How AI can help level the playing field between web3 and traditional gaming | Opinion

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As a seasoned crypto investor with a background in the gaming industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the turbulent journey of web3 gaming within the blockchain space. The industry’s rise and fall during the bull and bear markets have left many skeptical about its potential. However, recent developments in the sector have piqued my interest once again.

As a blockchain analyst, I’ve noticed that the emergence of Web3 gaming has been a contentious topic within the blockchain community, which is already known for its volatile nature. The ups and downs of this industry have closely followed the broader trends in the crypto market, from the bullish phase between 2021 to the bearish one in 2022. Given the recent stabilization and growth of the crypto sector, along with DeFi’s increasing popularity, many had written off Web3 gaming as a mere niche market.

Traditional gamers soon found out that several of these games failed to provide entertainment and involved needlessly lengthy and intricate processes for wagering supposedly worthless tokens and NFTs.

In mid-March, the market value of web3 gaming tokens exceeded $30 billion for the first time since the pre-pandemic bull run. This surge occurred during the height of the “play-to-earn” craze fueled by COVID-19. Within just one day, the GameFi sector experienced a 6% increase in market cap, surpassing the overall crypto market’s growth rate. This development underscores a shift in consumer preference towards riskier investments.

In the world of mainstream gaming, players typically aren’t concerned with the volatile pricing of Decentraland’s MANA or Gala Games’ GALA utility token. However, the emergence of AI in web3 gaming is a significant development that underscores legitimacy and the potential for expanding its user base. With the traditional gaming industry projected to exceed $270 billion by 2024, web3 games must engage skeptical gamers who are hesitant towards titles utilizing blockchain technology or NFTs in their promotion.

How AI can help level the playing field between web3 and traditional gaming | Opinion

Luckily, the creators of web3 games and studios recognize the need for an innovative approach to attract traditional gamers. To achieve this goal, they are concentrating on developing entertaining games that share similarities with their conventional counterparts. In order to accomplish this, web3 gaming is recruiting seasoned developers and executives from the mainstream gaming industry. Additionally, advanced AI technology is being utilized to improve in-game experiences by creating more interactive bots and immersive environments that closely mimic reality.

Aptos Labs, the team responsible for building the layer-1 blockchain, recently teamed up with Google Cloud. This collaboration aims to enhance Aptos GameStack, a comprehensive platform designed to facilitate the creation, integration, and connection of blockchain components within video games. By harnessing Google’s robust cloud technology, Aptos strengthens the web3 gaming community by introducing advanced analytics and integrating AI and machine learning tools. This empowers game developers to deliver enhanced gaming experiences to their audiences.

As a researcher studying the intersection of AI and gaming, I’ve observed how integrating advanced AI features has evolved the gaming landscape beyond the peak play-to-earn era. However, there are still significant hurdles to overcome before attracting mainstream players. One major issue identified in a Blockchain Gaming Association report is the crypto onboarding process. Over half of surveyed respondents cited this as a primary challenge, particularly when it involves creating and managing a digital wallet just to play the game.

As a researcher exploring the future of web3 gaming, I’m not directly addressing the challenges this industry faces in welcoming non-crypto gamers. However, I’d like to highlight Exverse, a first-person shooter game that sets an example for how the sector can attract and engage a broader audience. This free-to-play title aspires to deliver AAA-quality gameplay and immersive storylines, enhancing player experiences through advanced AI interactions with non-player characters.

As a researcher exploring the intersection of web3 technology and gaming, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. By highlighting the advantages of web3 games, such as players’ ownership of assets, I believe we can capture the attention of the global gaming community, which numbers over 3 billion strong. Moreover, by integrating artificial intelligence into the game development process, we can enhance the overall quality of these games and create more intuitive onboarding experiences for new users. This innovative approach could be the key to unlocking web3 gaming’s vast potential.

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2024-05-04 17:22