The world of Web3 gaming is evolving, and with it, new opportunities for community building and revenue generation are emerging. According to Aleksander Larsen, co-founder of Sky Mavis, the company behind Axie Infinity, traditional gaming platforms like Discord will not be necessary for Web3 games in the future. Instead, developers will find alternative distribution channels, making it easier to connect with their target audience.

Larsen believes that as blockchain gaming gains popularity, harsh anti-crypto statements from gaming publishers will fade away, and distribution platforms will emerge, allowing game studios to tap into new audiences. Sky Mavis' Ronin Forge program is already working towards this goal, providing grants, technology infrastructure, and access to the Ronin network to approved game developers.

SocialFi, a blend of social media and decentralized finance (DeFi), is also expected to play a crucial role in boosting Web3 gaming revenue. Allen Ng, co-founder of OpenSocial Protocol, believes that SocialFi can enhance user retention, gaming experience, and average revenue per user (ARPU), citing Pokémon Go and Clash of Clans as examples of successful mobile games with strong social layers.

OpenSocial has launched a $15 million ecosystem fund to empower the next generation of Web3 social apps, including SoMon, a Reddit-like forum with true community ownership and financial incentives. Ng believes that SocialFi will create an emotional bond between players, enhancing their gaming experience and encouraging them to spend more time and money on Web3 games.

In addition, play-to-earn blockchain arcade runner game MetaRun, built on Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 and powered by the BNB Chain, is gaining popularity, allowing players to earn crypto rewards and build their characters' NFTs.

Overall, Web3 gaming is poised for significant growth, with new distribution channels, social layers, and revenue streams emerging. As the industry evolves, we can expect to see more innovative games and applications that combine blockchain technology, social media, and decentralized finance to create immersive and engaging experiences for players.