Blockchain Gaming Hurdles

GameFi may not yet have the critical mass to become a global phenomenon, but it’s already produced success stories within the web3 space. This raises the question: why do traditional gaming audiences often ignore—or even discourage—GameFi?

Some believe the challenge lies in onboarding, like simplifying wallets to allow players to dive in with ease. Others point to the technology itself, calling for faster, gasless transactions to create a more seamless experience. VisionGame sees value in all these perspectives, but we also believe it’s a matter of intent. GameFi, by nature, isn’t meant to appeal to everyone.

GameFi is rooted in web3 principles, offering unique financial opportunities for blockchain enthusiasts. For some, the goal is to trade game tokens or NFTs without ever playing; for others, it’s about playing to earn. In contrast, traditional gaming centers around entertainment—a goal that doesn’t inherently align with GameFi’s financial incentives. As a result, GameFi and traditional gaming cater to two distinct audiences: traditional players who seek entertainment, and web3 users who seek financial opportunities.

Attempting to bridge these two audiences often proves challenging. Trying to engage traditional players with GameFi’s financially driven experience can feel as misplaced as focusing purely on entertainment for web3 users seeking economic gains. Furthermore, traditional games already succeed in attracting large audiences without blockchain, meeting their entertainment goals and profitability without the need for decentralized features.

While some traditional companies are experimenting with web3, it’s worth considering their intent. Are they looking to fully transition to web3, or are they simply expanding to attract a new audience—much like the surge of mobile gaming did? We believe it’s the latter, and that’s not a bad thing. GameFi and traditional gaming each have their place, serving different needs within the evolving landscape of gaming.