The web3 gaming space is currently loud and distracting, full of innovation and experimentation. As exciting new projects come on the scene, sadly, a handful are falling into the sunset. A common thread among all those that did not fare well was the ability to find that elusive sustainable growth. South Korean developer Delabs, though, seems to have taken these collective experiences on the industry-wide chin to heart. They're strategically pivoting towards midcore games designed for social channels, such as Telegram and LINE, in an effort to build a more robust and engaged player base. This shift, combined with the upcoming launch of their $DELABS token and the highly anticipated game Ragnarok Libre, positions Delabs for potentially significant growth in the latter half of 2025.

Delabs is all in on this model, and is honing in on making fun, casual, accessible and highly engaging midcore games specifically designed for social platforms. They’ve had hits already in the space with titles such as Boxing Star X. The buzz generated with Ragnarok Libre suggests that it will be another breakout success! A well-developed IP, along with a player-driven economy, provides a strong start. Combining new technology like blockchain and the sustainability of the $DELABS token allows us to grow our vision farther and wider.

The imminent launch of the $DELABS token will act as rocket fuel for the startup’s growth. Helping to build momentum during 2H25 will be Ragnarok Libre. This is a smart move that makes the most of blockchain’s potential. It results in a more immersive and fulfilling experience for players, drawing in a broader range of players and fostering a dedicated community.

Introduction to Web3 Gaming

Web3 gaming is a new chapter in the gaming world, using blockchain tech to foster decentralized environments where player ownership and control take center stage. Web3 games challenge conventional gaming paradigms by integrating technologically advanced components such as NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). This tool gives players more ownership and autonomy over their in-game assets and decision-making interactions.

Definition of Web3 Gaming

Web3 gaming, most simply defined, is the use of blockchain technology within the gaming industry. Characters, weapons, property—essentially anything you might encounter within a game world can be tokenized into NFTs. These one-of-a-kind digital tokens are collectively held and verified through a decentralized network on a blockchain. These NFTs can be bought, sold, and traded on open marketplaces, enabling players to truly own their in-game assets. This is where many Web3 games miss the mark, having cryptocurrencies as their primary in-game currency. This is what enables players to earn and spend digital assets across the broader game ecosystem. With its decentralized structure, blockchain offers a level of transparency and security that makes fraud and manipulation nearly impossible.

The concept extends beyond mere asset ownership. DAOs are especially important in Web3 games. They allow gamemakers to bring players into the co-creation of the governance and development of their game. Not only can players themselves vote on proposed changes, they can directly suggest new features and even help to influence the game’s overall direction. This deep and meaningful level of community involvement builds ownership over future outcomes and builds a base for long term sustained engagement. Web3 gaming aims to create a more equitable and engaging gaming experience. Within this realm, gamers transform into dynamic contributors to the game’s environment as opposed to just passive audiences.

Web3 gaming has introduced the concept of play-to-earn (P2E) to the mainstream. Players have the opportunity to earn real, tradable cryptocurrency or NFTs by completing in-game tasks, participating in live events, or creating content for the game’s growing ecosystem. This makes for exciting new economic opportunities for players, where they can earn a living based on their gaming prowess and time spent gaming. On the downside, the P2E model is equally complex, including maintaining a healthy in-game economy and avoiding exploitation.

Importance of Blockchain Technology in Gaming

Blockchain technology is integral to gaming for many reasons including the following three. It deepens public ownership, increases public security, and brings new cooperative economic models. Traditional games take a closed model wherein game developers hold all of the power and control over in-game assets and economies. This creates problems like asset devaluation, account banning, and lack of transparency. It can address these issues by offering a fully decentralized and transparent ledger to track ownership of in-game assets.

One of the biggest advantages of blockchain in gaming lies in the true ownership it provides players. When in-game items are minted as NFTs on a blockchain, players benefit from true ownership. This ownership is provably scarce and cannot be rescinded at the whim of the game developer. Players are able to freely buy, sell, and trade their assets on third-party open marketplaces. This open-ended freedom allows New Eden to have a more vibrant, player-run economy. This change in ownership provides a level of investment and engagement that makes all the difference. As a result, players are more inclined to appreciate and protect assets that they 100 percent possess.

Security provides an additional major benefit of blockchain technology. The decentralized and cryptographic nature of blockchain technology means that it is virtually impossible for hackers to manipulate or counterfeit in-game assets. Players should be able to have confidence in the integrity of the order game’s economy. Their assets are better protected from theft and fraud. Fifth, blockchain increases transparency by establishing a public ledger of each transaction. This level of visibility helps them limit cheating and other forms of abuse.

