eSports and blockchain games can create a golden combination, but there is more work to do. Efforts to date have sparked some interest in this concept, although they failed to deliver. The next iteration of Web3-focused eSports may just be around the corner, though.
Blockchain-Based eSports Remain Viable
It is not the first time the ideas of blockchain gaming and eSports have been mentioned in the same breath. After all, most play-to-earn games on the blockchain have a player-vs-player component considered the “endgame”. Although players can explore a campaign or story made and complete quests, their rewards will be much lower compared to traditional PvP content. Furthermore, pitting players against one another creates a competitive element that may lead to exploring eSport opportunities.
However, creating a compelling blockchain game title that caters to an eSports crowd is not that straightforward. Although there have been dozens of attempts, overly simplistic gameplay is usually involved. Such matches do not require too much strategy or offer very few customization options. Additionally, there is always the concern of how people who spend more on these games can buy better avatars and equipment to gain a competitive advantage.
Building a true eSports-capable game requires several key elements, including:
- Exciting gameplay for players and viewers
- Competitions and tournaments
- Rich game mechanics
Most of the blockchain games on the market today fail to meet one or more of these criteria. That is unfortunate, but it also serves as a valuable lesson for developers looking to push into competitive gaming.
A title like Axie Infinity, which banks big on PvP combat for earnings since Season 17 – will never become an eSports title in its current format. Rich players can buy the best in-game characters and stomp their competition with ease. Splinterlands, the popular card-battle game, offers more opportunities on that front, although it doesn’t have the best large-scale tournament and event infrastructure either. Something extra is needed to make all the puzzle pieces fit together.
The Next Generation Of Blockchain eSports
Various in-development blockchain games want to pursue the eSports approach to gain mainstream traction. It is a commendable strategy, although one that may prove tricky to master. A game like Apeiron will enable balanced and action-packed gameplay with online and offline game streaming capabilities. Furthermore, its team intends to explore the transition from online-only cards to physical gaming cards synergizing with the game’s elements. The game-rich mechanics are an essential building block to establishing a solid eSports entry.
All of that sounds great, but the impact of blockchain on eSports goes much further. The technology is designed to increase player revenue from tournaments, establish a self-sufficient ecosystem, bring more engaging content to a global audience, and provide better content monetization options. A card-battle game can check all these boxes over time, as there are many decks and building tips to share. Moreover, Apeiron’s god-based gameplay caters to a global audience of users eager to explore a colorful universe.
Blockchain titles venturing into eSports need to provide an encompassing and compelling digital entertainment experience. That approach requires innovative and original concepts, unlike the ideas most games embrace today. Additionally, the titles need to offer autonomy to the players, including the monetization opportunities that come with it. Apeiron will feature interactive story creation involving mythology, franchises, and popular brands worldwide. Everyone can create their narrative, introducing numerous content creaton and eSports opportunities.
Other titles in the industry include Zuki Moba, Metabirds, and Cryptofights: Battlegrounds Evolved. Each of these games offers a key eSports element, whether wagering on a match’s outcome, multiplayer support, or highly competitive [MOBA] gameplay. Combining all these aspects into a compelling game may yield the next major eSports title to join the likes of Dota2 and League of Legends.
