Web3 gaming is an exciting new development in the world of gaming. It offers a new way to play and experience games and combines the best of traditional gaming with innovative features of blockchain technology, such as secure and transparent transactions, digital asset ownership, and decentralized governance.
Web3 gaming is set to revolutionize the gaming industry and provide new opportunities for players and developers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of Web3 gaming, how it works, its market size, companies involved, its benefits and more.
Read more: What Is Web 3.0: Explained Definition, History, Examples, Technologies, Importance And How It Works
- What is Web3 Gaming?
- How Does Web3 Gaming Work?
- Web3 Gaming Market Size
- Web3 Gaming Statistics
- Future of Web3 Gaming Industry
- Web2 Vs Web3 Gaming
- Web3 Gaming Infrastructure
- Web3 Gaming Benefits
- Top 5 Web3 Gaming Companies and Startups
- Top Web3 Gaming Investors
- Best Web3 Game Development Services
- Top 3 Web3 Gaming Crypto and Tokens
- Web3 Gaming Jobs
- Web3 Gaming Platform
- 1. Gala Games:
- 2. Ethereum:
- 3. Dapper Labs:
- 4. Horizon Blockchain Games Inc:
- 5. Mythical Games:
- 6. OpenSea:
- 7. Nalikes Studio:
- 8. Nakamoto Games:
- 9. Vulcan Forged:
- 10. Enjin:
- 11. Avalanche:
- 12. Polygon:
- Web3 Gaming Projects
- Best Web3 Gaming Influencers to Follow
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Web3 Gaming?
Web3 gaming is a process of decentralized gaming where the activities of a gaming ecosystem or a gaming platform, specifically that of the ownership of gaming assets and decision-making in all aspects of gaming, are delegated away from any central authority.
Web3 games are built by integrating blockchain into the gaming ecosystem, allowing gamers to express their opinion on when and how the game should evolve. Web3 gaming also lays down the foundation of play-to-earn for players, and it changes the pay-to-play aspect by offering asset trading, tradeable game tokens and opportunities to earn in cryptos while playing.
How Does Web3 Gaming Work?
Web3 Gaming has changed various industries, including gaming. With a major shift from traditional gaming platforms, Web3-based games allow the players to engage with the games in innovative and decentralized ways.
Centralized gaming servers store all game-related information on servers, which game administrators control and operate. Game developers do not have adequate resources or knowledge to monitor and allow a trade where players want to exchange their digital assets to earn a profit.
Web3 games are built by integrating blockchain into the gaming ecosystem, allowing gamers to express their opinion on when and how the game should evolve.
Web3 gaming also lays down the foundation of play-to-earn for players, and it changes the pay-to-play aspect by offering asset trading, tradeable game tokens and opportunities to earn in cryptos while playing.
Web3 gaming provides fair virtual markets for the gaming industry, where players can access and fully own in-game digital assets. These assets are stored in the form of gaming NFTs and are distinctive.
Read more: Top Web3 Companies You Must Know In 2024
Web3 Gaming Market Size
The Web3 gaming market size was projected to be worth US$ 23,926.0 Million in 2023. The market is likely to surpass US$ 133,228.2 Million by 2033 at a CAGR of 18.7% during the forecast period.
The demand for Web 3 gaming is driven by several factors, such as decentralization and ownership, play-to-earn economy, interoperability and cross-platform support, community-driven development, and enhanced security and transparency.
Decentralized and peer-to-peer interactions enable players to have true ownership of in-game assets, play-to-earn economy allows players to earn cryptocurrencies or other digital assets, interoperability and cross-platform support provides a more seamless and connected gaming experience, community-driven development involves community-driven development, and enhanced security and transparency allows players to verify the scarcity and authenticity of in-game items.
This shift towards more player-centric and inclusive gaming experiences represents a shift towards more player-centric and inclusive gaming experiences.
Other Drivers Propelling the Demand for Web3 Gaming include:
- The demand for decentralized technologies, such as blockchain, is increasing as individuals seek greater control and ownership over their digital assets.
- The opportunity to earn real-world value through gameplay incentivizes players to participate in Web 3 gaming, driving demand.
- The ability to use in-game assets across multiple games and platforms provides players with flexibility and a seamless gaming experience.
Active player involvement in the development process fosters a sense of ownership, loyalty, and engagement.
