Every developer thinks about monetisation when building a game. After all, they want a return on the time, energy, and money invested into making the game. Players, on the other hand, want to be rewarded for their time, energy, and skills when playing it. Web3 games create a situation where gamers and developers can earn from playing or developing a game. Here are some specific monetisation options in the web3 gaming space for developers and gamers.
Play-To-Earn Models
Play-to-earn models allow players to earn tokens or cryptocurrencies from playing a game and obtain various assets and rewards as they do so. Players can also be rewarded for contributing to the game’s ecosystem. They can do this by either participating in active development or telling developers about the features they need and that they and others will like.
In-Game Offerings and Token Sales
Developing a game can be very expensive, so many developers have backers. However, sometimes they cannot get investors on board and thus have to find other ways of funding their games and earning while developing them.
Initial game offerings are a crowdfunding option for blockchain game developers where backers receive a discount on token sales and assets once the game launches. Supporters and backers bank on the game becoming successful and attracting players so that their discounted tokens can hold a lot of value in the future.
Web3 Games Can Use NFTs for In-game Assets
Developers can use non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to represent unique in-game assets in web3 games. These can be land ownership, characters, weapons, and other assets that enhance the gaming experience while rewarding players for downloading and playing the game.
They can also allow players to mint NFTs on their blockchain networks so players can exchange them for cryptocurrencies or in-game assets if they wish. Developers then make money on transaction fees, and players make money when they trade their NFTs and other assets.
Microtransactions and In-game Currencies
Microtransactions have been a popular way for developers to earn money since the payment options that enable them became mainstream. Almost all developers use microtransactions to monetise their games, and this is also happening in the web3 gaming space.
Additionally, developers can create tokens that players use as in-game currencies. They can then use these currencies to purchase in-game assets, pay for transactions, and obtain various services.
Special Challenges and Time-limited Events
Other popular monetisation options are special challenges and time-limited events. Developers can require players to pay a fee to participate in these events, tournaments, or challenges. These fees are typically in the form of cryptocurrency or other in-game tokens.
Players can then win rewards for winning or simply participating. They have to be enticing enough to get more players involved in these events, since the success of a web3 game depends on how many people are playing it.
Developers have to monetise their games, but they have to do so keeping in mind transparency, community engagement and player experience. They must ensure a balance between generating revenue for themselves and their players and ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants.