How “Off the Grid” can impact the future of Blockchain games
The Avalanche-based battle royale shooter Off the Grid has achieved a level of mainstream success previously unseen among crypto games. Last month, it quickly rose to become the most popular free-to-play title on the Epic Games Store, drawing a significant number of traditional gamers—some of whom are showing more openness to Web3 elements.
So, what contributed to Off the Grid’s successful launch, and how could its unique approach shape the future of blockchain games in reaching a broader audience?
Game-First Approach: Industry experts credit Off the Grid’s success to a “game-first” strategy—a model some crypto developers have championed for a while. This approach emphasizes creating high-quality gameplay above all, rather than leading with crypto or NFT elements and expecting these features to attract players. Hans Andersson, CBO and co-founder of Moonray Studios (creators of Ethereum’s Moonray game), emphasized that broad adoption requires focusing on what brings value to gamers, with gameplay being the central focus.
The game’s mechanics were the primary focus during early access, and many social media clips highlighted Off the Grid’s unique battle royale mechanics, comparable to established games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone. Interestingly, some players only later realized it was a Web3 game, signaling a new way to integrate blockchain elements without alienating players.
For instance, past crypto gaming projects like Pixelmon raised millions in NFT sales but struggled after launching subpar artwork, leading to public backlash. In contrast, Off the Grid kept a tight lid on its blockchain elements during early development, letting gameplay take center stage. This approach stands in stark contrast to the traditional Web3 development model of “building in the open,” which has previously led to unfinished or incomplete products, contributing to crypto gaming’s negative reputation.
Nicolas Pouard, VP of Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovation Lab, noted that few Web3 games deliver on their promises despite raising substantial funds. Even large traditional titles like Cyberpunk 2077 have faced issues with buggy or incomplete launches, underscoring the challenge of delivering polished games. Off the Grid, however, held closed tests under strict confidentiality until it was ready for public release, which has helped maintain positive player reception.
Minimizing the Crypto Focus: Gunzilla Games, the developers of Off the Grid, chose not to emphasize crypto features in the initial launch. While the Avalanche-based GUNZ network is operating behind the scenes, crypto tokens and NFT items aren’t yet part of the game. Players are currently focused on gameplay, helping to sidestep the divisive nature of crypto in gaming.
Rebecca Liao, CEO and co-founder of blockchain network Saga, noted that the core game experience must guide development decisions, as previous Web3 games often sacrificed gameplay quality in favor of token-driven mechanics. Some simpler Web3 games have drawn users due to low entry barriers, yet struggle to retain players due to lackluster gameplay. Off the Grid’s early success could encourage developers to adopt a similar game-focused strategy.
Another opportunity for broader reach could come from bringing crypto games to major platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam. Off the Grid is already available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but with crypto functionality still to come. Steam’s restrictions on crypto may present challenges, but mainstream gaming platforms could play a significant role in the future of blockchain gaming adoption.
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Source: https://decrypt.co/289662/off-the-grid-impact-future-blockchain-games