History of Blockchain Gaming
TAKE3, 18 April 2024
Blockchain gaming is a groundbreaking innovation that merges the decentralised power of blockchain technology with the immersive worlds of video games. Emerging in the mid-2010s, blockchain games introduced new possibilities for player ownership, digital asset trading, and play-to-earn economies. Early experiments, like CryptoKitties, showcased the potential of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to create unique, tradable in-game items. Over the years, blockchain gaming has evolved into a thriving ecosystem, blending decentralised finance, metaverse experiences, and cross-chain interoperability. While still in its infancy, blockchain gaming is reshaping how players engage with and benefit from video games in Web3.
PLAYA3ULL GAMES has detailed the meteoric rise of blockchain gaming below!
Early blockchain gaming experiments (2013–2017)
The early days of blockchain gaming, from 2013 to 2016, were marked by experimentation and a focus on showcasing the potential of blockchain technology in gaming.
One of the first notable examples was Huntercoin (2014), a multiplayer online game that utilised the Bitcoin blockchain. Players collected in-game coins, which could be converted into cryptocurrency, by competing in a decentralised environment where every move was recorded on-chain. These early games were simple, often limited by the technology of the time, and primarily targeted blockchain enthusiasts.
Ethereum Smart Contracts and Cryptokitties (2015–2017)
The launch of Ethereum in 2015 revolutionised blockchain gaming by introducing smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing programmes stored on the blockchain and can be compared to a binding physical contract that states when an agreement is reached, an action will follow. Ethereum enabled developers to create decentralised applications (dApps) with more complex functionalities. This innovation laid the foundation for blockchain-based games where in-game assets could be tokenised as NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
One of the most influential blockchain games leveraging NFTs was CryptoKitties, which was launched in 2017. The game allowed players to collect, breed, and trade virtual cats, representing each cat as a unique NFT on the Ethereum blockchain. CryptoKitties became a sensation and showcased the potential of blockchain to create digital economies. The surge in transactions from CryptoKitties caused severe network congestion, leading to slower transaction times and higher gas fees. This highlighted the limitations of early blockchain technology and sparked a push for solutions like layer-2 scaling and more efficient protocols to support the growing demand for blockchain gaming.
Rise of Play-to-Earn (2021–2022)
The play-to-earn (P2E) gaming model took centre stage between 2021 and 2022, transforming how players engaged with games by allowing them to earn cryptocurrency as a reward for playing the game. At the forefront of this movement was Axie Infinity, a blockchain game that lets players breed, battle, and trade virtual creatures called Axies, represented as NFTs. Players could control the Axie supply and sell their unique Axies in the marketplace for Ethereum. With the introduction of their Ethereum sidechain, Ronin, transaction fees were much lower and faster than Ethereum’s layer-1 blockchain. Axie Infinity became particularly popular in countries like the Philippines, where the earnings often surpassed local wages.
The rise of P2E gaming also saw the emergence of game guilds like Yield Guild Games (YGG), which further expanded the ecosystem. These guilds acted as decentralised organisations that pooled resources to invest in in-game assets (via profit-sharing systems), leasing them to players who couldn’t afford the upfront costs. By creating these scholarships and profit-sharing systems, guilds enabled more players to join the P2E movement and kicked off a big year of Venture Capital funding into P2E.
The P2E model eventually disbanded due to unsustainable economic structures prioritising speculation over gameplay. Once token values plummeted, player interest dwindled with them.
New blockchain games with fun at its core (2023 and beyond)
From 2023 onwards, blockchain gaming began prioritising fun and gameplay over purely financial incentives. Web3 video games have been developing for over a year or two and aim to appeal to traditional gamers and blockchain enthusiasts. Games like NEXUS and ORDINEM use multiplayer as the core element and provide an incredible user experience. P2E elements are still in effect to support those in developing countries, but the emphasis has shifted back to fun and immersive games. This is the way video games were designed to be. The future of blockchain gaming is bright by mixing the best elements of Web2 and Web3 video games.
What a blast from the past that was, right? We hope this blog helped you appreciate the journey of blockchain gaming and the improvements made over time for new blockchain games.
Until next time, gamers - GG Well Played!
Want to experience the thrill of another Web3 game called NEXUS with others? The third-person MOBA is free to play now on the Epic Games Store. Download it here.
