Blockchains are being used in various sectors, but ever wondered what about the gaming sector? As of now gaming sector is not any primitive one but a whooping over $130 billion dollars and it would be exciting to know how blockchain has already started conquering this sector and why blockchain must be considered in the gaming industry, so let’s start. 

What is a Blockchain game? 

Blockchain plays a significant part in gambling, in fact, it’s an inseparable part of gambling if we take cryptocurrencies into the picture, where trading in various cryptocurrencies on the blockchain happens. Such a scenario can be created in a game where the user creates, nurtures, and trade any object as an asset. Any game which works on blockchain in its backend or mechanics can be termed a Blockchain game. 

Features of Blockchain Gaming 

The massive gaming industry is ready to be disrupted by Blockchain development. Therefore, let’s have a look at some of the features that blockchain offers and can be utilized in the gaming industry.

• Decentralized Asset Exchange makes like selling of things in exchange for cryptocurrencies in the presence of high security
• Blockchain technology can prevent fraudulent activities in the game. 
• Verifiable Scarcity of Virtual Objects & Collectables offers a very secure environment where collected assets can be stored securely. 
• Fast & Secure payment network 

How Blockchain-based gaming is different from conventional gaming  

In a generic single-player game, one can even hack the game in such a way, that he automatically gets all of the gear or may be credited with finishing quests that one never did. Well, none of these are possible in an online game, because the code on which game-world is on, is over the developer’s server, but not your own device. The developer’s server keeps a ledger of all transactions and events in the game. It knows if you finished a particular quest or looted a particular piece of gear.

Traditional online games are one step-up from single-player ones in many ways. They create the illusion of an objective reality that is shared by all players. Therefore, due to this, players begin to feel that they “own” their characters or equipment.

Take for instance, In the game over a mission, you slayed your opponent in a raid and got an awesome sword, I might want it. But the game developer company probably won’t give it unless and unless you pay them with some in-game currency for it. It’s “your” sword, and if I want it, I’ll have to finally convince them to give it up voluntarily, which probably no one will agree to.

But there’s a problem with this idea. If you own the sword, does the developer have the right to reduce its stats or even delete it? After all, you earned it by your efforts, right?

The answer is – yes! 

In practice, the developer can do whatever he wants with “your” sword because the sword only exists as data on his server. You don’t really own it. You can’t – because you aren’t paying for the cost of maintaining the server. Because of the inherent power that comes with owning the server, developers often put all kinds of restrictions on players’ items. For example, they may forbid players to sell items for real money. 

If the players agree to these terms and conditions, then this is fine. But some players may prefer to know that they can “cash out” of a game if they decide to quit.

Blockchain: The real game changer

In a blockchain game, at least some amount of data from the game is not stored on the developer’s servers. Instead, it is stored on a decentralized network called a “Blockchain network.”

In simple words, it is stored on a network similar to the kind used with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The database or ledger is stored on multiple computers throughout the world, and there are cryptographic protocols used to determine which copies of the ledger are authentic. This allows players to truly own at least some items found in the game. These items exist on a separate network, apart from the servers used by the developer. And the rules that govern how these items can be used are determined by a “smart contract,” a piece of code that runs on the blockchain network.

This means that once the item is issued, there is a limit to what kind of changes the developer can make to it. For example, these items can usually be traded to other players with or without the consent of the developer. And the developer is often prevented from making other changes such as creating more than a certain number of the item, which use to happen generally in generic games.

In addition, blockchain-backed game assets exist even if the game itself shuts down. In some cases, they can even be used by players in other games, thereby benefiting players to a great extent. 

How Blockchain can be adopted in gaming  

• Blockchain can be used as a payment mechanism for games. 
• In place of worthless gems and currencies which are being given at usual games, here blockchain can become a backbone that can be used to reward as well. 
• Blockchain can become a mechanism to create a secure environment where fair gaming can take place between competitors. 

Conclusion 

Despite the benefits to developers and gamers alike, blockchain games have a long way to achieve mainstream success in the gaming sector. A senior blockchain developer at Rejolut says, that, since a large chunk of the gaming population is not in acquaint with it. But, blockchain in gaming can be seen as a tool to bring a fair gaming experience, while rewarding players in such a way that those rewards can be turned into assets. 

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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