Wildcard Alliance is one the most anticipated upcoming Web3 games but it has an interesting back story to it. This Web3 game started off as a traditional game and its founder was a vocal skeptic of blockchain technology. Paul Bettner and his Playful Studios weren’t a fan of Web3 technologies and were suspicious of blockchain games. However, the more he and his partner studied blockchain, the more they got interested in it.
The idea to give back to passionate and loyal players in the shape of digital collectibles, player ownership, and other crypto rewards persuade Bettner. Now, the self-proclaimed crypto skeptic is holistically embracing the technology and integrating it into Wildcard Alliance. The game and its developers plan to combine blockchain gaming with AAA values.
Playful, a gaming company headquartered in McKinney, Texas, has successfully secured $46 million in funding. The company has recently unveiled its new game, Wildcard Alliance. It offers players an esports-style experience where they compete against each other in combat to seize their opponent's goal. The game is designed to attract the next generation of gamers to Web3. Additionally, it prioritizes ease of access, accessibility, and enjoyment. Furthermore, the game promises to be just as entertaining to watch as it is to play. The game further ensures that spectators will also have an enjoyable experience.
Web3 Skeptic to Supporting Web3 Gaming, Bettner's Candid Views
But How does a Web3 skeptic, Paul Bettner, come out in support of it?
Timothy Bettner, the co-founder of Playful, discussed the company's journey to web3 technology and how it differs from the approach of other companies in the space in an interview with GamesBeat. Bettner defined web3 as the set of technologies, including blockchain, crypto, and smart contracts, that have created new opportunities for games. He believes that games have gotten it wrong by focusing too much on the financialization of crypto and web3.
Bettner also shared Playful's approach to web3, which involved working on their game, Wildcard, for five to six years before knowing what web3 was. The company's goal was to create a game that was as much fun to watch as it was to play. The idea is inspired by the growing popularity of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
Playful was eyeing a game that starts from scratch with the understanding that people will watch it as others play it. It is unlike games like League of Legends or Fortnite, which were not initially designed with streaming in mind. The company believes that games can be used to create a new type of connection between players and their audiences.
The Question of Token Sales in Web3 Games
One of the benefits of token sales, according to Bettner, is that they enable game developers to find people who are willing to pay upfront. With Million on Mars, this strategy has paid off. The game has 10,000 players who are all paying to play. This has allowed Bettner to operate a profitable 20-person studio and continue to develop and run the game.
Bettner believes that the success of Million on Mars is due to the level of engagement from the audience. It is something "off the charts" when we compare it to other platforms. He also acknowledges that each new platform comes with unique challenges that require a different approach to game design.
For example, when designing games for the iPhone, Bettner had to create games that people could play quickly and easily. So easily that even in short bursts, such as while on the toilet or in an elevator. When designing a VR game, he had to consider the comfort of the players. Moreover, ensure that the game did not make them feel sick. With web3 games, the audience is looking for an opportunity to acquire assets that can appreciate in value, which is a new challenge for Bettner.
Bettner's Web3 Approach in Wildcard Alliance
To address this challenge, Bettner is working to find a way to connect the audience of web3 games with the larger audience of millions of players that he is always looking to attract. He believes that the key is to build a bridge between the two audiences rather than treat them the same way.
Bettner's approach is to focus on features that allow players to collaborate and build value together, such as team ownership. He believes that this will be a crucial feature for the "Angry Birds" of web3 games in the future.
Overall, Million on Mars is a unique example of a profitable token sale game with a dedicated and engaged audience. As web3 games continue to evolve, game developers like Bettner will need to adapt. Moreover, they need to find new ways to engage with the community and create games that appeal to a wider audience.
Why Blockchain Utility in Wildcard Alliance?
Blockchain technology has become a hot topic in the gaming industry. Some developers use it to allow players to own in-game assets and even whole teams. But why use blockchain instead of other methods? That's the question many skeptics are asking, and it's one that Paul Bettner tries to answer.
In a recent interview, Bettner explained that the technology to allow players to invest in a game or buy a profitable subscription service already existed before the advent of blockchain. However, it was the blockchain that brought to light the possibility of players owning a part of a game's value. And it's this opportunity that has attracted the interest of Paul Bettner.
"Before blockchain and web3, no one ever said to me, 'What if I could own a team? What if I could be a part of the value you're building in this game?'" said Bettner. "It's more about bringing awareness to this new opportunity and pointing us in a direction where people might be interested in doing something they weren't doing before in games."
While blockchain technology has been key in waking people up to this new opportunity, Bettner believes it's less about the technology itself and more about the potential it creates for game developers and players. As such, it's an exciting time for the gaming industry as developers explore new ways to engage with players and offer them a more immersive gaming experience.
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