The gaming industry is undergoing a major transformation as top studios invest heavily in web3. Blockchain technology is reshaping how games are built and played, opening doors to new types of gaming experiences.
Unlike traditional gaming, web3 gaming is still largely uncharted territory. Most web3 games are in development, with releases expected over the next 1-3 years. This creates an opportunity for studios of all sizes to establish themselves early — similar to the advantage Zynga had when mobile gaming first took off.
A recent Coingecko analysis found that 29 out of the 40 largest gaming companies globally are now involved in web3. Of these, 7 studios are actively developing web3 games in-house, while others are investing in web3 gaming projects, blockchain game development, or hiring for blockchain-related roles.
Major players include Sony Playstation, Ubisoft, Konami, The Pokémon Company, Square Enix, Epic Games, Sega, Bandai Namco, and CCP Games.
As major studios enter web3 gaming, the focus is shifting from hype to substance. The priority is now on building quality gaming experiences centered around solid gameplay mechanics. Here are six ways big studios are embracing web3 gaming.
CCP Games
CCP Games, the studio behind EVE Online, recently raised $40 million in funding led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Other investors include Makers Fund, Bitkraft, Kingsway Capital, and Hashed.
The funding will support a new triple-A game set in the EVE universe. The project combines CCP's experience building immersive virtual worlds with web3 technology. Blockchain will be used to create new types of player experiences within the EVE Universe.
CCP Games CEO Hilmar V. Pétursson said, "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."
Key game systems will be built on-chain using smart-contract blockchain technology. The goal is to create persistence, composability, and a genuinely open third-party development environment. This aims to establish a new relationship between virtual worlds and players.
Sony
Sony's recent patent application describes technology that would change how in-game assets are managed. The system would allow seamless transfer and ownership of assets across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and VR headsets. Sony's web3 strategy centers on integrating blockchain technology into their gaming ecosystem.
The patent outlines how Sony could use NFTs to reward players for in-game achievements. These digital assets (rare weapons, exclusive skins, artwork, and avatars) could be used or traded across different games and platforms.
Sony is also developing a blockchain that aims to serve as the "backbone of global web3 infrastructure." This signals Sony's intention to become a major player in the blockchain industry.
Epic Games
The Epic Games Store recently brought back Gods Unchained, the flagship trading card game by Immutable X, after updating its content policy. The game had been removed when the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) gave it an Adults Only (AO) rating due to its web3 mechanics that let players earn NFTs or crypto tokens with real-world value.
Epic Games' decision to revise its policy and allow web3 games with an AO rating back on the platform marks a shift in how the company views blockchain technology in gaming.
With over 230 million players, the Epic Games Store gives web3 games access to a massive audience. This move shows Epic Games is willing to support the growth of web3 gaming while maintaining its platform standards.
Konami
Konami, known for franchises like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Castlevania, recently announced its new web3 game, Project Zircon. Konami stated they want to offer "a new co-creation experience by utilizing blockchain technology."
Project Zircon is based on a story set in Castlevania. Known as 'Akumajō Dracula' in Japan, Castlevania is one of Konami's most successful franchises. The name 'Zircon' references a precious jewel from the Castlevania universe.
The concept involves incorporating the varied colors of the gemstone into the game world. Through community participation, each player's unique perspective will contribute distinct gem colors to the Project Zircon universe.
Square Enix
In February of last year, the studio announced a partnership with Polygon to build Symbiogenesis, a web3 experience built around digital collectible art (NFTs). The art evolves based on strategic moves players make within the game.
The project is set on a mysterious floating continent where unique storylines unfold based on information obtained by holding digital collectible art representing different characters. Players unlock stories about this world and its inhabitants by holding or trading digital collectible art, and can earn them by completing missions.
Square Enix President Takashi Kiryu identified blockchain as a key investment area: "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 assemble a team of mythical Champions. With these teams, they can battle other players while exploring the dark, mystical world of Grimoria.
Last November, Immutable X and Ubisoft announced a partnership to create a new gaming experience that "will further unlock the potential of web3". Through this partnership, Ubisoft continues its exploration of decentralization via 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 is a major player in the web3 gaming space, providing a platform that makes it easier for game studios and developers to enter this industry. Their product suite includes pre-built solutions optimized for usability, personalized web3 guidance, live support, and access to a gaming ecosystem with over 200 games building on the platform.
Immutable X recently introduced the early access phase of its Immutable zkEVM Mainnet, powered by Polygon. The goal is to give players more control over digital assets while reducing transaction costs.
The Immutable zkEVM Mainnet is designed specifically for gaming. It combines Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility with low transaction costs, substantial scaling capabilities, and strong security. This innovation merges zero knowledge (zk) rollup technology with the Ethereum ecosystem, granting access to Immutable's suite of gaming products.
Final Thoughts
The convergence of gaming and blockchain technology is reshaping the industry. Major studios are investing in web3 gaming to create new types of experiences for players worldwide. As these companies embrace blockchain technology, the future of gaming is shifting toward substance and player-focused experiences.
