Code of Joker: Evolutions Returns to Gaming
Feeling nostalgic for the golden era of gaming? Sega’s classic trading card game, Code of Joker: Evolutions, is set to make a triumphant return, this time leveraging the Sui blockchain. Anthony Palma, who leads gaming partnerships at Mysten Labs, shared insights with Web3 Gamer, noting that many gamers feel that the traditional gaming landscape of over a decade ago remains unmatched, leaving them eager for experiences reminiscent of that time. “As the current gaming market evolves, enthusiasts are increasingly gravitating back to beloved classic titles,” Palma remarked. He emphasized that the integration of established games with digital assets offers unique advantages, as familiarity with the game reduces barriers for new players. “When a game, its developers, or its intellectual property resonates with users, they are generally more inclined to explore how digital ownership can enrich their gameplay experience,” he added. The launch of Code of Joker: Evolutions is scheduled for iOS, Android, and PC platforms by the end of summer 2025, reflecting a growing trend of retro games transitioning onto blockchain technology.
Nostalgic Games Gaining Popularity on Blockchain
In July, the pioneering video game company AtariX announced an initiative to bring classic games to the blockchain through a partnership with Base, an Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution developed by Coinbase. This collaboration kicked off with the iconic arcade game Asteroids, which debuted in 1979 as a pioneering multidirectional shooter. Earlier in January 2024, the developers of Ninjalerts, a Bitcoin Ordinals portfolio tracker, inscribed a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) emulator onto the blockchain. The desire for retro games isn’t limited to long-time gamers; a 2023 survey conducted by Kellogg’s revealed that 24% of Gen Z participants in the UK own retro gaming consoles, alongside a burgeoning interest in cassettes and DVD players.
Do Gamers Care About Digital Ownership?
The concept of digital ownership in blockchain gaming often emphasizes the ability to “own your assets,” yet one industry executive argues that this factor may not resonate with gamers as much as expected. Hantao Yuan, co-founder of Moku, expressed his views during the YGG Play Summit 2024, stating, “I don’t believe that player ownership is a significant concern.” He pointed out that Pokémon’s immense revenue, approximately $6 million daily, stems from players’ attachment to the brand and gaming experience rather than ownership. Yuan criticized the Web3 gaming sector for misdirecting its marketing efforts, claiming many projects focus on token generation events rather than creating engaging gameplay. He cited Pump.fun as a successful model, emphasizing that many Web3 games are failing to deliver substantive experiences.
A Shift in Focus Needed for Blockchain Games
Arief Widhiyasa, co-founder of Confiction, contended that blockchain gaming is missing opportunities by primarily targeting crypto enthusiasts instead of appealing to the broader gaming community. “Ultimately, we need to enlighten gamers on the value that Web3 gaming can offer,” Widhiyasa stated. He noted that current trends are dominated by memecoins, presenting a significant challenge for games that aim to capture the attention of casual gamers. According to a 2024 report from the Blockchain Game Alliance, 71% of industry professionals continue to view asset ownership as the primary advantage of blockchain gaming. However, this perspective has yet to connect with traditional gamers. CCP Games CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson pointed out that many gamers mistakenly believe they already own their games and items, making the concept of digital ownership less appealing. “Gamers commonly expect to possess their purchases, but they often lack true ownership,” he explained, indicating that blockchain gaming companies are attempting to market a concept that players think they already understand.
Clarifying the Confusion Over Digital Ownership
The question arises: does purchasing the right to play a game equate to true ownership? Pétursson elaborated on the shift from physical game ownership, where players could sell or share their boxed games, to a modern landscape with limited rights over purchased digital content. “This situation highlights a concerning trend where we have restricted rights to items we’ve already bought,” he noted. “Many consumers have yet to recognize that their perceived ownership might be an illusion.”
Coinfish: A Unique Gaming Experience
Coinfish is generating buzz as an unusual Telegram gaming experience that surprisingly captivates, even for those who typically dislike fishing. Created by blockchain lab MEETLabs, the game places players in the role of an anthropomorphic bear tasked with fishing for four perpetually hungry stray cats. The game features an abundance of fish and sharks, offering an entertaining experience that diverges from real-life fishing. Rewards are linked to the size of the catch, but players must purchase their own bait, making the game a classic example of “investing to earn.” While it may not be a life-altering game, its simplicity keeps it in rotation among casual players, reminiscent of the low-maintenance appeal of Tamagotchis — a quick, enjoyable diversion without the hassle of real-life fishing.
Other News
— The beta version of Diamond Dreams is set to launch on March 18.
— Another Web3 title, The Bornless, will be added to Xbox’s game lineup this year.
— Mojo AI has introduced the WorldWide AI Gaming platform, featuring AI agents competing against one another.
