Off The Grid’s triumph demonstrates that ‘hidden’ blockchain technology is the winning strategy

Off The Grid, a popular battle royale shooting game with a touch of blockchain, made a huge splash when it first launched. In its debut month, the game saw over 9.12 million wallets created and more than 100 million transactions.

One interesting thing about Off The Grid is that its use of blockchain is more of an add-on rather than a central feature. The game’s graphics and gameplay don’t actually run on the blockchain, and the NFT in-game items are optional. However, there are plans to introduce a marketplace where players can trade items on Gunz, an Avalanche subnet. Players will also be able to use a new in-game currency, the GUN token, to buy items and skins.

The success of Off The Grid highlights the importance of prioritizing good gameplay over flashy blockchain features. By offering blockchain elements as an extra feature that enhances the overall experience for interested players, the game has gained popularity. This approach helped Gunzilla Games, the studio behind Off The Grid, secure support from VanEck, adding to the impressive $517 million raised by gaming startups in Q3.

Interestingly, other successful games in the industry, such as World of Dyspians and Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles by Ubisoft, have followed a similar formula.

Many gamers have mixed feelings about blockchain in gaming. Some are skeptical of game developers using NFTs and blockchain technology due to past negative experiences. To appeal to a wider audience, gaming companies are finding ways to make blockchain “invisible,” seamlessly integrating it into gameplay without drawing too much attention to it.

According to experts in the field, the key is to make blockchain technology accessible and user-friendly. Players should be able to enjoy the game without having to deal with complex blockchain setups or processes.

While some games, like Axie Infinity, are considered successful blockchain games, most transactions in these games actually occur off-chain. This “Web 2.5” approach still allows for blockchain integration without moving everything onto the chain.

In terms of blockchain platforms for gaming, there are exciting options emerging. Solana, known for its scalability, was once a top choice for hosting blockchain games. Meanwhile, Sui, based on Facebook’s Move language, shows promise with its high throughput and potential for real-time applications.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, more gaming platforms are exploring its potential. Immutable X and Avalanche, for example, offer unique features that cater to specific gaming needs.

While high-throughput chains like Sui are ideal for advanced gaming experiences, game developers can also design games around the current limitations of blockchain technology. Proof of Play studio, for instance, focuses on creating casual games that don’t require high computational power.

In conclusion, games like Off The Grid demonstrate that integrating blockchain technology can enhance gameplay, but the key to success lies in making blockchain features optional and seamless for a diverse player base. By striking a balance between innovation and accessibility, game developers can attract a wider audience to blockchain gaming.