NFT Game Development: An Actionable Guide for 2023
NFT gaming is a growing trend in the gaming industry, with more traditional gaming studios and tech giants like Google and Microsoft getting involved in blockchain gaming.
While play-to-earn (P2E) and move-to-earn (M2E) models are relevant, industry professionals have highlighted the need for improvement in token economies to make them sustainable. However, NFT gaming is expected to grow in 2023, with higher standards from community members.
NFT game development will play a key role in the growth of the industry, with more high-profile public launches of NFT gaming from traditional U.S. and European gaming businesses, and Asian gaming firms are leading the crypto push. Continue reading…
NFT Game Development: Overview
Digital assets meet gaming, creating endless possibilities for immersive player experiences.
- One of the exciting use cases for NFTs is game development. Developers can create NFTs for game assets, creating a secure and improved gaming experience for players. NFT games have become increasingly popular, with some even allowing players to earn money through play-to-earn(P2E) models.
- If you’re interested in making an NFT game, there are several things to consider. You’ll need to have a game idea and understand NFT game development on the Ethereum blockchain. You’ll also need to monetize your game and promote it to attract players and creators to earn in NFT.
- One of the advantages of NFT games is the ability to create virtual economies through smart contracts and game monetization. Digital assets can be bought, sold, and traded within an NFT marketplace. Decentralized gaming is also a promising aspect of NFT games, allowing for greater security and ownership for players and creators alike.
Make Sure Your Requirements Are Met Before Getting Into NFT Game Development
There are some important steps you need to take before diving into development.
Team
Hire a team consisting of a project manager, software architect, and business analysts with experience in blockchain development projects.
Functional Requirements
Gather functional requirements by conducting detailed interviews with business stakeholders. This includes defining user interface design parameters, gameplay scenarios, and game item descriptions, as well as incorporating the usage of utility tokens, governance tokens, and non-fungible tokens.
Non-functional Requirements
Define non-functional requirements by studying different NFT games to determine scalability, performance, maintainability, and other important factors.
Documentation
Document project specifications effectively and establish a requirements management process to ensure proper documentation and management of requirements.
Considerations
Keep in mind popular NFT games and NFT play-to-earn games when developing your own game.
Smart Contract
Utilize smart contracts and virtual economies to create a successful NFT game that allows you to earn in NFT and monetize digital assets.
Overview of Popular NFT Games and Their Key Concepts
Consider the following key unique concepts that are used in trending NFT games: ensure your winning concepts by referring to the following
Axie Infinity
A Pokemon-inspired Ethereum-based NFT game that offers more immersive experiences through blockchain integration.
RobotEra
Provides gamers with a wide range of specially created tools to let them create experiences in the Metaverse. Players can interact with one another and play games, fostering a strong community.
Silks
Mirrors the real-world events of horse racing, with horses’ real-world performance reflected in the game. Gamers have a variety of ways to gain rewards.
Lucky Block
Players can buy NFTs and enter giveaways to claim attractive rewards, including holiday packages, a $1 million house, and a Lamborghini.
Decentraland
Allows players to purchase land via an NFT and develop it by building real estate, adding vegetation, farming on it, and more.
The Sandbox
A metaverse platform similar to Decentraland, but still in its beta stage. Players need to obtain an Alpha Pass to access its metaverse world.
Battle Infinity
Allows gamers to create a ‘dream team’ of players from a particular sport and rewards users with NFTs and cryptocurrencies. Players need to buy an NFT pass to gain access to the IBAT Premier League.
What You Need to Take into Consideration for Each Stage of NFT Game Development?
Considerations to keep in mind for each stage of development:
1. Conceptualization stage
- Game mechanics: What will be the core gameplay mechanics of the game?
- NFT integration: How will NFTs be integrated into the game? Will they represent in-game assets, characters, or something else entirely?
- Art style: What kind of art style will the game have, and how will it complement the NFTs?
2. Development stage
- Scalability: Can the game handle a large number of NFT transactions without slowing down or crashing?
- Smart contract development: Who will develop the smart contracts needed for the NFTs?
- Token standards: Which token standards will the game use for its NFTs, such as ERC-721 or ERC-1155?
