The Index #9

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The DAO Joan Index is a daily email for crypto builders, featuring the top web3 links, news and snippets you need to read in 2 minutes per day. I also publish a twice weekly Index Letter, featuring a longer form blog post update.

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Deep-Dive: NFT Gaming 🐋

The announcement that PUBG, one of the world's most popular battle royale games, is entering the NFT market has ignited a cheeky lil’ spark of curiosity in the gaming industry. By integrating the platform Banger, PUBG is taking a huge step forward in using NFTs in gaming and could potentially revolutionize how we play. This could be a significant turning point for the gaming industry and contribute to the widespread adoption of NFTs.

Players are no longer bound by the confines of the game; they are now free to own, trade, and monetize unique and rare in-game items. These one-of-a-kind collectibles become imbued with real-world value through the integration of ledger tech. They can be bought, sold, and traded across any platform or market - giving players unparalleled control over their virtual possessions.

Game developers can already unlock new sources of revenue by creating blockchain-verified items to sell directly to players or award as prizes in special in-game events and challenges. By distributing these unique digital assets, developers can monetize their games, and players can obtain rare digital items of great value. But the acceptance of this tech remains elusive.

The influence of NFT gaming reaches far beyond the gaming sphere. Incorporating NFTs into mainstream titles like PUBG may help popularize blockchain and cryptocurrencies. As people become more accustomed to using NFTs in gaming, they may pay closer attention to the technology behind blockchain and how it can be utilized in other areas.

The danger I see in NFT gaming lies in the layers of abstraction that platforms and projects place between their users and the blockchain elements they implement. Players must understand NFT ownership and value to appropriately use digital tokens as tools and assets in gaming. It involves more than just completing some kind of an eCommerce purchase; users also need to consider how to leverage, store, sell, or transfer their goods.

The stakes of dealing with NFTs are high, and a total understanding of rights and responsibilities is paramount. Players must bear the burden of research, leaving no stone unturned to ensure the legitimacy of any project before committing their hard-earned money or tokens. Secure wallets are an absolute must, and private keys must be backed up and stored securely offline, out of the reach of hackers and malicious actors. Failing to do so could result in devastating losses.

In a challenging macro environment for both the gaming and crypto landscapes, integrating NFTs within PUBG could have far-reaching implications. As the idea of actual ownership of virtual assets becomes a reality, the doors of monetization and scarcity have been opened wide. PUBG or no PUBG, the challenges that accompany any new tech will undoubtedly present themselves during its evolution, and the web3 onboarding obstacles remain pretty fucking daunting. But the potential for NFTs to reshape digital worlds and bring new levels of ownership and control is an exhilarating prospect. The triumph of NFT gaming could lead to new and inventive applications for NFTs, potentially fuelling a new era.


QandA ⁉️

Q: How are NFTs used in gaming?

NFTs are used in gaming to provide ownership and scarcity of in-game items and content. For example, a player might purchase an NFT that represents a unique skin for their in-game character, which they can then use and potentially trade or sell.

Q: What are the benefits of using NFTs in gaming?

Some of the benefits of using NFTs in gaming include increased monetization opportunities for game developers, the ability for players to own and trade unique items with value beyond the game itself, and the potential for the creation of new and innovative gaming experiences.

Q: Are there any potential drawbacks to using NFTs in gaming?

Players need (FUCKING NEED) to have a clear understanding of the value and ownership of the NFTs they are purchasing or receiving, and to ensure that there are proper safeguards in place to prevent fraud or scams.

Q: How do NFTs differ from other in-game items or currency?

NFTs differ from other in-game items or currency in that they are unique and verified on a blockchain. This means that they cannot be substituted for other assets on a one-to-one basis and they can hold value beyond the game itself.

Q: What are some examples of popular NFT games?

Some popular NFT games include Axie Infinity, Zed Run, etc.

Q: Can players actually earn money from NFT gaming?

Yes, it is possible for players to earn money from NFT gaming. At present, the only reliable model for this is the secondary marketplace model. IE, a player might purchase an NFT for a lower price and then sell it later for a higher price if the item becomes more valuable or sought-after. There are also P2E (play to earn) platforms in NFT gaming that have grown in popularity. A cool term to describe P2E mechanisms is, of course, “Ponzi scheme.”.

Q: Is NFT gaming only for hardcore gamers?

No, NFT gaming is not just for hardcore gamers. While there are certainly games that may appeal more to hardcore gamers, the use of NFTs in gaming has the potential to create new and innovative experiences for players of all levels of expertise. TL:DR? Yes, we’re bringing back FarmVille, and yes, you are your Mum’s exit liquidity.


The Keys 🔑

  1. Follow the secondary market model: One lesson for builders in web3, particularly when it comes to NFT gaming, is the importance of following the secondary market model. This means creating in-game items or content that can be bought, sold, and traded on the open market, rather than building Ponzi games where the value of items is dependent on the success of the game itself. By following the secondary market model, builders can create more sustainable and long-term value for their products and the community.

  2. Don't abstract the blockchain too much: Another lesson for builders in web3 is to avoid abstracting the blockchain too much in their products. While it's important to make the technology accessible and user-friendly, builders should also strive to educate users about the underlying blockchain technology and the benefits it provides. By doing so, builders can help foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the technology within the community.

  3. Look to the existing game industry for partnerships, content, and experiences: Finally, builders in web3 should consider looking to the existing game industry for partnerships, content, and experiences. This could include collaborating with game developers and publishers, incorporating existing game franchises into NFT products, and leveraging the expertise and resources of the industry to create innovative and engaging gaming experiences.

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