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TAKE3, 09 January 2025
BIG Updates and 3ULLISH Upgrades | December 2024 Recap | PLAYA3ULL GAMES
Welcome to the December monthly recap by PLAYA3ULL GAMES! Here, we’ll give you updates on each game, team, partnerships, and other exciting events happening for PLAYA3ULL GAMES (PG). These include new updates to ORDINEM, STARVIN MARTIAN, and WAR OF STEEL. Previews of new concept art and 3ULLISH Web3 Gaming information that will surely get you amped for the future!
ORDINEM
Fight casually or in a dedicated ranked mode in ORDINEM.
ORDINEM lets you command one of five mythical factions, using your deck of cards to cast spells and summon creatures.
Summon your eyes on these updates:
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Player names are now displayed clearly in the game battles.
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A new custom cursor has been introduced with a sleek gold design.
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Two new battle modes are now available. Casual and Ranked. Ranked provides the perfect mode for competitive players looking to beat the best in ORDINEM.
STARVIN MARTIAN
A new view of terrain and colonies!
Build your farming empire on Mars with STARVIN MARTIAN. Through challenges and rewards, expand your holdings by growing intriguing alien crops and raising exotic livestock.
Voyage into the latest updates:
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More in-game assets that expand the library of objects and buildings for STARVIN MARTIAN.
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Preview of updated terrain and colonies to show off the dynamic and immersive environments.
WAR OF STEEL
The Oni mech is a chill guy waiting for battle.
WAR OF STEEL delivers fast-paced Battle Royale action, combining quick decisions, lightning reflexes, and explosive mech combat.
Dive into its highly anticipated updates:
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New HD renders of the submachine gun with three different colour schemes.
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More beautiful art of the WAR OF STEEL mechs.
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A full textured HD render exclusive look at the Oni mech. An all-rounder mech to control the battlefield.
GLOBAL BLOCKCHAIN SHOW
PLAYA3ULL GAMES showcased our awesome ecosystem in Dubai at the Global Blockchain Show on December 12th and 13th. Our founder, 0ld3ULL, shared the stage with Yat Siu, David Palmer, Johnson Yeh, and Mia Soarez to discuss the open metaverse and Web3 gamification. A later blog will provide more information about the show.
0ld3ULL’s final thoughts about 30 games in 10 years
Watch 0ld3ULL’s full thoughts in the video above.
0ld3ULL outlines his key crypto and Web3 gaming takeaways to propel us into 2025.
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There’s a misunderstanding that PLAYA3ULL GAMES will make 30 games; we also can purchase games.
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Certain new blockchain games will vary in development time.
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We haven’t advertised to more players yet, as we are working on the stability of our current games.
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Building the Web3 capabilities on the PLAYA3ULL GAMES blockchain so other Web3 gaming studios can build on our system.
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0ld3ULL predicts over 300 new games could be playable in the PLAYA3ULL GAMES ecosystem in the near future.
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Potential tournaments for NEXUS and ORDINEM are being discussed, along with big prizes.
What a way to end 2024 for us! We’re extra 3ULLISH running into 2025 with more big games coming out and even bigger surprises around the corner.
With so much going on, stay in touch via Discord to find all the information you need about our upcoming games.
Did you know that we also release weekly video updates? Watch the video below for more sneak peeks of the fantastic games that PLAYA3ULL GAMES are releasing next.
Subscribe to the PLAYA3ULL GAMES YouTube Channel to catch our weekly updates on our games.
Until next time, gamers - GG Well Played!
Want to experience the thrill of a Web3 game called NEXUS with others? The third-person MOBA is free to play now on the Epic Games Store. Download it here.
TAKE3, 20 December 2024
Top 8 Blockchain Game Companies You MUST FOLLOW
With so many new blockchain game companies formulating over the years, finding good, reliable companies to trust can be daunting. With the inception of blockchain technology and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), video games now have a way to verify ownership and give power back to the players. But what are some great companies to begin your Web3 gaming adventure with?
Below is a list of 8 blockchain game companies leading the charge.
PLAYA3ULL GAMES
PLAYA3ULL GAMES is a blockchain game company that is making waves by planning to release 30 games in 10 years. They already have two games out on the Epic Games Store, including NEXUS and ORDINEM, and they are simultaneously working on more innovative games. PLAYA3ULL GAMES is unique because they have their own subnet on Avalanche, and all games integrate their native in-game currency 3ULL Coin. Creating exciting multiplayer games of popular genres, PLAYA3ULL GAMES are constantly pushing the boundaries and even have a new AI division that will speed up game production and give players unique interactions in-game. Check them out if you haven’t already.
Notable Games - NEXUS, ORDINEM, DOGS OF WAR, STARVIN MARTIAN, and WAR OF STEEL.
