Blockchain technology is facing backlash from gamers and game developers, forcing some studios to avoid Web3-related “buzzwords.”
Cointelegraph was present during the second edition of Madeira Blockchain 2023, held between November 30 and December 1. The event explored Web3’s regional developments, as well as how the Portuguese islands are seeking startups and tech talent to grow their economy. in the digital age.
During a panel discussion at the conference, game studios working on blockchain features discussed the challenges associated with integrating the technology into games, including acceptance from developers, players, and publishers.
Redcatpig is a Web3 game development studio, but the company has encountered obstacles in integrating the technology into its portfolio. “One of the most difficult challenges I faced was communicating with my internal team to help them understand that this [blockchain] Technology can greatly benefit players and improve games,” said Marco Bettencourt, CEO of the company.
Redcatpig developers have been collaborating on blockchain gaming solutions. The company’s first blockchain-based game, HoverShock, will launch in 2024 and will feature skins and drones based on non-fungible tokens that can be traded on an in-game marketplace and purchased with fiat currencies or cryptocurrencies.
Despite the studio’s extensive work on blockchain integration, it has avoided buzzwords associated with the technology. “We all know that there is new technology. We all know about NFTs and proprietary technology. And you won’t sell games using buzzwords. […] Players don’t need to know what Web3 or blockchain is. The only thing they need to know is that if they buy a skin, they own it and can sell it tomorrow if they want,” Bettencourt added.
Another company that has seen negative reactions for integrating blockchain into its development is VEU. Founded in Los Angeles, the company specializes in AI-based solutions for navigating virtual worlds, but its community did not support the introduction of blockchain technology.
”The players don’t even need to know what we do; They only need to perceive the product. […] I don’t need to know about a technology to use it. […] So I think that’s the pivot, that’s the change that the industry has to face. Just like before, other types of technologies were not accepted until people stopped talking about them,” said Nuno Rivotti, product director at VEU.
Despite the backlash, game developers have not slowed down in blockchain integration. In Portugal, the technology has become one of the most important innovations incorporated into the gaming product portfolio and government investment strategies through the eGames Lab, a consortium of 22 public and private entities that aims to support the industry. of video games in the country towards internationalization.
“As part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, there is a specific agenda for blockchain, incorporating training components, in addition to research and development, software production and commercialization,” said Pedro Dominguinhos, president of the National Monitoring Commission for Recovery and Resilience Plan in Portugal, told Cointelegraph.
