Web3 Gaming’s Growing Pains Make the Case for Quality Over Quantity

As many as 93% of GameFi projects are inactive, reflecting the growing pains of the Web3 gaming industry. Factors such as lackluster gameplay and poorly written content have taken their toll, and even “epic” blockchain games struggle to keep players engaged throughout the experience, losing them to smaller-scale but more impactful ones.

Extended gameplay is not necessarily what makes a game memorable; some games take more than 50 hours to complete, ultimately resulting in an experience that is entirely forgettable. The inevitable decline of play-to-earn has been a byproduct, assisted by an excessive focus on earnings and the sheer number of games on the market.

Activities that capture our full attention and focus are more likely to be remembered than those we perform passively. For a game to be memorable, its story must include affective, cognitive, and perceptive elements.

Affective elements relate to emotion; cognitive ones imply meaning, facts, and concepts, and perceptive ones involve sensory impressions in actions and context across a timeline. One can’t speak of a quality game without securing those. 

Why Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

Exciting events boost the release of dopamine, which causes one’s internal clock to move faster. Successful gaming platforms may have been aware of this scientific fact in their focus on in-game dynamics. This focus is especially notable in sports-themed blockchain games, such as NFL Rivals and the new FIFA Rivals, both developed by Mythical Games.

According to a recent survey, NFL Rivals takes a maximum of four hours to play, but most people play longer, suggesting solid retention. A few drop off early, likely due to first impressions or personal preferences.

21 of 27 players recommended the game to friends, and 19 of 27 said that questing and rewards “kept them hooked.” The survey also explored ease of access, controls, graphics, core gameplay loop, and other aspects of the game. Most players gave “ease of access” an 8-10 rating, meaning it was relatively beginner-friendly. A few rated it around 6, mentioning that some mechanics or menus could be clearer.

Control scores ranged from 5 to 10, with most between 8 and 10. Some players struggled with navigating the menu or mastering the mechanics. They found some mechanics needed tweaking, especially around passing the ball. Most of the graphics scores again ranged from 8 to 10. The game’s visuals were well-received overall. The majority of core gameplay loop scores were also 8-10, with most gamers enjoying the dynamic action. A few complained about the lack of deeper strategic layers.

Mythical Games has planned an ambitious expansion in 2025, anchored by the recent launch of FIFA Rivals and Pudgy Penguins’ Pudgy Party, which is expected this summer. Their success with NFL Rivals, which has been downloaded 7 million times, has set an impressive precedent for sports-focused titles.

Mythical Games will leverage Polkadot’s flexible infrastructure to extend the Rivals brand across new game genres and sports leagues. The platform aims to deliver impactful games, as opposed to the shotgun approach prevailing in the blockchain gaming market, where quality often takes a back seat. They carefully curate their partnerships, attracting developers who aim for sustainably engaging games.

The Anatomy of Player Retention

Factors like controls, visuals, quests, rewards, live events, narratives, and ease of access are crucial to player retention. The insight that the level of control is directly proportional to retention predates blockchain gaming.

Researchers considered two game modes, differentiated by the degree of user control – “auto” mode and “control” mode – and compared the duration of play, frequency of play, and in-game performance. Participants in the second mode exhibited significantly higher play duration and frequency, as well as better in-game performance, compared to auto-mode participants. 

More recent surveys indicate that the majority of mobile gamers play daily, underscoring the need for a captivating design. Most gamers prefer short play sessions, typically under 10 minutes, indicating that instant gratification is a priority. Intuitive interfaces enhance retention rates and satisfaction. The majority of gamers abandon titles that are too complex or difficult to navigate. Controls must react to user inputs instantly. Players seek ergonomically friendly layouts that facilitate ease of use during extended gaming sessions.

The control scheme substantially contributes to player satisfaction and performance. Incorporating taps, swipes, and pinches builds dynamic interaction, but balancing complexity is essential. New users are confused by overly complicated gestures, while oversimplified ones can bore advanced players. Prioritizing thumb placement enhances comfort.

Generally, players will be better able to focus on the action when controls are within easy reach. They are likely to remain engaged when touch interactions feel responsive. Longer swipes enable more complex actions, while quick taps allow instant feedback. A well-placed swipe allows the player to initiate a complex action without having to navigate multiple menus. 

While high-fidelity graphics improve one’s impression of a game, this effect tends to be present only with relatively challenging game mechanics. Casual games can be fun despite simplistic visuals, suggesting that gaming platforms don’t have to prioritize elaborate graphics to engage and retain players.

The Transformative Effects of Quests and Live Events

Live events occur only once in a game, bringing players together to take part in unique, frequently unpredictable activities. They tend to be grand spectacles that transform the virtual world in real-time, sometimes permanently, and acquire a layer of intrigue when incorporated within blockchain games.

Players aren’t just there to enjoy themselves; they often have the chance to find or earn exclusive NFTs that will never be available again. Players want to own a piece of the game’s history, and the sense of exclusivity drives participation. They talk about such events long after they’ve ended, increasing retention potential by creating a sense of belonging.

Quests have long been gaming staples. They give gamers tasks to complete, often within the context of a narrative, and reward them with NFTs, which can be sold on open markets or used within the game itself. Some quests require collaboration, incentivizing players to partner, strategize, and share the fruit of their joint efforts. Limited-time experiences utilize the fear of missing out to lure players. Ranging from challenges to seasonal events, these fleeting experiences may never return. 

From Passive Narrative Consumers to Storytellers 

A game’s story is the promise to players that the game is worth their resources, that their journey will offer something unique, and that the game will have lasting appeal. The story is crucial in Web3, where the game is often released after NFT presales and intense marketing efforts.

Players are no longer content with passively consuming a narrative; they are now actively engaging with it. They want the freedom to make choices that shape the narrative and affect the outcome. The blockchain intensifies this effect by allowing decentralized decision-making. Some blockchain-based games allow players to collaborate on overcoming challenges, vote on major plot developments, or create their own story arcs.

Emotional connection makes the difference between a good and a great story. Emotion speaks to a game’s ethos. Examples include a sense of belonging and unity (find your tribe), commitment and reciprocity (players are rewarded), or social status (backing from big-name brands). Value extraction or speculative levers fail to tap into emotions the same way, working against long-term engagement.

Good stories, layered with complex characters, intricate plots, and a world full of realistic possibilities, can make a game unique. The way a game utilizes blockchain to enhance engagement can also make it stand out. Every character the player interacts with, every path they choose, and every decision they make leaves a permanent mark thanks to blockchain’s immutable nature. 

Effective onboarding is crucial for player retention. Interactive guides, simplified tutorials, and clear instructions help elucidate complex mechanics, making it easier for inexperienced players to engage.

Finally, the opportunity to genuinely own in-game assets underlies the recent advent of play-and-own games, which are gradually replacing P2E titles. In the end, the player has had an enjoyable experience and earned assets that they can use outside the game. It’s better to have a handful of such games on the market than hundreds of entirely forgettable ones and tens that have been nothing but a waste of time.  

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