The landscape of Web3 gaming is undergoing a significant transformation. During the recent Token2049 event held in Dubai, the co-founders of Notcoin, Sasha and Vladimir Plotvinov, along with Uliana Salo, the head of design and product lead for Not Games, addressed the shifting priorities in the gaming sector. They stated that the once-popular tap-to-earn genre is, in their view, ‘probably dead’. This perspective stems from the realization that sustainability in gaming is rooted in user engagement and enjoyment rather than mere token rewards.
Notcoin has rapidly ascended as a frontrunner in the Web3 gaming arena, having onboarded over 30 million users in just three months since its release. In previous discussions, Sasha emphasized that the platform successfully assisted Telegram users in entering the crypto space while delivering an entertaining gaming experience.
Despite this initial success, a trend emerged where gamers transitioned from one title to another, often in pursuit of token farming opportunities. This behavior underscored a crucial insight: gamers are not just motivated by monetary rewards; they seek fun, social interaction, and a sense of belonging in gaming communities. As articulated by Sasha, ‘Users who come to farm – their motivation is just to earn something. And with games, it’s more like I have fun, I want to play with my friends.’
This shift towards prioritizing fun over farming indicates a broader change within Telegram’s gaming ecosystem. Although the initial wave of Telegram games may not have offered substantial social elements, there is optimism about future developments that will create engaging gameplay experiences. Sasha noted, ‘Telegram has no real games yet, but we are hopeful about what lies ahead.’
Furthermore, advancements in artificial intelligence are proving to be a game-changer for Web3 developers. Vladimir highlighted how AI technology streamlines the process of game development, allowing for increased speed and efficiency. However, he cautioned that developers must exercise care and possess the necessary expertise when using AI tools to ensure optimal performance under high user loads.
As for the growth prospects of Telegram’s Web3 gaming sector, Uliana Salo expressed a positive outlook. She drew parallels with established gaming ecosystems on platforms like Facebook and WeChat, underscoring the potential for Telegram to cultivate a robust gaming community. Salo remarked, ‘We believe in our chances… the number of users is practically the same.’ For the future, the focus is on creating enjoyable experiences that cater to gamers who play for pleasure rather than solely for financial gain. ‘We’re trying to get this extra part, like this ‘fun’ that people are doing not only for money, just for themselves,’ she noted.
In conclusion, while the tap-to-earn model may no longer captivate players, the evolution towards creating more enjoyable and interactive gaming experiences reflects the dynamic nature of the Web3 gaming industry. As developers adapt to these market changes, the focus will likely shift to crafting games that foster community, engagement, and above all, fun.
