In the fast-evolving world of gaming, a seismic shift is underway as top gaming studios invest heavily in web3. This emerging trend, driven by blockchain technology, is reshaping the industry and paving the way for new and immersive gaming experiences. 

In contrast to traditional gaming, web3 gaming represents an expansive frontier where many games are still in the development phase, slated for release within the next 1-3 years. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for game studios, both large and small, to flourish in this uncharted territory—a scenario reminiscent of the advantage gaming giant Zynga enjoyed in the early era of mobile gaming.

According to a recent analysis by Coingecko, 29 out of the 40 largest gaming companies globally are diving into web3, with 7 studios actively creating web3 games in-house and others making direct investments in web3 gaming projects, blockchain game development, or recruiting for blockchain-related positions.

Prominent names like Sony Playstation, Ubisoft, Konami, The Pokémon Company, Square Enix, Epic Games, Sega, Bandai Namco, and CCP Games are among the many major players involved.

With major game studios increasingly entering the web3 gaming space, the industry is witnessing substantial progress by prioritizing substance over transient popularity. This shift results in outstanding gaming experiences centered around core gameplay mechanics. Here are six ways in which these big studios are embracing web3 gaming.

CCP Games

Renowned for their flagship IP EVE Online, CCP recently secured $40 million, led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with notable participation from venture firms such as Makers Fund, Bitkraft, Kingsway Capital, and Hashed.

The upcoming triple-A game is set within the expansive EVE universe and capitalizes on CCP's extensive expertise in crafting immersive virtual worlds, integrating it with web3 technology. This ambitious project aims to enrich the EVE Universe by harnessing blockchain technology to introduce novel and enhanced player experiences.

CCP Games CEO, Hilmar V. Pétursson, commented, "Since its inception, CCP Games’ vision has been to create virtual worlds more meaningful than real life. Now, with advancements made within blockchain, we can forge a new universe deeply imbued with our expertise in player agency and autonomy, empowering players to engage in new ways.”

With key game systems developed on-chain, the project will also utilize smart-contract blockchain technology, prioritizing persistence, composability, and fostering a genuinely open third-party development environment. The objective is to establish a fresh dynamic between virtual worlds and players.

Sony

Sony's recent patent application introduces groundbreaking technology poised to transform the management of in-game assets. This innovation facilitates seamless transfer and ownership across a spectrum of devices, spanning smartphones, tablets, computers, and VR headsets. The pivotal objective behind Sony's web3 strategy involves the integration of blockchain technology within their gaming ecosystem.

Incorporating NFTs into their approach, Sony seeks to incentivize players by rewarding them with distinctive digital assets for their in-game accomplishments. These assets, encompassing rare weapons, exclusive skins, artwork, and avatars, hold the potential for utilization or trade across various games and platforms. This approach adds a new dimension of engagement and value for players.

Sony is concurrently working on the development of a blockchain with aspirations to serve as the "backbone of global web3 infrastructure." This initiative underscores Sony's commitment to establishing itself as a frontrunner in the blockchain industry.

Epic Games

The Epic Games Store recently reembraced Gods Unchained, the flagship trading card game by Immutable X, after modifying its content policy. This adjustment followed the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) assigning an Adults Only (AO) rating to Gods Unchained, primarily due to its web3 mechanics that enable players to earn NFTs or crypto tokens with real-world value.

Epic Games' decision to revise its policy and welcome web3 games with an AO rating back onto its platform signifies a noteworthy shift, showcasing the company's openness to the evolving landscape of gaming and blockchain technology.

Boasting a vast user base exceeding 230 million players, the Epic Games Store serves as a valuable platform for web3 games to gain visibility and attract a broader audience. This strategic move underscores Epic Games' dedication to fostering the growth and adoption of web3 gaming while upholding its standards.

Konami

Konami, a company with a rich history in the gaming industry, known for popular titles such as Yu-Gi-Oh! and Castlevania, recently made headlines with the announcement of its new web3 game, Project Zircon. Konami’s official statement highlighted their aspiration to offer “a new co-creation experience by utilizing blockchain technology.” 

Project Zircon is apparently based on a story set in Castlevania. Known as ‘Akumajō Dracula’ in Japan, Castlevania stands as one of Konami’s most celebrated and prosperous franchises. Notably, the name ‘Zircon’ holds significance within the Castlevania universe, representing a precious jewel.

The concept is to incorporate the varied colors of the gemstone into the game world. Through community involvement, every individual’s distinct perspective will apparently contribute unique gem shades to the Project Zircon universe.

Square Enix

In February of last year, Square Enix revealed a partnership with Polygon to build Symbiogenesis, a web3 experience built around digital collectible art (NFTs). The art will apparently evolve with each strategic move a player makes within the game. 

The project is set on a mysterious floating continent where unique storylines unravel based on information obtained by holding digital collectible art that represents different characters. Players can unlock numerous engaging stories about this secretive world and its inhabitants by holding or trading digital collectible art and can earn them by completing various missions.

The company's President, Takashi Kiryu, emphasized blockchain as a key investment field: “We are working to modify our organizational structure and optimize our resource allocations to support these efforts.” 

In a follow-up interview, Kiryu stated: "Square Enix's aim is to aggressively apply blockchain and other advanced technologies to enhance content development and publishing functions."

Ubisoft

Ubisoft recently revealed Champions Tactics Grimoria Chronicles. The game is a Player versus Player (PVP) Tactical RPG, where players have the opportunity to assemble a team of mythical Champions. With these teams, they can dive into thrilling tactical battles against other players, simultaneously immersing themselves in the dark, mystical world of Grimoria. 

In addition, last November Immutable X and Ubisoft announced a partnership to create a new gaming experience that "will further unlock the potential of web3". With this partnership, Ubisoft continues to pursue its exploration of decentralization through its Strategic Innovation Lab.

Nicolas Pouard, Vice-President of Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovation Lab and Head of its Blockchain Initiative said: “As the platform of choice for many leaders within the Web3 community, Immutable offers both cutting-edge technology and a unique expertise in seamlessly integrating decentralized technologies into games. We’re excited to partner with them and look forward to bringing that level of fluidness within a full-fledged game, so players only have to focus on the fun of the experience.” 

Immutable X

Immutable X remains a key player in the web3 gaming space, and provides a platform that makes it easy for game studios and developers to enter this new industry. Their product suite includes pre-built solutions optimized for usability, personalized web3 guidance, live support, and access to a vast gaming ecosystem with over 200+ games building on the platform.

Immutable X only just introduced the early access phase of its Immutable zkEVM Mainnet, powered by Polygon. The primary objective is to empower players by providing enhanced control over digital assets and reducing transaction costs.

The Immutable zkEVM Mainnet, is designed exclusively for gaming, and seamlessly integrates Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, ensuring low transaction costs, substantial scaling capabilities, and robust security. This innovation combines zero knowledge (zk) rollup technology with the Ethereum ecosystem, granting access to Immutable's suite of gaming products.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the convergence of gaming and blockchain technology is reshaping the industry, with major studios investing in web3 gaming to create innovative and engaging experiences for players worldwide. As these giants embrace this transformative technology, the future of gaming looks promising, with a focus on substance and player-centric experiences.