Navigating the Web3 Gaming Landscape: An Approach Towards Spotting Quality
The web3 gaming space is exploding with what seems like new alpha/beta tests every day. With so many options, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which games are worth investing your precious time and attention.
To cut through the noise, TheRoundTableGG composed a framework to evaluate web3 games across five categories. While not definitive, this approach aims to highlight quality projects and identify strengths and weaknesses in a methodical way.
Crafting Compelling Gameplay
The most fundamental ingredient for success is enjoyable core gameplay. We’re looking for seamless, addictive loops that will foster engaged communities over the long-term. Polished mechanics that are intuitive and reward progression.
Engaging gameplay with AAA-quality production value is critical. Beautiful graphics, art direction and UX compliments for an accessible experience. A cohesive narrative and lore builds lasting attachment. Depth and possibility for user-generated content are caveats for expansion.
Evaluating Economic Sustainability
When considering a game’s tokenomics, consider how the economy will scale and remain healthy over time. A few key areas to consider:
- Token design — Are both scarce and inflationary assets incorporated to balance accessibility and value accrual? How will the supply dynamics evolve?
- Utility loops — Do NFTs and fungible tokens interconnect to create positive demand cycles? How are tokens meaningfully integrated into gameplay progression?
- Data analysis — Are on-chain metrics monitored to identify risks like negative player behaviour that could destabilize the economy?
- Community engagement — Are users invested in the long-term health of the ecosystem? How are incentives structured to encourage participation?
- Governance — What structures are in place to oversee economic stability and to proactively make changes to tokenomics as needed?
- Stress testing — Have sustainability models been tested across a variety of adoption scenarios? How will the economy evolve through growth phases?
- Adaptability — Is the token model dynamic and flexible enough to respond to unforeseen user behaviour over time?
Rather than proposing the myriad solutions that may work, this framework aims to highlight key areas for consideration when determining the longevity of a game’s economy. Our thesis? The most sustainable models will incorporate mechanisms to incentivize stability while retaining flexibility to meet future needs.
Engineering for the Future
When evaluating technical infrastructure, look for games taking a multi-chain approach to maximize their web3 reach. Prioritizing mobile/browser compatibility over bleeding-edge requirements delivers more accessibility. Modular design enables gradual expansion over time and facilitates pivots.
Providing developer APIs and asset creation tools activates organic growth through user contributions. Strategic partnerships can fill knowledge and capability gaps. Evaluating a team’s overall philosophy and approach to technical infrastructure can reveal their ability to scale.
Establishing Trust
Pedigrees matter, especially in such a new space. Teams with proven track records building successful gaming products are best equipped to execute. Big investor names provide runway to develop fully before financial pressures.
Transparency and community engagement foster goodwill and patience during inevitable hiccups. Clear roadmaps and reasonable promises inspire confidence.
Sizing the Opportunity
Consider the game’s target audience. Diverse play styles and needs should be met to maximize adoption. Seamless onboarding experiences remove friction for first-time users.
If the Total Addressable Market is narrow, the product must be so compelling it attracts and grows an audience. If broader appeal, player retention should be a focus point.
Closing Thoughts
While not a silver bullet, this approach aims to be a good starting point for considering quality in the rapidly growing web3 gaming space. Many project’s components are actively in development, so focusing on available mechanics is a fair place to start.
As we’re continuing to learn, it would be a great opportunity to hear your thoughts on any overlooked evaluation criteria that can add weight to this approach. It’s an exciting time as web3 empowers players and transforms games. Hopefully by evolving frameworks like these together, we can develop a deeper understanding of what makes great games great. The future looks bright with web3.
About us
The Round Table is a community-led initiative, rooted in collaboration and innovation. With an ethos grounded by passion and dedication to web3, TRT emphasizes the importance of user feedback in gaming and nurturing builders’ ambitions. Here, participation creates the biggest opportunity that we all can be a part of.
To the gamers and content creators out there, seize this opportunity to join our server and be an integral part of our Beta Tester Program. This is your chance to make a significant impact in the web3 space.
For builders eager to influence the web3 landscape: The Round Table doesn’t just offer a seat — it gives you a voice. If you are looking to align with driven individuals, join us and let’s collaboratively amplify our shared goals and passions
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