Play, previously called ReadyGG, has officially launched its Build Play development platform, designed to expand access to web3 technologies within the gaming industry. This launch aims to lower barriers for game developers by providing them with the tools necessary to integrate blockchain technology into their games. The initiative is part of Play’s broader mission to make web3 game development more accessible, allowing creators of all experience levels to develop on the blockchain.

As part of its announcement, Play revealed a strategic partnership with TapNation, a prominent mobile game company. TapNation will leverage Play’s Build Play platform to integrate web3 functionalities into its popular games, starting with Rock Crawling: Racing Games 3D, a mobile game that has already achieved over 15 million downloads. The collaboration is expected to broaden the PLAY ecosystem and enhance user engagement through blockchain-powered features such as player-owned assets and in-game marketplaces.

Play Partners with TapNation

What is the Play Platform?

Play’s Build Play platform is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that democratizes access to blockchain technology by offering a comprehensive development toolkit. Previously, these tools were exclusively available to mid-sized and large gaming studios. Now, Play (stylized as PLAY by the company) extends its capabilities to all developers, from solo creators to larger teams. The platform includes Play Hub, which features Play ID, a community-driven marketplace, and the $PLAY token, all designed to simplify web3 game development.

According to Play CEO Christina Macedo, the platform represents a significant shift toward more inclusive game development. "For us, the Play Development Portal is another step forward in our mission to make web3 game development accessible, regardless of your experience with blockchain," Macedo stated in an interview with GamesBeat. The company's rebranding and the introduction of the $PLAY token are part of a larger effort to facilitate a smoother transition from web2 to web3, offering tools that previously helped major studios succeed.

List of Partners and Blockchains

Key Features of the Build Play Platform

The Build Play development platform is designed to provide developers with the flexibility and tools needed to build web3 games that can be distributed across multiple platforms, including Telegram. Key features include:

1. Multi-Platform Distribution: Developers can create and distribute games across various platforms, including Telegram, where user engagement is rapidly increasing. This approach allows developers to reach a broader audience and expand their player base.
2. Blockchain Flexibility: The platform enables developers to deploy games on any blockchain, eliminating the need for in-depth knowledge of blockchain architecture. This capability supports global scalability and accessibility to diverse blockchain communities.
3. In-Game Asset Management: Developers can mint and manage in-game assets as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), enabling true ownership for players. These assets can be traded or sold across multiple blockchain networks, adding customization options and enhancing the player experience.
4. In-Game Marketplaces: The platform allows for the creation of in-game marketplaces where players can engage in peer-to-peer trading, buying, or selling of in-game assets, contributing to unique game economies.
5. Data-Driven Insights: Build Play offers analytics tools that help developers understand player behavior, customize game mechanics, and design personalized experiences to boost player engagement.

By making these features available, the Build Play platform aims to streamline the development process and introduce new revenue streams for developers. It is built to scale according to the evolving needs of game creators, from indie developers to larger studios.

Play Key Art

Play's Broader Mission and the PLAYground Series

As part of its mission to bridge the gap between web2 and web3, Play has also launched the PLAYground, a podcast and X Space (formerly Twitter) series. The initiative aims to provide insights into the gaming industry, discuss trends, and engage with the web3 community. The first episode, titled "Build Games Players Want to Play," aired on September 30, 2024, featuring Play adviser Shawn Layden. Layden emphasized the importance of empowering developers to create games that resonate with players while simplifying the pathway to reaching a larger audience.

Strategic Partnership with TapNation

TapNation, known for its significant reach with 60 million monthly active users and over 1.4 billion game downloads, has partnered with Play to bring web3 features to its popular mobile titles. The first game to showcase these integrations will be Rock Crawling: Racing Games 3D. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to introduce blockchain-powered features such as player-owned assets, NFT marketplaces, and on-chain tournaments.

TapNation's CEO Hervé Montoute highlighted the importance of the partnership in driving innovation within the gaming industry. "This partnership exemplifies our dedication to continuous innovation and underscores our confidence in web3 technology," Montoute stated. "Together with Play, we share a unified ambition to pioneer tomorrow’s use cases and revolutionize the gaming industry."

Unchain Your Games

Lowering Barriers and Scaling Game Development

The Build Play platform is structured to simplify the development process for all types of creators, providing access to proprietary APIs and SDKs that enable seamless blockchain integration. With features like multi-chain deployment and data analytics, the platform caters to developers looking to create web3 games with minimal blockchain expertise.

Play’s commitment to democratizing web3 game development extends to mobile gaming, where the company sees significant potential in reaching new audiences, especially in regions where traditional gaming hardware may be less accessible. By integrating blockchain features into popular mobile games, the partnership with TapNation is expected to introduce millions of players to web3 gaming for the first time.

ReadyGG Rebrands to Play

Final Thoughts

Play’s Build Play platform represents a significant step toward making web3 game development accessible to a broader range of developers. By partnering with TapNation, Play aims to introduce blockchain technology to mobile games, potentially revolutionizing the gaming industry with new monetization models and player engagement strategies.

With tools designed to lower the barriers to web3 adoption, Play is poised to empower a new generation of developers to bring their creative visions to life on the blockchain. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Build Play are likely to play a key role in shaping the future of web3 gaming, bridging the gap between traditional gaming and decentralized technologies.

Source: GamesBeat