Web3 gaming, also called blockchain gaming, refers to video games that include elements such as blockchain-based items or currencies.
These games typically use NFT technology to assign ownership of in-game items, currencies and tokens to players.
CryptoKitties, created in 2017, was the first popular blockchain game. The game saw players collect and breed NFT-based cats, which could be sold on NFT marketplaces.
Blockchain gaming is seen as controversial by many:
- Supporters argue that it gives players true ownership of their in-game items, allowing them to get real financial incentives from their playtime.
- Opponents argue that putting financial incentives first shifts the values of both developers and players away from quality video games and towards profit, perhaps opening the door to pay-to-win mechanics and game design.