The gaming industry is undergoing a transformative phase, with mini apps and blockchain technology playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. At a recent panel discussion hosted by OKX Ventures, industry leaders shared their insights on the evolving landscape of gaming and mini apps. The panel featured Anndy Lian, Intergovernmental Blockchain Advisor and Managing Director of MemeCore Ecofund; 撒幣哥, Founder of CashCash Boot; and Darren Wong, Head of Business Development at Spacenation. The discussion revolved around the integration of blockchain, the rise of mini apps, and the challenges and opportunities in the gaming ecosystem.
The Role of Blockchain in Gaming
Anndy Lian, representing MemeCore Ecofund, emphasized the importance of blockchain in creating a more inclusive and secure gaming environment. He explained how MemeCore Ecofund focuses on Layer 1 solutions for meme coins, bringing together large communities to engage in gaming ecosystems. According to Lian, the key to success lies in making gaming platforms easy to use and integrating blockchain wallets seamlessly.
“When it’s easy to use, people will come and play,” Lian remarked. He highlighted the growing adoption of mini games and platforms like Telegram, which have integrated blockchain wallets to enhance user experience. Lian also pointed out that the gaming industry is moving towards greater transparency and security, thanks to blockchain technology.
Mini Apps: The Gateway to Mass Adoption
撒幣哥, the founder of CashCash Boot, shared his perspective on the role of mini apps in driving user engagement. He noted that mini apps, particularly on platforms like Telegram, have gained significant traction due to their simplicity and accessibility.
“The biggest adoption right now is to make it very easy,” he said, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces. He also discussed the integration of wallets within mini apps, which provides users with a sense of security and ease of management.
撒幣哥 highlighted the challenges of attracting genuine users to mini apps, as many platforms face issues with fake accounts and bots. He stressed the need for robust monitoring systems to ensure a real and engaged community.
“We need to keep a more real community on these gaming platforms,” he stated, adding that exchanges and projects are becoming smarter in identifying and filtering out fake users.
The Evolution of MMORPGs and Virtual Economies
Darren Wong from Spacenation delved into the future of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) and the role of virtual economies. He explained how Spacenation is leveraging blockchain to streamline existing gaming models rather than reinventing the wheel.
“We’re not inventing something new; we’re streamlining what already works,” Wong said. He cited examples like World of Warcraft, where players have been trading assets and accounts for years. Blockchain, he argued, provides a more efficient and secure way to manage these transactions.
Wong also emphasized the importance of a strong in-game economy for the success of MMORPGs. He noted that many games fail because their economies collapse, leading to a decline in player engagement.
“The reason some games are so successful is because they have the right recipe for their economy,” he explained. Spacenation is focusing on creating a sustainable virtual economy that can support long-term player engagement.
Challenges in the Gaming Ecosystem
The panelists also discussed the challenges faced by the gaming industry, particularly in the context of mini apps and blockchain integration. One major issue is the prevalence of low-value users who participate in giveaways and promotions without genuine interest in the platform.
“There will always be people who are just in it for the free money,” Lian acknowledged. However, he argued that these users are still necessary for building initial momentum and creating a buzz around new projects.
Darren Wong added that unrealistic KPIs set by exchanges and platforms often force projects to resort to tactics like buying followers or inflating user numbers. He called for more realistic standards to ensure sustainable growth.
“When we have more realistic standards, we won’t need to resort to these unusual tactics,” Wong said.
The Role of AI in Gaming
Towards the end of the discussion, the panelists touched upon the potential of AI in revolutionizing the gaming industry. Anndy Lian expressed his hope for AI to play a larger role in game development, from content creation to user experience optimization.
“I really hope to see AI coming into the picture,” he said, adding that AI could help streamline various aspects of game development and enhance the overall gaming experience.
The Future of Gaming and Mini Apps
The panel concluded with a discussion on the future of gaming and mini apps. The panelists agreed that platforms like TikTok and WeChat are setting the stage for the next wave of mini app innovation. Darren Wong predicted that these platforms would continue to drive high-quality content and user engagement.
“I believe that mini games on platforms like TikTok and WeChat will follow the same path of success,” Wong said.
Anndy Lian emphasized the need for collaboration between projects to create a more cohesive gaming ecosystem. He called for greater integration of blockchain and AI to unlock new possibilities in gaming.
“The only way we get very decent results is by working closely together,” he concluded.
Key Takeaways
- Blockchain Integration: Blockchain technology is transforming gaming by enhancing transparency, security, and user experience.
- Mini Apps: Platforms like Telegram and TikTok are driving the adoption of mini apps, thanks to their simplicity and accessibility.
- Virtual Economies: Sustainable in-game economies are crucial for the success of MMORPGs and other gaming platforms.
- Challenges: The industry must address issues like fake users, unrealistic KPIs, and low-value engagement to ensure long-term growth.
- AI in Gaming: AI has the potential to revolutionize game development and user experience, paving the way for the next generation of gaming.
The panel discussion hosted by OKX Ventures provided valuable insights into the future of gaming and mini apps. As blockchain and AI continue to evolve, the gaming industry is poised for unprecedented growth and innovation. By addressing current challenges and leveraging emerging technologies, the industry can create a more inclusive and engaging gaming ecosystem for players worldwide.
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
