Since 2018, Immutable has been at the forefront of Web3 gaming. We’ve witnessed trends rise and fall, experienced market ups and downs, and observed the evolution of blockchain technology in gaming (we even built one of the earliest Ethereum games!).
Throughout it all, we’ve focused on one thing: building the future of gaming.
Now, Web3 is reshaping the gaming landscape, but myths and misconceptions still persist. It’s time to separate fact from fiction and reveal the truth about the world of Web3 gaming.
Fiction: AAA game studios ignore Web3 gaming
The misconception that AAA game studios ignore Web3 gaming is entirely false. While skeptics may view Web3 as a passing trend, industry giants like Ubisoft recognize its potential to transform player ownership, in-game economies, and cross-platform experiences.
Fact: AAA studios are betting big on Web3 gaming
Major players are diving into Web3. Among the world’s top 40 game companies, including Sony, Ubisoft, and Epic Games, 29 have invested in this space. The market is expected to grow from $4.6 billion in 2022 to $65.7 billion by 2027.
This is not just talk. CCP Games raised $40 million for an AAA Web3 game, Sony is filing patents for cross-platform digital assets, and Epic welcomes blockchain games on its platform.
With nearly $20 billion invested over the past four years and 40% of the 380+ games on the Immutable platform launching in 2024, we are witnessing the dawn of a new gaming era.
Fiction: You need to understand cryptocurrency to play Web3 games
Seed phrases, gas fees, and blockchain jargon—no wonder many players think you need a computer science degree to start playing. But those days are over.
The era of complicated wallet setups and confusing crypto transactions is long gone. The technology behind Web3 games is still there but now hidden behind user-friendly interfaces.
Fact: Getting started with Web3 is much simpler than you think
Web3 gaming is becoming increasingly user-friendly. Take Guild of Guardians, for example, which received a 4.9/5 rating when it launched in app stores and had over 30,000 downloads in just two days.
Players can enjoy the game without understanding the underlying technology.
Immutable’s Passport has over 1.5 million registered users, making it easy to get started. One new player said, “My brother never tried a Web3 game, and he never thought about writing down his seed words. But he’s been playing Guild of Guardians, created a Passport account, and is already hooked.”
The focus has shifted from complex setups to seamless gaming experiences. You don’t need to be a blockchain expert; you just need to be a player ready to experience the next step in digital ownership.
Players can jump into the game without ever needing to see the word “blockchain” if they choose not to.
Fiction: Web3 games are just “pay-to-win” scams
While concerns about the over-financialization or “pay-to-win” nature of some Web3 games are valid, dismissing the entire category as a scam is outdated and inaccurate.
The reality is more nuanced, with games like Gods Unchained, Illuvium, and Ember Sword offering unique gameplay and economic models designed to benefit players and developers.
Unlike pure “pay-to-win,” these games allow players to create, own, and monetize in-game content and experiences.
Fact: Players can earn real money in Web3 games without spending a dime
Web3 gaming is not just about “pay-to-win”; it’s about “play-to-own.” Your time, skills, and strategies can translate into real-world value, changing the game.
Take Gods Unchained, for example, where players earn cards through daily gameplay that can be traded or sold for real money without any initial investment.
The data speaks for itself. Web3 players of Gods Unchained trade over $130 monthly, sustained over years. They also play 24% longer daily than the top 25% of mobile games. This isn’t just engagement; it’s empowerment.
Guild of Guardians goes a step further, allowing players to start without any Web3 elements and gradually upgrade their guardians to access Web3 features.
If you want to learn more, check out our $50 million Major Missions Rewards Program to experience firsthand the real benefits of digital ownership.
Fiction: Web3 games have poor graphics
Like traditional games, Web3 games cover a wide range of art styles and graphical quality. From pixel-style indie games to AAA-level high-quality visuals, the Web3 gaming world offers choices for every visual preference.
Advances in blockchain technology enable more complex game worlds and smooth gaming experiences. Major game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine now support Web3 development, paving the way for visually stunning game experiences.
Fact: Next-gen graphics are driving the Web3 gaming industry forward
Web3 games are pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity.
Space Nation Online, a AAA space opera Web3 MMORPG, brings console-level graphics to the blockchain realm. The Red One, an extraction shooter developed with Unreal Engine 5, showcases how Web3 games can leverage cutting-edge game engines for stunning visuals.
Even strategy games are getting a visual upgrade. Medieval Empires offers a highly detailed historical world, proving that Web3 games can provide strategic depth and compelling visuals. The focus on quality extends beyond individual games.
Immutable co-founder Robbie Ferguson emphasizes, “The games we partner with have to be high-quality games you’d want to play outside of Web3. This is a crucial standard.”
Web3 games are not just catching up with traditional games in terms of graphics—in many cases, they are leading the development of next-gen visual experiences.
Fiction: Web3 games are only for crypto bros and NFT collectors
Many believe that Web3 games are just a niche playground for blockchain enthusiasts. This outdated view misses the point.
Fact: Millions of mainstream players are already playing Web3 games
Web3 gaming is going mainstream, and the numbers don’t lie.
Immutable zkEVM alone has surged to nearly 2 million monthly active users.
Major players are flocking in. Netmarble, one of the world’s largest game publishers, is migrating its MARBLEX platform and three hit games to Immutable. These games, including Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds and A3: Still Alive, had over 1 million monthly active users and generated over $80 million in revenue in 2024.
It’s not just existing hits.
Sharky Bobo Universe, developed by former Disney and ClubPenguin veterans and downloaded over 10 million times, is also using Web3 technology. Even sports games are getting involved, with former EA GM bringing Somnis Rumble Rush to the Immutable platform.
The shift is clear: Web3 gaming is not just for crypto enthusiasts. It’s for anyone who loves great games.
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