In this NFTexpress article we will see the main differences between the traditional games developed in Web2 and the innovative projects in Web3 with their different technologies such as NFTs, metaverse, cryptoassets and blockchain. If you are passionate about video games, you will like to know the advances that are being made in this industry.
The video game industry is innovating over the years and the development of Web3 with its underlying technologies such as NFTs, cryptoassets and blockchain is leading to a growing understanding among gaming communities of what this new form of gameplay is all about.
In this NFTexpress article we will review the main differences between the traditional games developed in Web3 and the new and innovative video games created in Web3 through the main emerging technologies of this fascinating industry.
Before starting to compare Web2 games and Web3 games, we must begin by briefly explaining what are the main characteristics between the two in order to understand why there are differences between the developments and the consequences for fans when playing.
¿What are Web2 games?
Web2 games are defined as those video games that can be played through computers, mobile devices, and even consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox.
In order to understand it better, among the most popular in the different communities we can find Counter-Strike, Grand Theft Auto, Sims, and many more.
Surely, many people reading this article have played these video games at one time or another and even love playing them to this day.
However, until today we can notice how the fanatic users of these digital products can not see the true reality behind Web2 games.
Like everything created under Web2 technology, games are also based on a central authority due to the hierarchical structure. In order to better understand this definition, it is that players cannot decide the future of games, and these details only depend on the decisions of developers and game companies.
In addition to centralization, players must share their personal information to start playing these traditional games. If you have ever played, you will surely know the existence of “terms and conditions”. This imposition must be accepted in order to start playing, otherwise it will be impossible.
On the other hand, when talking about Web2 games, the main topic is to have fun or relax, since we can spend hours playing with the objective of just having fun. But is it possible to invest and earn real money in them? Clearly no, there is no investment or income in Web2 games.
Sims 4 – traditional game developed in Web2
Consequently, we can say that traditional games (Web2) are a centralized training, which provides the opportunity to play, relax, socialize with other users and not much more. Likewise, the major critical problems of these centralized games are in privacy, security, monetization, etc.
This is where Web3 game developers come in to solve these problems, creating solutions on the most important issues for players.
¿What are Web3 games?
Web3 games are decentralized projects and are developed through innovative technologies such as blockchain, NFTs, cryptoassets and metaverse. In addition, they seek solutions to those already mentioned in Web2 games such as: privacy, transparency, monetization, decision making and security.
Mostly, when we talk about Web3 games, they are defined as ‘Play-to-Earn’ since they are projects based on NFT and crypto-assets. Play to win is the main idea because real income can be obtained by playing and rewarding the player for his time and dedication.
Among the most popular games on Web3 we can find, Alien Worlds, Axie Infinity, Splinterlands, Illuvieum, Gods Unchained, among others. In all of them you can play to win and at the same time, expand your investment in the crypto space and the ecosystem of non-fungible tokens.
On the other hand, the most important characteristics of Web3 games is that they have a decentralized structure, so the players make the decisions about the future of the games.
In addition, these types of games provide the opportunity to win cryptocurrencies and NFTs with a real value. As I mentioned above, the mechanism of these games is called Playo-To-Earn and rewards players for their time and dedication, while having fun and winning money.
Splinterlands – game development with blockchain and Play-To-Earn technology
The complete differences between Web2 and Web3 games
In this part of the article, we will review the main differences between traditional Web2 games and innovative Web3 games.
First of all, the existence of a central authority should be mentioned. In Web3 games such an authority does not exist, while in traditional games, the central authority can facilitate the management of the games, but problems commonly arise due to this great power.
Another clear difference in both games is in the decision making. Not only as a player playing, but also in decisions that go beyond that, such as transparency and direct communication with the creators and developers of the projects.
For example, Web3 games create decentralized autonomous organizations, mostly known as DAOs. Here, players can have different rights to speak about the future of these games thanks to this organization.
In addition, through a DAO, players will have the opportunity to vote on major decisions.
However, in traditional Web2 games these services directly do not exist. There is no constitution like the DAO, so the governance system of Web2 games does not pay attention to the ideas, feelings, beliefs and values of the players.
Web2 vs Web3 Games
Beyond governance and centralization/decentralization, there are other major differences between Web2 and Web3 games in terms of monetization.
Players cannot earn money by playing traditional games, while in Web3 this is the most important spice, as cryptocurrencies or NFTs with real value can be obtained by playing these games, either by winning a tournament, exchanging in-game assets and different reward mechanisms.
Another feature that differentiates the two games is that traditional games do not grant ownership, while Web3 does, but what does this mean? Web3 games involve NFTs and different digital assets as main elements; these assets generate real property for the player.
Players can buy, sell and exchange these assets in the secondary markets, as they are the true owners of these assets.
Finally, the difference in security between Web2 and Web3 games should be mentioned. As I mentioned earlier, you must accept a long list of terms and conditions in traditional games, and share your personal information to start playing them. In Web3, these procedures are eliminated and do not require agreements and handing over personal information. Because of this, players can be more secure when playing on Web3.
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Written by Rodrigo Catalan (TW: @RodrigoCatalanB) for NFT Express.