Designing a game for long term success is far from easy. With the introduction of decentralization, the entire gaming sphere is shifting from studio control to player control. With this the fundamentals of in game economies, player ownership and community driven ecosystems are top of mind when considering a new approach to game design.

Furthermore, the highly anticipated increased introduction of VR and AR technologies into gaming environments is forcing studioes to re-think their long term business models. The Web3 approach asks all game designers, developers and pbulishers to rethink the mechanics from the ground up. This grass roots approach places an emphasis on player engagement, longevity and creating more inclusive gaming environments.

Here is a breakdown of 5 things that Web3 gaming can teach Web2 studios about designing successful games for the long term:

1. Player Ownership and Community-Driven Development

One of the fundamental shifts in Web3 gaming is placing the player, not the developer, at the center of the game's economy. Web3 games are designed to give players ownership of their in-game assets, allowing them to participate in the governance of the game and even influence its direction. This contrasts sharply with traditional Web2 games, where developers control everything, from in-game economies to updates, leaving players with little say beyond fan forums.

By involving players in the development process and giving them a stake in the game, Web2 studios can build stronger, more engaged communities. This can foster a sense of ownership and loyalty, extending the lifespan of games.

2. Monetization Beyond Ads

A recurring challenge in the Web2 gaming space is the reliance on ad-based monetization and microtransactions, which can feel exploitative. As Borget explains, the ad-based model often turns players into the product, with companies profiting from their data and privacy. In contrast, Web3 games explore alternative monetization models that benefit players directly, such as play-to-earn mechanisms and decentralized economies.

Getting creative with new monetization strategies should be front and centre of the conversations within Web2 gaming studios. Creating in-game economies where players can earn and trade assets with real-world value, for example, would not only increase engagement but also foster long-term sustainability.

3. Building Sustainable Game Economies

One of the pitfalls of Web2 games—especially free-to-play models—is the imbalance that occurs when a few top players or early adopters dominate in-game economies. This can alienate new or casual players, creating an unhealthy ecosystem. In contrast, Web3 games are starting to build more sustainable models that emphasize effort and long-term player investment, rather than short-term monetary gains.

4. Transparency, Trust, and Fairness

Trust is a critical issue in gaming. Cheating, hacking, and manipulative practices can ruin the player experience. Web3 technology, with its decentralized nature and blockchain-based transparency, offers a solution. As Tashi Protocol’s Tashi Consensus Engine (TCE) demonstrates, Web3 games can ensure fairness by decentralizing control and verifying actions through consensus mechanisms.

Web2 studios can borrow from this playbook by incorporating more transparent and fair practices in their games. This doesn’t necessarily mean adopting blockchain technology, but it does mean creating systems where fairness and trust are paramount. Whether through better anti-cheat measures or more transparent in-game mechanics, these steps can lead to a more loyal and engaged player base.

5. The Power of Originality

Web3 games have shown that it’s not just about integrating blockchain or NFTs—it’s about creating new intellectual property (IP) that can only exist in this decentralized, player-driven context. Rather than relying on old franchises Web2 studios have the opportunity to create new IP. 

Web2 studios can focus on putting innovation first. Instead of churning out sequels or remakes, they could experiment with new IPs that take advantage of new technologies, community-driven development, or unique gameplay mechanics. Creating fresh, unique experiences will help capture the attention of modern gamers, many of whom are tired of repetitive gameplay models.

Web3 gaming offers a new vision for the future of our relationships with games. It’s not just about the technology, it is about a shift in mindset to understand the value of the time invested in these games by the players. By adopting some of the core principles of Web3, like user ownership, transparency, and sustainable monetization, Web2 studios can create long-lasting, successful games.

Tashi Protocol’s approach to multiplayer game backend architecture brings a technically sound and forward-thinking solution to the gaming industry. It stands as a noteworthy development for emerging gaming platforms whether native to Web2 or Web3, offering a scalable, secure, and economically viable alternative to traditional gaming servers. As Tashi Protocol continues to grow, our architecture is expected evolve with the current and future needs of both game studious and Indie game developers and hence play a significant role in shaping the future of online serverless gaming infrastructures.