Gunzilla Games
Gunzilla Games has dived into 2024 with an absolute bang. Their early access game Off the Grid has captured the attention of everyday gamers with the inclusion of popular Twitch streamers and a combination of proven game genres. The addition of NFTs has yet to be implemented in the game, which may deter traditional Web2 gamers from continuing. Still, Gunzilla Games has again shown the power of good blockchain game companies.
Notable Games - Off the Grid and TECHNOCORE.
Illuvium
Illuvium is the first blockchain game with a AAA video game budget. The community helps guide the direction of Illuvium, bolstering a thriving ecosystem with internal councils and decision-makers. The three games under the Illuvium umbrella help capture different audiences and game styles while providing in-game assets that convert to the next game. With Illuvium: Arena already on the Epic Games Store, they are primed to make a big splash in the coming years.
Notable Games - Illuvium: Arena, Illuvium: Overworld, and Illuvium: Zero.
Sky Mavis
Sky Mavis, the studio behind the original Play-to-earn game Axie Infinity, has built itself into a self-sustainable ecosystem of dedicated Web3 gamers. Creating the popular Ethereum sidechain Ronin that hosts many up-and-coming Web3 games and Axie Infinity’s suite of branded games. They were a big deal in the 2021 Web3 gaming run and continue to show dedication in listening to their ever-growing community about the types of games their community wants.
Notable Games - Axie Infinity: Origins, Axie Infinity: Homeland, Axie Infinity: Raylights, and Axie Classic.
Dapper Labs
Dapper Labs is one of the most iconic blockchain companies to blast into the Web2/Web3 world. They are the original NFT game creators that broke the internet with Cryptokitties and supercharged mainstream NFT adoption with NBA Topshots. They continue to wow audiences with their huge collaborations with big brands like NBA, NFL, La Liga, and Disney.
Notable Games - NBA Top Shots, NFL All Day, Disney Pinnacle, and Cryptokitties.
Animoca Brands
Animoca Brands is one of the premier NFT gaming investment companies that also produces their own blockchain games. Animoca continues the drive for better digital rights in the metaverse and publishes multiple research pieces on the current state of Web3 games and ecosystems. Their smash hits include the metaverse juggernaut The Sandbox and mobile gaming giant Benji Bananas.
Notable Games - The Sandbox, Mocaverse, Revv Racing, Phantom Galaxies, and Benji Bananas.
LiquidX Studios
LiquidX Studios is a relatively new blockchain company that has taken responsibility for a fallen NFT project called Pixelmon. LiquidX Studios bought Pixelmon (the most overhyped NFT project) and is steering the game in its intended direction. More impressively, they are creating multiple mini-games under the Pixelmon IP, attracting the casual gamer audience. Diversifying out, LiquidX Studios also has an anime scheduled in 2025 under the name Stealth. This is one company not to be overlooked.
Notable Games - Pixelmon, Wardens Ascent, Warriors of Novathera, Kevin the Adventurer, and Pixel Pals.
Immutable Games
Immutable Games should need no introduction. They are one of the biggest blockchain gaming companies in Web3 and have their own Ethereum layer-2 blockchain dedicated to fostering Web3 gaming adoption. Their two mainline games are Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians, and both are making strides in the Web3 world. Immutable also hosts over 200+ games on its blockchain and is a great destination for gamers at every level.
Notable Games - Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians.
With so many exciting new blockchain companies on the rise, it’s no wonder the web3 gaming world is primed for worldwide adoption. We’ll see you next week for another deep dive into the incredible world of video games and blockchain gaming.
Until next time, gamers - GG Well Played!
Want to experience the thrill of a Web3 game called NEXUS with others? The third-person MOBA is free to play now on the Epic Games Store. Download it here.
TAKE3, 07 December 2024
Monthly Recap | November 2024 | PLAYA3ULL GAMES
Welcome to the monthly recap by PLAYA3ULL GAMES! Here, we’ll give you updates on each game, team, partnerships, and other exciting events happening for PLAYA3ULL GAMES (PG). These include new updates and concept art for our collection of games,recaps and previews of upcoming events that we’re 3ULLISH on!
Get excited, because there’s so much waiting to revealed to you, our loyal audience. Let’s 3ULL rush in!
Web3 Gaming Update - PLAYA3ULL GAMES team
We’re excited to share that we’ve hired THREE new people to the PG family this month!
The new members include:
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Senior QA Engineer.
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QA Engineer.
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Art Director for DOGS OF WAR.