Read more: Top 5 Best Web3 Companies To Invest In (Buy Stock)
| Attributes | Details |
| Web3 Gaming Market Size (2023) | 23,926.0 Million |
| Web3 Gaming Market Projected Size (2033) | US$ 133,228.2 Million |
| Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 18.7% |
The Web3 gaming industry has the potential to see increased mainstream adoption as blockchain technology becomes more accessible and user-friendly. Developers may explore innovative ways to incorporate blockchain technology, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and play-to-earn mechanics into different game experiences, appealing to a broader audience.
Web3 Gaming Statistics
- Web3 gaming accounts for 49% of all blockchain activity: Web3 Gaming leads growth within the blockchain space followed by DeFi (Decentralised Finance) and NFTs.
- 47% of PC and Console gamers are interested in interacting with the metaverse: Today’s PC and console players use social media platforms to discover new games, and are interested in competitive gameplay with diverse characters. People are eager to play new-games and look forward to in-game exclusives.
- Bots accounted for 40% of the player base: Crypto gaming is still maturing with a lot of problem solving to be done. The high prevalence of bots in web3 games is one such challenge. According to a study by Jigger, 40% of the player base of Web3 games were bots, with evidence of 20,000 bots across over 60 Web3 games.
- Decentralization should boost gaming spending even higher: The Gamer report suggests that each gamer spends approximately $76 per month on gaming which is about $58,000 throughout their lifetime. This means that gamers are willing to spend.
- Cybersecurity – one of the biggest challenges to mainstream adoption: Web3 gamers have been at a higher risk of scams, data manipulation and identity cloning. There was a $625 million exploit of Axie Infinity’s Ronin network.
- Global blockchain gaming markets to grow to $65.7 billion by 2027: According to a report by consulting firm MarketsandMarkets, the global blockchain gaming market will grow from $4.6 billion in 2022 to $65.7 billion by 2027. There are approximately 3 billion gamers worldwide.
- India is leading globally in NFT- based P2E games at 34%: With 420 million dynamic gamers aged between 15-35, the Indian gaming industry has seen massive growth and teen involvement in recent years. India’s mobile gaming sector shows that more than 300 million Indians play mobile games.
- Most financial executives believe fiat will be replaced: Deloitte found that 76% of financial executives believe that digital assets will become a strong alternative or replacement for fiat currencies. And one of the best ways to bring about more crypto education is through web3 games.
- Gaming accounted for 62% of total Web3 startup funding in 2022: Web3 startups raised $7.1B in funding during 2022 despite the bear market. Gaming accounted for 62% and collected the largest amount at $4.49 billion, followed by Metaverse and Social Networks.
- Global crypto owners increased by 39% in 2022 to 425 million: Global crypto owners increased by 39% in 2022 to 425 million, rising from 306 million to 425 million. Gaming has played a big role in bringing in Web2 users into Web3.
While there are challenges, the potential rewards are enormous, with investment in Web3 gaming expected to keep growing in the coming years. It is clear that blockchain-based gaming is here to stay, and it is a trend that everyone should keep an eye on.
Future of Web3 Gaming Industry
In recent years, the gaming industry has witnessed a significant transformation with the advent of Web3 technology. Web3, often referred to as the decentralized web, is built on blockchain technology and aims to create a more secure, transparent, and user-centric internet experience.
This has led to the emergence of a new breed of games that leverage blockchain and cryptocurrencies to offer players unique experiences and ownership of in-game assets.
Read more: Top 10 Web3 Technologies That Will Change The Tech World And Future Of The Business
The Future of Web3 Gaming in 2024:
- Increased Adoption of Play-to-Earn Mechanics: Play-to-earn (P2E) gaming has gained popularity in recent years, allowing players to earn real-world income by participating in virtual economies. This year more games will adopt P2E mechanics, offering players opportunities to monetize their gaming skills and time.
- Expansion of Metaverse Concepts: The concept of the metaverse, a shared virtual space that encompasses multiple interconnected virtual worlds, is gaining traction in the Web3 gaming community. In 2024, we expect to see the continued expansion of metaverse projects, with developers creating immersive, interconnected gaming experiences that blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds.
- Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): As VR and AR technologies continue to mature, we can expect to see more Web3 games embracing these immersive technologies. In 2024, players may be able to experience their favorite games in fully immersive VR environments or interact with virtual objects overlaid onto the real world through AR.
- Mainstream Adoption of Blockchain Gaming: As blockchain technology becomes more mainstream, we can expect to see increased adoption of blockchain gaming among traditional gamers. In 2024, major gaming companies may start to incorporate blockchain elements into their games, offering players the benefits of true ownership and decentralized economies.
