PUBG, the popular gaming company behind PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, is expanding into the world of Web3 with its new project, Settlus. Settlus is a Cosmos-based blockchain project that aims to provide content creators with a payment platform that streamlines transparent settlement processes. The project was announced at the Korea Blockchain Week’s Circle Hacker House event, co-presented by Circle and AngelHack. Settlus will utilize Cosmos’ software development kit as the framework for its platform, and network gas fees will be payable using stablecoins. Settlus’ testnet is set to launch in early 2024.
In addition to Settlus, PUBG is also working on a metaverse project called Migaloo. This project will focus on user-generated content, allowing creators to automatically create nonfungible tokens (NFTs) of their digital content and earn royalties from platform sales. This expansion into the blockchain and Web3 space shows that PUBG is looking to tap into the growing creator economy and provide new opportunities and revenue streams for content creators.
Web3 gaming, which encompasses blockchain-based games and platforms, is often seen as a space where players can potentially earn money through their gameplay and interactions. This is in contrast to traditional gaming, where the revenue generated typically goes to the gaming company and its shareholders. Web3 games are marketed towards the allure of monetary gain, appealing to investors and financiers who can potentially earn returns on their investments.
However, traditional gaming also utilizes monetization strategies to generate revenue. Games like League of Legends and FIFA’s Ultimate Team mode have generated billions of dollars in revenue through cosmetic skin sales and in-game purchases. These strategies have faced backlash from gamers who feel that companies are exploiting them to make money.
Web3 game developers are looking for alternative business models, such as play-to-earn, to bridge the gap with traditional gaming and attract a larger user base. Play-to-earn models promise users monetary gains in exchange for their time and gameplay. However, Web3 gaming has faced criticism and prejudice due to preconceptions around the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The key to breaking this prejudice lies in creating better games that balance monetization strategies with a focus on gameplay and user experience.
Animoca Brands, a leading Web3 gaming company, recently raised $20 million in a funding round to accelerate the development of its Mocaverse project. The funding round was led by CMCC Global and featured well-known names in the industry. Mocaverse aims to create a non-transferrable NFT collection called Moca ID, which will allow users to create their on-chain identities and participate in the project. The funding will be used for product development, facilitating Web3 adoption, and securing partnerships. With such strong backing, Animoca Brands has the potential to develop an ambitious system that could revolutionize the Web3 gaming space.
One notable Web3 game is Shardbound, developed by Bazooka Tango. The game is a turn-based tactical collectible card game that puts players against each other on a tile-based isometric map. Shardbound introduces fresh movement mechanics with its 3D hex map, allowing players to strategically position their minions and heroes for maximum advantage. The game features various factions, each offering a unique hero and playstyle. Shardbound aims to bring a new approach to the tactical card game genre and has the potential to attract both Web3 and traditional gamers.
Overall, the expansion of PUBG into the Web3 space with projects like Settlus and Migaloo highlights the growing importance of blockchain and decentralized technologies in the gaming industry. These projects aim to provide new opportunities for content creators and bridge the gap between Web3 and traditional gaming. With the support of companies like Animoca Brands and the development of innovative games like Shardbound, the future of Web3 gaming looks promising and exciting.