Web3 games won't need Discord in the future, what Pokemon GO taught us about big spenders, and more.

Navigating Discord community groups for blockchain games can indeed be overwhelming and frustrating, but Aleksander Larsen, co-founder of Sky Mavis (the company behind Axie Infinity), believes this is a temporary situation. He explains that blockchain games rely on platforms like Discord and Telegram for community building due to gatekeeping by traditional app stores and game publishers, which limit distribution channels for these games.

Larsen is optimistic that as blockchain gaming gains wider acceptance and more mainstream titles emerge, the reliance on these platforms will diminish. This evolution will enable developers to reach their target audience more efficiently through traditional means, reducing the need for platforms like Discord.

Current Challenges and Future Prospects:

1. Gatekeeping by Traditional Channels:
- Blockchain games face distribution challenges from traditional channels like app stores, leading them to use Discord and Telegram for community building and distribution.
- Valve's Steam, for example, has banned content related to cryptocurrencies or NFTs, further limiting distribution options for blockchain games.

2. Anticipated Changes:
- Larsen believes that as blockchain gaming becomes more mainstream, the industry's resistance will wane, allowing developers to use more conventional distribution methods.
- This shift is expected to simplify community engagement and reduce the dependence on Discord and Telegram.

3. Building Sustainable Games:
- Larsen emphasizes the need for sustainable game economies, focusing on richer meta-game experiences rather than just high-quality graphics.
- Through Ronin Forge, Sky Mavis supports early-stage Web3 games with grants, technology infrastructure, and access to the Ronin network, fostering innovation and sustainability in game development.

4. SocialFi's Role in Web3 Gaming:
- Allen Ng, co-founder of OpenSocial Protocol, highlights the importance of SocialFi (a blend of social media and decentralized finance) in enhancing user retention and monetization in blockchain games.
- SocialFi can drive engagement by fostering social bonds among players, similar to how successful mobile games like Clash of Clans and Pokemon Go leverage social interaction to enhance user experience and revenue.

Future Developments:

1. Improving Game Quality:
- The focus is shifting towards creating games with engaging storytelling and sustainable economies.
- Ronin Forge is actively looking for innovative games with the potential for mass adoption and long-term success.

2. Expanding SocialFi:
- OpenSocial has launched a $15 million ecosystem fund to support the next generation of Web3 social apps, with a focus on creating engaging and rewarding social experiences for gamers.
- Their first DApp, SoMon, aims to provide a Reddit-like forum with true community ownership and financial incentives, enhancing the social aspect of gaming.

Conclusion:

While the current reliance on platforms like Discord and Telegram poses challenges for blockchain game developers, the landscape is expected to evolve as blockchain gaming gains mainstream acceptance. Efforts to create sustainable game economies and leverage SocialFi for enhanced engagement and monetization will play a crucial role in this transition. With initiatives like Ronin Forge and OpenSocial's ecosystem fund, the future of blockchain gaming looks promising, offering richer and more engaging experiences for players.