Web3 Gaming Today: Real, Tangible Use-Cases
Let’s explore what is already here, not what might come one day.
We hear a lot about what’s going to be possible — like interoperability, where you could use your game goodies across different games. But let’s be real, interoperability is more of a “coming soon” thing.
So, what can Web3 do for players right now? What’s already working and making a difference in games? Let’s dig into what’s cooking in the Web3 kitchen.
True Ownership
With Web3, when you own something in a game, it feels like owning a real thing. NBA Top Shot and Reddit have proven the idea that people care about the narrative real ownership, even if they don’t understand the underlying technology fully. Think about game skins, collectibles, or in-game money — you can trade them, sell them, or show them off. These digital things have a life outside the game.
Easier Payments: The World in Your Wallet
There are an increasing number of places in the world where more people have digital wallets than credit cards (India included). Companies like PlayEmber are already doing cool stuff to test marketing to players where the $0.99 is too high, or payments on app stores is too difficult.
Trading with Upside: The Game Inside the Game
Okay, trading game assets is probably the biggest usecase now. With Web3, you’re not just playing the game; you’re also playing the market. Players are buying, selling, and trading in-game assets like they’re on the stock market. And yep, people are making real money doing this. It’s like a game inside a game. This won’t be the predominant use case for long, but it is currently the biggest meta game in the whole industry.
Trust
Now, this one’s a bit different. Web3 lets you trust the game more. You know those smart contracts and decentralized things everyone talks about? Basically, they make sure the game can’t just change the rules out of the blue. It’s like the game making a promise it can’t break. This one is tricky to market though because you don’t want to hint to your players that they have a reason not to trust you.
Web3 gaming isn’t a far-off dream. It’s already providing value right now. True ownership, easier payments, trading with real money, and trusting the game — it’s all happening. So let’s make the most of what we’ve got and keep an eye on what’s around the corner.
