According to Decrypt, Solana Labs has announced the beta launch of GameShift, a platform designed to make it easier for game developers to create blockchain-powered experiences on the Solana network. First introduced in July, GameShift offers a unified API that manages the blockchain complexity behind the scenes, allowing developers to concentrate on game creation rather than learning how to code in blockchain support.
GameShift Product Lead Davis Hart stated that integrating GameShift's API to handle blockchain complexity under the hood enables developers to dedicate more resources directly to game development. Additionally, developers can provide a Web2-friendly experience to gamers, easing the common Web3 frictions that can deter user acquisition and engagement. Solana Labs claims that GameShift eliminates the need for deep blockchain expertise by abstracting away blockchain implementation details. The platform supports features such as digital asset listings, in-game marketplaces for trading assets, and credit card transactions for in-game purchases denominated in USD.
GameShift aims to increase the adoption of blockchain-based experiences by removing technical barriers that have historically made building and using Web3 games difficult. The platform is powered by Solana Labs with support from ecosystem partners Crossmint, Coinflow, and Metakeep. The beta launch of GameShift coincided with Breakpoint 2023, Solana's annual developer conference held in Amsterdam.