Web3 gaming is poised to revolutionize the gaming industry in 2024 and beyond. With the rise of decentralized technologies like blockchain and the growing demand for player-centric experiences, Web3 games offer a glimpse into the future of gaming. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovation and creativity in the world of Web3 gaming.
Web2 Vs Web3 Gaming
| Aspect | Web2 gaming | Web3 gaming |
| Ownership of Assets | Centralized; assets owned by game developers | Decentralized; players own assets via NFTs |
| Infrastructure | Centralized servers and platforms | Decentralized networks and blockchain technology |
| Data Management | Managed by game developers/publishers | Stored on blockchain; transparent and immutable |
| Interoperability | Limited; assets tied to specific games | Potential for assets to be used across multiple games |
| Transparency | Limited; reliance on developer’s integrity | High; gameplay mechanics governed by smart contracts |
| Governance | Controlled by game developers/publishers | Community-driven governance through DAOs |
| Monetization | Traditional models (e.g., subscriptions, ads) | New revenue streams via NFT sales and decentralized markets |
| Community Engagement | Limited interaction beyond gameplay | Active participation in game development and direction |
Web3 Gaming Infrastructure
Web3 gaming infrastructure is the underlying technology and systems that enable blockchain-based games to function. It includes a variety of components, such as:
- Blockchain Networks: The distributed ledger technology that powers Web3 games and enables secure, transparent, and decentralized transactions.
- NFT Marketplaces: Platforms that allow players to buy, sell, and trade in-game assets as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
- Wallets: Digital wallets that enable players to store and manage their NFTs and cryptocurrencies securely.
- Game Engines: Software frameworks and tools that developers use to create and deploy Web3 games.
- Oracles: Services that provide off-chain data to smart contracts on the blockchain, enabling more dynamic and interactive gameplay.
- Interoperability Protocols: Systems that enable different Web3 games and platforms to communicate and interact with each other.
These components work together to create a seamless and secure Web3 gaming experience.
Web3 gaming is at the forefront of a gaming revolution, employing decentralized technology to redefine the way we interact with digital worlds. Unlike traditional gaming ecosystems, Web3 gaming emphasizes the autonomy and empowerment of the player.
Read more: Top 10 Best Web3 Companies To Work For
Web3 Gaming Benefits
1. Ownership
Web3 gaming is a value-exchange gaming model where people can own and trade in-game objects and collectibles in the form of unique NFTs using cryptocurrencies. Ownership is a key feature of Web3 gaming, and it is made possible by blockchain technology.
2. Decentralization
Web3 gaming offers self-sovereignty and decentralization in gaming and is open source. Decentralization is one of the fundamental features of blockchain-based gaming.
3. Transparency
Web3 games provide high transparency since peer hosting ensures the players have all information, without a centralized third party limiting or hiding access. By utilizing blockchain technology, all transactions, and gameplay can be recorded on a public ledger, ensuring transparency and enabling players to verify the authenticity of each transaction.
4. Interoperability
Web3 gaming will also ensure a greater interoperability between different games and platforms. Players will be able to use their assets in various contexts and settings, and easily transfer or trade them between different games.
5. Play-to-earn mechanics
Web3 games focus on play-to-earn mechanics by using cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Play-to-earn is a feature of Web3 games that allows players to earn rewards in the form of in-game assets that can be traded for real value.
Top 5 Web3 Gaming Companies and Startups
1. Horizon Blockchain Games:
Horizon Blockchain Games is a Canadian company that develops blockchain-based games and tools. Its mission is to empower players and developers by giving them true ownership of their in-game assets. Horizon’s first game, SkyWeaver, is a digital collectible card game built on the Ethereum blockchain.
Players can own and trade their cards as NFTs, and they can earn real rewards for playing the game. Horizon also developed Arcadeum, a toolkit for game developers to integrate blockchain technology into their games.
