“It’s understandable why some studios might want to get in on the game, but where are the blockchain games from triple-A developers, from legendary game designers?”
TheEditor A
A road to Damascus moment? Not quite
couple of months ago I had a good natured but frank discussion with someone deeply involved with blockchain technology and NFTs. Not about the supposed benefits to life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness, but about press coverage. As
I’m sure you’ve noticed, the majority of commentary from the gaming press is hostile to NFTs, else it is written in such a way to stir up controversy. Other media outlets have refused to carry anything NFT or blockchain-related in any shape or form, as is their right. Anyway, this discussion was more or less about what it might take for MCV/DEVELOP to cover blockchain gaming more than it has. In the six months since I’ve been editor (I know, time flies, right?), it’s fair to say the subject has not been exhaustively covered across these pages. A few passing questions to those we interview at the end of a meeting or call is about the sum of our efforts. Why was that, I was asked? Because I’m not convinced, was my answer. Let me clarify. I’m not against the idea of using decentralised ledger technology in gaming. In theory, yes, it could confirm ownership of digital items, not least of the games we don’t technically own. My problem is with the current reality. It’s not just the environmental impact of token mining, or the rampant, unsustainable and legally dubious speculation that underpins many NFT sales. It’s that, to my mind, all the problems that blockchain tech claims to solve can all be reasonably eliminated without recourse to it. (I was later told by someone else that’s not true, but that it would take too long to explain why - an attitude that only adds to DLT’s irksome qualities.) So, what would it take for MCV/DEVELOP to indulge requests for more blockchain coverage? Here’s the thing: I’m not looking to be fully persuaded by the technology, I just need to be convinced by the games and the sentiment behind them. Sure, there are publishers that have embraced NFTs, others that have expressed an interest in doing so (though less and less by the day, it seems), but a significant number are agnostic at best. Yes, there’s an incredible amount of money being poured into DLT, and it’s understandable why some studios might want to get in on the game, but where are the blockchain games from triple-A developers, from legendary game designers? Big names making big games is what blockchain gaming needs. And they have to be objectively good games, obviously, because, let’s be honest, the only thing going for most play-to- earn “games” is the apparent remuneration. Fast forward a few weeks and I was introduced to
Moxy.io, a gaming platform that aims to be the Steam of DLT gaming. Atari founder Nolan Bushnell is on board, one of the (two) games being lined up looks a lot of fun, and the focus is on earning while you play rather than playing to earn. It’s a thin distinction, sure, but having fun seems to share equal billing with cashing out. I was intrigued enough to find out more. You can read about
Moxy.io on p38. Am I convinced? No, not really, but I’m interested to see how it turns out. Hey, it’s a start!
Richie Shoemaker
richie.shoemaker@
biz-media.co.uk May 2022 MCV/DEVELOP | 05
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