- Security: What measures will be taken to ensure the security of the smart contracts and the NFT transactions?
3. Launch stage
- Marketing: How will the game be marketed to potential players and NFT collectors?
- Community building: How will a community of players and NFT collectors be built around the game?
- Exchange listing: Will the NFTs be listed on any exchanges, and if so, which ones?
- Legal considerations: Are there any legal considerations to be aware of, such as securities regulations or intellectual property rights?
4. Maintenance stage
- Bug fixes and updates: How will bugs and glitches be fixed, and how often will updates be released?
- Community engagement: How will the community be engaged and kept up-to-date on the game’s development and updates?
- NFT management: How will NFTs be managed over time, such as when they need to be burned or minted?
- Expansion: What plans are in place for expanding the game, such as adding new NFTs or game modes?
NFT Game Development Process: Follow These Actionable Steps
Dive into the exciting world of NFT game development with this actionable step-by-step guide
1. Choosing the Right Hiring Approach
Avoid hiring part-time freelancers and consider reputable software development companies that offer skilled and motivated full-time developers, management support, and replacement options.
- Research and evaluate the company’s experience: When hiring an NFT game development company, it is important to evaluate their experience in the field. Look for companies that have a track record of creating successful NFT games and have a deep understanding of blockchain technology and its potential.
- Check for technical expertise: NFT game development requires technical expertise in various areas such as smart contract development, blockchain integration, game design, and user experience. Ensure that the company you choose has a team of experts in these areas.
- Review their portfolio: Before hiring a development company, review their portfolio of past projects. Look for games that have engaging gameplay, a strong user base, and a high level of NFT integration. This will give you an idea of what to expect from their work.
- Evaluate their communication skills: Communication is key when it comes to game development. Make sure the company you choose has good communication skills and can keep you updated on the progress of the project. A good company will also be able to provide regular feedback and incorporate your ideas and suggestions.
- Consider their pricing and delivery timeline: The cost and delivery timeline of the project should be considered before hiring an NFT game development company. Make sure you understand the pricing structure and the timeline for the project’s completion. Choose a company that offers competitive pricing and can deliver the project on time.
2. Choosing your Platform
Choosing the right platform is crucial for developing an NFT game. Ethereum is the most popular choice due to its stability and large community. However, it can also be expensive and slow, especially during peak times.
Binance Smart Chain is a popular alternative that offers faster transaction speeds and lower fees. Flow is another option that is gaining popularity due to its focus on gaming and NFTs.
To choose the best platform, consider the needs of your game, such as the expected number of transactions and the complexity of your smart contracts. Research the features and limitations of each platform, as well as their development communities, before making a decision.
3. Determining the Type of Game
The type of game you choose will influence the types of NFTs you need to develop and the smart contract that will govern the game. Strategy games typically require NFTs for in-game assets like buildings and resources, while trading card games require NFTs for individual cards. Role-playing games may require NFTs for both characters and items.
Consider your target audience and the overall theme of your game when deciding on the type of game to develop. Research successful NFT games in your chosen genre to see what works and what doesn’t.
4. Developing Game NFTs
The development of NFTs is one of the most critical aspects of creating an NFT game. ERC-721 is the most commonly used standard for NFTs, but other standards like ERC-1155 and BEP-721 can also be used. To develop NFTs, you can either create them from scratch or use a pre-existing template.
If you are creating NFTs from scratch, consider the visual appeal of your assets and ensure that they are unique and identifiable.
Clearly describe the properties of each NFT, including any special abilities or attributes they may possess. You may also consider designing NFTs in sets or collections to encourage players to collect them.
If you are using a pre-existing template, consider customizing it to fit the theme and style of your game. This can include modifying the visuals or properties of the NFTs. Ensure that any modifications you make comply with the NFT standard you are using.
5. Building a Smart Contract
To build a smart contract, you can use a variety of programming languages such as Solidity, Vyper, or Rust. Solidity is the most popular choice for Ethereum-based smart contracts.
You can use tools like Remix, Truffle, or Hardhat to write, test, and deploy your smart contract. Before deploying your contract, make sure to audit it for security vulnerabilities to prevent hacks and attacks.