The company focuses on the development of web3 games, operating within the gaming and blockchain industries. It offers an all-in-one development platform for web3 games, as well as a web3 trading card game where players can win, own, trade, sell, and gift their cards.
| Founder | Peter Kieltyka |
| Founded year | 2017 |
| Country Origin | Canada |
| Market Capitalization | $7,472,188 |
| Annual Revenue | $32.1M |
| Company CEO | Peter Kieltyka |
| Services Offered | They offer a variety of services to help developers create and launch their own blockchain games. These services include a game engine, a platform for in-game economies, and a community of developers. |
| Technology Stack | Blockchain technology |
| Clients and Partners | Animoca Brands, Dapper Labs, and Ubisoft. |
| Achievements and Awards | In 2018, they were named one of the top startups to watch by TechCrunch.In 2019, they were awarded the first-ever Best Blockchain Game award by Unity, the world’s leading game engine.In 2020, they were named one of the top 10 blockchain startups by Forbes. |
2. Sorare:
Sorare is a French company that provides a fantasy football game built on the Ethereum blockchain. Players can collect, trade, and manage a team of virtual player cards, which are represented by NFTs. Players can then enter their teams into tournaments and earn rewards based on how their players perform in real life.
The company was founded in 2018 and is backed by some of the biggest names in the tech and sports industries, including Andreessen Horowitz, Benchmark, and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Sorare has partnerships with over 170 football clubs, including Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona.
| Founder | Nicolas Julias and Adrien Montfort |
| Founded year | 2018 |
| Country Origin | Paris, France |
| Market Capitalization | Not publicly available |
| Annual Revenue | Undisclosed |
| Company CEO | Nicolas Julias |
| Services Offered | Sorare offers a number of services to its users. They offer a fantasy football game where users can buy, sell, and trade digital cards of football players.They also offer a marketplace where users can buy and sell these cards. |
| Technology Stack | Blockchain technology, React, Node.js, and MongoDB. |
| Clients and Partners | English Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga |
| Achievements and Awards | 2019 FIFA Best Award and the 2019 Hyperledger Hackathon |
3. Dynasty Studios:
Dynasty Studios is a game development studio based in San Francisco. It was founded in 2020 and is focused on building games that are fun and easy to play, but also offer a path to ownership for players. Players can own and trade in-game assets as NFTs, and they can earn rewards for playing the game.
Dynasty Studios is a VC-backed game company creating web3 games and shaping the future of gaming.
| Founder | Tristan Urquhart and Sam Jordan |
| Founded year | 2017 |
| Country Origin | London, England |
| Market Capitalization | Not publicly available |
| Annual Revenue | Not publicly available |
| Company CEO | Tristan Urquhart |
| Services Offer | The company offers a range of services, including blockchain game development, game design, and art direction. They also offer technology consulting services |
| Technology Stack | Unity, C#, and Ethereum |
| Clients and Partners | Ethereum, Loom Network, and EOS |
| Achievements and Awards | In 2018, they were named the “Most Innovative Blockchain Game” by Blockchain Game Alliance and were also named “Best Blockchain Startup” at the London Games Conference. In 2019, they were nominated for a “Game-Changer Award” at the Game Awards. |
4. Merge:
Merge is a decentralized gaming platform that allows players to create, own, and monetize their own games. The company was founded in 2016 by a team of entrepreneurs and game developers.
Merge is built on the Ethereum blockchain and uses the ERC-721 and ERC-1155 token standards. Players can use the platform to create games, customize game assets, and participate in the economy of the game world.
| Founder | Jesse Schell and Hal Finney. |
| Founded year | 2016 |
| Country Origin | California |
| Market Capitalization | Not publicly available |
| Annual Revenue | Not publicly available |
| Company CEO | Jesse Schell |
| Services Offer | Game development, consulting, and design. |
| Technology Stack | Unity, C#, and Ethereum. |
| Clients and Partners | the United States Air Force, The Walt Disney Company, and Microsoft. |
| Achievements and Awards | In 2018, they were named the “Most Innovative Game Development Company” by the Game Developers Conference. They were also named “Best Game Development Studio” by the Los Angeles Business Journal. In 2019, they were named “Rising Star in Games” by the Bay Area News Group. |
5. Dapper labs:
Dapper Labs is a Canadian company that was founded in 2018. The company is focused on building a new type of gaming experience, one that gives players true ownership of their in-game assets.
Dapper Labs is based in Vancouver, Canada, and it’s one of the most well-known blockchain gaming companies in the world.
| Founder | Roham Gharegozlou and Jeremy Born |
| Founded year | 2018 |
| Country Origin | Vancouver, Canada |
| Market Capitalization | Not publicly available |
| Annual Revenue | Not publicly available |
| Company CEO | Roham Gharegozlou |
| Services Offer | Creation of digital collectibles, blockchain game development, and consulting. |
| Technology Stack | Ethereum, IPFS, and Solidity |
| Clients and Partners | NBA, UFC, and Ubisoft |
| Achievements and Awards | In 2019, they were named the “Company of the Year” by Blockchain Game Alliance. In 2020, they were named the “Most Innovative Blockchain Company” by CNBC. |
Top Web3 Gaming Investors
- Matt Huang: is an Angel, Investor, VC and a Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Paradigm.
