How to Create a Blockchain Games – (Expert’s View)

What does that mean? It means that the epic weapon or the rare character you spent hours earning is yours—you can sell it, trade it, or even use it in another game using cryptocurrency.

What’s even better is that players can now own their digital assets as NFTs (non-fungible tokens).

The gaming industry is growing fast, expected to hit a whopping $435 billion by 2028! One reason for this explosive growth is how much people, especially Gen Z and Millennials, love gaming.

A big part of the appeal is personalization! Players love personalizing their characters and collecting virtual items, and these can now come with real ownership through the application of blockchain.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to build a blockchain game that focuses on great user experience (UX). Whether you’re starting fresh or adding blockchain features to an existing game, we’ve got the insights you need to make a blockchain game that’s engaging, and packed with potential.

What is a Blockchain Game?

At its core, a blockchain game is exactly what it sounds like—a game that integrates blockchain technology into its design and mechanics. But what does that really mean for developers and players?

Blockchain is a shared, unchangeable digital ledger that records transactions and tracks assets within a certain network. This record is stored across many computers that are connected to a network, making it secure and decentralized.

Blockchain games use blockchain technology to give players true ownership of their in-game assets, like items, characters, or even virtual land.

Instead of these assets being controlled by the game’s developers, players actually own them as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are unique, digital items stored on the blockchain.

Core Features Of Blockchain Game

Let’s explore some of the core features that make blockchain gaming unique.

Feature	Description
Interoperability	Players can use their in-game assets across different blockchain-based games.
Regulated Gaming Economies	Blockchain ensures fair, transparent transactions through smart contracts.
Decentralization	No single company controls the game, giving players more control over their assets.
Digital Ownership	Players truly own in-game items as NFTs, allowing them to sell, trade, or transfer them.
NFT Integration	Unique in-game items are stored as NFTs, giving them real-world value and making them tradable.
Enhanced Security	Blockchain secures transactions, protecting players from hacks or item duplication.
Gaming Token Performance	Games often have their own tokens, which can grow in value, giving players financial benefits.
Immersive User Experience	Blockchain enables real ownership of in-game achievements, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Reducing the Price of Gaming Assets	Blockchain cuts out middlemen, making in-game items cheaper for players.

What Is User Experience In Blockchain Gaming

In this game, players have full control over their in-game characters and items, which are turned into NFTs. You have real ownership and the potential to profit from your gameplay, making the experience richer and more engaging than traditional games.

How to Create a Blockchain Game That Prioritizes User Experience

Building a blockchain game that prioritizes user experience requires careful planning and the right approach to integrating blockchain elements without compromising gameplay. Here’s a comprehensive insight on how to develop a blockchain game that keeps players at the center of the experience.

1. Concept and Planning

The first step to create blockchain game that excels in UX is to start with a strong game concept. Define the core gameplay mechanics and decide where blockchain will add value. Keep the focus on making the game fun and engaging while using blockchain to enhance the experience.

• Start by defining the core gameplay. Your game must be enjoyable and immersive before integrating blockchain.
• Decide which elements of your game benefit most from blockchain. You might tokenize in-game assets, create a decentralized economy, or allow player-driven governance.
• Cultivate a strong community around your game. Consider building a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) later to give players more control, but focus first on developing trust and engagement.

For Example: The Sandbox

The Sandbox started with a simple idea: allowing players to create and own virtual land. Blockchain made this concept even more powerful by turning that land into NFTs. Players now not only create but also own, trade, and sell their virtual creations, making the gameplay more engaging and rewarding.0

2. Choosing the Right Blockchain

Choosing the right blockchain platform is critical when you want to build a blockchain game that prioritizes UX. The platform you select should offer scalability, low transaction fees, and strong community support. Popular choices include Ethereum, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain.

Scalability and low fees

A scalable blockchain with low transaction fees is essential to avoid frustrating players. Platforms like Polygon and Binance Smart Chain offer lower fees than Ethereum, making them popular for gaming.

Availability of Liquidity on the Chain

A healthy level of liquidity is crucial for smoother transactions and interactions within your game. A blockchain with active users and vibrant economic activity, such as Ethereum or Polygon, ensures that players can easily buy, sell, and trade assets without excessive delays or costs.

