On the year game distribution disruption started
As a turbulent year in the blockchain game sector draws to an end, we’re getting the opinions of some of the key players about what just happened.
And as well as finding out what they thought were the most significant events in 2018, we’re looking forward to what will occur in 2019.
Lee Jacobson is the CEO of Robot Cache, a blockchain-based distribution platform for PC games which is due to launch in 2019.
BlockchainGamer.biz: What was the most important blockchain game sector trend for your company in 2018?
Lee Jacobson: While there were many evolutions of blockchain tech in 2018 (new forks, alternative decentralization tech, the fall of ICOs) for me the most important thing was to see so many companies dip their toe into blockchain initiatives like American Express, JP Morgan, IBM, Google, AWS and many others.
Blockchain-based games have a long way to go, but what a year of forward movement.
It’s great to see the validation of what blockchain provides while separating it from all the noise of the crypto-currency winter.
What do you think was the most important news/trend generally?
The trend hits close to home! For game distribution it’s got to be the major pushback to 30% distribution fees. What a major note to end the year on, with new competition coming into the space and the economics changing … many developers finally saying enough is enough.
It certainly validates what we’re doing at Robot Cache and we’re taking it even further with digital resell and just a 5% cut.
What blockchain game did you play the most in 2018?
Blockchain-based games have a long way to go, but what a year of forward movement. I’ve played MegaCryptopolis and a few others. I think having immutable land that can gain in value is a very interesting macroeconomic concept that could prove very applicable to a number of genres.
Some games have more use for the blockchain than others, but what I tell game developers when I have a look at their game is don’t forget to make a good game … blockchain alone is not going to cut it. I am excited though about what blockchain means for the future of in-game economies and the money that’s flowing into the space (e.g. Tron).
What do you think will be the biggest trend in 2019?
We will finally see “Crypto Critters”, which will encompass every piece of crypto functionality ever devised! Imagine owning your own crypto attraction with all your own crypto critters that you feed crypto food, that you can breed and finally sell them to millions of crypto animal lovers!
In all seriousness, I think you’ll start to see all the pieces come together and start to work in concert. Right now it’s pretty fractured in terms of the content side finding applications of technology and making it seamlessly make sense.
What’s your resolution for 2019?
Hmmm, more Blockchain of course!
You can currently sign up for early access to Robot Cache via its website, and check out all of our 2018 in Review interviews here.
Join us for two days of discussion about the blockchain game sector at Blockchain Gamer Connects London 2019 on 21-22 January.
And continue the discussion in our Telegram group and don’t forget to follow BlockchainGamer.biz on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.