In the evolving space of web3 gaming, developers face a set of challenges that are notably more complex than those found in traditional game development. Sinjin, founder of MAYG, argues that web3 game creation ranks among the most demanding forms of development. Building in this environment requires a deep understanding of both gaming fundamentals and decentralized systems, where the absence of established tools and processes significantly raises the difficulty. This complexity is often underestimated by both founders and investors alike.
What is the Criteria for Success in Web3?
Many of the failures seen across the web3 gaming sector, even among well-funded teams, stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of the terrain. Web3 game development isn't a minor upgrade from traditional gaming models—it's a completely new paradigm requiring original approaches, long-term vision, and specialized expertise.
Challenges and Criteria for Success in Web3
Evaluating a Web3 Gaming Team
The most important factor when evaluating the potential success of a web3 gaming project is the team behind it. The team must not only have experience in game development but must also have a history of working together, delivering finished products, and adapting during major industry transitions.
This includes prior involvement in shifts such as the move from console to mobile, and from direct purchase to free-to-play business models. Equally critical is experience in building and maintaining in-game economies, especially in systems involving risk, trading, and large-scale multiplayer interaction. Furthermore, teams must demonstrate familiarity with emerging distribution and marketing channels and must have a track record in establishing new intellectual property in gaming.
Having startup experience in any industry also contributes to a better understanding of how to operate under limited resources and high uncertainty. A team must also possess a long-term vision that surpasses current standards and trends in gaming by a significant margin in order to create something that genuinely advances the medium.
Challenges and Criteria for Success in Web3
Misaligned Experience and Unrealistic Expectations
A recurring issue in web3 gaming is the reliance on teams with successful histories from previous gaming cycles. While such backgrounds may seem promising on paper, they often prove ineffective in the context of web3. Success in previous generations of gaming typically involved optimizing existing systems and scaling proven strategies. In contrast, success in web3 depends on creating new systems entirely, which requires a different skill set.
The presence of executives with no hands-on experience in building from zero to one is another concern. Teams composed primarily of high-level managers, rather than builders and creators, often struggle to gain traction before running out of time and resources. In many cases, teams fail not due to a lack of funding or interest, but because their skills are not suited to the fundamentally different challenges posed by web3 development.
Challenges and Criteria for Success in Web3
The Limits of Tokenomics and Community Building
Having web3-native individuals on a team can be useful, particularly when it comes to fundraising and attracting attention. However, this alone is not enough. There is currently no established playbook for creating a sustainable web3 game. Understanding tokenomics is not the same as designing a functioning in-game economy, and focusing only on community growth or reducing user friction does not lead to breakout success.
The objective should not be to create the most seamless or accessible game, but one that is compelling enough for players to actively seek it out and remain engaged. Achieving this level of interest is a difficult and demanding task, and anything less risks being dismissed or forgotten in a crowded market.
Challenges and Criteria for Success in Web3
Redefining How Success is Measured
These observations highlight a broader issue in how the web3 gaming space measures progress and success. Much of the current conversation centers around metrics like token generation events, wallet integration, and user acquisition through simplified user interfaces. While these factors have value, they do not address the fundamental challenge of designing a game that delivers meaningful, long-term engagement.
The industry needs to focus more on economic design, long-term vision, and the creation of new gameplay paradigms rather than short-term optimizations. Without this shift in mindset, many projects will continue to fall short of their potential, regardless of funding or hype.
Final Thoughts
The state of web3 gaming requires more than just enthusiasm and capital—it demands teams with relevant experience, a strong collaborative history, and the ability to build entirely new systems from scratch. As the industry continues to evolve, success will likely depend on how well teams can navigate these challenges and whether they are equipped to approach web3 game development not as an extension of what came before, but as an entirely new frontier in gaming.
