At games.gg we are a proud member of the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA), an entity that pioneered the fusion of blockchain technology and the gaming industry back in 2018. In a landscape where few organizations ventured into blockchain gaming, the BGA emerged as a central force, continuing to be a pivotal player in the space five years later. In this article, we dive into the annually released Blockchain Game Alliance State of the Industry Report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the thriving industry.
The report's "Changing Attitudes" section unveils intriguing shifts, notably in the realm of creativity and gameplay. While blockchain's potential for asset ownership sparked interest, the report notes a decline in its prominence. Few studios innovate with blockchain in gameplay, with notable exceptions like Dr. Disrespect's Deadrop. This FPS subgenre integrates NFTs, creating a unique gaming experience and valuable content, showcasing the potential of blockchain in gaming.
Post our visit to Gamescom in 2022, where we shared a booth with the BGA, insights surfaced on major industry players discreetly exploring blockchain integration. While some are public knowledge, such as Amazon's AWS For Games and Ubisoft, many remain undisclosed. The below graph from the report may not reflect disinterest; rather, it suggests the discreet progress made since the summer of 2022 in this realm.
The report highlights that the biggest concerns and challenges facing the industry center around onboarding mainstream gamers. Specifically, concerns about integrating blockchain into games often revolve around resistance from traditional gamers perceiving NFTs as a scam. The report emphasizes a shifting sentiment and urges companies to demonstrate blockchain's value rather than merely explaining it. NFL Rivals by Mythical Games stands out for seamlessly integrating blockchain, allowing gamers to own, trade, and interact with in-game assets without unnecessary fanfare.
Mythical Games' NFL Rivals recently exceeded $2 million in NFT trading volume, achieving this feat just three months after reaching the $1 million mark. The increase extends beyond financial metrics, with a notable 257% rise in wallets, now totaling 127,490. The success of NFL Rivals can be attributed to its accessible arcade-style gameplay, drawing in over 20,000 new players daily.
Mythical Games also benefits from robust brand recognition, fortified by partnerships with the NFL and the NFL Players Association, in addition to promotional alliances with the Miami Dolphins and Amazon Prime Gaming.
Moreover, the mass appeal of NFL Rivals lies in its NFTs, featuring official NFL players, obtained through gameplay or in-app purchases. The buying and selling of these NFTs have experienced substantial growth, with buying wallets up by 262% to 16,676 and selling wallets growing by 232% to 9,694. Approaching 3 million players, NFL Rivals has seen a concurrent rise in revenue, aligning with the greenlight from Apple and Google for its in-game marketplace.
The BGA's report remains as essential reading material for industry stakeholders. Gratitude extends to the BGA, Leah Callon-Butler, and Emfarsis for their contributions. As 2024 unfolds, the report hints at a significant year for crypto and web3, anticipating a rise in high-quality, well-developed blockchain games. The convergence of blockchain and traditional gaming may define a new era, emphasizing the shared goal of delivering outstanding gaming experiences.
