Game studios are quietly integrating blockchain without the buzzword
Cointelegraph was on the ground at the second edition of Madeira Blockchain 2023, which took place between November 30 and December 1. The event showcased regional Web3 developments, as well as how the Portuguese islands are looking for startups and tech talent to grow their economy. In the digital age.
In a roundtable discussion at the conference, studios working on blockchain features discussed the challenges associated with integrating the technology into games, including acceptance from game developers, gamers and publishers.
Redcatpig is a Web3 studio focused on developing blockchain features, but the company has run into hurdles in integrating the technology into its pipeline. “One of the challenges I faced was communicating with my internal team to understand that this was the case. [blockchain] Marco Bettencourt, CEO of RedCatPig, spoke.
Developers at Redcatpig have been collaborating on blockchain gaming solutions. The company's first blockchain-based game, HoverShock, will be released in 2024 and will feature in-game indestructible skins and drones that can be traded on a marketplace and purchased with fiat or cryptocurrency.
While the studio has done extensive work on blockchain features, it has avoided jargon related to the technology. “We all know there's new technology. We all know about NFTs and proprietary technology. And you don't sell games using buzzwords.” […] Players don't need to know if it's Web3 or blockchain. The only thing they need to know is that if they buy leather, it is theirs and they can sell it tomorrow if they want,” Bettencourt added.
Another company reporting back on integrating blockchain into their development is VEU. The Los Angeles-based firm focuses on AI-powered solutions for exploring virtual worlds, but the community has not been supportive of the introduction of blockchain technology.
“Players don't even need to know what we do, they just need to know the product. […] I don't need to know about technology to use it. […] So I think that's the pivot, that's the girth that the industry has to face. Like before, other types of technology won't be accepted until people stop talking about them,” said VEU Chief Product Officer Nuno Rivotti.
Even after the backlash, game developers haven't slowed down on blockchain integration. In Portugal, the technology has become one of the most important innovations included in game production pipelines and government investment strategies through the eGames Lab, a consortium of 22 public and private entities aiming to support the internationalization of the video game industry in the country.
“There is a specific agenda for blockchain in addition to research and development, software production and marketing as part of recovery and resilience planning.” Resilience Plan (PRR) in Portugal told Cointelegraph.
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