-based game where players can buy, breed, and battle creatures called Axies. The game offers true ownership of in-game assets, and players can earn rewards for participating in the game and contributing to the development of the platform.
Splinterlands: a blockchain-based collectible card game that allows players to earn rewards for playing and contributing to the platform. Players can trade their collectible cards and assets with other players, creating new revenue streams for the gaming industry.
The Sandbox: a blockchain-based sandbox game where players can create, build, and monetize their virtual worlds. Players can earn rewards for participating in the game and contributing to the platform, and they can also buy, sell, and trade their virtual assets with other players.

4. CryptoSpaceX: a decentralized space exploration game that allows players to buy, sell, and trade virtual assets. The game also offers new opportunities for monetization, as players can earn rewards for participating in the game and contributing to the platform.

These are just a few examples of the exciting and innovative Web3 games that are emerging in the gaming industry. These games are ushering in a new era of decentralized gaming, offering players greater control, fairer monetization, and a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.

Web3 and Monetization

Digital currencies and in-game items

Digital currencies and in-game items are becoming increasingly important in the gaming industry as blockchain technology enables new forms of player ownership and monetization. In traditional games, in-game assets and currencies are often controlled by the game developer or publisher, and they can only be used within the game.

However, with the advent of blockchain-based gaming, players have the opportunity to own and trade their in-game assets, such as digital items, currency, and collectibles, in a secure and transparent manner. This creates new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry, and it also offers players new ways to participate in the game and to benefit from their activities.

In addition, some Web3 games are integrating with digital currencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which can be used to buy and trade in-game assets. This allows players to monetize their gaming activities, and it also enables new forms of cross-game collaboration and player-to-player transactions.

Digital currencies and in-game items are becoming an increasingly important aspect of the gaming industry, and they are transforming the way players participate in and benefit from the games they play. With blockchain-based gaming, players have the opportunity to own and trade their in-game assets, creating new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry.

Micropayments and in-game economies

Micropayments and in-game economies are becoming increasingly important in the gaming industry as players seek new ways to participate in and benefit from the games they play. Micropayments refer to small, frequent transactions that enable players to purchase in-game items, access premium content, or support their favorite games.

In traditional games, micropayments are often handled by centralized intermediaries, such as app stores or game publishers, which can take a large percentage of the transaction as fees. However, with the advent of blockchain-based gaming, micropayments are becoming more decentralized and efficient, allowing players to make transactions directly with one another and with the game developers.

Blockchain technology is enabling new forms of in-game economies, where players can buy, sell, and trade their in-game assets, such as digital items, currency, and collectibles. This creates new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry, and it also offers players new ways to participate in the game and to benefit from their activities.

Micropayments and in-game economies are becoming an increasingly important aspect of the gaming industry, and they are transforming the way players participate in and benefit from the games they play. With blockchain-based gaming, players have the opportunity to transact directly with one another and with the game developers, creating new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry.

Impact of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) on gaming

NFTs are having a significant impact on the gaming industry, as they offer a new way for players to own and trade their in-game assets in a secure and transparent manner. NFTs are unique, digital assets that are verified on a blockchain, and they are being used to represent a wide range of in-game items, such as digital art, collectibles, and even virtual real estate.

The use of NFTs in gaming is changing the way players participate in and benefit from the games they play. For example, players can now own and trade their in-game assets, such as digital items, currency, and collectibles, in a secure and transparent manner. This creates new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry, and it also offers players new ways to participate in the game and to benefit from their activities.

NFTs are enabling new forms of cross-game collaboration, where players can bring their assets from one game to another, creating new opportunities for player-to-player transactions and for the gaming industry as a whole.

Furthermore, the use of NFTs in gaming is also helping to create new forms of player engagement and investment. Players are now able to accumulate valuable in-game assets, which they can then trade with other players or sell for profit. This creates new incentives for players to engage with the games they play, and it also offers new opportunities for the gaming industry to monetize their player base.

