As 2024 comes to an end, the gaming industry has gradually become a new hotbed for the rise of Web3 technology. Once a niche industry within the gaming sector, Web3 gaming has rapidly entered the mainstream in the past 12 months, sparking developers' imagination about the unlimited possibilities for the future.

Among them, Gunzilla Games captured these possibilities in its first game (Off The Grid) and achieved significant success this year.

Related reading: (With expectations high, can the much-anticipated (Off the Grid) usher in a new era of Web3 gaming?)

In an interview with cryptocurrency media CCN.com, Theo Agranat, Gunzilla Games' Web3 director, discussed the barriers to widespread adoption of blockchain in video games, future regulations that could impact the industry, and why skepticism will always accompany players.

Embrace the ever-present skepticism

On October 8, 2024, Gunzilla Games officially launched (Off The Grid), a free battle royale game set against a dystopian cyberpunk future. This game stands out for its 150-player multiplayer mode and strong narrative elements led by Oscar-nominated director Neill Blomkamp of (District 9).

In addition to rich gameplay, (Off The Grid) utilizes blockchain technology to integrate an NFT marketplace that supports in-game asset ownership and trading. Unlike other purely Web3 games, Gunzilla is committed to bridging the gap between traditional players and Web3 gaming enthusiasts, incorporating blockchain elements as an optional add-on feature. This decision may stem from Gunzilla's acute awareness of the widespread skepticism among players. In fact, they view skepticism as an important component of the industry.

"Skepticism always exists and is justified. It keeps game developers transparent and motivates them to prove their worth through effort," Agranat stated, noting that even skeptical players are often shocked once they truly try (Off The Grid). Because it feels just like a traditional game, but with asset ownership, peer-to-peer trading of in-game items, fully verifiable transparency, and other unique advantages brought by blockchain technology.

For Gunzilla, ensuring that traditional players can experience Web3 elements without being forced to participate is crucial, Agranat added. "In fact, if players wish, they can completely choose to avoid these features. At no point will these features be intrusive to players. Instead, it is more like an experience where participation is optional."

After recently logging into Playstation 5, (Off The Grid) has attracted more traditional players, which may expose more people to the potential of blockchain.

Further reading:
Still daring to come down to the MapleStory Metaverse! National Movement sprays blockchain games: This issue must be resolved or it will collapse.

Putting product and compliance first

"Gunzilla Games understands that establishing blockchain gaming in a top-tier position in the industry requires overcoming significant barriers."

Agranat said that there has long been a distrust between traditional media and players, as well as among those who purely exist in the Web3 industry. However, developers believe that as more traditional individuals begin to understand the allure of blockchain, these barriers are gradually being broken down.

"We are working to earn recognition from both industries, including passionate players and top-tier stakeholders in the industry."

Agranat stated that these efforts will align with compliance with future regulatory requirements that may be announced, which seems increasingly important, especially after recent crackdowns by global regulatory bodies. For example, the Australian Web3 gaming platform Immutable recently became the first blockchain gaming company to receive a Wells notice from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to Immutable's announcement, the notice referenced its IMX token listing and private sale conducted in 2021, with the SEC implying that there was no actual value exchange between the parties involved in the transaction at that time.

Related reading: (SEC 'involved' in the crypto gaming industry, Immutable chooses firm stance after receiving Wells notice)

However, Agranat believes that as long as regulation remains reasonable, future regulations will be positive. He also stated that developers should collaborate with regulators rather than oppose them. "Web3 developers and publishers need to prioritize product and compliance, and place Web3 technology second," Agranat said. "In my view, this is a healthy direction of progress that contributes to the maturity of the entire industry."

Emphasizing transparency is key to Web3

Agranat stated that Gunzilla Games places transparency at the core of product development, which is also key to the growth of blockchain gaming. This German game developer recently announced that the crypto venture capital firm Delphi Ventures will become the largest validator of its blockchain platform GUNZ.

Agranat mentioned that this venture capital firm will provide advice on Gunzilla's Web3 roadmap, marketing strategy, and implementation of in-game features, safeguarding its upcoming functional token. Additionally, the venture capital firm will assist in creating a dashboard to showcase the transparency of the entire GUNZ ecosystem to players.

"We want to let players, stakeholders, and partners know that we take this very seriously," Agranat pointed out, emphasizing that Gunzilla serves only this group of players. He further stated that the company believes the labels of Web2 and Web3 are outdated.
"In the future, regardless of the technology used to deliver an excellent user and player experience, all of this will simply be called 'games,'" Agranat concluded.

  • This article is reproduced with permission from: (PANews)

  • Original author: Kurt Robson

'Game of the Year! Interview with the developers of Off The Grid: How do they view others' skepticism about chain games?' This article was first published in 'Crypto City'