In the competitive market of Web3 gaming, industry leaders must continuously find ways to keep their players engaged and satisfied. With the rise of blockchain-based games, there is a paradigm shift in the gaming landscape. Traditional web and mobile games are now competing with a new wave of immersive experiences that offer players full control and ownership of in-game items through the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
In this article, we’ll explore how this new economic system can transform player experiences and how game developers can leverage it to improve long-term player retention.
Community Building To Create Loyal Player Base
Being a part of a community is an inherent human need, and gaming communities are no exception. With the use of blockchain technology, players can now build their own virtual economies within the game and interact with others in a more meaningful way.
This user-driven ecosystem creates a strong sense of belonging and ownership, which leads to higher player retention rates. By fostering a supportive and engaging community, game developers can create loyal fans who will stay invested in the game for longer periods.
For example, airdrops, a common practice in Web3 gaming, can incentivize players to stay active and engaged within the community. These are free NFTs given to players as rewards for completing certain tasks or milestones within the game. This not only creates excitement and competition among players but also encourages them to continue playing in order to receive more rewards.
These loyalty programs made possible through blockchain technology can also extend to social media platforms, where players can share their in-game achievements and progress with others. This not only promotes the game but also strengthens the community around it.
Imagine a PFP NFT that is only rewarded to players who reach a certain level or complete a specific challenge. This social proof organically grows the player base and keeps them invested in the game for a longer period.
Add Real-World Value Into The Game’s Ecosystem
The gaming industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with the rise of digital assets and blockchain technology. This has led to the creation of a new gaming ecosystem that is drastically different from traditional web and mobile games.
With players now having full control over their in-game items through the use of smart contracts and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), game economies have become more complex and player-driven. This has not only opened up new opportunities for players to earn real value from their gaming experiences, but also poses unique challenges for game developers to retain their player base in the long term.
The in-game economy has been a part of many genres such as MMOs and strategy games for a long time, but the introduction of blockchain technology has taken it to a whole new level. In Web3 gaming, in-game assets hold real-world value as they can be sold and bought on secondary markets. By empowering gamers with true ownership of their in-game items, players are more invested in the game and its community.
One prime example is Star Atlas, a space-themed strategy game on the Solana blockchain. The game utilizes NFTs to represent ships, stations, and resources, creating an intricate economy where players can trade these assets with cryptocurrency which can be exchanged for fiat currency (real-world value). This not only adds depth to gameplay but also attracts players who are looking for a more meaningful gaming experience. We all need to make a living, and for some, gaming could now be a potential source of income.
Create Unique Challenges and New Experiences
Now that we’ve unlocked two key components of blockchain gaming – true ownership and real-world value, let’s dive into how these impact gameplay and create unique challenges for players. In traditional games, siloed economies exist, meaning players can only use in-game assets within that specific game. However, with blockchain gaming, these boundaries are broken as NFTs can be used across different games and platforms.
Although this opens up a whole new world of possibilities, it also presents challenges for game developers. How do they create a balanced and engaging gameplay experience while still allowing players to use their assets in different games? This is where creative thinking comes into play. Developers can design games with interoperability in mind, creating synergies between different blockchain games and allowing players to use their assets in various ways.
Whether it be a skin that works on both a MMO and a more casual game, or a rare sword that can be used in both an adventure game and a strategy game, the possibilities are endless. This not only adds excitement and variety for players but also encourages collaboration and community building within the blockchain gaming space. It also increases the potential value of the in-game item as it can be used in multiple games, making it more desirable for players.
How To Unlock New Revenue Streams with Helika
Navigating this new world of game development can be overwhelming. That’s why working with a game analytics company such as Helika can be beneficial for both game developers and players. Helika’s platform offers real-time data analysis of player behavior, providing insights on how to optimize gameplay experience and monetize the game effectively.
We’ve worked with major studios such as Maplestory, Ubisoft, Yuga Labs, Parallel and more. With a depth of knowledge when it comes to effectively implementing blockchain technology in games, Helika helps developers create more engaging and profitable games. Plus, our analytics capabilities will discover every minor detail that will make a major difference in your game.
Web3 technologies can bring upon better player retention as mentioned in this article, but other factors such as UX, UI, and reward systems are also crucial for long term success. With Helika, developers can receive actionable data to improve these elements and ultimately increase player satisfaction. For example, we’ve helped AI Arena save upwards of $300k per year, enhanced gameplay, and optimized their AI-driven battles with our advanced telemetry and analytics.
Final Thoughts
With gaming creating technology becoming more accessible along with the rise of Web3 and NFTs, the potential for game developers to unlock new revenue streams is greater than ever. However, this also creates greater competition. To stand out from the rest, better player retention rates have become ever more essential. That’s where Helika comes in – providing the necessary tools and insights to help game developers create successful and engaging games.
So, contact us today and let us help you elevate your game to the next level.