Moreover, blockchain powers new economic models in gaming, especially play-to-earn (P2E). Blockchain-based games are providing hundreds of millions of players thrilling new income-generating experiences. They do this by incentivizing players with cryptocurrency or NFTs for completing tasks in-game. This helps cast a wider net to engage more people and creates a more active community of constituents. That said, P2E economies need to be structured properly to be sustainable and not create an inflationary spiral.

The Role of Faster Blockchains

Blockchain technology has iterated quickly since the original introduction of Bitcoin, leading to faster and more scalable blockchains. These improvements are key for the mass adoption of Web3 gaming. Traditional blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum provide robust security and strong decentralization. Their slow transaction speeds and high fees can be severely disruptive to the gaming experience. Faster blockchains aim to address these constraints in a big way. In a high-speed gaming environment, where time and cost are critical, cryptocurrencies are perfect as they allow for faster and cheaper transactions.

Benefits of Speed in Gaming Transactions

Speed is extremely important in gaming transactions for a variety of reasons. Players used to traditional games want immediate transactions when purchasing in-game items. They desire instantaneous player-to-player exchanges and effortless involvement in in-game economies. In-game delay from slow transaction speeds could easily break the immersion of a game and draw substantial ire. It’s this kind of speed that faster blockchains can offer, ensuring a smooth and engaging gaming experience.

One of the most dramatic benefits of speed comes from supporting instantaneous trading and interactions in real-time. In Web3 games, players regularly purchase, sell, and exchange NFTs or cryptocurrency inside the game ecosystem. Faster, more efficient blockchains create a race to the bottom. This pace of play means that participants can respond through the day to changes in market sentiment and jump on opportunities as they arise. This further continues to build the mood of a more dynamic and engaging gaming experience.

Lower transaction costs Lower transaction fees are another key benefit of faster blockchains. This is exacerbated by the fact that traditional blockchains charge a costly fee per transaction, which can significantly increase during times of network congestion. These fees can significantly reduce player profits and even render it uneconomical to trade small-value in-game assets. Quickly blockchains come with less expensive transaction fees, allowing for a cheaper onboarding experience for players to engage with the game’s economy.

Examples of Fast Blockchains in Use

As such, a few fast blockchains have risen to the top as the go-to chains for Web3 gaming projects. These blockchains provide unparalleled speed, scalability, and security which are ideal for the high-volume transactions that contemporary games require.

  • Solana: Solana is a high-performance blockchain that can handle thousands of transactions per second. It has low transaction fees and fast confirmation times, making it a popular choice for NFT marketplaces and Web3 games. Games like Star Atlas and Aurory are built on Solana.
  • Polygon: Polygon is a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum that provides faster and cheaper transactions. It is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), making it easy for developers to migrate their existing Ethereum-based games to Polygon. Games like Zed Run and Crazy Defense Heroes use Polygon.
  • Avalanche: Avalanche is a fast and customizable blockchain platform that supports multiple virtual machines (VMs). It has a unique consensus mechanism that allows it to achieve high throughput and low latency. Games like Crabada and Ascenders are built on Avalanche.
  • Immutable X: Immutable X is a layer-2 scaling solution specifically designed for NFTs on Ethereum. It offers instant transaction confirmation, zero gas fees, and scalability for NFT trading and gaming. Games like Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians use Immutable X.

These are only a handful of examples among the plethora of other speedy blockchains currently in use throughout the Web3 gaming ecosystem. All technology is changing, particularly in this area. This may result in a tidal wave of new solutions that will positively disrupt and transform the entire gaming experience.

The Impact of Onchain Data

Onchain data, or data that is stored directly on a blockchain, is one of the biggest influences on Web3 gaming. It offers transparency and verifiability, along with exciting new possibilities for developing more engaging and dynamic gaming experiences. Through the power of onchain data, game developers can create deeper, more engaging, and holistic worlds for players to explore and be rewarded in.

What is Onchain Data?

Onchain data refers to any type of information that has been recorded and stored natively on a blockchain. This consists of information about a transaction, smart contract, NFT metadata, and more. Blockchain is the underlying technology of cryptocurrency. It serves as a decentralized and immutable ledger. This allows anyone with access to transparently verify onchain data. This transparency, made possible by blockchain technology, is a fundamental attribute of Web3 that holds profound potential for the future of gaming.

