Gone to hell: Web3 governance can save mainstream gaming | Opinion

As Sicco Naets, the head of ecosystem development at the Moonbeam Foundation with a background in software development and a deep-rooted passion for gaming, I strongly believe that web3 governance models through Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) hold immense potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. The recent events surrounding the player backlash against Arrowhead and Sony over the Helldivers 2 fiasco serve as a stark reminder of the power and risks associated with player engagement.


Mainstream video games are primed for active participation from their communities, and web3 technology’s governance model through Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) offers a viable solution. Let’s ponder over the incident surrounding “Helldivers 2” as an example.

Helldivers 2 is the biggest hit of the year in gaming so far. The cooperative third-person shooter was launched on Steam and Sony PlayStation by ArrowHead Studios, a relatively unknown indie developer. The immense popularity of Helldivers 2 caught everyone by surprise, presumably even ArrowHead, whose previous sleeper hit was the Norse-mythology-themed action-adventure game Magicka, released in 2011.

The debut of “Helldivers 2” in February faced initial challenges due to overloaded servers, indicative of its immense popularity; currently, the title has surpassed sales of 12 million units, setting a new record as the most swiftly sold PlayStation game to date.

Cooperative gameplay, community

As a crypto investor and avid gamer, I can’t help but be impressed by this game’s ability to execute classic gaming elements so effectively. The teamwork aspect is particularly noteworthy, with missions designed for squads of four and a streamlined matchmaking system that makes finding compatible teammates effortless. Each mission lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, allowing me to experience a sense of accomplishment in a manageable time frame.

As an analyst, I can’t help but be impressed by this game’s stunning visuals and immersive audio. The tactical options at my disposal are truly formidable; from unleashing devastating Orbital Railcannon Strikes to raining down napalm bombardments, the sense of power I wield in shaping the moment-to-moment gameplay is exhilarating.

Helldivers 2 stands out among shooting games due to its unique elements of camaraderie and connection. Friendly fire mishaps and exaggerated ragdoll physics have brought endless amusement, resulting in countless viral clips on TikTok and YouTube. Nevertheless, it’s the feeling of community and unity that truly sets this game apart.

The brief skirmishes you engage in with your comrades are merely components of a greater conflict raging between humankind on SuperEarth and extraterrestrial and robotic adversaries. An unidentified individual within Arrowhead Corporation, referred to only as “Joel,” orchestrates the alien assaults from behind the scenes, deciding both their location and timing. However, these critical goals can be met and secured solely through the collective efforts of the entire player community.

In the game “Helldivers 2,” players experience a strong feeling of camaraderie seldom found in mainstream titles. By aligning players with common goals, Arrowhead Studios effectively fostered a sense of unity among its community. The Helldivers forums are buzzing with users assuming roles as if they were genuine Helldivers, advocating for “Managed Democracy” expansion across the universe.

As a passionate crypto investor and avid gamer, I’ve recently discovered an exciting trend emerging within the blockchain gaming community. Creative minds are now producing captivating documentaries that delve deep into specific in-game challenges. These feature-length films provide unique insights into intriguing stories, such as the infamous “Massacre at Malevelon Creek.” Through these productions, we can explore the rich narratives and complexities of blockchain games like never before.

As a crypto investor, I’m always on the lookout for projects with strong community engagement and impressive growth. Months after its launch, Helldivers 2 managed to attract up to 500,000 gamers simultaneously, battling aliens in this immersive universe. This is an impressive feat for a game like Helldivers 2, demonstrating its staying power and earning it the coveted “overwhelmingly positive” rating on Steam.

Community backlash

It appears that Arrowhead, as the mastermind behind fostering this sense of unity among fans, didn’t fully anticipate the immense strength and speed at which the community’s feelings towards the studio could shift adversely.

In early May, Sony and Arrowhead revealed that in order to carry on playing “Helldivers 2” on PC, users must establish a PlayStation account and connect it.

As a crypto investor, I can tell you that this decision would have far-reaching consequences. Over 170 countries would be affected, with gamers no longer able to participate as PlayStation accounts are not accessible in their regions. Even in areas where these accounts are available, there’s strong opposition to the change from the gaming community.

As an analyst, I’ve uncovered an intriguing turn of events in the gaming community surrounding the Helldivers game. Originally forged through fierce combat against extraterrestrial invaders, this tight-knit group of players suddenly shifted their collective disapproval towards entities closer to home: Arrowhead Studios and Sony. Leveraging the power of coordinated actions, they launched a campaign that targeted the games’ review ratings. Within just a few days, the “overwhelmingly positive” feedback was transformed into an “overwhelmingly negative” one.

The unified effort paid off: Arrowhead and Sony changed their minds, leading to jubilation among Helldivers. In response to their real-life triumph, these gamers redesigned in-game items, such as capes adorned with red bar symbols, symbolizing the long line of critical feedback on Steam.

Web3’s solution: DAOs

What does all this have to do with web3 gaming? In a word, everything.

As a researcher studying the gaming industry, I’ve come across an intriguing case study: the backlash against “Helldivers 2.” Gamers are known for their intense dedication to their pastime, and developers who successfully tap into that enthusiasm can reap significant rewards in terms of sales and active user numbers. However, overlook the gamers’ perspectives at your own peril. Arrowhead and Sony learned this lesson the hard way when they faced a coordinated backlash for their handling of “Helldivers 2.”

As a crypto investor, I’ve come to realize that traditional centralized systems don’t always provide satisfactory solutions for certain issues in the gaming industry. That’s why I’m excited about web3 and its offerings, such as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and blockchain technology.

Through the use of in-game tokens, players are empowered to wield influence over significant decisions within the game. They can exercise this power by casting votes on matters such as game modifications, rule adjustments, and even shaping new content.

Incorporating Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) into mainstream gaming marks a groundbreaking shift in how player feedback is collected and acted upon. Traditional decision-making processes will be replaced by a community-driven system, allowing the collective voice of the majority to shape the game’s development.

As a game analyst, I believe that implementing a decision-making system where players have a significant impact on the game’s direction could prevent negative backlash towards Arrowhead and foster long-term player loyalty and engagement. By giving players an active role in shaping the game’s ecosystem, they become invested stakeholders, increasing their sense of ownership and enjoyment.

By employing blockchain technology, voting processes can become transparent and verifiable, guaranteeing every participant’s vote gets counted and that final results remain unchangeable. This trust-building measure allows community members to believe that their influence on the decision-making process is genuine and impactful.

As a researcher studying the potential of web3 technology in enhancing the gaming experience of titles like Helldivers 2, I believe that integrating this innovative tech could significantly elevate the level of community engagement and interactivity within the game. Players would be given the unique opportunity to propose and vote on various aspects of the game, including new mission types, weapon balancing, strategic decisions in the ongoing war against the aliens, and even modifications to gameplay mechanics.

As a crypto investor with an interest in the gaming industry, I acknowledge that integrating web3 technology and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) into mainstream gaming comes with its own set of hurdles. These challenges range from the technical aspects of implementation to the cultural shift required for corporate governance. However, the potential rewards are significant.

Gone to hell: Web3 governance can save mainstream gaming | Opinion

Sicco Naets

Sicco Naets is the head of ecosystem development at the Moonbeam Foundation. An experienced software development leader with over 25 years of experience, Sicco excels in managing technical projects and building high-performing teams. His technical expertise includes blockchain, distributed microservices architecture, messaging middleware, and cloud deployments. Beyond work, he has a passion for video, tabletop, and collectible card gaming, which informs his approach to teamwork and strategic thinking.

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2024-06-26 17:59