Comprehensive Research on Blockchain Gaming: A Revolution of Native Encryption or a Bubble?

1. Introduction: What is a full-chain game?

Recently, the Pass card for the full-chain game Sky Strife reached 21000 ETH on the test network, attracting the attention of many non-full-chain game players to this field. Since the release of "Pong" in 1972, the gaming industry has flourished, evolving from 8-bit classic games to today's large-scale online games, far exceeding the scope of simple entertainment. With the rise of blockchain technology, the gaming industry is reshaping user experience in unprecedented ways. People are beginning to explore new ways to combine gaming and blockchain; beyond asset on-chain, are there more elements that can be brought on-chain? Thus, full-chain games have emerged.

The main difference between blockchain games and traditional games is:

1. The authenticity of the data is guaranteed by the blockchain, making the blockchain the true source of game data.

2. The game logic and rules are implemented through smart contracts to ensure traceability and security.

3. Game development follows the principles of an open ecosystem, providing a broad creative space for third-party developers.

4. The game is independent of the client; even if the core developer's client disappears, the game can still continue.

2. Why do we need full-chain games?

Before understanding the necessity of blockchain games, let's briefly review the current situation and operating model of the traditional gaming industry.

1. Current Situation of the Traditional Gaming Industry

According to data, the global gaming market size was $249.55 billion in 2022, and it is expected to exceed $280 billion in 2023, reaching over $600 billion by 2030. Currently, the number of gamers worldwide is close to 3 billion. The reason why games can attract so many participants is mainly because they meet the multifaceted needs of human nature:

1. Escape reality and restart life
2. Low-pressure social
3. Timely Feedback Reward System
4. Low-cost free exploration
5. Pursuing a sense of achievement and self-actualization

2. The Dilemma of the Traditional Gaming Industry

However, traditional games are currently facing two major difficulties:

1. Game release is restricted by license number
2. High pre-issue costs, long payback period, prone to silent costs.

3. Attempts to Break Through in Web2.5 Games

In the face of these challenges, Web2.5 games are the first to attempt to break the deadlock:

1. Targeting global users, bypassing domestic version number restrictions.
2. Generate revenue early in the game by issuing NFTs and tokens, lowering the financial threshold.

3. Analysis of the Current State of the Blockchain Gaming Industry

The whole chain game is still in the early stages, and the entire industry can be divided into four major categories:

1. Full-Chain Game Project
2. Full Chain Game Engine
3. Full-chain game dedicated chain
4. Full-Chain Game Distribution Platform

1. Full-chain game projects

Currently, the number of playable full-chain games does not exceed double digits, mainly focusing on SLG( strategy type ), with some new projects trying to explore the simulation management direction.

Main representative projects:

• Dark Forest: A decentralized strategy game based on zkSNARKs on Ethereum
• Loot Survivor: A text adventure game based on the Loot ecosystem
• Imminent Solace: A treasure brawl game based on ZK War Fog

2. Full-chain Game Engine

There are mainly two engines: Mud and Dojo.

• Mud: Lattice development, the earliest full-chain game engine, with rapid ecological development.
• Dojo: The Starknet ecosystem is born, developed based on the Cairo language.

3. Full-chain game dedicated chain

Currently, most blockchain game projects are developed on Layer 2, but there are also some teams attempting to build chains specifically for blockchain games, such as World Engine and Curio.

4. Full-chain Game Aggregator/Distribution Platform

There are mainly two platforms, Composable Hub and Cartridge, which help users discover and choose games across the entire blockchain.

Four, the core advantages of full-chain games

1. From PGR to UGR, empower players with the right to create.

The whole chain game supports permissionless interoperability, allowing players to freely build game functions and experiences, achieving the transition from PGR( professional generated rules ) to UGR( user generated rules ).

2. Fairness and Transparency

The game logic and rules have high transparency after being put on the blockchain, making it especially suitable for gambling and betting games.

5. Challenges and Limitations Faced by the Whole Chain Games

1. Poor user experience
2. Game type is restricted
3. The authenticity of the demand is in doubt.
4. Complete decentralization may cause chaos.

6. Considerations on the Business Model of Full-Chain Games

Different business models can be adopted based on the game type:

1. Lightweight Game: NFT + Token Fees
2. Open World Games: Pay + Subscription Membership
3. Board Games: Commission System

7. Summary

Although full-chain games face many challenges, their unique advantages also bring new possibilities to the game industry. How to balance the wealth effect and playability in the future still requires long-term exploration. We hope to see game projects that truly leverage the characteristics of the full chain and address practical needs.