How To Make A Web3 Game – Process and Features

The gaming business is evolving through Web3 technology, such as decentralization, blockchain ownership, and player-based economies. Non-Web3 games are contrasted with Web3 games in that Web3 games employ smart contracts, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies for secure, open gaming. It facilitates real asset ownership, trustless transactions, and platform interoperability.

Developing a Web3 game is a rigorous procedure of bridging game development and blockchain programming. Each process, from gameplay to smart contracts and tokenomics, offers an uncomplicated, engrossing experience.

This blog explores the complete process of Web3 game development, essential features, technology stacks, and the estimated cost of bringing a decentralized gaming platform to launch.

Key Market Takeaways Of Web3 Gaming Market 

The Web3 gaming market is expanding rapidly, valued at $26.38 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at a CAGR of over 19.2% between 2024 and 2032. This growth highlights the increasing adoption of blockchain technology, decentralized gaming ecosystems, and player-owned assets.

With NFTs, play-to-earn economies, and smart contract economies, Web3 gaming is revolutionizing the experience of people interacting with virtual worlds and digital assets. Speculators and developers are leveraging the security, transparency, and portability of blockchain to craft innovative gaming experiences.

With advancements in artificial intelligence technology, metaverse compatibility, and cross-chain support, the Web3 gaming industry is a chance for companies to make the most out of the decentralized gaming future. The moment to innovate and take the initiative and mold the future of the gaming world is now.

Reasons Behind the Growth of Web3 Games

The Web3 gaming industry is expanding rapidly, driven by technological advancements and evolving player expectations. Below are the key factors fueling its growth.

1. Play-to-Earn Model

Play-to-Earn (P2E) architecture remains the most attractive because it enables players to earn real-world value as game assets. The economic architecture is, nevertheless, being adjusted by developers to create worlds that are longer-lasting. Instead of the game depending on new player deposits, games are designing balanced reward systems with emphasis on experience, skill, and regular participation.

2. Cross-Chain Interoperability 

Web3 games are more and more embracing cross-chain solutions that allow players to use their assets, such as NFTs and game tokens, across games and platforms. This interoperability raises the liquidity of assets, enhances the player experience, and facilitates frictionless experiences across different blockchain worlds, making Web3 gaming more inclusive and integrated.

3. DAO Governance

Most Web3 games employ DAOs, which grant the players voting rights over game policy, updates, and finances. The decentralized nature of the methodology is such that the player interests are aligned with the long-term development of the game, hence maximizing trust and loyalty.

4. Better Game Quality

With the gaming market becoming more mature, game makers focus on the quality of the games in the form of better graphics, compelling stories, and complex gameplay mechanics. By adding AAA-grade visual effects and user-friendly interfaces, Web3 games appeal more to mass-market gamers and narrow the difference between blockchain and old-school gaming.

5. NFT Integration

NFTs have changed gaming ownership in the virtual space by enabling gamers to own original in-game property, including characters, weapons, and virtual properties. In contrast to conventional games, where developers own the property, NFT games give full ownership to the gamers, including the ability to resell, trade, and utilize across various platforms.

Role of Blockchain and NFTs in Web3 Gaming

Blockchain and NFTs are where the answers lie in constructing the future of Web3 gaming, bringing ownership, security, and new economic potential to the players.

Web3 gaming’s blockchain enables decentralization, security, and transparent transactions, allowing gamers to exchange in-game objects directly without intermediaries. This trustless economy reduces fraud, enhances fairness, and creates new revenue streams. Decentraland has sold over $350 million in virtual land, demonstrating blockchain’s economic potential in gaming.

NFTs revolutionize game ownership of items by allowing users to buy, sell, and trade unique digital items across multiple platforms. It not only builds player interest but also generates revenues for developers in sustainable channels. Gods Unchained, which is a blockchain card game, has prospered with NFTs, having sold more than $34 million in cards, marking the rising trend of collectibles in video game economies.