For Web3 gaming, onchain data is an invaluable asset. Blockchain technology can be used not only to establish ownership of in-game assets but to verify the authenticity of items and help record player achievements. Under the proposal, when a player receives a rare item in a game, they would be able to convert that item into an NFT. The ownership of this NFT is then permanently stored on the blockchain. This makes it so that the player can have proof of ownership for the item and that it can’t be duped or faked.

Smart contracts, simply put, are self-executing agreements whose terms are directly written into lines of code and stored on the blockchain. Smart contracts play an important role in curating on-chain data. Smart contracts can safely automate a wide variety of game functions. They manage things like dispensing rewards, upholding norms, and governing virtual economies. Because smart contracts are transparent and immutable, they offer users confidence and peace of mind.

How Onchain Data Enhances Gaming Experiences

Onchain data is an important aspect to make gaming experiences more enriched and holistic in multiple ways. For one, it gives gamers provable and real ownership of their game assets. In addition, this enables players to freely sell, trade and buy their assets from each other in vibrant, open marketplaces. In turn, this creates a more vibrant and player-centric economy. Players stand to gain even more by being able to use their assets across different games or platforms.

Second, onchain data lets create gaming experiences never before possible in conventional games. Specifically, games can leverage onchain data to develop living worlds that adapt and grow based on the choices of players. When you—the player—achieve some rare accomplishment, the game immediately modifies this shared world to reflect this incredible act. This leads to a vibrant feeling of achievement and advancement for the player.

Third, onchain data can help establish more transparent and fair gaming environments. Having a permanent recording of transactions and events on the blockchain allows games to ignore evidence that is tampered with or fabricated. For one thing, players end up being able to deeply prove the authenticity of their items, know that they’re not being scammed, defrauded, etc.

Fourth, donchain data allows for interoperability between games and other platforms. By using NFTs and other blockchain-based assets, games can allow players to bring their assets from one game to another. This brings a much more unified and dynamic broader gaming environment.

Insights from Rob Whitehead

Rob Whitehead is a leader in blockchain and Web3 gaming. He makes sense of all of this with meaningful context, insightful analysis, and an eye to the future. His insights into what Web3 gaming will look like in the future are extremely sought after by developers, investors, and gaming professionals.

Overview of Rob Whitehead's Expertise

Rob Whitehead is very well versed in blockchain and has been a vocal advocate for many applications for this tech across industries, especially for gaming. He too has devoted several years to the blockchain space. His background features working with the nation’s most promising startup firms, as well as legacy corporations. He is famous within transportation circles for his ability to talk about wonky topics in a way that everyone—policymakers, practitioners and the public—can understand.

Whitehead’s expertise goes far beyond the pure technical side of blockchain. He’s equally, if not better versed in the economic and social implications of these new decentralized technologies. He has the credibility to analyze the potential up and down sides of Web3 gaming. At the same time, he offers meaningful perspectives on how the industry can grow in a sustainable, responsible way.

He’s equally passionate about fostering a culture that prizes building fun and fulfilling games. These experiences shouldn’t be left to chance benefits alone. He knows the secret to success in Web3 gaming is still making games that are just plain fun. Players need to be having fun, even if they’re making crypto and NFTs.

Key Takeaways from His Perspective

One of the key takeaways from Rob Whitehead's perspective is that Web3 gaming should focus on creating genuine value for players. He contends that a lot of early Web3 games were preoccupied with the play-to-earn concept. This narrow focus led to unsustainable economies and did not cultivate sustained, long-term engagement. He argues that outstanding games should focus on realizing great and fun experiences to keep players coming back for more.

One other, but no less significant, lesson learned is the interoperability and cross-chain compatibility. Whitehead makes a strong case that the future of Web3 gaming lies in creating a more interconnected ecosystem. In this unprecedented ecosystem, players will be empowered to take their assets from one game to another. This means creating interoperability standards and protocols that enable multiple blockchains and ecosystems to work interchangeably with one another.

Beyond the national focus on tech innovation, Whitehead underscores the need for security and transparency in Web3 gaming. He’s adamant that blockchain technology should be embraced by the gaming sector. In this fashion, in-game assets will be safe from malicious interference, and players can have confidence in the game’s economy. It is important for him that games and their rules and policies should be transparent. As a result, players are better equipped to understand how to get involved and what steps they need to take.

Lastly, Whitehead stresses the significance of community participation in Web3 gaming. Best of all, he makes the case that this new vision for game development should be about involving the community. Players need to have a say in how the game is developed, improved and governed. This goes a long way toward achieving a more engaged and loyal player base.