Ecosystem Interaction

Select a blockchain that supports a broad ecosystem of services, including NFT marketplaces, DeFi protocols, and exchanges. This allows for more complex, integrated gaming experiences. For example, Solana and Avalanche offer rich ecosystems where games can leverage decentralized finance, lending platforms, and NFT markets to enhance gameplay.

Infrastructure for NFTs

Comprehensive NFT infrastructure is vital. Your blockchain should offer reliable storage solutions, indexing services, and APIs for handling NFTs. Tools like Subgraph for querying blockchain data or platforms like Moralis for blockchain APIs streamline NFT management. A solid infrastructure ensures that NFTs are efficiently created, stored, and transacted, improving the overall experience for players.

For example: Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity originally built on Ethereum but found that high fees made it hard for players to trade in-game assets. To fix this, they created the Ronin blockchain. This lowered fees and made the game smoother, which helped Axie Infinity grow without frustrating users with high costs or slow transactions.

Chain Hype and Developer Preferences

The popularity of a blockchain can influence adoption among both developers and players. Polygon, Solana, and Avalanche have generated significant interest due to their strong communities and developer-friendly environments. Also, ensure the blockchain’s technical framework aligns with your development team’s expertise, whether it supports EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) or operates on protocols like Cosmos or Sui.

Seamless Integration Of Blockchain Infrastructure Into Your Game

Blockchain technology should be integrated in a way that feels natural to the game. Players shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by complex processes like wallet setups or transactions.

Let’s take a look at Illuvium Illuvium: Official Release Date Trailer | Collectible RPG & Autobattler Game

Illuvium integrates blockchain quietly in the background. Players collect creatures (Illuvials) as NFTs, but the game still feels like a traditional RPG. The blockchain element doesn’t interrupt the gameplay—it just gives players more options to trade and own their in-game assets.

In addition to selecting a blockchain, consider the broader infrastructure and ecosystem around it. This strategic decision ensures your game has a solid foundation for growth and player engagement.

• EVM compatibility allows for easier development if your team has experience with Ethereum-based tools.
• Chain-specific features like Polygon’s zero-knowledge proofs, Avalanche’s customizable subnets, or Solana’s rich developer services can significantly impact how your game operates and scales.
• Custom chains and subnets: For projects with specific needs or those looking to pioneer new blockchain gaming models, creating a custom blockchain may be an option.

Platforms like Cosmos or Avalanche allow developers to create subnets or custom chains, offering greater control over the game’s infrastructure. These custom chains can enhance scalability, security, and the specific needs of your game while benefiting from the parent chain’s interoperability and support.

Blockchain Comparison for Gaming Development:

Blockchain	Unique Features
Polygon	Zero-knowledge proofs, Chain Development Kit
Immutable X	Layer-2 on Ethereum, Immutable Passport for easy wallet creation
Ronin Network	Strong community, focus on developer relationships
SKALE Network	EVM-compatible, customizable for developers
Solana	Thriving community, rich developer services
Avalanche	Customizable subnets, private blockchain options
NEAR Protocol	Infinite scalability, carbon-neutral
Arbitrum	Layer-2 for Ethereum, tailored solutions for gaming
Base	Optimism’s OP Stack, direct Coinbase integration
Oasys	EVM compatibility, partnerships with major gaming companies

4. User-Friendly Design

Your blockchain game must be easy to navigate, especially for players who aren’t familiar with blockchain technology. Design an interface that’s intuitive, with simple features like wallet integration and in-game tutorials to explain how NFTs and tokens work.

Intuitive interface: Design simple and intuitive navigation so players can manage assets, make purchases, or interact with tokens seamlessly. Avoid technical jargon and provide clear explanations.

In-game tutorials: Include easy-to-follow tutorials that guide users through features like NFT ownership, token usage, and blockchain benefits. Help them understand without needing technical expertise.

Streamlined wallet connection: Ensure the wallet connection is as easy as linking a social media account. Avoid over-complicating the process with unnecessary steps or explanations.

For example, the Blankos Block Party

Blankos Block Party has a simple, user-friendly design where players can collect and trade Blankos (digital characters) without needing deep knowledge of blockchain. This makes it accessible to both casual gamers and crypto enthusiasts.

Read a detailed guide on the application development life cycle.

