Beyond Collectibles: Making Web3 Games That Players Truly Value

NFTs have stormed onto the gaming scene, but too often their promise of “true digital ownership” rings hollow. Players are left with digital items that are pretty to look at… and not much else.

To avoid the “JPEGs with extra steps” trap, let’s explore how NFTs can deeply enhance the gameplay experience, delivering tangible value beyond pure speculation.

NFTs that do something #

Think of an NFT within your game not just as a collectible, but as an active element with the potential to:

• Be dynamic yet transferrable: An NFT character might gain levels alongside the player, its stats and appearance changing based on in-game choices. Having a character as an NFT also means that you can transfer it freely, anywhere, any time.
• Tokengating experiences: Imagine specific in-game locations, challenges, or even story branches only accessible to holders of certain NFTs. This builds a sense of unique, valuable progression for owners.
• Open-source: Using NFTs means that the information that the NFTs are holding could be used anywhere - in a great way. For example, game developers could easily build mods from scratch, and use the exact NFTs in the game mod with ease.

Rarity isn’t enough: it’s about utility #

Sure, scarce NFTs hold appeal, but scarcity alone isn’t a fulfilling gameplay mechanic. Here’s how to ensure your in-game NFTs provide genuine utility:

• Synergy is key: Design NFTs to interact with core gameplay loops in meaningful ways. A sword NFT is cooler if it’s essential for certain enemies or if it opens up unique attack combos.
• Balance: Avoid creating an economy where owning specific NFTs becomes a requirement for basic enjoyment. The line between ‘desirable’ and ‘pay-to-win’ is easy to blur.
• Meaningful limitations: Can NFT assets be combined, modified, or even lost or destroyed based on player actions? This adds an element of risk/reward and makes them feel more tangible.

The Tezos Unity SDK advantage #

Building this type of experience from scratch can be a daunting task. This is where Tezos Unity SDK comes to the rescue:

• Integration simplified: Tools and examples for easily creating and managing Web3 integrations directly within your Unity workflow to streamline the process.
• Infrastructure integration: Pre-built components or templates help connect NFT logic with your existing game systems without reinventing the wheel.
• Open-source & free forever: The SDK is fully open-source with a dedicated game development team to support you on your journey.

Looking at the future #

NFTs within games hold the potential to redefine the way players interact with items and characters. By focusing on utility, dynamic systems, and deep integration with your core mechanics, you’ll create NFTs that truly enhance the experience for everyone.

With the power of Tezos Unity SDK, these concepts are easier than ever to turn into reality. How can NFTs add unique value to your current game project? Come brainstorm with our community on Discord!