Future of Web3 Gaming

The future of gaming on Web3 looks very bright. It can reshape the parameterization of the creative industry that is gaming and unlock some thrilling possibilities to players and developers alike. Blockchain technology is advancing and maturing pretty much by the hour. Prepare for a wave of imaginative and fun Web3 games that will earn your trust and excitement!

Predictions for Blockchain Technology in Gaming

Opportunities and challenges on the horizon One prediction for blockchain technology and gaming in the near future is further development of layer-2 scaling solutions. As evidenced by the retail crisis, when a new technology is all-consuming, the desire for speed and low-cost transactions lingers on. Layer-2 scaling solutions like Polygon and Immutable X address these issues directly. They provide incredibly fast transaction finality combined with next to nothing transaction costs.

The other big prediction here is the advent of more sustainable and robust in-game economies. Most early Web3 games faced unsustainable economies that over-indexed on financial motivations. One day, we’re going to play games with healthy and sustainable economies. These economies will not be about extracting money from players but rather producing authentic value for players.

We should be able to count on greater interoperability and cross-chain compatibility in Web3 gaming. As the ecosystem matures, we’ll require more compelling narratives between games and platforms. This will allow gamers to transparently move their in-game assets across multiple games. This will all take the creation of new standards and protocols that make interoperability easy.

Finally, we can look forward to greater adoption of AI and machine learning technologies within Web3 gaming. AI can be used to create more intelligent and dynamic game environments, personalize the gaming experience, and detect and prevent cheating.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Even with this promising outlook for Web3 gaming, there still are a number of pitfalls that will need to be reconciled. Another challenge is the advanced nature of blockchain technology itself. Blockchain can be intimidating for non-technical users, which can limit broad adoption. It’s incumbent on developers to meet this challenge by designing intuitive interfaces. Beyond that, they should be committed to providing educational resources to make players more comfortable interacting with blockchain technology.

A second challenge is the regulatory uncertainty that has permeated the landscape for blockchain technology. Governments all over the world are figuring out how to regulate cryptocurrencies and NFTs. This volatile and unpredictable landscape poses the greatest problem for Web3 gaming developers. This is a challenge that the industry needs to work together with regulators to address. Together, they can work together to establish clear, consistent regulations that allow innovation to thrive while protecting consumers.

A third major challenge is the security of blockchain technology. Even though we know that blockchain is inherently much more secure. The Web3 world has seen its fair share of high-profile hacks and scams. To address this challenge, developers need to implement robust security measures and educate players about how to protect their assets.

Delabs’ approach with Ragnarok Libre and the $DELABS token seems like a very promising and strategic first move to navigate these waters. By focusing on a well-known IP, building on social platforms, and creating a player-driven economy, they are positioning themselves for potential success in the evolving Web3 gaming landscape.

Conclusion

The integration of blockchain technology into gaming is revolutionizing the industry, offering new opportunities for players and developers. Delabs is taking the change strategically by concentrating on the midcore games for social platforms. This strategic development, paired with the advent of Ragnarok Libre and the $DELABS token, greatly addresses current challenges and liberates the promise of Web3 gaming.

Recap of Key Points

  • Web3 gaming is transforming the industry by integrating blockchain technology, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies.
  • Faster blockchains are crucial for providing seamless and responsive gaming experiences.
  • Onchain data enhances gaming by providing transparency, verifiability, and new opportunities for creating dynamic and engaging worlds.
  • Experts like Rob Whitehead emphasize the importance of creating genuine value for players and building sustainable in-game economies.
  • The future of Web3 gaming is bright, with predictions for increased adoption of layer-2 scaling solutions, more sophisticated economies, and greater interoperability.
  • Potential challenges include the complexity of blockchain technology, regulatory uncertainty, and security risks.

Final Thoughts on the Evolution of Web3 Gaming

The future of Web3 gaming is very much a work-in-progress, and there is plenty more to explore and uncover. The promise of blockchain technology to revolutionize the gaming industry is too great to ignore. Player empowerment Web3 gaming empowers players by providing them with true ownership of their assets. It fosters safe, transparent, inclusive and fair gaming environments while facilitating new ethical economic models, revolutionizing the industry and creating new opportunities for players and developers. Delabs’ projects with Ragnarok Libre and the $DELABS token show their dedication to making that potential a reality. They’re helping to road-map a future where gaming is more immersive, profitable and social than ever before.