Learning From The Past: What's Next In The Evolution Of Gaming?

Looking back at the history of gaming, the industry has come a long way in a very short amount of time. From classic arcade games to the latest mobile releases, gaming has evolved in ways that would have been hard to imagine decades ago. As we move forward, it's exciting to think about what is coming next.

Gaming is constantly evolving, and with each passing year, technologies and platforms emerge that change the way we play. One such technology that has gained a lot of attention in recent years is blockchain. However, there is a misconception that games with on-chain assets are at odds with traditional business models, which is not true.

Blockchain has several unique features that can complement existing business models, but it does not need to assume primacy over them. Instead, the tech can work alongside other business models and formats like mobile and free-to-play (F2P) that enhance the overall experience.

“History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme.”

There is significant debate and controversy surrounding various aspects of decentralized gaming, including issues around ownership and monetization. These debates are often fueled by strong ideological beliefs and conflicting visions for what on-chain gaming should look like. The industry is no stranger to this kind of cynicism, having undergone several major phases of development — each accompanied by its own set of unique challenges and skepticism. 

Arcade cabinets of the early 1970s were shunned as addictive, money-hungry machines. Skeptics included parents, educators, and politicians, who all viewed gaming as either a harbinger of moral decay or a passing fad that would never last. And yet people all over the world flocked to play games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong. Consoles were similarly discounted, despite them representing the first opportunity for games to be enjoyed at home and, ultimately, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. 

PC games were considered niche and too expensive, despite it being a golden age for gaming with titles such as Doom, Myst, and The Sims. In the early 2000s and bleeding into the 2010s, mobile gaming was viewed as a low-quality form of gaming. However, accessibility, convenience, and low cost paired with the sophistication of smart devices made for some of the most compelling and engrossing titles of the last decade.

While some of this opposition may be similar to what has been seen in previous eras, the specific issues and challenges facing decentralized gaming are unique and require their own solutions. The evolution of gaming over the years shows that "good games" come in many different forms, and that the success of on-chain titles will depend on creating fun, safe, and frictionless experiences for players. 

Games like Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, and Angry Birds defied legacy definitions of what a "good game" looks and feels like. The resounding multibillion-dollar success of portable titles such as these proves that different types of games appeal to different types of people. However, the idea of a "good game" will continue to evolve and what worked on the legacy web won't necessarily apply to on-chain games.

What’s The Big Fuss? 

Similar to Nintendo's engineers, who found new and novel ways to use old tech to enhance gameplay, the rise of communities around certain chains and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) could give rise to semi-closed ecosystems where players can enjoy games with a guaranteed base level of quality and player safety. 

Lest we forget, and for fear of insulting all the 90s kids, blockchain tech is relatively old. First conceived three decades ago by Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta, people have been playing around with the tech ever since. At its base level blockchain is complementary in nature, insofar as it can offer secure and transparent transactions within player economies, which is a huge win for games that involve things like crafting, player trading, etc.

Developers within curated ecosystems (such as semi-closed DAOs) will need to be vetted to ensure that players aren't being scammed and that there’s a player-first focus when designing experiences. Outside of the DAOs and semi-closed ecosystems, there’s a new wave of developers building on permissionless ecosystems, these are generating innovation and creating a gaming Wild West that will attract innovation and risk-tolerant thrill seekers. 

Most players will likely gravitate to curated ecosystems that offer decentralized gaming experiences that are safe, fun, and frictionless. 

For The Love Of Devs

When it comes to improving the quality of life for developers, any new addition is always welcome. Indie blockchain game development is an exciting prospect, as it offers a level of autonomy that can potentially be more lucrative for individuals or boutique gaming studios. Traditional game development can be expensive and time-consuming, and blockchain games are even harder. However, the upside in terms of player engagement and player ownership of the ecosystem makes this a worthy endeavor.

The transparency and community-building aspects of blockchain game development are what are most exciting. The technology offers a secure and transparent way to distribute revenue and profits, making it easier for developers to get paid for their work and for communities to participate in the upside of a game’s economy. Community involvement in the development process can also lead to a more engaged and dedicated player base, with players feeling like they have a say in the direction of the game. It's like being part of a virtual town hall meeting, where everyone can work together towards a common goal.

This adds a new level of interactivity and player agency within a game's development process, making for a different iteration of what a “good game” looks and feels like. Overall, the future of gaming looks bright, with exciting new technologies like blockchain paving the way for more immersive and engaging gaming experiences for both players and developers.