Research
Potential to move to Fully Onchain vs. Partial Onchain of Web3 gaming
November 4, 2025
8 mins read
This article aims to delve into the multifaceted world of onchain games, exploring their architecture, potential, dynamics, and the motivations that drive players to engage with these innovative creations. published
Onchain games have emerged as a revolutionary concept within the gaming industry, leveraging the capabilities of blockchain technology to redefine how players interact with virtual worlds. Traditional video games and virtual worlds have long captivated players' imaginations, offering immersive experiences and opportunities for exploration, competition, and social interaction. With the integration of blockchain technology, these experiences are being reimagined and expanded in ways previously thought impossible. This article aims to delve into the multifaceted world of onchain games, exploring their architecture, potential, dynamics, and the motivations that drive players to engage with these innovative creations.
I. Types of Chains and Their Potential for Onchain Games
The foundation of onchain games lies in the underlying blockchain architecture on which they are built. These architectures can be broadly classified into four categories, each with its own unique characteristics and potential implications for onchain gaming:
1/ Public Centralized Blockchains: BSC and Solana's Inclusion
Public centralized blockchains, exemplified by platforms like Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and potentially Solana, offer a combination of decentralization and centralized control. These chains provide faster transaction speeds and lower fees compared to some other blockchain networks. However, they also introduce the question of centralization's impact on decentralization's benefits.
2/ Public Decentralized Blockchains: Ethereum and Late-stage L2s
Ethereum, the pioneering smart contract platform, and advanced Layer 2 scaling solutions represent the epitome of public decentralized blockchains. These networks offer unprecedented decentralization, security, and transparency. Late-stage Layer 2 solutions aim to address Ethereum's scalability limitations, making them enticing options for hosting complex onchain games.
3/ Private Centralized Blockchains: Federated Chains and Ethereum zk L2s
Private centralized chains, such as federated blockchains, maintain a degree of centralized control while preserving privacy and selectivity. Ethereum's zk Layer 2 solutions utilize zero-knowledge proofs to enable scalable, private interactions on a public blockchain. These options provide intriguing possibilities for creating onchain games that balance privacy and performance.
4/ Private Decentralized Blockchains: Conceptual Considerations
The idea of private decentralized blockchains, though mostly conceptual at this stage, poses interesting questions about combining the benefits of decentralization with the exclusivity of private networks. While such chains are not widely implemented, they invite speculation about their potential role in onchain gaming.
II. Architecture and Onchain Game Placement
The choice of blockchain architecture significantly influences an onchain game's capabilities and gameplay dynamics. Depending on the type of blockchain selected, developers must consider various factors when designing and placing their games:
1/ Onchain Games on Private, Centralized Blockchains
Private, centralized blockchains offer controlled environments with potential performance advantages. These chains may cater to specific use cases, such as secure enterprise gaming or experimentation with novel gameplay mechanics. However, they may lack the level of decentralization desired by some players.
2/ Benefits of Public, Centralized Blockchains for Games
Public centralized blockchains bring together the benefits of centralization and decentralization. They offer faster transaction speeds and lower fees, making them suitable for certain types of games that prioritize responsiveness and cost-efficiency.
3/ Placing Games on Public, Decentralized Blockchains
The most iconic onchain games are hosted on public decentralized blockchains. The transparency, security, and openness of these networks provide an ideal foundation for creating immersive, decentralized gaming experiences. However, challenges related to scalability and transaction fees remain critical considerations.
III. Blurring Mods and APIs in Onchain Games
Onchain games introduce a fascinating convergence of traditional gaming concepts like mods and APIs:
1/ Conceptual Exploration of Mods and APIs in Onchain Games
In onchain games, the line between game modifications (mods) and application programming interfaces (APIs) becomes increasingly blurry. This blending enables greater flexibility for players and developers, fostering creativity and innovation.
2/ Comparing Structural Separation in Onchain Games and Web2 Mods
While traditional web2 game mods often require integration within the game environment, onchain games offer structural separation of data, assets, and algorithms. This separation grants greater composability, enabling diverse downstream architectures and experiences.
3/ Analyzing Combined Modding and API Capabilities in Onchain Games
Onchain games fuse the power of mods and APIs, giving rise to new possibilities. This amalgamation allows players to shape their experiences while enabling developers to introduce external integrations, ultimately enriching the gameplay ecosystem.
IV. Onchain Economies, DeFi, and Proximity
The relationship between onchain economies and decentralized finance (DeFi) plays a pivotal role in shaping onchain gaming experiences:
1/ Relationship Between Onchain Economies and DeFi
Onchain games have the unique opportunity to integrate with DeFi protocols, creating interconnected ecosystems that amplify the potential for in-game economies and player incentives.
2/ Exploring Distance Metrics Between Blockchain Layers
Distance metrics between different blockchain layers are critical in understanding the user experience. While not just about geographical proximity, this concept addresses the transaction costs and benefits players encounter when navigating different chains.