NFTs are having a profound impact on the gaming industry, as they offer a new way for players to own and trade their in-game assets in a secure and transparent manner. With NFTs, players have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the games they play in new ways, creating new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry.

Benefits of decentralized monetization

Decentralized monetization refers to a new form of revenue generation in the gaming industry, where players can participate in and benefit from the games they play in a more direct and efficient manner. Decentralized monetization is made possible by blockchain technology, which enables secure, transparent, and peer-to-peer transactions between players and game developers.

There are several benefits of decentralized monetization in the gaming industry, including:

Lower fees: Decentralized monetization eliminates the need for intermediaries, such as app stores or game publishers, which can take a large percentage of the transaction as fees. This enables players to participate in and benefit from the games they play in a more cost-effective manner.
More player engagement: Decentralized monetization creates new incentives for players to engage with the games they play, as they can accumulate valuable in-game assets and trade them with other players or sell for profit.
New revenue streams: Decentralized monetization enables new forms of monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry, as players can buy, sell, and trade their in-game assets, such as digital items, currency, and collectibles.
Greater transparency: Decentralized monetization is based on blockchain technology, which enables secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions, ensuring fairness and transparency for all participants in the gaming ecosystem.

Decentralized monetization is a game-changing development for the gaming industry, as it enables new forms of revenue generation, player engagement, and monetization, while also reducing costs and increasing transparency.

Future Trends of Web3 in Gaming

Virtual Worlds and Metaverse

Virtual worlds and the metaverse are emerging as exciting new trends in the gaming industry, as players look for new and more immersive forms of digital engagement. Virtual worlds are digital environments that allow players to explore, interact, and participate in a virtual environment, typically in the form of a video game. The metaverse refers to a shared virtual world that is accessible to many players, where they can interact with each other and the environment in a more immersive and interactive way.

Virtual worlds and the metaverse offer a number of benefits for the gaming industry, including:

Greater player engagement: Virtual worlds and the metaverse offer players a more immersive and interactive gaming experience, where they can explore and participate in virtual environments in new and exciting ways.
New revenue streams: Virtual worlds and the metaverse offer new opportunities for monetization and revenue generation for the gaming industry, as players can buy, sell, and trade virtual goods, such as digital items, currency, and collectibles.
Cross-game collaboration: Virtual worlds and the metaverse enable new forms of cross-game collaboration, where players can bring their assets from one game to another, creating new opportunities for player-to-player transactions and for the gaming industry as a whole.
Greater accessibility: Virtual worlds and the metaverse offer greater accessibility to gaming, as players can participate in virtual environments from anywhere and at any time, using a wide range of devices and platforms.

Virtual worlds and the metaverse are exciting new trends in the gaming industry, as they offer players new and more immersive forms of digital engagement, and they offer new opportunities for monetization, player-to-player transactions, and revenue generation for the gaming industry.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming refers to a new way of delivering video games over the internet, allowing players to stream games from remote servers rather than running them locally on their devices. This allows players to play games on any device with an internet connection, without having to worry about hardware requirements, software compatibility, or storage limitations.

Cloud gaming offers a number of benefits for the gaming industry, including:

Greater accessibility: Cloud gaming enables players to play games on any device with an internet connection, increasing the accessibility of gaming to a wider audience.
Improved performance: Cloud gaming delivers games over high-speed internet connections, ensuring a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.
Lower costs: Cloud gaming eliminates the need for expensive hardware or software, reducing the cost of entry for players and enabling them to play games on a wider range of devices.
New revenue streams: Cloud gaming enables new revenue streams for the gaming industry, as players can access games on a subscription basis, or through advertising or other monetization models.

Cloud gaming is a significant development in the gaming industry, as it offers greater accessibility, improved performance, lower costs, and new revenue streams, making gaming more accessible and accessible to a wider audience.