5. Enhanced Security and Ownership

One of the key advantages of blockchain games is security. Players need to feel confident that their assets are safe from hacking or duplication. By using blockchain technology, you can offer secure ownership of in-game items as NFTs, which are protected on the blockchain.

• Experienced developers: Work with blockchain developers who understand secure coding practices and the nuances of smart contract development.
• Audits and multi-sig wallets: Regularly audit smart contracts and use multi-signature wallets for high-value transactions. This minimizes risk and ensures that no single point of failure can compromise your game.
• Test thoroughly: Use testnets to simulate real-world conditions before launch. Make sure all in-game functions, from transactions to NFT ownership, work smoothly and securely.

Example: Decentraland

In Decentraland, players own virtual land and assets that are secured on the blockchain. This decentralized ownership ensures that players have full control over their digital property, and they can trade or sell these assets with confidence.

6. Monetization Through Gaming Tokens and NFTs

Blockchain allows you to create a fair and balanced in-game economy using gaming tokens and NFTs. The goal is to offer ways for players to earn and trade items without turning the game into a pay-to-win system. Tokenomics should encourage fun and participation while offering real-world rewards.

NFT utility and design: Define how NFTs will function in your game. Will they be characters, items, or land? Players should earn NFTs through gameplay or purchase them, but the game should not become pay-to-win.

Fair tokenomics: Design a token system that balances rewards and player experience. Consider mechanics like token burning to control inflation and reward structures that incentivize play without creating a competitive advantage through spending.

Asset security: Blockchain ensures true ownership of in-game assets, which should be secure from hacking or duplication. Use decentralized ledger technology to guarantee that players own their items and can trade or sell them without restrictions.

Example: Star Atlas

Star Atlas uses two tokens—ATLAS for in-game transactions and POLIS for governance. Players can earn and trade assets, but the game remains balanced, ensuring that players can enjoy the gameplay without needing to spend large amounts of money to succeed.

7. Continuous Updates and Community Feedback

Community involvement is crucial in blockchain games, where players often invest time and money into their assets.

For example, in The Six Dragons, developers regularly release updates and new features, while listening closely to community feedback.

The Six Dragons – Official Gameplay Trailer

This keeps the game fresh and ensures that players feel valued, which is key to long-term success. Here are the key points you should focus on.

• Community engagement: Regularly engage with your players on social media, Discord, or other platforms. Host AMAs, provide development updates, and encourage feedback.
• Influencer marketing: Collaborate with blockchain and gaming influencers to spread the word about your game. Influencers help reach wider audiences, particularly in niche Web3 gaming spaces.
• Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships with other blockchain projects to enhance your game’s visibility and provide players with cross-platform benefits, such as DeFi integrations or collaborative in-game events.

What Challenges You Can Address When Planning To Develop  A Blockchain Game

While blockchain gaming opens up new opportunities, it presents unique challenges developers must navigate. Understanding these can help balance innovation with a smooth user experience.

Scalability Issues

As more players join blockchain games, the platform may struggle with high transaction volumes. Games built on popular blockchains like Ethereum can face slow transaction times and high gas fees, which frustrates players.

User Adoption and Education

Many gamers are unfamiliar with blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and wallets. Integrating these seamlessly into the game is crucial but challenging. Without a user-friendly interface, the complexity of blockchain can deter new players.

Security Risks

Even though blockchain offers enhanced security, vulnerabilities in smart contracts or external hacks can result in the loss of assets. Developers need to conduct thorough security audits to protect in-game economies.

High Development Costs

Blockchain development can be expensive due to the need for specialized knowledge and infrastructure. Moreover, integrating elements like NFTs, tokens, and smart contracts adds to development time and costs.

Regulatory Uncertainty

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies face varying regulations across the globe. Developers must navigate this legal landscape, ensuring that in-game tokens and NFTs comply with financial regulations, which can vary by region.

Environmental Concerns

Blockchain games built on proof-of-work blockchains like Ethereum (prior to its transition to proof-of-stake) have been criticized for their environmental impact due to the high energy consumption of transactions.

Best Practices for Creating a Successful Blockchain Game

Creating a blockchain game is not just about development costs; it’s also about building a game that can thrive in a competitive market. Here are some best practices to ensure success and avoid common pitfalls:

1. Validate Your Business Idea

Before diving into development, ensure your concept is viable. Research the market to identify similar games and analyze their performance in terms of revenue and audience. This helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures your game will appeal to players and generate profit.