3/ Implications of Cross-L2 DeFi for Game Economy
Cross-layer DeFi operations open up possibilities for onchain game economies. The interplay between different layers of blockchains can redefine how players interact with in-game assets, liquidity, and rewards.
V. Ticking and Metagame Dynamicism
Sustaining a dynamic metagame is a core challenge for onchain games:
1/ Challenge of Sustaining Metagame Dynamicism in Onchain Games
Maintaining a dynamic metagame within the constraints of blockchain technology requires innovative solutions. Traditional mechanisms may need adaptation to fit the unique properties of onchain environments.
2/ Varying Ticks Based on Player Activity
Exploring the concept of adjusting game ticks based on player activity offers a way to dynamically adapt the game's pace to player engagement levels. This approach could mitigate the challenges of maintaining an engaging metagame.
3/ Concept of a "Proof-of-Tick Worldchain" and Variations
The "proof-of-tick worldchain" concept envisions a dynamic game world where players collaboratively contribute to the passage of time. This model allows for flexible time scaling, adapting to player preferences and engagement.
VI. Incentive-Compatibility Maximalism and Artificial Transaction Costs
Balancing composability and incentive-compatibility in onchain games requires careful consideration:
1/ Analyzing Composability, Economic Efficiency, and Maximalism
The interplay between composability, economic efficiency, and incentive-compatibility maximalism shapes the boundaries of player interactions and in-game activities.
2/ Introduction of Artificial Transaction Costs to Manage Maximalism
Artificial transaction costs can be introduced strategically to manage the extent of economic efficiency and incentivize particular behaviors, striking a balance between maximalism and gameplay dynamics.
3/ Permissioning Strategies and Effects on Game Economy
Implementing permissioning strategies, such as password authentication, rate limiting, and allowlists, offers ways to regulate interactions within the game. These strategies influence the in-game economy and the degree of incentive-compatibility maximalism.
VII. Immutability, Persistence, and Refreshing the Game
The concepts of immutability and persistence have implications for the evolving nature of onchain games:
1/ Concepts of Immutability and Persistence in Onchain Games
Immutability, referring to the permanence of game states and rules, and persistence, indicating the lasting impact of player actions, both shape the player experience and influence the potential for metagame stagnation.
2/ Link Between Concepts and Metagame Stagnation
Overreliance on immutability and excessive persistence can lead to metagame stagnation. Without mechanisms to introduce novelty and variation, player engagement may decline over time.
3/ Refreshing the Game Through New Content and Automated Feedback
To combat metagame stagnation, onchain games can leverage automated feedback loops to introduce new content, challenges, and experiences. These mechanisms can reinvigorate the player base and maintain a dynamic gaming environment.
VIII. Gamer Motivations in Onchain Games
Understanding player motivations is crucial for designing onchain games that resonate with the audience:
1/ Exploring the Hero's Journey and Gamer Motivations
Applying Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey narrative framework to onchain games provides insights into player motivations, progress, and the emotional arcs that enhance engagement.
2/ Applying Traditional Motivations to Onchain Gaming
Classic gamer motivations, such as achievement, exploration, competition, and social interaction, remain relevant in onchain gaming. Incorporating these elements into blockchain-enabled environments enriches the player experience.
3/ Leveraging Both Traditional and New Motivations in Onchain Games
Beyond traditional motivations, onchain games introduce new incentives driven by blockchain-native mechanics, including ownership, scarcity, and participation in decentralized governance. Integrating these new motivations enhances player engagement and immersion.
VIIII. Onchain Games as Places and the Role of Governance
Onchain games offer virtual worlds that players inhabit:
1/ Virtual Worlds as Primary Places in Onchain Games
In onchain games, virtual worlds are not just settings; they become primary places where players reside, interact, and contribute. These worlds shape the player experience and narratives.
2/ Enhancing Success Through a Focus on World Creation
Designing captivating and immersive virtual worlds is a fundamental aspect of onchain game development. A well-crafted world can enhance player engagement, foster social interactions, and fuel emergent gameplay.
3/ Governance and Social Features in Onchain Game Worlds
The decentralized nature of onchain games introduces unique opportunities for player-driven governance and social interactions. Empowering players to shape the rules, mechanics, and narratives of their virtual worlds creates a sense of ownership and agency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, onchain games have opened the door to a new era of gaming, one that merges blockchain technology with immersive virtual worlds. The architectural choices, gameplay dynamics, and player motivations explored in this article highlight the intricate landscape of onchain game design. As developers continue to innovate and explore these possibilities, the boundaries of what is achievable in the realm of onchain gaming will expand, giving rise to experiences that captivate players in unprecedented ways. By navigating the complexities outlined here, game developers and enthusiasts can harness the full potential of onchain games and contribute to the evolution of the gaming industry as a whole.
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