Why are games the natural scenario and entry point for Web3?
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Why are games the natural scenario and entry point for Web3?
Many people are skeptical about web3, and for good reason, as we are still in the early stages. However, I am optimistic that web3 will bring an entirely new and positive player experience for the following reasons.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insights
Author: Brian Cho, co-founder of patron, formerly at Riot and a16z.
All gamers are already primed for Web3 — they just don't know it yet.
Here’s why gamers can become true fans of Web3 — and why that matters.
I spent seven years at Riot helping launch games like League of Legends, and I’m a lifelong gamer. Many people are skeptical of Web3 — and rightfully so, as we’re still in the early days — but I'm optimistic about how Web3 will deliver new, positive experiences for players based on the following reasons.
1. Countless hours spent finding fun in MMOs translate into the metaverse
In reality, many players spend vast amounts of time in massive multiplayer online games like Jianghu, League of Legends, Minecraft, Dota 2, and Clash of Clans — living alternate lives striving for status and rewards that matter deeply to them, yet don’t translate into real-world value or ownership. Web3 can change that.
2. Virtual currencies evolve into tokens and wallets
Virtual currencies are common in modern free-to-play games, but they don’t offer real-world value. Web3 game tokens (like SLP) contribute tangible real-world value by creating job opportunities abroad.
3. Overcoming onboarding friction for “fun” translates into buying NFTs and learning DeFi
Traditional gamers willingly endure painful onboarding processes — such as installing mods — just to play their favorite games. For newcomers to Web3 gaming, the fun aspects (like yield farming) may not be immediately obvious.
4. Familiarity with complex game economies translates into tokenomics and token design
Great games have incentive structures that keep players engaged for years. In blockchain games, players receive thoughtfully designed token rewards — world-class incentive engineering.
5. Spending hours remixing/modifying games evolves into composability
Beyond mods, consider some of today’s most popular modern games where creation isn’t just a feature — it’s core gameplay.
In Web3, you’re incentivized rather than punished for modifying games and IP (e.g., Loot Project).
6. Collectors of virtual goods become NFT owners
Traditional gamers have already spent hundreds of billions of dollars renting virtual items from publishers and corporations.
NFTs now grant gamers actual ownership and liquidity, while also empowering independent developers by cutting out multiple intermediaries.
7. In-game auction houses evolve into exchanges and marketplaces
Gamers aren’t just familiar with in-game economies — they’re accustomed to financial markets.
WoW = Auction House
EVE Online = Market
RuneScape = Grand Exchange
I suspect some of the best NFT traders are prolific MMO traders.
8. Strong user communities in guilds/forums/Discord evolve into DAOs
MMO players are naturally collaborative — guilds have robust systems for coordinating raids, assigning ranks, and distributing loot.
With DAOs, you're no longer dependent on a single powerful guild leader!
9. Player identity evolves into pseudonymity/reputation
Both gaming and Web3 are often meritocratic — who you are doesn’t matter. The more you contribute in Web3, the greater your reputation and rewards.
10. Gaming culture and language evolve into Web3 culture and language
Cultural language shifts from "gg", "ggwp", "glhf" to "gm", "gn", "wgmi". The positive energy and vibe in Web3 is unlike anything else online!
11. Decision-making in complex real-time multiplayer scenarios evolves into minting, voting, and airdrops
Players are no strangers to cooperating in complex environments to achieve goals. In Web3, those who coordinate effectively with others tend to succeed the most.
12. Game development roadmaps evolve into Web3 roadmaps and whitepapers
Top game developers always deliver on promises — and this is even more evident in Web3 games, where communities actively participate through token-based voting, becoming the most player-focused stakeholders.
13. Early creator economies evolve into social tokens
Twitch and YouTube both benefited greatly from the rise of early Web2 gaming influencers. Web3-native creators will be better compensated, more diverse, and broader in reach — look at Axie Infinity influencers.
14. Vocal and passionate user bases evolve into community-led governance
Top MMOs have already begun experimenting with governance — old-school RuneScape runs every update through in-game ballot boxes. Players’ voices can help identify clear scams and energize debates around Web3 (which will soon be resolved).
15. Game developers evolve into Web3 architects
Blockchain, mobile, free-to-play, social, and play-to-earn. New technologies and business models are as impactful as what game developers have done before. Since not all free-to-play games are predatory, applying absolute skepticism toward Web3 gaming makes no sense.
16. Gamers are already familiar with the fundamentals of Web3 — Web3 builds on what gamers already know
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