Modern gamers are spending an average of $6,400 over their adult lifetimes on in-game purchases that hold no value outside the gaming platforms they were bought on. This spending habit often leaves gamers with nothing tangible to show for their investments, and it's time to rethink this approach.

Recent research commissioned by Unstoppable Games and conducted by OnePoll.com highlights the issue. The study surveyed 2,000 gamers, revealing that the average gamer spends $8.74 per month, totaling $104.90 per year, on three purchases. Commonly bought items include character skins, weapons, and extra lives. Over a lifetime, this adds up to $6,425.13 on virtual items that cannot be transferred or sold outside the game’s ecosystem.

Such statistics leave gamers feeling frustrated and, at times, deceived. While it's reasonable to pay for entertainment and experiences, in-game purchases should offer value akin to physical items. Gamers deserve to own and manage their digital assets as they see fit.

In comparison, physical collectibles like Pokémon cards have lasting value. Kids today are playing with Pokémon cards that their parents collected decades ago. However, today's digital gaming world lacks such permanence and transferability. This is where blockchain gaming, or GameFi, comes into play.

Blockchain gaming is not just a fleeting trend; it addresses real issues that traditional gamers face. Historically, blockchains struggled with the data demands of high-quality games. However, advancements in blockchain technology are now making it possible to create games that are both fun and financially rewarding.

According to the survey, 35% of gamers feel that money spent on in-game items is wasted since they end up with nothing tangible. More than half (51%) are frustrated that they can’t gift or resell their in-game purchases. Blockchain technology offers a solution by enabling true ownership of digital assets. These assets can be traded, sold, or used across multiple games, unlocking new possibilities for players and creators alike.

While it's still early days for interoperability, successful implementations in games like Axie Infinity and Realms demonstrate its potential. The survey also revealed that 65% of gamers would support the right to gift or resell in-game purchases. This capability is a fundamental aspect of blockchain games, yet most gamers are unaware of it.

The study found that 84% of gamers have never heard of or tried a blockchain game. Moreover, if a gaming company decided to shut down its services, 63% of gamers believe they should offer refunds for past purchases, and 34% think they should introduce a voting system. These features are already being integrated into blockchain games, which begs the question: why aren’t more gamers trying them out?

One reason is that many early blockchain games were underwhelming. During the last crypto bull run, numerous blockchain games failed to deliver engaging experiences and suffered from outdated graphics. However, the landscape is rapidly changing. Blockchain games are now catching up to their traditional counterparts in terms of gameplay and graphics.

Blockchain games are evolving and listening to the feedback from the gaming community. With improved technology and a focus on creating enjoyable experiences, Web3 games are poised to compete with traditional games, offering not just entertainment but also financial incentives and true ownership of in-game assets.

So, instead of spending $6,400 on virtual items with no lasting value, consider investing in GameFi. It offers a new way to enjoy gaming while ensuring that your digital investments hold value beyond the game itself.