Web3 gaming, also called blockchain gaming, refers to video games that include blockchain elements – such as on-chain items and currencies.
These games typically are not built directly on the blockchain. Rather, they use NFT technology and the blockchain to assign ownership of in-game items and currencies to the players.
Created in 2017, CryptoKitties was the first prominent blockchain game. The game saw players collect and breed NFT kitties, which could later be sold on NFT marketplaces.
Blockchain gaming is a controversial topic:
- Proponents suggest that it gives players true ownership of their in-game items, allowing them to monetize their playtime and provide a financial incentive for players.
- Detractors suggest that – at best – this monetisation shifts the values of both developers and the players away from quality video games and towards speculation, value, and profit; and – at worst – blockchain gaming opens the door to rampant pay-to-win mechanics and game design.