Sky Mavis Discord Wants to Escape, SocialFi Boosts Gaming Revenue: Web3 Gamer

Web3 games won't use Discord channels forever, says Sky Mavis founder

Discord community groups for blockchain games can be overwhelming and frustrating to navigate, but don't worry—they won't last forever, according to the founder of the company behind the popular game Axie Infinity.

“The reason why these games use Discord and Telegram to build their communities is to keep a gate from these publishers or app stores, because blockchain games cannot be distributed through traditional channels like iOS like others,” SkyMavis Chief Operating Officer Alexander Larsson told Web3Gamer.

Because of this, blockchain games are at a disadvantage compared to traditional games from the start, and developers are forced to find other ways to get the word out without making mailbox flyers.

“So you're forced to build your own distribution channel so you can reach your players in the best possible way.

Video game corporation Valve has long made it clear that content related to cryptocurrencies or non-fungible tokens (NFT) is not allowed on Steam, its online retail platform.

However, Larson thinks that aggressive anti-crypto statements from game publishers will die down as blockchain gaming adoption rates increase and more popular titles emerge. When that happens, gathering a community and reaching your target audience will be easier than relying on Discord as many developers do now.

I think we'll see more in terms of game studios having distribution platforms to build their first 1,000 real fans and the first 10,000 people to reach users in a traditional way. ,” he says.

Larson knows it all too well – he's one of the co-creators behind Sky Mavis' blockchain-based gameme metaverse Axie Infinity, which boasts over 2.8 million daily active users.

Now, starting with Ronin Forge, he's using his expertise in making successful games to help developers create the next big hit.

Approved game developers will receive a $50,000 grant, technology infrastructure, and access to build on the Ronin Network, the Ethereum blockchain that hosts Axie Infinity, an early access program for experimental Web3 games.

It requires games that have the potential for mass adoption and stand the test of time.

“What we want now is to have more sustainability in these games and have these economies last longer, and that can only happen as the game prospers from a meta-game perspective,” explains Larsen.

It's also not exactly into mediocre games with fancy graphics.

“I would say we need high quality games, not high quality in terms of graphics, maybe high quality in terms of storytelling,” he says.

“I'm more interested in that than pretty graphics,” he laughs.

Ronin Forge is now accepting applications for up to six rolling teams. Ideally, applicants should have a game in late alpha or early beta stages, planning a global launch within three to six months.

The “emotional” connection of social fi is key to big money makers.

SocialFi could be the key to keeping Web3 players connected longer and making more money, said Alan Ng, co-founder of OpenSocial Protocol.

We spend a lot of time and money not being alone. “The average time and money spent on mobile games is more than consoles,” Ng told Web3 Gamer, reiterating that SocialFi – a hybrid of social media and decentralized finance (DeFi) – could be key to the growth of blockchain-based games. At the same level of success as tribes.

“From Clash of Clans to Pokemon Go, the most successful mobile games have a strong social footprint that increases user retention, gaming experience and also ARPU (average revenue per user),” he said.

Ng explains that the social aspect fosters competition among users and somehow gives them bragging rights – a big aspect of social media. He points to platforms like X as a prime example.

“X is, essentially, a social ranking game, producing a high volume of retweets, mocking or mocking an “opponent” who has a different opinion than mine,” he says.

“Web3 Social is needed to help games make transactions between each other, and not just between the players and the game,” he said.

Ng reiterates that, ultimately, when it comes to the basics of gaming, people play online games for fun with their spouses.

You are creating emotion and bonding between players or teams. It won't just be you and The Matrix,” he added.

Sure, it's fun to see all those weird usernames floating around, but the most important thing is his friend.

“Social is an important aspect of gaming. You play online games because you have friends,” he said.

OpenSocial recently launched a $15 million ecosystem fund to “power” the next generation of Web3 social apps.

Ng explains that his first decentralized application (DApp), SoMon, aka “social monster,” is a Reddit-like platform with true community ownership, UI-layer compositions, and layers of financial incentives.

“We expect strong adoption of Somo by players, not only because of the rewards and monetization mechanics, but also because it's a fun experience to talk about the games we love and meet like-minded people,” explains Ng.

Play to earn blockchain arcade runner game MetaRun, developed by Epic Games' game engine Unreal Engine 5 and powered by BNB Chain, is a very simple runner game – run as far as you can, avoid and collect enemies and items. Awards.

It's actually one of my favorites so far because for some reason, I've run into disappointing games that never satisfied me…

This game looks simple, but you know how it goes. Fall on a stick, start over. Hit the enemy, start again. Hit a new high, spend the next hours trying to hit it, fall on another stick, repeat.

If you're into popular arcade racers like Temple Run, Jetpack Joyride or Subway Surfers, this game might be worth a go if you want to earn some crypto for the time being.

You can accumulate OPAL crypto tokens to win runner battles. You can also build your NFT character by entering battles and then sell your NFT on the MetaRun marketplace or hold it.

Compared to the same old maps you see in other arcade runner games, there are a variety of different maps that add a lot more substance to the game.

These maps are more detailed than those in other runner games.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm sprinting through Europe; Another time, in the forest.

The audio and style reminds me of Crash Bandicoot. If you're a fan of the '96 classic, you might feel a little nostalgic for that mom's basement.

The graphics are sharper than Crash Bandicoot, but let's face it – arcade runner games like this don't need mind-blowing graphics to be fun.

Other news

– Sky Mavis has announced that it has received $5.7 million from the infamous Ronin Bridge hack in 2022 with the help of Norwegian authorities.

– Metaverse company The Sandbox has dropped $20 million in funding for a billion dollar valuation cap.

– The Arbitrum Foundation, responsible for Arbitrum, an Ethereum-based layer-2 network, has decided to distribute 225 million Arbitrum (ARB) tokens, valued at approximately $215 million, over three years through the newly established Game Catalyst Program. .

— American fast food chain McDonald's has launched “My Happy Place” Metaverse in Singapore, allowing locals to build virtual burgers and participate in other activities.

Subscribe

A very engaging read in Blockchain. It is given once a week.

Ciaran Lyon

Ciaran Lyons is an Australian crypto journalist. He is also a freelance comedian and has been a radio and TV presenter on Triple J, SBS and The Project.