Development Steps of a Web3 Game

Developing a Web3 game involves a structured approach that incorporates blockchain technology, game design principles, and community engagement. Below are the key steps to build a Web3 game effectively.

1. Game Concept & Design

Define game mechanics, genre, and gameplay loop. Determine integration of blockchain technology, including play-to-earn (P2E), player asset ownership, and decentralized governance. Create a Game Design Document (GDD) outlining gameplay, storyline, art style, and user experience, specifying the use of NFTs and cryptocurrencies. Use game engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot, and NFT frameworks like OpenZeppelin to standardize digital asset creation.

2. Select Blockchain

Choosing the right blockchain is vital for game performance and cost. Developers should assess Ethereum, BSC, Solana, Polygon, or Avalanche for transaction speed, fees, and security. Layer 2 solutions like Immutable X and Arbitrum improve scalability and cut gas fees. The choice of NFT standards like ERC-721, ERC-1155 (Ethereum), or SPL Tokens (Solana) affects asset management and interoperability.

3. Game Economy Architecture

A structured economy boosts Web3 game engagement. Developers need to define in-game currency, rewards, and NFT values. Tokenomics involves planning supply, utility, and player incentives. Smart contracts in Solidity (Ethereum) or Rust (Solana) govern economies, enabling secure transactions. A dual-token model, like governance and utility tokens, ensures sustainability.

4. Develop Smart Contracts

Smart contracts are essential for Web3 game functionality. Developers use Solidity, Rust, or Move to manage NFT minting, trading, and in-game rewards, testing these contracts in a testnet before deployment. Security is crucial, necessitating audits by firms like CertiK, OpenZeppelin, or Trail of Bits to reduce vulnerabilities.

5. Assets Design & Integration

Creating high-quality game assets enhances player engagement. Designers use Blender, Maya, or Photoshop for 3D modeling, animations, and textures. NFT integration ensures digital ownership of in-game assets, and frameworks like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) help store game assets securely. Game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine facilitate blockchain-based asset mapping.

6. Game Logic and Infrastructure

Core game mechanics require physics, AI, and multiplayer interactions using C#, C++, or JavaScript in game engines. Backend infrastructure needs user authentication, leaderboards, and blockchain communication, using Node.js, Express, GraphQL, Firebase, or Moralis. Developers must balance decentralization and performance, choosing between on-chain and off-chain computations for speed and efficiency.

7. Wallet Integration

To facilitate transactions, developers integrate wallets like MetaMask, Phantom, WalletConnect, or Trust Wallet using libraries such as ethers.js or web3.js. This allows players to connect wallets seamlessly for NFT purchases, token transactions, and staking mechanisms. A user-friendly onboarding experience is crucial to ensure smooth wallet connections and interactions.

8. Beta Testing

Before launching, games undergo closed alpha and beta testing with selected users. Testing tools like Hardhat, Truffle, or Foundry help simulate blockchain interactions and identify potential bugs. Real-time gameplay tests assess scalability, network performance, and transaction execution. Iterative refinements improve game mechanics and smart contract stability based on user feedback.

9. Game Launch 

Once testing is complete, smart contracts are deployed on the mainnet of the selected blockchain. Developers use platforms like Remix IDE, Hardhat, or Brownie for deployment. A strategic launch plan includes marketing, community engagement through Discord, Telegram, and Twitter, and initial game offerings (IGO) on launchpads like Binance Launchpad or Seedify.

10. Post-Launch Support

A successful Web3 game needs frequent updates and community involvement. Developers release patches, add new NFT assets, and enhance mechanics based on player feedback. Governance through DAO frameworks like Aragon or Snapshot allows community decisions. Ongoing monitoring of security and smart contract performance ensures success.

Cost of Developing Web3 Game

The cost of developing a Web3 game depends on various factors, including game complexity, blockchain integration, and asset design. Below is a cost breakdown of the development process.

