Why Player Loyalty in Web3 Sucks?

The Spaces discusses player loyalty in the Web 3 gaming world, addressing why it is often lacking. Participants analyze the current focus on financial incentives like NFTs and tokens instead of developing engaging and enjoyable games. Solutions proposed include shifting the marketing focus to real gamers rather than investors or traders, improving game quality and user experience, and creating games that hold intrinsic motivation for players. The conversation also highlights the significant role of community and social connections in fostering loyalty and maintaining player engagement. Importantly, improving game design to cultivate long-term player retention is emphasized.

Discussion on Player Loyalty in Web 3 Games

Introduction

Cody hosted a panel discussion on player loyalty in Web 3 games, with panelists including Paul (developer and host of "Tech Talks with Paul"), King Snooch, Warp, Sir Choice, Nicole from Puffers, IMS from Basechain, and Steve from Earnscape. The conversation explored the current state of player loyalty in Web 3 and the challenges and opportunities present within the industry.

Key Discussion Points

Why Player Loyalty in Web 3 Sucks

• King Snooch: Current loyalty in Web 3 games is primarily to financial gains rather than the games themselves. Players are more investors than true gamers, motivated by monetary rewards rather than game enjoyment.
• Steve: Echoed Snooch’s sentiment, emphasizing that Web 3 games often misdirect focus on economic incentives rather than gameplay and fostering communities.
• Sir Choice: Highlighted that many gamers come to Web 3 for earnings but stress the need for better quality games that focus on long-term player engagement through richer gaming experiences.

Challenges in Web 3 Gaming

• Paul: Stressed on the technical hindrances such as clunky interfaces and complexities that discourage player retention. Suggested streamlining the processes to make games more accessible.
• Nicole (Puffers): Emphasized the need for games to balance Web 2 and Web 3 elements to attract a wider audience, combining the entertainment of gaming with sustainable economic models.

Community and Social Aspects

• Sir Choice: Community building and emotional connections within games are crucial for loyalty. Fun and engaging experiences typically inspire players to stick around longer.
• IMS (Aces): Compared player loyalty to a culture-like following, indicating that without meaningful in-game experiences comparable to those in Web 2, loyalty will remain lacking in Web 3.

Strategies for Enhancing Player Loyalty

• Customization and Personalization: Being able to personalize characters was highlighted as a way to foster stronger connections between players and the game.
• Intrinsic Motivation over Extrinsic Rewards: The panelists advocated for focusing on intrinsic rewards and experiences to build deeper engagement rather than relying purely on economic incentives.

Analogies and Concepts Discussed

• Steve: Used a dating analogy to explain loyalty, suggesting that loyalty to a game should be akin to loyalty in a relationship, enduring through good times and bad.
• Self Determination Theory: Cody discussed this psychological concept, emphasizing intrinsic motivations foster lasting engagement and loyalty.

Conclusion

The discussion underscored the need for Web 3 games to shift focus from monetary rewards to creating intrinsic motivations through community engagement, enhanced gameplay experience, and quality content. The potential for long-term retention lies in the technology’s ability to create enjoyable and rewarding gaming experiences independent of financial incentives.

Call to Action

Cody encouraged the panelists and listeners to continue fostering positive dialogues, focusing on solutions and collaborations that will enhance player loyalty and the overall gaming ecosystem in Web 3. The discussion concluded with a reminder to innovate beyond established models and create engaging, value-driven games for the future of gaming.