David Johansson is the CEO of Metaking Studios, developer of Blocklords.
I love games – they’ve been my passion for as long as I can remember. They’ve driven me to dedicate my career to creating immersive experiences that transport players to new worlds. But lately, I’ve been feeling frustrated – sometimes even angry – about the state of web3 gaming. Not because I doubt its potential; quite the opposite. I’m frustrated because we’re on the edge of something revolutionary, and yet so many are refusing to see it.
Web3 gaming has always faced backlash from the traditional gaming community. That’s nothing new. What’s disheartening is seeing that sentiment turn sour even within the web3 community itself. Evangelists who once championed decentralized gaming are now expressing doubts about the entire concept. This internal division isn’t just unproductive; it’s holding us back at a time when we should be uniting to push the industry forward.
Then there’s the gatekeeping from journalists and influencers entrenched in traditional gaming. Many refuse to cover projects in the web3 space, no matter how innovative or promising they are. It’s as if the mere mention of blockchain technology disqualifies a game from serious consideration. But think about it: would these critics dismiss a game based on the engine it uses or the server stack it runs on? Technology should serve the experience, not overshadow it.
Adding to the challenge, some venture capitalists and web3 KOLs – people who should be fostering long-term growth – are quick to write off projects that aren’t instant hits, especially after a token launch. They’ve become parasitic, extracting value without contributing to the ecosystem. Why should they receive significant allocations at discounted rates if they’re only interested in short-term gains? This mindset stifles innovation and discourages developers who are committed to creating lasting experiences.
Meanwhile, the industry seems obsessed with chasing the next memecoin supercycle, largely ignoring the groundbreaking innovations emerging from new protocols and user-facing applications. It’s like waiting for a gold rush while overlooking the new technologies that could redefine the entire landscape.
Centralized exchanges aren’t helping either. They fixate on vanity metrics – Twitter followers, Telegram bot counts, superficial engagement numbers. This emphasis has sparked a race to the bottom, where quality and longevity are sacrificed for fleeting hype. The surge of low-effort Telegram games is a perfect example. Projects with real metrics and strong long-term potential are being overlooked in favor of those chasing quick, attention-grabbing gimmicks.
The industry seems obsessed with chasing the next memecoin supercycle, largely ignoring the groundbreaking innovations emerging from new protocols.
David Johansson
But despite these challenges, I’m more optimistic than ever about the future of web3 gaming.
Bright spots on the horizon
Incredible games are just around the corner. Off The Grid has made a significant splash, showcasing what’s possible when compelling gameplay meets blockchain tech. Bornless offers a hauntingly cool experience that’s set to make waves on Steam. And I’m proud to share that BLOCKLORDS is soon releasing large-scale battles designed to rival classics like Total War and Age of Empires. These aren’t merely blockchain games; they’re great games that leverage blockchain to enhance player engagement and ownership.
On the technology front, advancements are happening at a breathtaking pace. Protocols like Solana and Base now handle user loads and liquidity levels that rival, if not surpass, those of Ethereum. Dappchains like Gunzilla’s Avalanche-based Gunz dappchain or our own LORDCHAIN are poised to manage unlimited users efficiently and cost-effectively. This isn’t speculative future talk – it’s the reality we’re building right now.
Moreover, curation has become essential. It’s no longer about hopping on the latest hype train but about fostering sustainable growth and real value.
The new frontier of user acquisition
Web3 is introducing innovative user acquisition methods that will eventually disrupt traditional models. These strategies aren’t just tweaks to existing practices; they’re entirely new approaches that leverage decentralization, community engagement, and tokenomics in ways we’ve never seen before.
Traditional gaming, despite its massive audience, has become fiercely competitive and, paradoxically, underfunded in certain areas. Development costs are soaring, yet publishers are often risk-averse, sticking to tried-and-true formulas. Web3 offers an alternative – a space where innovative projects not only become possible but thrive. It’s a realm where developers can explore bold ideas with the support of engaged communities and novel funding mechanisms.
Where does this leave us?
We need to break down the barriers erected by skepticism and short-term thinking.
- Developers must prioritize creating engaging, high-quality games that players love – not just vehicles for quick monetization.
- Journalists and influencers should assess games on their merits, not preconceived notions about the technology underpinning them.
- Investors ought to look beyond immediate returns and support projects that offer genuine long-term value.
Imagine a gaming landscape where players truly own their assets, where in-game economies are shaped by the community, and where every action has a meaningful impact. This isn’t a distant dream; it’s an achievable reality that we’re actively working towards.
If we continue to let fear, skepticism, or short-term agendas dictate the direction of the industry, we’ll miss out on the incredible opportunities right in front of us.
David Johansson
At BLOCKLORDS, our vision aligns with this future. With the upcoming Battleborne update, we’re introducing battles featuring thousands of medieval units vying for dominance. Our goal is for every in-game action to become a transaction, enhancing immersion and player agency like never before.
But we can’t do it alone.
I’m calling on everyone – developers, players, influencers, and investors – to embrace the possibilities of web3 gaming. Let’s support projects that prioritize innovation and community. Let’s challenge outdated models and champion experiences that offer real value.
Because if we continue to let fear, skepticism, or short-term agendas dictate the direction of the industry, we’ll miss out on the incredible opportunities right in front of us.
The future of gaming is bright, but it’s up to us to make it happen. Let’s seize this moment and build a gaming world that’s more innovative, inclusive, and exciting than ever before.
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