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When you think of Web3 or blockchain games, you probably think of the term Play-to-Earn. This is a trend that has taken the industry by storm in 2021 with games like Axie Infinity skyrocketing in popularity and his Web3 game guild like YGG exploding and playing. – Earning was all the rage.
In 2022, the phenomenon continued with other types of play-to-earn games, such as STEPN coming onto the scene, allowing users to earn crypto by gamifying their exercises. Users on the Internet were clamoring for “scholarships” from the web3 games guild to earn money playing online games.
However, players are leaving the top play-to-earning games due to the inability to sustain value in both token prices and in-game NFTs. The chart below shows the rise and fall of his daily player base for Axie Infinity, peaking in early 2022.
However, two established players in the cryptocurrency industry are trying to change the game when it comes to web3 games. Polkastarter and Swissborg have formed two gaming entities, Polkastarter Gaming and Xborg respectively, that are turning the entire blockchain gaming space upside down.
CryptoSlate recently spoke with both Polkastarter Head of Gaming Omar Ghanem and Xborg founder Louis Regis, and the synergy between the two brands was clear. Unlike most other areas of blockchain gaming, the term earn was not the focus of conversation in either project.
Polkastarter Gaming told CryptoSlate that its ecosystem focuses on quality gameplay rather than playing and earning. It is famous for banning its use and advocating playing and earning.
In his talks with Xborg, Regis echoed this sentiment as they focus on creating a web3 eSports platform that rivals and even beats those found in web 2.0. Additionally, Regis said:
“When I play games, I just want to have fun. The last thing I want to ask is, ‘How can I make money?'”
The perception of blockchain games from outside the crypto world is the low quality gameplay and underlying game mechanics associated with the acquisition of crypto tokens. Games are interactive escapism from the real world. Therefore, connecting all gameplay to monetary assets defeats the purpose for many gamers.
But after spending time with Regis and Ghanem, it’s clear that these concerns don’t have to be part of the next phase in the evolution of blockchain gaming. Games within the Xborg and Polkastarter ecosystems use blockchain technology to allow players to control and own their in-game assets.
Games such as Big Time have gone so far as to create a fully played ownership economy by voiding presales, team lockups, or VC vesting schedules at token launch. All tokens are earned by in-game governance, so they are divided among the most dedicated and passionate players.
Xborg follows a similar model, with its governance directly tied to Genesis NFT ownership. Regis informed CryptoSlate that once the platform is fully operational, even he as the founder will need to purchase his own NFTs to participate in governance.
Xborg’s direction will be determined by NFT holders, and ultimately “players control the ecosystem”. Regis stated that Xborg is targeting “web2 players and desires”. We provide the best gaming experience possible. “
Game IDs are stored on the blockchain as Soulbound Tokens, along with data obtained from web2 sources for games such as League of Legends, Apex Legends, and other AAA titles. Regis has a vision for Xborg to act as a scouting resource for his eSports team, harnessing the power of blockchain his data to find the best unsigned talent in the game.
Polkastater Gaming, on the other hand, is focused on providing “a new source of relevant games and apps” in the web3 gaming world. Additionally, the Polkastarter Gaming Guild has received “more than 5,000 scholarship program applications since its launch in December 2021.”
Polkastarter Gaming’s website declares, “The game has never been about microtransactions or tokenomics. It’s about unforgettable moments and endless fun.” Speaking to Ghanem’s Head of Gaming, it’s clear that this mission is at the forefront and center of all his Polkastarter gaming.
Blockchain games can empower players and shape the games they play based on their needs rather than those of developers and publishers.
Ganem had nothing but great things to say about Xborg when CryptoSlate spoke to him. Regis confirmed:We embody the same values. But as he continued, “We text each other every day and have become very good friends.
Both Polkastarter and Xborg platforms have announced several large partnerships with Xborg. link up Polygon launched the NFT Mint on September 14th, Polkastarter Gaming launched some of the greatest web3 games, and both Polkastarter and Xborg partnered with Ultra for their content distribution and tournament ecosystem.
Ultra is a web3 gaming platform similar to web 2.0’s Steam and Epic Games. It is a blockchain-based game launcher, hub, and distribution platform. The website describes it as “a new era for gamers.”
“Ultra is the first entertainment platform that brings together games, digital assets, tournaments and live streams in one place, easily accessible with a single login.”
Regarding the collaboration with Ultra, Ghanem said:
“Our partnership with Ultra is another step in the evolution of web3 gaming. From launching new games on Ultra’s comprehensive entertainment platform to enhancing the gaming experience through NFT launches and tournaments, this is a collaboration we can’t wait to launch and share with you.”
Many projects are trying to merge blockchain and games. Still, the game-first approach of Polkastarter, Xborg, and Ultra’s play-to-earn blocks may be perfectly positioned to live up to the hype and change the face of gaming forever.
