According to PANews, a new paper from Yale University introduces the concept of ServerFi, which could potentially become a new direction for innovation in the web3 space. This concept is seen as a response to the current lack of innovation in the sector. After thoroughly reviewing the paper, several key points and considerations have been highlighted for discussion.

Traditional GameFi models often operate under the 'Play to Earn' banner, typically using a dual-token system to maintain balance. This system involves an internal token to create scarcity and drive consumption among existing users, while an external token attracts new users and funds, thereby increasing the game's activity and drawing in more participants. However, this dual-token model is essentially a Ponzi structure that relies on new users to sustain early players' profits. This attracts many speculators, potentially sidelining genuine gaming enthusiasts due to high entry barriers. Once players realize that their investments no longer yield high returns, the game may enter a 'death spiral,' with old players exiting rapidly and new players losing confidence, leading to the game's decline. Examples like Axie Infinity, Stepn, and CryptoKitties have all followed this trajectory.

The new paper introduces the ServerFi concept, which allows players to combine in-game assets to eventually gain future server sovereignty. This new framework has three main characteristics:

1. It emphasizes long-term participation and value creation. Players gain server ownership rights that can only be realized after generating substantial long-term in-game benefits. This attracts players who prioritize long-term gains over short-term profits, leading to a higher retention and loyalty rate, which is fundamental for the game's growth.

2. It reduces Ponzi-like structural risks and speculative behavior. Under the ServerFi framework, players are guided to focus more on the server's long-term actual value and operational benefits, reducing reliance on new players' financial input. This lowers the entry barriers for new users, converting many into server 'shareholder' users who contribute to the game's long-term growth. This model naturally expands the game's user base, creating user stratification where speculators are gradually marginalized, and loyal players become the mainstream. This aligns with traditional game models that rely on dedicated paying players.

3. Driven by the decentralized community spirit of web3, server ownership is divided among players and the community, transferring game ownership from developers to players. This requires the game to maintain transparency to prevent developers from maliciously manipulating the game. While such games may not experience explosive growth like Ponzi schemes in the short term, long-term companionship and continuous operation can yield unexpected rewards for loyal players.

In summary, the ServerFi paper explores a potential way to steer GameFi out of the Ponzi trap, representing a beneficial exploration and progress. There is anticipation for future groundbreaking games to emerge from this concept.