- Morgan Beller: is a VC, Angel and Investor. He’s the General Partner at NFX.
- Fred Ehrsam: is an Investor, VC, Angel and a Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Paradigm.
- James Currier: is a VC, Investor, Angel and General Partner at NFX.
- Sandeep Nailwal: is an Investor and Founder. He is a Co-founder & COO at Polygon (previously Matic Network)
- Daniel Museles: is a VC and Investor. He’s currently an Investor at NFX
- Amy Wu: Is an Investor,VC and Angel. She’s the General Partner at Menlo Ventures.
- Jesse Walden: is a VC, Investor and Former CEOFounder. She’s currently the Founder/Managing Partner at Variant Fund
Read more: Top 24 Best Web3 Applications (Apps) You Must Use In 2024
Best Web3 Game Development Services
1. Blockchain App Factory: Blockchain app factory is a renowned name in the realm of Web3 game development.
2. Kevuru Games: Kevuru games stands out as a leading Web3 game development company, known for its expertise in blockchain integration and decentralized gaming ecosystems.
3. Juego Studio: Juego studio is a trusted name in Web3 game development, offering comprehensive solutions for game developers looking to embrace blockchain technology.
4. Maticz: Maticz is a leading provider of Web3 game development solutions, specializing in creating scalable and secure gaming experiences powered by blockchain technology.
5. Guardian Link: Guardian link is a pioneer in Web3 game development, offering innovative solutions for game developers seeking to leverage blockchain technology.
6. ThirdWeb: Thirdweb is at the forefront of Web3 game development, driving innovation in the gaming industry through blockchain integration.
7. LeewayHertz: Leewayhertz is a leading Web3 game development company, offering end-to-end solutions for game developers looking to embrace blockchain technology.
8. Antier Solutions: Antier Solutions specializes in Web3 game development, providing comprehensive solutions for game developers seeking to integrate blockchain technology.
9. NextRope: Nextrope offers cutting-edge Web3 game development services, leveraging blockchain technology to create immersive and interactive gaming experiences.
10. Itexus: Itexus specializes in Web3 game development, offering tailored solutions for game developers seeking to integrate blockchain technology. With a focus on usability and performance, they create decentralized gaming experiences that push the boundaries of innovation in the gaming industry.
11. Unicsoft: Unicsoft provides comprehensive Web3 game development services, helping game developers harness the power of blockchain technology.
12. Solulab: Solulab is a leading Web3 game development company, offering end-to-end solutions for game developers looking to embrace blockchain technology.
13. Sara Technologies: Sara technologies specializes in Web3 game development, providing tailored solutions for game developers seeking to leverage blockchain technology.
14. Developcoins: Developcoins offers comprehensive Web3 game development services, enabling game developers to harness the power of blockchain technology. With expertise in NFT integration and decentralized finance (DeFi), they empower gaming projects to create innovative and immersive gaming experiences.
15. Bitdeal: Bitdeal is a leading provider of Web3 game development solutions, helping game developers create immersive and interactive gaming experiences powered by blockchain technology.
Top 3 Web3 Gaming Crypto and Tokens
1. Apecoin
Apecoin is a decentralized and community-driven cryptocurrency that powers the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) ecosystem. It was created by the founders of BAYC and is used to buy, sell, and trade digital goods and services within the BAYC ecosystem.
The Apecoin DAO (decentralized autonomous organization) is responsible for the governance and development of Apecoin. Holders of Apecoin can vote on proposals to change the code or direction of the project. Apecoin is an ERC-20 token built on the Ethereum blockchain. It has a fixed supply
Since its emergence it has gone on to become the largest gaming crypto by market capitalization, currently sitting at $1.26 billion in value.
2. Decentraland
Decentraland is a virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain. It’s made up of parcels of land, each represented by a non-fungible token (NFT) on the Ethereum blockchain. Each parcel of land can be owned by a user and can be developed or sold to other users.
Decentraland uses its native token, MANA, for all transactions within the platform. MANA is used to buy and sell parcels of land, as well as to pay for in-game items and services. It’s also used to vote on proposals to change the rules of the game.
