Can Web3 games deliver both expectation and quality?

The web3 gaming industry once again finds itself at a crossroads.

While early projects have generated excitement with innovative advancements and ambitious plans, many have failed to deliver the long-term quality that gamers expect and there remains a noticeable gap between these blockchain-powered titles and their web2 counterparts.

TO x.com/0xRaiden/status/1833765461261209626″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>recent tweet summed up this frustration and the gaming community voiced their thoughts in response, highlighting some of the key challenges and potential solutions facing web3 games today.

The marketing dilemma: hype over substance

One of the most common criticisms raised by the community revolves around marketing strategies, or lack thereof.

In fact, many traditional web2 game developers use comprehensive marketing strategies that span multiple social media platforms, increasing visibility and ultimately player engagement. It’s something that many web3 games, despite their big promises, seem to overlook.

One response noted that a well-executed user acquisition (UA) campaign can make a huge difference and that if web3 projects want to reach mainstream audiences, leveraging established channels is essential.

The quality problem: issues of trust

Another major concern within the web3 gaming space is that many projects fail to deliver on their initial promises, leading to trust issues.

The hype surrounding a new project is often fleeting, especially when early access or beta testing reveals glaring technical or gameplay issues. While web2 games are not immune to these challenges, the stakes in web3 seem higher due to the financial components tied to in-game tokens and assets.

This environment has led to a situation where many players are hesitant to fully invest in a project, both emotionally and financially. Without solid gameplay, even the most hyped project can fail as players lose interest and move on to the next big project.

Misaligned incentives: profits over play

Perhaps one of the most pointed criticisms highlights the fundamental problem that plagues many web3 games: the expectation of financial gain.

The pursuit of short-term profits has often overshadowed the development of solid and enjoyable gaming experiences. In many cases, web3 games have focused on speculative mechanics, paying more attention to token economics than actual gameplay mechanics.

This short-term focus makes many projects appear unfinished and unsustainable in the long term.

The big picture: Web3 continues to grow

While web3 games have sparked interest in certain specific communities, they have not yet reached the general public.

Content creators, streamers, and influencers, who play a pivotal role in driving interest and engagement in web2 games, have yet to find a solid footing in the web3 space. As a result, many web3 games lack the organic growth channels that are critical to long-term success.

Others think that Web3 is simply not conducive to gaming at its current stage.

The road ahead: Can Web3 games keep up?

The current state of web3 gaming reflects both the promise and drawbacks of the space. While many projects have generated initial excitement, few have delivered the quality that players have come to expect from mainstream games.

The challenges are numerous: trust issues, a fragmented player base, misaligned incentives, and a lingering stigma from the broader gaming community. However, the potential for growth remains. As web3 developers continue to iterate and improve, there is hope that the industry will finally find its footing.

For web3 games to become truly mainstream, they need to refocus on the core aspects of gaming: fun, engagement, and user experience. Additionally, web3 developers need to strike a better balance between creating sustainable economic models and creating truly fun games.

Only then will web3 games be able to meet the expectations of both players and investors.