Gaming chains are winning over developers and players | Opinion

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As an analyst with a background in computer science and years of experience working in the tech industry, I have been closely following the rise of gaming chains this year. The success stories of networks like TON, Immutable, and Ronin are undeniably impressive, and their impact on the gaming landscape is nothing short of transformative.

As a crypto investor, I’ve been captivated by one of this year’s standout stories – the ascendancy of gaming blockchains like TON, Immutable, and Ronin. The Open Network, Telegram’s “official web3 infrastructure,” is a shining emblem of this success, offering seamless in-app onboarding and unprecedented levels of user engagement and reward.

As a crypto investor, I find the current developments in gaming chains intriguing. Here’s my take on why:

The rapid expansion of gaming networks is not only due to superior technology, but also because it facilitates interactive gaming experiences that are expected to shape the landscape of web3 in the upcoming year and beyond.

Building without barriers

2024 was a breakthrough year for gaming chains, and I found myself deeply invested in this exciting space. In the third quarter alone, the success of TON propelled Immutable’s ecosystem to host around 200 games, while Sky Mavis’ Ronin saw its game count grow by approximately 40%. This surge in popularity can largely be attributed to the role these chains play in helping developers overcome technical hurdles.

In simpler terms, these native gaming tools efficiently manage multiple user interactions and intricate contract rules, all while maintaining quick response times for seamless real-time play. This resemblance to conventional infrastructures helps developers feel comfortable and productive. With fewer technical hurdles to overcome, they can concentrate on their core strengths.

As a crypto investor, I find it exciting to see the mutually beneficial dynamics at play within gaming chains. These platforms serve as solid foundations for game developers, providing them with essential support right from the beginning. They can even reduce gas fees for their gaming partners and offer specialized technical and economic support to games migrating from Web2. The creators of these gaming chains also have the power to nurture and invest in select games, promote adoption, and generate buzz, ultimately accelerating ecosystem growth. This positive cycle not only helps developers thrive but also contributes to creating more immersive player experiences.

Gaming across the universe

As a researcher delving into the realm of gaming chains, I’ve noticed a significant appeal in their evolution. One aspect that particularly stands out is the streamlined onboarding process. Traditional hurdles such as setting up wallets often require a level of technical proficiency, which isn’t always an easy obstacle to surmount for newcomers. However, gaming chains address this issue gracefully by effortlessly introducing players into their ecosystem and discreetly incorporating blockchain technology, making the process virtually transparent.

This year, Telegram has created quite a stir in the gaming world due to its exceptional performance in two key areas. In many regions (subject to regulation), users can easily connect their digital wallets to their Telegram profiles, enabling them to dive right into mini-games without needing to grasp complex cryptocurrency concepts. This feature has led to massive games, eagerly anticipated airdrops, and a staggering number of players reaching hundreds of millions.

One method of rephrasing: Gaming chains address a significant issue: blockchain games frequently operate independently. By sharing a common infrastructure, players can more conveniently manage a unified identity across numerous games. The Ronin Name Service is a suitable illustration as players create a distinct alias throughout the Ronin ecosystem and games, wallets, and dApps. Solutions such as this help to establish genuine digital ownership across the gaming world while maintaining an enjoyable gameplay experience without compromise.

Unlocking new gaming possibilities

When data from individual gaming platforms is broken free and merged through gaming networks, the potential broadens significantly. The long-awaited cross-game economies, which NFTs have been promoting, are now within reach. Whether exchanging items or transferring currencies, the enjoyment grows when these activities span multiple games. Consequently, a player’s digital trail becomes valuable across all connected ecosystems instead of just one game.

This unlocked data brings other knock-on effects like richer player experiences. Imagine rewards adapting based on cross-game achievements or reputation systems reflecting your complete gaming identity. Gaming chains create the shared infrastructure that makes player data portable and meaningful.

AI amplifies these interconnected experiences, allowing for tailored tools within each game to adjust missions based on player actions, create adaptable content according to individual preferences, and drive intelligent companions that learn from interactions. This personalization not only makes gaming unique to each player but also enhances user acquisition and retention. Additionally, aggregated data in the background provides developers with valuable insights into players’ desires, enabling them to focus on developing games that cater to those interests. Consequently, when game data is shared freely, everyone involved in the gaming process benefits.

Gaming chains are here to stay

2021 has been a groundbreaking year for gaming chains, marking only the start of significant advancements. In today’s digital landscape, data is often referred to as the “new gold,” and gaming chains are tapping into this valuable resource to encourage creativity, engagement, and wiser choices. This win-win proposition appeals more and more to all parties involved – developers gain specialized infrastructure, players experience customized gameplay, and the industry uncovers new opportunities driven by data analysis.

2025 is set to witness a shift in the gaming landscape as chains reshape the way games are constructed, played, and connected. This trend is likely to gather pace moving forward.

Yukai Tu

Yukai Tu is the chief technical officer at CARV. Tu is an expert in confidential computing and blockchain and holds a Master’s in computer science from UCLA. At CARV, Yukai is helping build the largest decentralized identity and data layer for gaming, AI, and beyond, integrating over 900 games and AI companies. He’s also worked as a software engineer at Google and Coinbase, a contributor to the Cosmos SDK, and a blockchain engineering lead at LINO Network.

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2024-12-19 15:40