Decentraland is one of the most popular crypto games out there. It is an open-source 3D virtual world platform where players can purchase virtual plots of land as an NFT with the MANA cryptocurrency.
3. The Sandbox
The Sandbox is a decentralized virtual world where players can create, share, and monetize their own voxel-based gaming experiences. Players can create and customize their own avatars, build structures, and interact with other players in the virtual world.
The Sandbox uses a token called SAND, which is an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. SAND is used for in-game purchases, to create and customize avatars, and to interact with other players. It’s also used to participate in the governance of the platform.
The Sandbox, which uses the SAND gaming tokens is a game that came out all the way back in 2012 and is among one of the most popular ones to this day.
Read more: Top 10 Best Web3 Apps To Earn Money In 2024
Web3 Gaming Jobs
- Blockchain Developer: The Blockchain developer role is one of the most in-demand jobs in Web 3.0. As a Blockchain developer, you will be responsible for developing Blockchain applications as well as managing them.
- Blockchain Architect: Blockchain architects are in high demand in the Web3 era. As businesses race to adopt Blockchain technology, they will need people who can design and build Blockchain applications.
- Decentralized Application (dApp) Developer: Decentralized application developers are responsible for developing applications that are run on a decentralized network. dApp developers are in high demand in the Web3 era as more businesses move towards decentralized applications.
- Metaverse Developer: Metaverse developers are responsible for developing and managing applications that use the Metaverse Blockchain.
- NFT Developer: An NFT developer is someone who creates and manages non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs are unique digital assets used to represent various things, such as assets, collecHitibles, or digital rights.
- Front-end Developer: As a front-end developer, you will be responsible for developing the user interface of web applications. You will need to have experience in programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Back-end Developer: As a back-end developer, you will be creating the back-end of web applications, and you should have experience in coding languages like Python, PHP, and Ruby on Rails.
- Blockchain Data Engineer: The job role of a Blockchain data engineer is to manage and process data on the Blockchain. Blockchain data engineers are responsible for managing and processing data on the Blockchain
- UX UI Designer: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers are responsible for creating a smooth and intuitive user experience for web applications. They are in charge of designing the user interface for online applications.
- Product Manager: The job role of a product manager is to manage the development and execution of a product. They are also required to communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage a team of developers.
Web3 Gaming Platform
1. Gala Games:
Gala Games is featured on almost any top Web3 gaming list. Gala Games is a Web3 gaming platform dedicated to building communities and returning ownership to players through Play-to-Earn and blockchain-based games.
Some of the most popular games on the platform are The Walking Dead: Empires, Spider Tanks, Fortitude, and Battlestar Galactica. The Gala Games platform also has a native token, GALA. GALA tokens are used to incentivize players and secure the network.
2. Ethereum:
Ethereum, a supercomputer rather than a platform, is one of the pioneers in the sector of Web3 gaming thanks to the introduction of smart contracts and Decentralized Applications (Dapps).
The development of Web3 gaming and the start of it all was due to the significant success of the well-known game CryptoKitties, which allows users to collect and breed digital cats. Web3 gaming titles are featured on the Ethereum mainnet.
3. Dapper Labs:
Dapper Labs is a major contributor to the development of Web3 gaming. They created a blockchain-based network, Flow, that allows players to easily access Web3 games with the convenience of traditional online gaming platforms and the innovation of Web3 and blockchain.
The Web3 gaming platform also facilitates the beta testing of blockchain-based games and offers users a diverse array of payment methods to enhance their overall experience of gaming in Web3.
4. Horizon Blockchain Games Inc:
Horizon Blockchain Games also emerged as one of the top names in the industry by developing a blockchain-based platform for Web3 games.
Horizon Blockchain Games is an all-in-one development and smart wallet platform allowing studios to build games and players to enter Web3 gaming and easily access many Free-to-Play Blockchain games.
Horizon Blockchain Game acts both as a development platform and a game studio that allows players to play the game and buy, sell, and trade in-game items they own.
5. Mythical Games:
Mythical Games is not a Web3 gaming platform, but it is a prominent Web3 gaming company behind the title Blankos Block Party — a multiplayer open-world game where players can create their games with NFTs.
The development team behind Mythical Games and their Web3 title, composed of seasoned devs and game dev professionals who previously worked on titles like Call of Duty, this Web3 gaming studio is emerging as one of the top Web3 gaming companies.
6. OpenSea:
OpenSea is a prominent online marketplace for buying, selling, and trading digital assets, particularly non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
NFTs are unique digital tokens that represent ownership of specific digital or physical items, and have gained significant popularity in various applications, including the gaming industry.
