Sokipiriye Dokubo
The gaming landscape in 2023 saw the emergence of numerous crypto and NFT games, offering a mix of early access previews and full-scale releases. From shooters to trading card games and RPGs, the blockchain space now hosts a diverse array of titles catering to both PC and mobile gamers.
Leading the pack is the interplanetary sci-fi trading card game Parallel, which left a significant mark on blockchain gaming throughout the year. With its captivating card art and intricate gameplay, Parallel has raised the bar for NFT-enhanced games, earning recognition as both one of the standout Web3 games and GG’s Game of the Year for 2023.
Setting itself apart from typical trading card games, Parallel introduces unique factions or “parallels,” each offering distinct abilities, such as Augencore’s card upgrades and Kathari’s cloning prowess. Moreover, Parallel’s expansion into a separate “Colony” game, featuring AI-powered characters interacting with the blockchain, further demonstrates its innovative approach.
Illuvium stands out as another ambitious project in the sci-fi fantasy realm, boasting an expansive universe across four games and a wealth of NFTs. Despite still being in beta, its open-world RPG Overworld showcases stunning environments and engaging flying mechanics, while the pet battler arena mode, Arena, holds promise with support from esports powerhouse Team Liquid.
Pixels, a pixelated browser game, has captured attention with its migration to Axie Infinity’s Ronin blockchain, drawing interest for its retro 2D aesthetic and vibrant community.
Shrapnel, a first-person extraction shooter, has garnered significant backing, with AAA-level funding and the development of its own blockchain tech, GameBridge. With an early access rollout slated for January, Shrapnel aims to rival high-budget shooters like Escape from Tarkov.
Off the Grid, a crypto-powered battle royale shooter with Neill Blomkamp as its chief creative officer, continues to make strides in its development, leveraging dedicated blockchain infrastructure for in-game transactions.
Deadrop, a first-person shooter involving ex-Halo developers and Dr. Disrespect, has generated buzz with playable early access builds, while My Pet Hooligan offers a quirky battle royale experience with optional NFTs and tokens.
Although 2023 marked significant progress for blockchain gaming, many titles remain in development, and some released games still require refinement. Yet, with ongoing advancements and growing interest, the industry anticipates the potential for a breakout game in 2024 that could propel blockchain gaming into the mainstream. Stay tuned to GG for continued coverage of this evolving landscape.