MMORPGs have been around for decades at this point, with vast audiences around the world enjoying the likes of WoW, RuneScape and EVE Online time after time.
While the incumbent forces in this genre might seem on the point of stagnation, it’s worth looking at how fresh innovations and renewed interest are being injected into massively multiplayer games courtesy of the blockchain.
Let’s consider a few of the influential elements of this technology which are already overhauling certain MMORPGs, and what might happen over time as adoption increases.
Table of Contents
What is the Future of MMORPGs with Crypto and Blockchain?
Cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing a new way to monetize games. For MMORPG players, this means that playing their favorite game could be more lucrative than ever before.
For instance, cryptocurrency transactions offer gamers a safe and secure way to purchase in-game items while providing developers with an additional revenue stream. This has already been seen in the online gambling space, where many of the trusted casinos reviewed now accept crypto for deposits, withdrawals and wagers.
Then there are smart contracts, which can enhance player experience by offering automated rewards or unlocking exclusive content based on certain criteria being met. This makes in-game progression more transparent and less vulnerable to manipulation, creating a fairer ecosystem and economy overall.
Lastly, with NFTs becoming increasingly popular within mainstream culture as well, gamers are able to own unique virtual assets that are backed up securely on the blockchain network – adding yet another layer of value for those engaged in MMORPGs. Any amazing loot you earn won’t just be tethered to the game itself, but can more easily be transferred elsewhere, whether for safe keeping or to sell for profit.
Exploring the Potential Impact of Decentralized Virtual Worlds on MMORPG Communities
Previously, every MMORPG has effectively been created and controlled by a single organization, establishing an ‘us’ and ‘them’ dichotomy between the developers and the player base. This has led to its fair share of scandals and disgruntlement among the community over the years, whether as a result of changes to the games or the shuttering of entire worlds that are outside of the control of those who have invested so much time and money in them.
In gaming, communities are important because they not only build loyalty to a given product, but also because they help members contend with loneliness and maintain a positive mental outlook. If disrupted, the fallout can be significant.
Thankfully, the emergence of decentralized virtual worlds has opened up a world of possibilities for MMORPGs. By allowing players to build their own unique economies in the metaverse, these games can offer unprecedented levels of user autonomy and control over in-game assets.
This could have an incredibly positive impact on existing gaming communities; with access to more secure transactions and increased transparency, gamers will be able to trust each other more effectively – leading to greater collaboration within the community.
Furthermore, distributed ledgers allow developers to create new types of content through the aforementioned introduction of NFTs into game environments, such as rare weapons or exclusive skins, that are backed up securely on the blockchain.
Ideally this will lead to massively multiplayer games that are not only more immersive and realistic at a mechanical level, but also have increased longevity and the ability to survive indefinitely even if developers decide to move onto other projects. The era of MMOs which fail should hopefully end.
The Bottom Line
MMORPGs arguably represent one of the best use cases for blockchain tech in a gaming context, so it’ll be interesting to see how this relationship evolves in the near future.