OpenSea has become a prominent player in the industry, hence finding its way to being one of the favorite marketplaces of Web3 Players.
7. Nalikes Studio:
Nalikes Studio is making waves in the Web3 gaming industry with the team’s innovative approach to blockchain-based games.
They are committed to creating immersive gaming experiences that leverage blockchain technology to enhance gameplay and ownership for players.
8. Nakamoto Games:
Nakamoto Games is a formidable player in the Web3 gaming arena. The company takes inspiration from the cryptocurrency world and combines it with cutting-edge gaming concepts.
Nakamoto Games’ Nakamoto Junction is a blockchain-based virtual world where players can interact, trade, and participate in various gaming activities while earning cryptocurrencies. With a strong focus on decentralized finance (DeFi) integration, Nakamoto Games is at the forefront of shaping the future of Web3 gaming.
9. Vulcan Forged:
Vulcan Forged is a prominent Web3 gaming platform that strongly emphasizes blockchain technology and the creation of unique NFT-based assets. This platform offers various games.
Vulcan Forged’s commitment to empowering players with true ownership of in-game assets has garnered them a dedicated community and a reputation as a trailblazer in the Web3 gaming space.
10. Enjin:
Enjin is a household name in the Web3 gaming industry, known for its comprehensive suite of tools and solutions for developers looking to integrate blockchain into their games. Enjin’s platform allows game creators to mint NFTs, manage digital assets, and build immersive experiences for players.
11. Avalanche:
Avalanche is not just a blockchain platform but also a hub for Web3 gaming innovation. Developers on Avalanche can create decentralized applications (DApps) and games that benefit from the platform’s high throughput and low transaction fees.
The Avalanche ecosystem has witnessed the emergence of Web3 gaming projects like Spore and Penguin Party, showcasing the scalability and flexibility of the platform for creating engaging blockchain-based games.
12. Polygon:
Polygon, formerly known as Matic Network, has become a pivotal player in the Web3 gaming space due to its scalability and interoperability solutions.
Many Web3 gaming projects have chosen Polygon to build upon, it has the ability to provide a seamless and cost-effective blockchain experience.
Web3 Gaming Projects
- Sorare: Sorare helps you experience fantasy sports through a virtual game.
- Planet IX: Planet IX is the biggest GameFi platform on the entire Polygon blockchain.
- Aurory: Aurory is a play-to-earn Japanese role playing game built on Solana.
- DeFi Land: DeFi Land is a multi-chain agriculture-simulation game that simplifies interaction with DeFi apps.
- Zed Run: Zed Run, a Web3 digital horse racing game, uses play to earn tokenomics to incentivize gameplay.
- STEPN: STEPN is the world’s first move-to-earn game requiring users to walk or run in NFT sneakers.
- Faraland: Launched on BSC, Faraland is a strategic turn-based fantasy role playing game with crypto rewards.
- Alien Worlds: Alien Worlds, a sci-fi fantasy crypto game, uses in-game NFTs that players use to solve missions.
- Aavegotchi: Aavegotchi is a play-to-earn RPG collectible NFT game with gamified DeFi functionality.
- Splinterlands: Splinterland is a trading card game for Web3 where players can collect, trade, and battle.
- DeFi Kingdoms: Defi Kingdoms, the largest blockchain game on Harmony, aims to gamify decentralized finance.
- CryptoKitties: CryptoKitties is an Ethereum-based game focused on collecting, trading, and breeding NFT cats.
- Crabada: Crabada is the most popular play-to-earn game on Avalanche focused on undersea adventures.
- Decentraland: Decentraland is a virtual world built on Ethereum where users can create and monetize content
Best Web3 Gaming Influencers to Follow
- Vitalik Buterin: The first entry among the most popular web3 influencers in 2023 was Vitalik Buterin. He is the creator of Ethereum.
Vitalik Buterin has more than 3.6 million followers on Twitter, and he uses his social media clout to share his opinions on various aspects of the crypto and blockchain world.
- Changpeng Zhao: The co-founder of Binance, one of the largest crypto exchanges, Changpeng Zhao, also finds his way among the top influencers in web3 and crypto. Also known as CZ in the crypto community, the CEO of Binance stands true to his reputation as a web3 influencer. CZ shares valuable insights about cryptocurrencies, the metaverse and NFTs.
