Today’s gamers have invested a significant amount of money in virtual in-game purchases, only to find that these items are not permanent. This unfair reality has been highlighted by recent research conducted by OnePoll.com on behalf of Unstoppable Games. The study, which surveyed 2,000 gamers, reveals that over their adult lifetime, gamers are projected to spend $6,425.13 on virtual items without receiving anything physical in return. On average, gamers spend $8.74 per month, totaling $104.90 per year, on three different purchases, with character skins, weapons, and extra lives being the most popular choices.
These statistics have left gamers feeling angry and deceived. While it’s reasonable to pay for entertainment and experiences, it’s important that virtual purchases, such as swords, skins, and cloaks, hold the same value as physical items in traditional games. Gamers should have the freedom to use and manipulate these items as they wish.
In contrast to the impermanence of current gaming experiences, the rise of blockchain technology in gaming offers a solution to this problem. Unstoppable Games, for instance, is set to release its game “Influence” on June 27, which utilizes blockchain to address the issues faced by gamers. Historically, blockchain games have struggled due to limitations in handling data. However, advancements in blockchain networks are now providing viable options for mainstream finance and entertainment.
According to the study, 35% of surveyed gamers feel that the money spent on in-game purchases is wasted because they have nothing tangible to show for it. Additionally, over half (51%) express frustration at their inability to give or resell these items. Blockchain technology allows for interoperability, meaning that these virtual assets can be used across multiple games or even be used to create new games. This opens up exciting possibilities for creators who may have previously struggled to compete with larger game studios. Although interoperability is still in its early stages, it has already been achieved in games like Axie Infinity and Realms.
The survey data also reveals that 65% of respondents support the idea of being able to gift or resell in-game purchases at a later date. However, the majority of gamers (84%) have never heard of or tried a blockchain game. Educating gamers about the benefits of blockchain games and encouraging them to give them a chance is crucial. Many people hesitate to try blockchain games because early offerings were disappointing, lacking a fun experience and outdated graphics. However, the landscape is rapidly evolving, with improved blockchain capacity and Web3 games that are now on par with traditional Web2 games.
In conclusion, the gaming industry needs to address the issue of impermanence in virtual purchases and embrace blockchain technology to provide gamers with lasting and valuable experiences. By doing so, they can attract more players and compete with traditional gaming platforms. Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO and co-founder of StarkWare, emphasizes the potential of blockchain games and their ability to revolutionize the gaming industry. However, it’s important to note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or investment advice. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Cointelegraph.