# Gaming and Cryptocurrency: A Trend or a Way of Life?
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Chapter 1: The Rise of Cryptocurrency in Gaming
The gaming industry has emerged as an exciting new frontier for blockchain and cryptocurrency assets. Various platforms, including Decentraland, Sandbox, and Gala Games, have seen significant growth in recent months, with their associated cryptocurrencies reaching all-time highs. While this surge indicates a growing interest, it raises questions about the longevity and unique value propositions of these platforms.
Section 1.1: Decentraland—A Virtual Playground
Decentraland (MANA) is a digital universe where users can explore, buy virtual land, create mini-games, and socialize with others. Currently, it stands out as the leading blockchain gaming platform. Having personally registered and explored the environment, I must admit I was underwhelmed. Despite the buzz surrounding it, I found the graphics lacking, and the virtual world failed to leave a lasting impression.
Much of what Decentraland offers can also be experienced in games like The SIMS, which appears to have heavily influenced its design. Players begin in a central plaza, learning the game’s basics before being free to navigate the world. During my exploration, I encountered several mini-games, houses, and a casino. However, the mini-games felt like typical mobile-style puzzle and arcade games, lacking innovation. The houses, while creatively designed, were static and offered little interaction. The casino, too, was disappointing—offering only a raffle system that required converting MANA to another cryptocurrency, a costly endeavor at $150. Overall, my experience left much to be desired, and I haven’t returned since.
Section 1.2: Sandbox—Building and Gaming
Similar to Decentraland, Sandbox (SAND) allows players to purchase land tiles (often priced out of reach for average users) and create their own interactive experiences. However, it leans more towards gaming rather than virtual living. Like Decentraland, Sandbox operates on the Ethereum blockchain, and unfortunately, it also suffers from a lack of engaging content. Players mainly run around and engage with community-created games, most of which are mere replicas of established titles.
Subsection 1.2.1: Gala Games—The Future of Gaming?
Gala Games (GALA) differentiates itself by focusing solely on gaming, with no overarching virtual world for avatars. Think of it as a blockchain-enabled version of Steam. The platform heavily incorporates NFTs, enhancing the gaming experience with unique assets. In my view, Gala Games offers the most entertaining titles compared to Decentraland and Sandbox, although many games still resemble existing arcade-style games. One popular offering is a farming simulator reminiscent of Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon. Despite being enjoyable, these titles lack unique features that players can't find elsewhere. It would be interesting if players could sell in-game produce for real-world cash or GALA tokens.
Even though Gala operates on its own blockchain, transaction fees remain relatively high, which is discouraging. To promote blockchain gaming, initial fees need to be low to attract a wider audience. High costs deter potential players who are hesitant to invest heavily in a gaming platform. In contrast, traditional console gaming typically requires a one-time payment of around $60 for a game, with optional DLC that incurs no extra fees beyond sales tax. While I understand the platform's need to manage its in-game economy, charging $20 per transaction is not a sustainable approach.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
In summary, cryptocurrencies tied to gaming undeniably have a promising future. I envision e-sports hosting competitions with prizes in both fiat currency and cryptocurrency. Additionally, rewarding players for completing quests or tasks with in-game cryptocurrency for skins and weapons could enhance engagement. Nonetheless, the current iterations of GameFi may only attract early adopters. Many of these platforms are free to explore, so if you haven’t tried them yet, I encourage you to do so. Keep an eye out for my upcoming “How to Get Started” guides.
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