The news of E3’s cancellation has sent ripples through the gaming industry. First it was Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, then Ubisoft pulled out and finally Sega and Tencent. The final cancelation put the last nail in the coffin, with the entire event being canceled days later. This incredible shock to an institution of the gaming industry has left many wondering what will replace it. With the growing interest in blockchain technology and decentralized systems, there is a growing buzz around the possibility of a Web3-enabled games conference becoming the next big event in the gaming world. In this article, we will explore the potential of a Web3 games conference, its benefits, and the challenges that it might face.
What is Web3?
Web3 refers to the next generation of the internet, which aims to create a decentralized and more secure digital environment. It combines the power of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized applications (dApps) to enable users to interact with the digital world in a more direct and secure manner.
Why a Web3-Enabled Games Conference?
With the increasing adoption of blockchain technology in the gaming industry, a Web3-enabled games conference could be the perfect platform for showcasing new games, technologies, and innovations. Some potential benefits of a Web3 games conference include:
Decentralization: A Web3-enabled conference would not rely on a single centralized authority, thus reducing the risk of censorship or manipulation. This could lead to a more open and inclusive event that encourages participation from all corners of the gaming world.
Secure Transactions: With blockchain technology, transactions during the conference can be more secure and transparent, ensuring the safety of the participants’ assets and information.
NFT Integration: A Web3-enabled conference could easily incorporate NFTs for ticketing, event access, and exclusive content.
Virtual Reality: Web3 can enable the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, creating immersive experiences for attendees that go beyond traditional conference setups.
Free mints: Onboarding web2 gamers by giving them physical goodies that can be redeemed for digital collectibles in game. The value and importance of this step is not to be overlooked. Magic did it for many years by letting people redeem their physical cards for digital versions.
Challenges for a Web3-Enabled Games Conference
While a Web3 games conference seems like an exciting prospect, it also comes with its fair share of challenges, including:
Adoption: Although the gaming industry has shown an interest in blockchain technology, widespread adoption is still a work in progress. Many developers and gamers might be hesitant to participate in a Web3-enabled conference due to a lack of familiarity or concerns about the technology.
Regulation: As Web3 and blockchain technologies continue to evolve, regulatory challenges may arise. Navigating these challenges could be a significant hurdle for a Web3-enabled games conference.
Accessibility: Ensuring that a Web3 games conference is accessible to all, regardless of their technical expertise or understanding of blockchain technology, will be essential for its success.
A Possible Example
The Gam3rs’ Choice Awards hosted by WEB3 GAM3R is an annual event that celebrates and recognizes the most innovative and impactful games in the blockchain and decentralized gaming space. The awards aim to showcase the potential of Web3 technologies to revolutionize the gaming industry by offering new ways for players to own, trade, and interact with in-game assets. The categories range from best game design and best art direction to best use of blockchain and best community-driven game. The awards are a way to highlight the outstanding achievements of game developers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Web3 gaming and inspiring others to follow suit.
The Gam3rs’ Choice Awards was created to elevate web3 gaming and create moments like the ones below!
— WEB3 GAM3R (@WEB3GAM3R) February 4, 2023
The vision was to bring as many people on stage as possible to recognize their achievements so it’s incredible to see that dream become a reality. It’s a bit surreal tbh. https://t.co/cXTd5hyBrZ
Obviously not everything went perfectly for their first event as Stache points out in the thread below. Never the less, it will be interesting to see what they can bring to the table next year and if any challengers emerge.
There’s been some amazing coverage and reviews of the Gam3rs’ Choice Awards but right now this one is taking the trophy home for best in field coverage!
— WEB3 GAM3R (@WEB3GAM3R) February 6, 2023
Thank you Stache for an incredible recap!#gam3rschoiceawards https://t.co/qQFzH770Z4
Conclusion
The idea of a Web3-enabled games conference is an exciting prospect that has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. While there are challenges to overcome, the benefits of decentralization, secure transactions, digital collectible integration, and immersive experiences make it an enticing option for developers and gamers alike. As the gaming world continues to embrace blockchain technology, it will be interesting to see if a Web3 games conference becomes the next big event to fill the void left by E3’s cancellation. What are your thoughts on this possibility? Let us know in the comments below!