Development Step	Task	Description	Estimated Cost
Game Concept & Design	Game Design Document	Define game mechanics, economy, and NFT usage	$2,000 – $8,000
Select Blockchain	Blockchain Selection	Choose a suitable blockchain and standards	$1,500 – $6,000
Game Economy Architecture	Tokenomics & Smart Contracts	Design in-game currency and NFT transactions	$3,000 – $12,000
Smart Contract Development	Coding & Auditing	Write, test, and audit contracts for security	$5,000 – $15,000
Asset Design & Integration	2D/3D Asset Creation	Develop game characters, environments, and NFTs	$5,000 – $18,000
Game Logic & Infrastructure	Core Game Development	Implement game mechanics, UI, and multiplayer logic	$7,000 – $25,000
Wallet Integration	Wallet Connectivity	Enable wallet support for seamless transactions	$2,500 – $10,000
Beta Testing	Alpha/Beta Testing	Identify bugs, optimize performance, and refine UI/UX	$3,000 – $10,000
Game Launch	Deployment & Marketing	Deploy contracts, marketing, and community engagement	$4,000 – $12,000
Post-Launch Support	Updates & Community Support	Provide new features, updates, and governance	$5,000 – $14,000

Total Estimated Cost: $10,000 – $100,000

Future of Web3 Gaming

The future of Web3 gaming will be revolutionary, propelled by blockchain advancements, evolving player expectations, and growing mainstream acceptance. Key trends are shaping Web3’s next phase.

1. Mainstream Adoption and Recognition

Web3 gaming is transitioning from a niche concept to a widely recognized industry. As traditional gamers become familiar with blockchain technology, major gaming companies are expected to integrate Web3 elements into their platforms. This will bridge the gap between conventional gaming and decentralized gaming experiences, leading to broader adoption and acceptance.

2. Enhanced Game Experiences and Quality

Future Web3 games will prioritize high-quality production values, advanced graphics, and immersive storytelling to match AAA gaming standards. Collaborations between blockchain developers and leading gaming studios will enhance Web3 titles, ensuring smoother gameplay, compelling narratives, and engaging multiplayer experiences that attract mainstream gamers.

3. Sustainable Economic Models

The Play-to-Earn (P2E) model is evolving into a more sustainable approach to prevent economic collapse due to inflationary token structures. Hybrid models that blend traditional monetization strategies with blockchain-based rewards will create long-term viability, ensuring a balanced in-game economy that benefits both players and developers.

4. Integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

With the rise of VR and AR technologies, Web3 games are set to become more immersive. Players will interact with blockchain assets in virtual spaces, enabling richer social and gameplay interactions. This integration will redefine metaverse gaming, allowing users to own and experience digital assets in entirely new ways.

5. Interoperability Across Games

One of Web3 gaming’s most promising advancements is asset interoperability, allowing players to use NFTs, characters, and in-game items across multiple gaming titles. Blockchain protocols like Ethereum’s ERC-1155 standard will facilitate seamless asset transfers, enhancing player engagement and digital asset utility.

6. Decentralized Governance Models

The adoption of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) will give players a stronger voice in game development. Through governance tokens and voting mechanisms, players will influence updates, rule changes, and in-game economies, fostering deeper community engagement and loyalty.

7. Play-to-Earn vs. Play-to-Own Models

The gaming economy is shifting towards “Play-to-Own” models, where players not only earn rewards but also own a stake in the game. This allows users to influence game mechanics and have a share in its profitability, transforming player-developer relationships into partnerships.

8. Cross-Platform Accessibility

With advancements in cloud gaming and mobile technology, Web3 games will become more accessible across devices. Web3 integration on platforms like mobile, PC, and cloud-based gaming will allow players to engage with blockchain games without the need for expensive hardware, increasing accessibility and adoption.

Examples Of Top Web3 Gaming Platforms

Web3 gaming redefines digital ownership and play-to-earn mechanics. Here are five leading platforms and their financial industry impact.

1. Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is one of the most well-known Web3 games, pioneering the Play-to-Earn (P2E) model. Players collect, breed, and battle fantasy creatures called Axies, earning Smooth Love Potion (SLP) tokens that hold real-world value. According to recent reports, Axie Infinity generated about $1.3 billion in revenue over the past year, showcasing its dominance in the blockchain gaming space.

2. Decentraland

Decentraland is a virtual world platform where users can buy, develop, and sell virtual land as NFTs. It enables businesses and creators to monetize digital experiences through land ownership, virtual events, and in-game assets. With a growing ecosystem of investors and creators, Decentraland recorded $180 million in virtual land sales over the past year, reflecting its strong market presence.

3. The Sandbox

The Sandbox is a voxel-based metaverse that allows players to create, own, and monetize virtual experiences using NFTs and its native SAND token. Virtual land sales, user-generated content, and branded partnerships drive the game’s decentralized economy. Recently, The Sandbox generated $100 million in revenue, mainly from its NFT-based virtual land sales and in-game transactions.

4. Gods Unchained

Gods Unchained is a blockchain-based trading card game where players own their digital cards as NFTs, allowing them to trade or sell them freely. With a play-to-earn reward system and strategic gameplay, the game has become a favorite in the blockchain gaming space. Recent data shows that Gods Unchained has earned over $34 million in NFT card sales, highlighting the value of true ownership in digital collectibles.

5. Splinterlands

Splinterlands is a digital card battler that integrates blockchain technology to give players full ownership of their cards. It features a competitive play-to-earn model where users can trade, sell, or rent their cards. The game has gained significant traction, generating around $30 million in revenue through card sales and in-game tournaments.

Conclusion

Developing a Web3 game requires a strategic approach that integrates blockchain technology, smart contracts, and decentralized assets to create a transparent and engaging gaming experience. By leveraging features like NFTs, play-to-earn mechanics, and cross-chain interoperability, developers can attract a global player base while ensuring true asset ownership.

With the growing adoption of blockchain gaming, investing in Web3 game development presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs. By following the right development steps and considering the associated costs, you can build a scalable, secure, and innovative gaming platform that stands out in the evolving Web3 ecosystem.

Looking to Develop a Web3 Game?

With over 500,000 hours of coding expertise, we specialize in developing next-generation Web3 games powered by blockchain, NFTs, and decentralized technology. Our expert team helps you build immersive gaming experiences with play-to-earn models, interoperable assets, secure smart contracts, and seamless wallet integrations. Whether you’re creating an NFT-based metaverse or a blockchain-powered strategy game, Idea Usher provides end-to-end development solutions to ensure your Web3 game stands out in this evolving industry. Partner with us today to shape the future of gaming!

FAQs

Q.1. How to create a game in Web3?

To create a Web3 game, integrate blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs into the mechanics. This involves choosing a platform (Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain), designing the game economy, developing smart contracts, and ensuring wallet integration for secure transactions. Focus on interoperability, play-to-earn models, and decentralized governance (DAOs) to boost user engagement.

Q.2. What language is used in Web3 games?

Web3 games utilize various programming languages. Solidity is the main language for smart contracts on Ethereum and compatible blockchains. JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Rust, and C++ are common for game development. Game engines like Unity (C#) and Unreal Engine (C++) integrate with blockchain APIs like Web3.js and Ethers.js for smooth game-blockchain interaction.

Q.3. How do Web3 games make money?

Web3 games generate revenue through multiple blockchain-based streams. The Play-to-Earn (P2E) model lets players earn and trade tokens or NFTs. NFT sales of in-game assets, transaction fees, and virtual land sales further boost earnings. Additional revenue comes from staking rewards and advertising partnerships, making Web3 gaming a lucrative space.

Q.4. How much does it cost to build a Web3 app?

The cost of developing a Web3 game varies based on complexity and features. A basic NFT or card game costs $10,000 – $50,000, while a mid-range Play-to-Earn game with an NFT marketplace and smart contracts ranges from $50,000 – $100,000. Additional costs may include blockchain fees, 3D graphics, and security audits.