Give them a warm welcome, and let’s keep pushing the boundaries of Web3 Gaming!
NEXUS
Placing a turret to beam down incoming enemies.
NEXUS is a competitive third-person Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) shooter that soared to the #1 trending game on the Epic Games Store in its first week of release.
Lock onto these exciting updates this month:
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A new and exciting first look at the revamped abilities dashboard.
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Exclusive footage of placing a turret onto a minion wave.
ORDINEM
Gaze at the upgraded ORDINEM main menu.
ORDINEM lets you command one of five mythical factions, using your deck of cards to cast spells and summon creatures.
Summon your eyes on these updates:
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The official release of ORDINEM is on Epic Games Store.
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Deck selection has been upgraded
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No more repeated cards cluttering the deck screen
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Dynamic new animation for card pack openings.
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New radial menu.
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New, cleaner icons.
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Brand new defeat screen.
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Skip the button to bypass the card opening animation.
STARVIN MARTIAN
New destructible rocks, junk, and rockets!
Build your farming empire on Mars with STARVIN MARTIAN. Through challenges and rewards, expand your holdings by growing intriguing alien crops and raising exotic livestock.
Voyage into the latest updates:
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More in-game assets: a new range of trees, coconut palms, a radioactive grapefruit tree, a plum tree, a prickly pear tree, a mining truck, a Martian mine, destructible rocks, junk, and rockets.
WAR OF STEEL
A new look at this HD render of a Mech.
WAR OF STEEL delivers fast-paced Battle Royale action, combining quick decisions, lightning reflexes, and explosive mech combat.
Dive into its highly anticipated updates:
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New concept weapons: assault rifle and shotgun.
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An exclusive clip of a mini-gun in full combat with a mech.
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New mech HD renders.
DOGS OF WAR
A blissful look at the environment of DOGS OF WAR.
DOGS OF WAR delivers stylish survival gameplay with a twist - you play as a hybrid canine-human genetically engineered for combat.
Sniff out the updates here:
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New environmental footage of the Waterfall, Small Town, Lakeside, Fishing Village, and the Mountain Caves.
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Footage of weather effects like thunder and rain.
Web3 Events Update - Aus Crypto Con 2024 recap
The PLAYA3ULL GAMES team of Michael (Credi3ULL), Ben (Transforma3ULL), Emily (Imagina3ULL), and Daelum (Likea3ULL) made the hard-to-beat 3ULLish team at the Australian Crypto Convention in Sydney, Australia, on November 23-24, 2024. PLAYA3ULL GAMES was a registration sponsor for Aus Crypto Con. This included a nifty booth, a panel talk, and a presentation about the state of crypto gaming and how PLAYA3ULL GAMES are innovating within the web3 space. We even had a mechanical 3ULL ride to celebrate the Q4 bull run!
Upcoming Web3 Event - Global Blockchain Show (Dec 12th-13th in Dubai)
PLAYA3ULL GAMES will showcase our unique ecosystem in Dubai at the Global Blockchain Show on December 12th and 13th. We’ll also have a panel discussion on Day 1 and a keynote on Day 2. Details are listed below.
Panel Discussion - Day 1
Topic: Building the Open Metaverse: Winning Web3 with Gamification
Time: 10:55 AM – 11:30 AM
Date: 12th December (Main Stage)
Panelists:
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Yat Siu, Co-Founder & Chairman, Animoca Brands
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David Palmer, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder, Vodafone’s Digital Asset Broker (DAB) Platform
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Johnson Yeh, Founder & CEO, ROEHL/Ambrus Studio
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Jonathan Bouzanquet, Chief Strategy Officer & Founder, Playa3ULL Games
Moderator: Alnura Belyalova, Director of Public Relations, INPUT Communications Agency
Keynote - Day 2
Time: 9:40 AM – 10:00 AM (20 minutes)
Date: 13th December (Main Stage)
Topic: TBA
What a big month November was for us! We’re closing out the final month of 2024 with a bang and plan on continuing our 3ULLISH run into 2025.
With so much going on, stay in touch via Discord to find all the information you need about our upcoming games.
Did you know that we also release weekly video updates? Watch the video below for more sneak peeks of the fantastic games PLAYA3ULL GAMES are releasing next.
Subscribe to the PLAYA3ULL GAMES YouTube Channel to catch our weekly updates on our games.
Until next time, gamers - GG Well Played!
Want to experience the thrill of NEXUS with others and enjoy rewards for playing? The third-person MOBA is free to play now on the Epic Games Store. Download it here.
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