Your smart contract should define the rules of the game, including the gameplay mechanics, rewards, and fees.
For example, if your game is a collectible card game, your contract would specify the rules for card trading, the rarity of cards, and the rewards for winning matches. Your contract should also define how NFTs are created, minted, and burned, and how ownership is transferred between players.
6. Planning Game Monetization and Virtual Economies
To monetize your game, you can charge transaction fees for buying and selling NFTs, take a percentage of each sale, or offer premium features and content for a fee.
You can also offer in-game purchases such as virtual items, cosmetics, and power-ups. When planning your monetization strategy, consider the demand for your NFTs and the value they offer to players.
Your virtual economy should be designed to balance the supply and demand of NFTs and create a sense of scarcity and exclusivity. You can use algorithms and game mechanics to regulate the distribution and rarity of NFTs, and create a sense of progression and achievement for players.
It’s important to monitor the market trends and adjust your pricing and rewards accordingly to maintain a healthy economy.
7. Creating a Marketplace
To create a marketplace, you can use existing platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, or SuperRare, or build your own using smart contracts and web development tools.
Your marketplace should allow users to browse and search for NFTs, view their details and history, and make transactions securely. You should also implement a rating and review system to build trust and reputation among buyers and sellers.
Your marketplace should have a user-friendly interface that simplifies the buying and selling process. You can use standard protocols like ERC-721 or ERC-1155 to ensure compatibility with other platforms and wallets.
You should also implement a dispute resolution mechanism to handle conflicts and frauds and provide customer support to assist users in case of issues.
8. Testing and Launching your NFT Game
To test your game, you can create a test network using tools like Ganache or deploy it on a testnet like Rinkeby or Ropsten. You should test all the features and scenarios of your game, including edge cases and errors. You can also recruit beta testers from your target audience to get feedback and suggestions for improvement.
When launching your game, you can choose a blockchain platform like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, or Polygon, and deploy your smart contract and game client on it.
9. Promoting your NFT Game
You should also create a website or landing page that showcases your game and provides instructions on how to play and connect to the blockchain.
To promote your game, you can use a variety of marketing channels such as Twitter, Discord, Telegram, and YouTube. You can join gaming communities and groups to share your game and engage with players. You can also collaborate with influencers and content creators to showcase your game and reach new audiences.
You can participate in gaming events and conferences to network with industry leaders and investors and showcase your game in booths or presentations. You can also offer rewards and giveaways to incentivize players to try your game and share it with others. You should continuously monitor the market trends and adjust your marketing strategy to reach your goals.
How do NFT games work?
After completing the NFT game development process, the next step is to play an NFT game. To do so, you will typically need to follow these seven basic steps:
1. Set Up a Wallet
To play an NFT game, you will need a digital wallet that supports the game’s cryptocurrency. For example, Axie Infinity uses the Ethereum blockchain, so you will need an Ethereum wallet like MetaMask.
2. Buy NFTs
NFT games require players to own specific NFTs to participate in the game. To get started, you will need to purchase these NFTs from a marketplace like OpenSea, Rarible, or Nifty Gateway. These NFTs can represent in-game characters, items, or other assets.
3. Connect Your Wallet to the Game
Once you have your NFTs, you need to connect your wallet to the game to be able to use them. This involves connecting your wallet to the game’s website or app and giving permission to access your NFTs.
4. Start Playing
Once you are connected, you can start playing the game. The gameplay will depend on the specific game you are playing, but typically, NFT games involve battling other players or completing tasks to earn rewards.
5. Earn Rewards
In NFT games, players can earn rewards for winning battles or completing tasks. These rewards can include in-game currency or new NFTs. You can also sell your NFTs on a marketplace for a profit.
6. Upgrade Your NFTs
As you play the game and earn rewards, you can use those rewards to upgrade your NFTs. This can make your NFTs more powerful or valuable, allowing you to win more battles or earn more rewards.
7. Continue Playing and Trading
NFT games are designed to be ongoing, so you can continue playing, earning rewards, and upgrading your NFTs over time. You can also trade your NFTs on a marketplace to buy and sell them with other players.
