NFT in Gaming
I have nothing against the use of NFT or blockchain in gaming. In theory, it seems a good practice in which players actually own some of their assets, and can potentially earn.
It is no question that thousands of games, particularly MMOs, depend on their community and active player base to make a solid game. Can you imagine games like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV or Minecraft without their sheer player base and online content?
Therefore, why are NFTs not working out in games?
Blockchain Game Design
Perhaps the biggest issue is the game design itself. Many of the blockchain games are simply games for the sake of blockchain. Think of Splinterlands, for example. Without the element of blockchain, the fun aspect of the game is immediately lost.
In my opinion, the closest game design got to an actual game is Chainmonsters. It started as a Kickstarter with 2D pixel graphics and a unique battling system that evolves from the classic Pokemon genre.
However, the NFT elements increase the amount of grind and boring activities required, and therefore, for the sake of economic purpose, the player's experience is forsaken.
Economic Influence
Continuing on the game of Chainmonsters, it is undoubtedly that the economic influence of the blockchain changed its course. Between changing partners and engaging with more studios and devs, suddenly what was promised to be a 2D game has become a 3D game.
In itself, that is not a bad decision, if they could afford to design a 3D game. The caveat is that the 3D visuals are mediocre at best, leaving much to be desired. The early access launches seemed like a rushed project. The promise that it is a game with blockchain features has been erased once the blockchain took over some fundamentals of its design.
Dependency on Economy
On a similar but different note, there are games whose investment relies too heavily on the economy of cryptocurrency and the general tech industry in general. Untamed Isles went from being a backed project with enough finances to a project that is no longer happening (until the economy recovers and they get back their investment?)
Can Gaming and Blockchain Be Good for Each Other?
Not in the current state of the blockchain economy. It is a tragic incident when economy heavily influences the trajectory of a game in ways that debilitates it, rather than enhances it.
In theory, there is a future where games innately integrate NFTs in their design. However, studios need to stop jumping on the blockchain hype and sacrificing good game design and financial stability for what may seem like a quick buck.