Gamification of everyday life

Gamification refers to the integration of game-design elements into non-game contexts, such as everyday life, work, and education, to increase engagement and motivation. This approach has been applied to a wide range of activities, from fitness and wellness programs to workplace training and productivity tools.

The gamification of everyday life offers a number of benefits, including:

Increased motivation: Gamification leverages the power of game-design elements, such as rewards, achievements, and leaderboards, to increase motivation and engagement in non-game contexts.
Improved learning and development: Gamification can make learning and development more engaging and effective, as it encourages players to actively participate in their own education and personal growth.
Better health and wellness outcomes: Gamification has been applied to a range of health and wellness programs, from fitness trackers to nutrition apps, to help people make healthier lifestyle choices.
More productive and efficient work: Gamification has been applied to a range of workplace training and productivity tools, to help employees develop new skills, increase their motivation, and improve their performance.

The gamification of everyday life is a growing trend, as it offers a range of benefits, including increased motivation, improved learning and development, better health and wellness outcomes, and more productive and efficient work.

Integration of Web3 and AR/VR technology

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are rapidly evolving technologies that are changing the way we interact with digital content. Web3, with its decentralized and open-source architecture, is also poised to have a significant impact on the AR/VR industry.

The integration of Web3 and AR/VR technology offers a number of benefits, including:

Decentralized ownership and control: Web3 enables users to own and control their digital assets, such as virtual objects in AR/VR, without relying on central authorities.
Interoperability and scalability: Web3 enables AR/VR platforms to communicate and exchange data with each other, regardless of the underlying technology, enabling users to seamlessly move between different virtual worlds.
New monetization models: Web3 and AR/VR technologies open up new revenue streams for creators and developers, such as micropayments, NFTs, and in-game economies, enabling them to monetize their work and content in new ways.
Greater accessibility: Web3 and AR/VR technologies make virtual experiences more accessible, enabling people to participate in immersive and interactive digital experiences, regardless of their location or device.

The integration of Web3 and AR/VR technology has the potential to revolutionize the AR/VR industry, by enabling decentralized ownership and control, interoperability and scalability, new monetization models, and greater accessibility to virtual experiences.

Conclusion

Recap of Web3 in the gaming industry

Web3, with its decentralized and open-source architecture, is poised to have a significant impact on the gaming industry. It offers a number of benefits, such as decentralized ownership and control, interoperability between platforms, new monetization models, and the integration of AR/VR technology. The future of gaming is likely to see an increasing adoption of Web3 technologies, as they offer new opportunities for developers, gamers, and communities to participate in immersive and interactive digital experiences.

Future outlook and potential of Web3

The future outlook for Web3 is highly positive, as it continues to gain momentum and traction across various industries. With its ability to enable decentralized ownership and control, open up new monetization models, and support interoperability between platforms, Web3 has the potential to transform the way we interact with digital content and assets. As the technology advances and becomes more widely adopted, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting use cases for Web3, including in areas such as gaming, social media, finance, and more.

Final thoughts on the importance of keeping an eye on Web3 trends in gaming

It is clear that Web3 has the potential to have a significant impact on the gaming industry, and as such, it is important for both gamers and industry professionals to keep a close eye on the latest trends and developments in this area. With the increasing adoption of decentralized technologies and the integration of AR/VR, the future of gaming is likely to see a major shift towards more immersive and interactive experiences.

Moreover, the decentralization of ownership and control enabled by Web3, as well as the potential for new monetization models, will likely drive innovation and growth in the gaming industry, providing new opportunities for developers and gamers alike. As such, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments in Web3 and its potential applications in the gaming industry.

In conclusion, keeping an eye on Web3 trends in gaming is important for anyone interested in the future of this industry, as it offers a glimpse into the exciting possibilities enabled by decentralized technologies and AR/VR. By staying informed, we can better understand the impact Web3 is likely to have on the gaming industry and be better prepared for the changes to come.