The importance of blockchain in the gaming business has grown as the sector continues to develop and adopt new technology. It’s hardly surprising that many gaming firms are choosing blockchain to power their platforms since it gives users full ownership and control over their digital assets and opens the door to new business models and income sources.
As the competition heats up, several blockchains stand out as possible leaders in the gaming sector as we move toward 2023. Each are building foundational technologies – promising a new way of transactional capabilities and enabling new gameplay models – and are positioned to affect the future of gaming, from established players with a track record of success to fresh entrants aiming to make their mark.
We’ll examine some of the top gaming blockchains to watch in the upcoming year in more detail in this article.
Myria
Myria is using blockchain technology to enhance the power of play with Web3 – a new version of the social web augmented by digital assets, collectibles (non-fungible tokens or NFTs) and blockchain gaming. As a decentralized Ethereum Layer 2 (meaning to say, it’s built atop the mature Ethereum blockchain network), it aims to develop a gaming platform and the necessary infrastructure and tools to take blockchain gaming to the forefront.
Its Ethereum L2 scaling solution, using ZK-Rollup, enables dApps to achieve unlimited scale and low fees without sacrificing security.
Immutable X
Immutable X is yet another Layer 2 scaling solution built on Ethereum, designed to provide fast confirmation and low gas fees for NFT trading and minting – removing one of the stumbling blocks of blockchain gaming in being costly and slow.
Originally created to lower costs for hit blockchain game Gods Unchained, its ultimate goal is to create a gaming-specific blockchain that can host gaming platforms with fast transaction times and reduced costs.
Efinity / Enjin
Enjin, a leading ecosystem for NFTs, has launched its flagship parachain Efinity on the Polkadot blockchain – providing an alternative blockchain network to the Ethereum mainstay.
As the first-ever NFT parachain on the network focused on speed and cost efficiency, Efinity is designed to make it easier for users to access and manage digital assets in decentralized gaming. With a history of driving NFT adoption on Ethereum and the creation of the ERC-1155 token protocol, Enjin is positioning Polkadot and Efinity as the future of blockchain gaming.
Ultra
Ultra offers a comprehensive solution with an infrastructure layer built on yet another Ethereum competitor called EOSIO. As a carbon-neutral blockchain, it powers the Ultra App ecosystem and is already being used for Ultra Games, a mass-market ready games distribution platform.
The Ultra blockchain boasts high consistency and the ability to process a large number of transactions. It also offers free transactions for users and fast transactions for developers, as well as a secure queuing mechanism to prevent network spamming.
Gala Games GYRI
Gala‘s GYRI chain is the first blockchain specifically designed by game developers to meet the unique requirements of in-game use. It’s also well-suited for concepts like Listen-to-Earn and Watch-to-Earn. Designed to retain the key features that support the player-empowering vision of Gala Games, GYRI is making waves with the launch of its first decentralized game, Spider Tanks, featuring $SILK earning, NFT tank renting, and fun gameplay.
Polygon
Polygon had an impressive year in 2022, thanks to its strategic partnerships and the hire of Ryan Wyatt as CEO of Polygon Studios. Its grants and partnerships have established it as a key player in Web3 gaming. While it’s still searching for that blockbuster hit, the upcoming release of Dr. Disrespect’s Deadrop could be a game-changer.
Solana
Solana recognizes the importance of gaming, and is actively seeking ways to make its mark on the industry. With a number of exciting gaming titles like Star Atlas being developed on its platform and support from the Solana Ventures team, Solana is well-positioned to make a big impact in 2023 despite feeling the squeeze from the FTX fallout. It’s time for Solana to dominate in something, and gaming could be that something.
Arbitrum
Layer-2 Rollup Arbitrum has seen impressive growth over the past year, thanks in part to the contributions of Treasure DAO, a decentralized gaming ecosystem. Trusted by many in the Web3 community, including gamers, developers, and enthusiasts, Arbitrum is well-positioned to be a major player in 2023 due to its organic growth.
BNB Smart Chain
Binance is dedicated to building a strong presence in the metaverse, and as part of that mission, they are always looking to partner with new projects and connect users to the broader metaverse experience. They are particularly excited about the future of gaming and the potential for an interconnected Gaming Metaverse.
While Initial Game Offerings (think of gaming-based Initial Public Offerings) or IGOs are just the beginning, Binance has plenty of plans in store for the future, and they look forward to seeing what developers are creating. Together with their users, partners, and gaming projects, they are building the path forward towards an interconnected Gaming Metaverse. While Binance is well-established in Asia, it still has a ways to go to make an impact in Western gaming culture.
Avalanche
Web3 gaming is set to revolutionize the industry with the introduction of Avalanche subnets, which offer unparalleled control and customization of blockchain networks. These subnets allow games to scale their user base quickly, establish their own set of rules for the blockchain, and prioritize gameplay without sacrificing security or decentralization. This new technology is poised to bring a new level of autonomy and innovation to the world of Web3 gaming.
Sui
Sui is a blockchain network designed specifically for the gaming industry. It offers game developers a powerful platform to create immersive and interactive experiences. With its advanced technology, Sui ensures secure ownership and transfer of in-game assets, eliminates intermediaries, and enables seamless gameplay. It addresses the challenge of updating digital assets and provides scalability, speed, and low-cost transactions. Sui empowers both developers and players, ushering in a new era of gaming with unprecedented levels of transparency, fairness, and innovation.