Gaming chains are winning over developers and players
The emergence of gaming chains such as TON, Immutable, and Ronin is a key development in web3 this year. The Open Network, known as Telegram’s official web3 framework, exemplifies this success by facilitating user onboarding and enhancing engagement.
TON simplifies the process for developers and players alike, highlighted by popular titles like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and BANANA. Starting the year with over 4 million on-chain accounts, TON is projected to exceed 120 million by year-end.
Understanding the reasons behind this growth unfolds in three parts. For developers, gaming chains create a bridge between web2 and web3, offering improved tools, smoother onboarding, and better scaling options.
Players gain from interconnected ecosystems, allowing them to manage assets, achievements, and identities with greater flexibility. The industry as a whole moves closer to AI-driven experiences and integrated economies across games.
The rapid expansion of gaming chains is attributed not just to technological advances but also to the creation of connected gaming experiences that will shape web3 in the coming years.
Gaming chains made significant strides in 2024. In the third quarter, following TON's success, Immutable’s ecosystem reached around 200 games, while Sky Mavis’ Ronin saw a 40% increase in titles. This success stems partly from how these chains help developers overcome technical barriers. Similar to how Unreal Engine transformed game design, gaming chains offer specialized environments where developers can focus on creativity without limitations.
Gaming chains manage high player activity and complicated smart contracts while ensuring quick response times for real-time gameplay. This setup eases developers’ transitions and allows them to concentrate on their strengths.
Their relationship is mutually beneficial. Gaming chains can provide foundational support for developers, including reduced gas fees and tailored technical assistance for games moving from web2. They can also help fund certain games, encourage user adoption, and generate excitement, driving growth within the ecosystem. This cycle promotes success for developers and enhances player experiences.
Players also benefit from the evolution of gaming chains. A major issue has been onboarding, where wallets require some technical understanding. Gaming chains resolve this by smoothly introducing players to the ecosystem without them needing to grasp blockchain technology.
Telegram has made significant impacts this year by excelling in both areas. Many users worldwide enjoy automatic wallet connections through Telegram, allowing them to easily engage with mini-games without any crypto knowledge. This leads to popular games, exciting airdrops, and millions of players.
Gaming chains tackle another major issue: the isolation of blockchain games. With shared infrastructure, players can maintain a single identity across various games. The Ronin Name Service enables players to create a unique username within the Ronin ecosystem, linking games, wallets, and decentralized apps. Solutions like this enhance player value and foster genuine digital ownership across the gaming space without detracting from gameplay.
As previously isolated gaming data is integrated through gaming chains, new opportunities arise. Cross-game experiences become feasible, allowing players to enjoy a richer gaming environment.