Player-Centric Games: Key to Web3 Mass Adoption

Web3 gaming needs to focus more on the players and provide a seamless onboarding experience if it wants to gain mainstream adoption, says Herbert Sim, the COO of Websea, a hybrid cryptocurrency exchange. Sim believes that GameFi projects in the web3 gaming space should prioritize enhancing user experience and gameplay, especially since eSports is a major trend in both the gaming and crypto markets. In the past, web3 games have faced criticism for their lack of gameplay and user experience, as many of them relied solely on economic incentives to attract users. Sim argues that for web3 games to succeed, they need to have a sustainable economic model and a player-centric approach. Building sustainable economics is crucial for long-term success, and Websea Labs, the ecosystem investment institution of Websea, only invests in projects that prioritize the players.

Sim also notes that both the GameFi and DeFi sectors are attracting increased institutional interest, which will contribute to mainstream adoption. The presence of institutions brings more capital and technological innovation, which are essential for driving growth and maturity in these sectors. To support the growth of GameFi and DeFi, Websea Labs recently launched a $100 million fund focused on incubating projects in these areas.

There is a growing list of institutional participants getting involved in the GameFi space, and Sim believes that this will raise awareness and credibility, leading to more users and developers joining the games. This trend applies to both GameFi and DeFi.

In 2024, AAA-grade web3 games are starting to emerge, offering a combination of engaging gameplay, user experience, and high-quality graphics. One highly anticipated game is Star Atlas, a Solana-based space exploration RPG built on the popular Unreal Engine 5. While still in development, Star Atlas already has over 335,000 followers eagerly awaiting its release, which will be delivered in separate modules over the next five years.

Another example of the growing interest in web3 games is Big Time, a web3 RPG that generated over $100 million in revenue within the first six months of its pre-season, without the sale of any tokens. This success showcases the potential of web3 gaming and solidifies the belief that it is not just the future but an inevitable trend.

Web3 gaming needs to prioritize players and provide a smooth onboarding experience to encourage mainstream adoption. The GameFi and DeFi sectors are attracting institutional interest, which will drive market growth. Websea Labs has launched a $100 million fund to support GameFi and DeFi projects. Exciting AAA-grade web3 games are emerging, such as Star Atlas, which has gained significant anticipation. The success of games like Big Time proves the potential and inevitability of web3 gaming.