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The web3 gaming industry is at an inflection point. Decentralized gaming and the promise of true digital ownership have tremendous potential, but the industry’s current focus on browser-based PC gaming represents a glaring missed opportunity. An unstoppable rise. If web3 games want to compete with the web2 gaming industry, it’s time to bridge the mobile gap.
Think about it. Can you name just one browser game that has been successful in the mainstream gaming industry? My answer is no. The harsh reality is that even the most successful web3 games today cannot compare to the giants of the web2 mobile gaming realm. For example, a game that hits a million players or downloads will be hailed as a huge win on web3. But in the traditional mobile gaming space, it’s barely a blip on the radar.
These figures are alarming. In 2022, mobile games accounted for an overwhelming 50% of the global game market, while browser PC games, the main platform for web3 games, accounted for only 17%. These gaps highlight the web3 gaming industry’s failure to capitalize on the mobile gaming revolution, a mistake that could be disastrous if not addressed.
If the web3 gaming industry continues on its current trajectory, it risks becoming a permanent sideshow, overshadowed by the mainstream success of mobile gaming giants. Therefore, the balance that emerges in the web2 world, where mobile games reign supreme, will inevitably reshape the web3 gaming landscape as well. The question is whether the industry will actively adapt or be left behind.
To thrive in the mobile gaming era, the web3 gaming industry must urgently prioritize the development of a robust mobile infrastructure. Developers need access to modular, blockchain-agnostic components that can seamlessly integrate blockchain technology into mobile games without sacrificing the mobile gaming experience. These components must handle everything from secure asset management and on-chain transactions to decentralized identity solutions and seamless cross-chain interoperability.
Failure to provide these resources will seriously hinder the growth and relevance of the web3 gaming industry. Without a strong mobile offering, web3 games will struggle to attract the massive and engaged user bases that are essential for long-term success and continued innovation. The industry risks being confined to a niche market in the gaming world due to the mainstream success of mobile gaming giants.
The mobile game market is so large that it will exceed $184.4 billion in 2022 due to the spread of smartphones and the emergence of 5G networks, and is expected to reach $775.69 billion in 2032. To capitalize on this unprecedented opportunity, the web3 gaming industry must shift its focus from browser gaming to mobile, embracing the platforms that are the beating heart of the global gaming ecosystem.
The path forward is clear. web3 games must revolutionize mobile gaming or cede their future to those who do. Developers, investors, and industry leaders must prioritize building a strong mobile infrastructure to help developers create compelling decentralized gaming experiences that resonate with users around the world. By embracing mobile gaming, web3 games can secure their place at the forefront of gaming innovation and reach their true potential as an industry-changing force.