- Punk6529: Another popular addition among web3 influencers you must look for in 2023 would refer to Punk6529. The anonymous NFT influencer has garnered significant clout in the web3 community with his progressive views on web3.
Punk6529 aims to ward off all apprehensions regarding production in web3 and foster community efforts in the development of an open and decentralized metaverse. The identity of Punk6529 as one of the popular web3 influencers in 2023 is strengthened further by the fact that he owns a massive collection of renowned NFTs.
- Gary Vaynerchuk: Gary Vaynerchuck, or Gary Vee, is one of the most active web3 influencers you must follow in 2023. The initiatives by Gary Vee validate his claim as one of the popular web3 influencers right now.
Gary Vee shares insights on general topics such as entrepreneurship and positive lifestyle choices alongside interviews with industry experts in web3 and crypto.
- Balaji Srinivasan: The list of popular web3 influencers also includes Balaji Srinivasan, the ex-CTO of Coinbase. He is serving as a General Partner at VC firm, a16z or Andreessen Horowitz and has around 660,000 followers on Twitter.
Balaji Srinivasan qualifies as one of the most popular web3 influencers in 2023 for his insights on the power of web3 and the crypto market. He is also active on LinkedIn and uses his blog to communicate his opinions.
- Anthony Pompliano: Anthony Pompliano is another popular and influential name in the domain of web3 and blockchain. Anthony Pompliano utilizes media exposure to talk about the latest events and trends in web3.
He has been one of the top web3 influencers people follow to understand the effect of web3. The social media presence of Anthony across Instagram and LinkedIn help him get his views through to a larger audience.
- Chris Dixon: The top names among popular web3 influencers also include Chris Dixon, a partner at VC firm Andreessen Horowitz or a16z.
Chris Dixon is a staunch web3 supporter and uses his following on Twitter to communicate his insights on the industry. He also uses his blog to present extensive accounts of the impact of web3 in revolutionizing the internet.
- Ty Smith: The CEO of Coinbound, Ty Smith, is also a deserving candidate among the top web3 marketing influencers you must follow in 2023.
Coinbound is the most popular web3 marketing agency, which has represented some of the big names in web3, such as Tron, Metamask, Litecoin and Cosmos.
- Ben Armstrong: Ben Armstrong is an emerging Web3 influencer who has an exceptional performance in garnering a massive follower base. Ben Armstrong is a content creator and crypto enthusiast with around 860,000 followers on Twitter.
As one of the most popular web3 influencers in 2023, Ben had a promising journey since his beginnings in 2018. He shares the latest crypto news and trends alongside reviews of web3 projects.
- Benjamin Cowen: The final addition to the list of top web3 is Benjamin Cowen. The web3 influencer has gained a distinct reputation for an academic approach to daily events in the progression of blockchain.
Benjamin Cowen is one of the popular web3 influencers you can trust to learn about web3 without worrying about technicalities.
Read more: 35 Top Web3 Startups That Are Revolutionizing Different Industries In 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Web3 gaming?
A: Web3 gaming is a new generation of gaming experiences built on decentralized, blockchain-based platforms. It combines gaming with the unique features of blockchain technology, such as secure and transparent transactions, digital asset ownership, and decentralized governance.
Q: How does Web3 gaming work?
A: Web3 games are built on top of blockchain platforms like Ethereum. They use smart contracts to create, store, and manage game assets, currencies, and characters. These digital assets are owned by players and can be traded on decentralized marketplaces.
Q: How is Web3 gaming different from traditional gaming?
A: Traditional gaming relies on centralized servers and platforms, where players do not truly own their in-game assets. Web3 gaming, on the other hand, leverages blockchain technology to create decentralized platforms that allow players to own, trade, and monetize their in-game assets. This creates a more equitable gaming ecosystem where players have greater control over their gaming experiences.
Q: Are Web3 games free to play?
A: Web3 games may have different models, and some games may be free to play. However, players may need to purchase in-game assets, such as characters, items, or currency, using cryptocurrencies or fiat money. The cost of entry may vary depending on the game and the assets required to play.
Q: What are the benefits of Web3 gaming?
A: Web3 gaming offers several benefits, including:
True digital asset ownership: Players can own and trade in-game assets on decentralized marketplaces, creating new revenue streams for gamers.
Transparency and security: Blockchain technology ensures that all transactions are transparent and secure, reducing the risk of fraud or hacking.
Decentralized governance: Players can participate in decision-making processes within the game, creating a more democratic gaming ecosystem.