Benefits of NFT Game Development Over Traditional Game Development
Unique Digital Assets
NFT games offer unique digital assets that can be owned, traded, and collected by players, providing a new dimension of ownership and value to the gaming experience.
Traditional Games: Non-fungible assets are not commonly used in traditional games, which are more focused on providing a unique gameplay experience.
Decentralized Nature
NFT games are based on blockchain technology, which allows for a decentralized infrastructure that eliminates the need for intermediaries and enables more transparent and secure transactions.
Traditional games: Rely on centralized servers, which can lead to issues such as downtime, hacking, and data breaches.
Potential for Revenue
NFT games can generate revenue for both game developers and players through the sale and trading of digital assets, as well as in-game currency.
Traditional games: Typically generate revenue through upfront sales, subscriptions, or microtransactions.
Community-driven
NFT games are often driven by a passionate community of players who are invested in the game’s development and growth. This can lead to more engaged and loyal players.
Traditional games: They may also have a community of players, but they may not be as involved in the development process.
Innovation
NFT games provide a new platform for game developers to experiment with innovative ideas and game mechanics that may not be possible with traditional games.
Traditional games: Have a well-established set of game mechanics and may be more difficult to innovate within.
NFT Game Development Cost
Creating an NFT game can be an exciting and potentially profitable venture for game developers. However, the cost of developing an NFT game can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Smaller custom NFT-based gaming projects may cost between $30,000 and $50,000, and premium games might cost up to $1,000,000.
To get an accurate estimate of the cost of your NFT game project, it is best to consult with a game development studio. They can provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved and help you determine the best path forward for your project.
It’s important to keep in mind that the actual cost of developing an NFT game may be higher or lower depending on the specific features and gameplay of the game. However, with careful planning and execution, an NFT game can be a lucrative investment for developers looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of NFTs in the gaming industry.
Conclusion
NFT game development is a rapidly evolving area of the gaming industry that has the potential to create unique gaming experiences and revenue streams.
With the rise of blockchain technology and the popularity of NFTs, game developers have an opportunity to leverage these technologies to create new game mechanics, economies, and ownership models. Developing an NFT game requires careful consideration of the technical, legal, and ethical implications of using blockchain and NFTs in a game.
Creating a successful NFT game requires engaging gameplay, a compelling storyline, and a strong community of players who are willing to invest in and promote the game.
NFT game development is an exciting area of innovation that has the potential to change the way we play and think about games, but it requires careful planning and execution to succeed.
FAQs
1. How can NFTs be used to enhance gameplay and player experience?
NFTs can enhance gameplay by offering unique and rare in-game items that players can own and trade. They can also create a sense of exclusivity and prestige for players who own certain NFTs. Additionally, NFTs can be used to enable cross-game item ownership and interoperability, giving players more flexibility and options for their gaming experiences.
2. What are the technical requirements for integrating NFTs into a game?
Integrating NFTs into a game requires technical knowledge of blockchain technology and smart contracts. Developers must also ensure that the game’s infrastructure is capable of handling the additional load and complexity of NFT transactions. Furthermore, they must consider user experience and ensure that the process of buying, selling, and trading NFTs is intuitive and easy to use.
3. What are the legal considerations when using NFTs in games?
Legal considerations when using NFTs in games include intellectual property rights, taxation, and compliance with regulations. Developers must ensure that they have the necessary licenses and permissions to use third-party assets in their NFTs and that they are following all applicable laws and regulations related to cryptocurrency and digital assets.
4. What are the trends and future developments in the use of NFTs in games?
Trends and future developments in the use of NFTs in games include increased adoption and integration of NFTs into mainstream games, as well as the emergence of new gaming experiences and platforms built entirely on blockchain technology. Additionally, there may be advancements in NFT standards and interoperability, as well as the integration of NFTs into virtual and augmented reality environments.
5. How can NFTs be used to foster a community of players and collectors?
NFTs can be used to foster a community of players and collectors by creating shared ownership and interest in unique and rare in-game items. Developers can also use NFTs to reward and incentivize player engagement and participation, creating a sense of loyalty and community around the game. Additionally, NFTs can be used to enable social trading and interaction between players, further strengthening the community aspect of the game.
