Blockchain in Gaming

The Madeira Blockchain 2023, held from November 30 to December 1, served as a critical nexus for exploring the burgeoning integration of blockchain technology in gaming. This second edition of the event, as reported by Cointelegraph, delved into the regional Web3 developments and Portugal’s ambitious plans to attract startups and tech talent to foster a digital age economy.

Gaming Studios’ Subtle Blockchain Integration

A pivotal roundtable at the conference brought to light the intricate challenges gaming studios face in weaving blockchain technology into their games. The hurdles range from garnering acceptance among developers, players, and publishers to the internal communication within teams about the technology’s potential.

Redcatpig, a Web3 game development studio, exemplifies this journey. CEO Marco Bettencourt shared insights into the internal struggles of convincing his team about the benefits blockchain could bring to gaming. This forward-thinking approach is evident in their upcoming blockchain-based game, HoverShock, slated for a 2024 release. The game promises NFT-based skins and drones, tradeable within an in-game marketplace and purchasable with fiat or cryptocurrencies.

Yet, despite Redcatpig’s in-depth work in blockchain integration, they strategically steer clear of overusing related buzzwords. Bettencourt emphasized the need for a subtle approach: gamers should focus on the ownership and tradeability aspects of in-game items, rather than getting bogged down by the technicalities of Web3 or blockchain.

Industry Backlash and Forward Movement

VEU, another innovative studio, also faced a backlash for its foray into blockchain. Specializing in AI-powered virtual world navigation solutions, the Los Angeles-based company experienced community resistance when introducing blockchain elements. Chief Product Officer Nuno Rivotti echoed a similar sentiment to Redcatpig’s, advocating for a focus on the end product rather than the underlying technology.

Despite these challenges, the integration of blockchain in gaming continues unabated, especially in Portugal. The technology is emerging as a cornerstone of gaming product development and government investment strategies. The eGames Lab, a consortium of 22 entities, is spearheading this movement by supporting the video game industry’s push towards internationalization.

Pedro Dominguinhos, president of the National Monitoring Commission for the Recovery and Resilience Plan in Portugal, highlighted the government’s commitment. He outlined a comprehensive agenda for blockchain that includes aspects of training, research and development, software production, and marketing.

The integration of blockchain in gaming, as seen in the discussions at Madeira Blockchain 2023, is less about the hype and more about the practical, user-centric application. Studios like Redcatpig and VEU are at the forefront of this quiet revolution, focusing on delivering enhanced gaming experiences without overwhelming users with jargon. This approach may well be the key to wider acceptance and deeper integration of blockchain in the gaming world, marking a new era of technological evolution that prioritizes usability and experience over buzzwords.