Zilliqa is set to stir up the Web3 gaming space with its Web3 gaming console, venturing into a market led by titans like PlayStation, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Their unique selling point; a console that expertly merges Web3 components into a familiar gaming experience. Recently unveiling the sleek prototype, the groundbreaking console boasts cutting-edge features like HDMI, Ethernet, USB-C, and USB 3.0 ports, with complete specifications yet to be disclosed. Emphasizing seamless integration of Web3 elements, the console includes a built-in miner and a crypto wallet that can be used on sites like Spinfever.
This bold move coincides with the announcement of Zilliqa’s first blockchain game, Web3 War. This FPS game and the console constitute part of its strategy to capitalize on the thriving blockchain gaming market and broaden the ZIL ecosystem.
Web2 vs Web3 Games
A recent Zilliqa report reveals blockchain gaming saw an astounding 2000% increase in activity during 2021. Despite market downturns, some games managed to attract over 300,000 active users. There is still a significant gap between Web3 and Web2 games, as players typically engage in Web2 games for pure enjoyment rather than financial gain. The majority of Web3 gamers seek to make money.
Zilliqa acknowledges that the Web3 gaming industry is still in its infancy, with potential for growth in the future. The expectation is that game developers will create innovative gaming experiences that focus on fun and competition instead of just monetary incentives. An example is Axie Infinity, which gained immense popularity during the Bitcoin bull run, even leading some families in countries like the Philippines to abandon their jobs and dedicate themselves full-time to the game.
Zilliqa Aims to Become the ‘Steam of Web3 Gaming’
Valentin Cobelea, Zilliqa’s head of gaming technology, highlighted the positive response from the community when the company introduced its first game at Gamescom. Zilliqa aims to attract users with the gaming prowess of their console as well as the monetary incentives it offers – an appealing bonus for potential customers. He further explained that Zilliqa’s hardware console and gaming hub would enable non-crypto users to earn money by playing entertaining games without the hassle of managing the earned cryptocurrency.
The console and gaming hub is set to launch in early 2023 as Zilliqa expands its catalog, aspiring to become the “Steam equivalent for Web3 games.” Cobelea expressed confidence in achieving this goal, citing Zilliqa’s extensive crypto community and user-friendly infrastructure.
How Will The Zilliqa Console Work?
Gamers can earn Zilliqa (ZIL) tokens by completing in-game “skill-to-earn” missions, tasks, and quests. These tokens can be compared to coins or rewards in traditional games but with the added benefits of blockchain technology. Zilliqa aims to simplify the user experience by hiding the complexity of the underlying blockchain tehcnology.
Addressing the potential earnings for gamers through skilled participation and mining, Valentin Cobelea explained that the income generated on consoles would be directly proportional to the players’ abilities – And further highlighted that players could mine ZIL tokens while playing. This feature, they believe, will promote the decentralization of the Zilliqa blockchain by increasing the number of global miners.
While Zilliqa has not disclosed the console’s pricing information, the company asserts that it will “eventually pay for itself,” implying that the earnings generated through gaming and mining could offset the initial investment.
Zilliqa’s Strategic Collaborations and Exciting Partnerships
Zilliqa – established in 2017 and launched on the mainnet in 2019 – is a cutting-edge layer-1 smart contract blockchain. Recently, the company has vigorously expanded its footprint in the gaming arena by becoming a member of the Blockchain Gaming Alliance (BGA) in April last year and forging alliances with special esports teams such as MAD Lions, RRQ, Alien Worlds, and XBorg.
In collaboration with the Web3 esports organization XBorg, Zilliqa’s partnership will engage XBorg’s community in developing thrilling gaming tournaments and innovative marketing efforts while granting them early access to Zilliqa’s gaming hub.
Are There Any More Crypto Consoles In Development?
As gaming and cryptocurrency increasingly intersect, it’s no surprise that crypto consoles are attracting attention from both communities. Zilliqa’s Web3 gaming console is a recent example, but it’s not the first attempt at merging blockchain technology with gaming hardware.
Before Zilliqa’s announcement, there was the Polium One, a gaming console that claims to integrate blockchain and cryptocurrency features. While initially met with excitement, the Polium One project ultimately raised more questions than answers. The team lacked transparency and credibility, and their ambitious claims were not backed by substantial evidence.
Despite Polium One’s shortcomings, other well-established companies continue to explore crypto consoles and blockchain integration. Gaming giant Ubisoft has been experimenting with blockchain-based gaming systems, suggesting the possibility of future crypto consoles or platforms. Additionally, semiconductor leader AMD has partnered with blockchain gaming platform Ultra to develop gaming hardware with native blockchain support, further illustrating the growing interest in this emerging market.
Final Thoughts
Zilliqa’s foray into the world of Web3 gaming with its blockchain-integrated console signifies an exciting turning point for the gaming industry. By focusing on a seamless, enjoyable gaming experience while incorporating blockchain technology and cryptocurrency rewards, Zilliqa is charting a new path for future gaming innovations.
As more established companies and startups explore the possibilities of crypto consoles, gamers worldwide can anticipate a new era of engaging, interactive experiences that redefine digital ownership and reshape the gaming landscape. The Zilliqa console marks a promising beginning, and its success could pave the way for further groundbreaking advancements in the rapidly evolving world of Web3 gaming.