Good day everyone,
I hope you are all having a good day, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things crypto. In this post I will be looking at the recent development and criticism of play-to-airdrop games within the crypto space.
Play-to-Airdrop (P2A)
The gaming space within Web3 has long since been trying to attract new players and make themselves a mainstay in the overall global gaming sector. Given how many people love to pass their time getting lost in games, it only makes sense that they should be rewarded for their input. From the hours spent playing their games to testing early builds and giving valuable feedback to developers, times are changing and the users look to be at the forefront of rewards going forward.
With blockchain gaming increasing in popularity it is Play-to-Airdrop (P2A) which looks to be taking the space by storm. As gaming studios constantly look for new ways to reward their players and attract new ones, P2A is the latest twist on the play-to-earn model. Users complete quests, level up, and engage with in-game activities to enhance their gaming experience but also to become eligible for crypto airdrops. This gives even more reason for users to engage, communicate, and contribute feedback.
There are generally four main categories when it comes to Web3 gaming:
- Play-to Earn - Games which are blockchain based and have player owned economies made through the use of in-game assets, often represented by tokens or NFTs.
- NFT Games - A game which makes use of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) as a core component within the gameplay and economy.
- Blockchain Games - These are any game which makes use of blockchain technology to enhance traditional video games.
- Play-to Airdrop - Games which make use of incentivising players via potential future token airdrops which are associated with their in-game activities and engagement, which can also include content creation.
Play-to-airdrop works as both a token distribution strategy and a means of rewarding dedicated players. More traditional rewards systems in gaming are based around in-game actions contributing to the overall economy of the game. With P2A, more committed players are rewarded based on their activity in the game.
As players farm resources, craft items, defeat formidable foes, and level up their character in a Web3 game, they will also become eligible for airdrops of cryptocurrency tokens. The tokens will be more than just an in-game currency, they will also be a representation of a players dedication and skill within the game’s ecosystem. What makes P2A even more viable is the fact it can help to jumpstart a games economy. Through the distribution of tokens directly to active players, the developers will be putting a foundation in place regarding a play-to-earn economy where players can exchange their earned tokens for digital assets. This helps underpin the overall driving force of the Web3 gaming space - speculation drives the market.
Gamers are meant to be kept engaged with the game by their desire to earn and gather tokens, points, or other virtual assets. Unlike Play-to Earn (P2E) where players would be given tokens directly for their in-game activities, P2A rewards players with points based on the value of their time spent playing. The accumulated points then work as placeholders towards potential future rewards which will be issued by the developer / studio. The uncertainty of what value the future rewards hold is some of what allures users to these games. The environment is full of speculation, just like the crypto space. Gamers must weight the risk against the potential reward unlike the certainty of the P2E system.
However, many veteran gamers have voiced their concern over the system, with some even noting that the games are crowded with players just looking to make a quick profit. Apparently many users who have been gaming for a long time feel that the P2A games are rife with players making use of bots autoplay games, accumulate points, cash out, and chase the next token. Both developers and players have noted have this 'gold rush' is impacting traditional gamers by crowding out the space and therefore ruining these games for gamers who enjoy the fun and social aspects of these games.
The P2A model is one which can offer developers “significant benefits” for building player engagement and “fostering a sense of community,” however modes of battling against the exploitation by bots and profit-hunters need to be explored. However, “airdrop hunters” are part of the developers’ broader game plan. Developers need to first draw in these 'gold diggers' before finding ways to ensure they remain and stay committed to the game long term. Make use of technology such as anti-bot CAPTHCA and the likes could be one resolution towards ensuring it is people, and not bots, making use of the games. The main issue with this method is that most players become infuriated when they are constantly bombarded with CAPTHCA requirements. Other methods such as multi-factor authentication could also be used to prevent abuse. Users could also have their number of accounts limited while the monitoring of suspicious activity using artificial intelligence (AI) is another option.
To build a loyal community these issues will need to be overcome, but there is potential in the P2A model. Like any gaming model which involves rewards which can be traded for real life cash, there will always be those looking to abuse the system. Making good games and not just games which farm users who are determined to cash out is another problem facing the industry. These barriers and overcoming them is what will potentially create a new, diverse, and interesting world of gaming which all can enjoy.
Have a great day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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