What is missing in the whole chain game?

Written by: Stokasz

Compiled by: MetaCat

Call to Action: What else do we need in the current infrastructure to quickly create outstanding on-chain games, and what else do we need to take off? What are we still waiting for?

I am asked multiple times each week: "Stokasz, what do we need to drive the development of on-chain games and achieve mass adoption in crypto? What part of the infrastructure is still missing?"

I am optimistic about the current landscape of on-chain game infrastructure. Technologies for on-chain game engines (MUD, Dojo, World Engine, Curio's efforts, Playmint, and Proof of Play's proprietary technologies) are advancing, making it increasingly easier to create on-chain games within a few months (though companies are also raising the standards of possibilities). As we focus on more challenging designs, the development time for simple features is decreasing.

I believe you can already use cutting-edge engine technology to create a game that generates over $20 million in revenue. More importantly, for several specific types of games, I believe this became possible between March and April 2023. We just don't know how to achieve profitability (but the infrastructure is ready, and some projects have proven this, though they have not yet achieved commercial success).

I think the biggest challenge we face is: how to design on-chain games that users want to play and are willing to pay for.

So what do we still need? The honest answer is: I have an intuition about what constitutes "the best" design, and I am excited to see us and other companies experimenting and iterating. However, something is still missing; after "The Dark Forest," we have not seen any on-chain games gain widespread attention in the crypto space.

We need more on-chain games ready for mainnet deployment. As it stands, the longer we stay in testnets and game testing, the longer it will take to scale and accelerate.

Builders - take your on-chain games to the mainnet. Let users tell us their feedback on the games and features. Show them digital physics, permanence, risk games, and composable design. Let players play together!

What else?

We need a model that can combine excellent design, novel technology, and player interest. Launch fairly, with a lower initial valuation, similar to what happened in the DeFi space in 2019.

To summarize, what are we currently missing?

• Game design
• Mainnet release
• Token models

The sooner we address these issues, the sooner revenue will flow in, and research will accelerate.

About the Author

Stokasz has always been inclined to participate in blockchain-based activities, a journey that began with his early involvement in DeFi and its large-scale utilization. He then began exploring NFTs and GameFi. However, he gradually realized that the potential of these projects was somewhat constrained by technological limitations. They primarily focused on financial applications, representing assets merely through images (like PFPs) or wrapped DeFi (like GameFi).

A desire for broader possibilities led him to take a new direction: integrating on-chain multiplayer games. He views these games as a key step toward achieving a larger goal, which is ultimately to create a fully on-chain digital world. Using these multiplayer games as foundational elements, he aims to pave the way for what he believes will be a revolutionary evolution in the blockchain technology space.

Through on-chain multiplayer games, he is venturing into uncharted territory, attempting to push the boundaries of what can be achieved within the blockchain space. This progress not only represents a personal journey but also signifies a broader movement to unleash the full potential of blockchain technology in creating immersive and interactive digital experiences.