Don’t skip industry research. Understand who your competitors are, what makes them successful, and how your game can stand out.

Blockchain is in every industry, if you are still confused about your idea, here are 55 Mobile App Ideas That Will Inspire You In 2024

2. Prioritize Game Mechanics

While blockchain technology offers exciting possibilities, the core of your game should be its game mechanics. A great blockchain game is fun to play, with or without the blockchain elements. Focus on creating an engaging, exciting gameplay experience first, and then integrate blockchain features to enhance it.

Think of blockchain as an enhancement, not the centerpiece. Make sure the game is entertaining and can stand on its own without relying too much on blockchain components.

3. Choose Blockchain Technology Wisely

There are many blockchain platforms available, each with its own strengths and limitations. It’s important to select the one that best suits your game’s needs in terms of scalability, security, and ease of integration.

If you’re unsure which blockchain solution will work best for your game, consult with experts who can help you choose a platform that aligns with your project’s goals.

4. Stick to Simple Solutions

If this is your first time building a blockchain game or you’re working with a limited budget, avoid overcomplicating things. Instead of using expensive or overly complex blockchain features, stick to simpler, more cost-effective solutions that still deliver a great gaming experience.

Don’t feel pressured to implement every cutting-edge blockchain feature. Focus on creating a fun, playable game with basic blockchain functionality, and you can always scale up later.

Approximate Costs to Create A Blockchain Game

If you’re wondering how to create a blockchain game without overspending, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence development costs. These factors help you determine how much your game will cost and where you can optimize your budget. Here are the main components that affect the final price:

• Supported Platforms: Developing for multiple platforms (e.g., mobile, web, desktop) can increase costs as each requires its own optimization.
• Number of Features: The more features your game has, and the more complex they are, the higher the development cost.
• Front-end and Back-end Development: The user interface and the back-end logic (especially the blockchain components) can add complexity to your project.
• Development Time: The longer it takes to build your game, the more you’ll need to invest in development hours.
• Location of the Development Team: Costs vary depending on where your development team is based. Developers in different regions charge different rates.

General Cost Breakdown

• For a small, casual blockchain game with basic features, the cost typically starts around $25,000 and can go up to $50,000.
• For more complex games, the cost usually starts at $50,000 and can increase depending on the scale and complexity of the game.

Feature-Specific Costs

To give you a clearer idea of where the budget goes, here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs for specific game features:

Feature	Price Range
Core Gameplay Development	$10,000 – $30,000
Meta Game (additional layers of gameplay)	$5,000 – $20,000
NFT Minting, Transferring, Integration	$5,000 – $10,000
Smart Contracts and Tokenomics Design	$5,000 – $25,000
Web3 Wallet Integration and Authentication	$5,000 – $10,000
Multiplayer Functionality	$15,000+

These figures can vary depending on the scope of your game and the team you work with, but they offer a good starting point to estimate your project’s budget.

Hire Experienced Blockchain Game Developers With BitsWits

At BitsWits, we actively develop software and games across various industries, including blockchain. We’ve contributed to multiple blockchain-based projects, helping clients bring their ideas to life through the skillful integration of cutting-edge technology.

Our team has experience building engaging ecosystems that leverage blockchain for enhanced user interaction, from NFT designs to specialized tools for user engagement. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that drive user interest and long-term success for each project.

Whether it’s designing NFTs or implementing blockchain features to create immersive experiences, BitsWits is ready to help you succeed in the blockchain gaming space.

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Conclusion

Creating a successful blockchain game requires a strategic approach, combining solid game mechanics with innovative blockchain technology. It’s important to focus on building a fun and engaging experience first and using blockchain elements to enhance, not overshadow the gameplay. Choosing the right blockchain platform, understanding the costs involved, and following best practices can make the difference between a passing trend and a lasting success.

BitsWits has the expertise to navigate the complexities of blockchain game development. With a focus on seamless integration, effective monetization, and creating user-friendly experiences, we are dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life.

By prioritizing user experience and sticking to straightforward solutions, we can create blockchain game that stands out, attracts a dedicated audience, and remains relevant in a competitive landscape. Your journey into blockchain gaming begins with careful planning, clear goals, and a dedication to creating a fun, immersive game that players will love .

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