Bringing Real World Adventure to Web3 Games: Exploring the Potential for ARG and NFT Integration
Today we look at the potential of integrating alternate reality games (ARGs) and non-gaming tokens (NFTs) into Web3 games, discussing a unique and immersive gaming experience that combines real world elements with digital gameplay. And ask how blockchain and smart contracts, ARG and NFT can enable developers to create engaging games with a dynamic story and unique rewards for players.
What is the potential of combining ARG and NFT in web3 games, and what horizons will it open up?
To share his Q&A on this, the head of a start-up introducing ARG to web3 games and apps — John @jtt_eth Hendricks
Q: What is an ARG, and how does it differ from other types of games?
A: ARG (Alternate Reality Game) is an interactive type of game that combines elements of the real world with a digital gaming environment, offering players a unique gaming experience that requires them to use their analytical and logical reasoning skills to solve puzzles and riddles related to real-world locations, events, and characters. The distinctive feature of ARG from other types of games is the integration of the game into the real world, which allows players to participate in the game using their experience and knowledge from real life, not just from the virtual world of the game.
Q: Can you give examples of popular games that utilize ARG technologies?
A: Of course! There are quite a few examples, but here are the most popular ones
Ingress is the first game that is a combination of an online multiplayer game and an ARG, developed by Niantic, which later released the popular Pokemon Go game.
Perplex City is an ARG that consists of a series of puzzles and quests that players must solve in order to find the ‘Cube’, an object that is hidden in the real world.
The Dark Knight ARG is a series of games created in support of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, which included various puzzles and riddles related to characters and locations from the film.
Ready Player One is not just a novel by Ernest Cline, but a film and game that combines ARG and virtual reality technology to create a unique game world where players can compete for prizes and solve mysteries.
Q: How can blockchain technology and NFTs enhance the implementation of ARG in Web3 games?
A: Blockchain technology and NFT can significantly improve the player experience in ARG games by adding new features not available in traditional games. For example, NFT can be used to create unique and rare items that can be used in the game. Blockchain, on the other hand, provides a decentralised platform that allows the creation of entire metaverses where players can interact and create their own stories. These tools help reinforce the implementation of ARG in Web3 games and create a more immersive gaming experience.
I’m more than sure this will become very popular in NFT games after a while
Q: How might the integration of ARG and NFTs change the way players interact with games?
A: This integration will add new layers of depth and relevance to the game experience. For example, players will be able to obtain rare and unique NFT items for completing challenging tasks, both in-game and in the real world. Such items will be able to be sold or exchanged with other players, creating new economic opportunities.
Players will also be able to interact on a larger scale, creating their own stories and content for the meta universes using their NFT items. Overall, the integration of ARG and NFT can significantly improve the social aspect of the game experience, allowing players to collaborate, compete, and create unique interactions within game worlds.
Q: What are some potential benefits of using NFTs in ARG games, both for developers?
A: The use of NFT in ARG games can be beneficial for developers for several reasons.
First, it can help monetise in-game assets and create a new platform for players to buy and sell their NFT assets. This could lead to additional revenue and growth in the game economy.
Secondly, the integration of NFTs can help players interact more deeply with the game. Players can receive unique and rare NFT items for completing challenging tasks, which can encourage their participation in the game. In addition, NFT items can be used to create new game features and be shared with other players.
Also, the use of NFTs can strengthen the player community by creating stronger bonds between players and developers. NFT items can become valuable rewards for achievements in the game, which can lead to increased motivation and participation in the community.
Thus, the use of NFT in ARG games can lead to many benefits for developers, including monetising in-game assets, increasing player interaction with the game, and creating stronger ties in the player and developer community.
Q: How can ARGs and NFTs contribute to the development of new types of games in the future?
A: By introducing ARGs and NFTs, developers will have more opportunities to create unique and exciting games. NFT can be used to create unique items in the game that can be bought, sold and traded on the market, which can lead to the development of the game economy and provide additional motivation for players. ARGs can also be used to create multiplayer games, where players can interact with each other in real time, solve puzzles and earn unique rewards for their achievements. This can lead to new types of games that can provide unique experiences for players and contribute to the development of the games industry as a whole.
Q: Are there any issues or limitations associated with implementing ARG and NFTs in Web3 games?
A: Of course, as with any new technology, there are some issues and limitations associated with integrating ARG and NFT into Web3 games. For example, the use of NFTs can create problems with content management if players start selling their NFT assets on third-party platforms where developers cannot control their use. Additionally, if the game contains a significant amount of content that is dynamically generated, this can lead to high gas costs on the Ethereum blockchain. It is also important to remember that integrating ARG into Web3 games requires additional effort and resources from developers, as it can impact the game’s architecture and integration with the blockchain
Q: How do you see the future of gaming evolving with the integration of these technologies?
A: I believe that the integration of ARG and NFT in Web3 games opens up new possibilities for game design and player engagement. In the future, we may see more immersive and interactive games that allow players to fully engage with the game world and influence the game’s narrative through their actions. The use of NFTs also offers new opportunities for game monetization and player ownership of in-game assets. Additionally, the use of blockchain technology in games can provide greater transparency and security for player data and transactions.
However, it is important to note that the successful implementation of ARG and NFT in games will require careful consideration of the game design, player experience, and technical requirements. Developers will need to ensure that the use of these technologies enhances the overall game experience and does not create unnecessary barriers for players. Overall, I believe that the evolution of games with these technologies will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in game design and player engagement.
Q: Are there currently NFT games that use this technology?
A: Of course there is, we have been in touch with several developers and offered them our ARG developments
Momoguro — just recently made a big noise in the web3 space, I heard the developers are planning to implement something similar, maybe they will contact us too haha
Guardians of the Throne is a game that was originally released for Android and was on Google Play.
We’ve implemented an extremely interesting ARG concept.
Players can order themselves a coffee or a sandwich right in the game anywhere in the world and that’s just a small part of what’s been thought up.
There are a number of other projects that we are currently working on, but due to the NDA contract, you will find out about them later
Q: You just said food delivery anywhere in the world, can you tell us more about how this has been implemented?
A: Very simply, we have divided the areas of responsibility, for example Africa, Asia and Australia are taken over by the developer, North and South America as well as Europe are taken over by us. So no matter where the player comes from, he will still be able to get this or that item
Q: Do you plan to expand your startup?
A: Of course, we welcome everyone who shares our philosophy.
We are always in need of people who will try out ARG technologies in different projects. For all our agents around the world, this brings great joy and a whole new experience in the NFT field. Just imagine, a person plays a game called “The Treasure of Mesula” and walks around his city finding QR codes with clues, once he finds a treasure, he gets a token from that game for example
Q: That concludes the questions, is there anything else you would like to add, John?
A: We are glad that we are getting more attention and are no longer being regarded with scepticism.
It proves that we are not working on it for nothing.
We’re very proud of the work we’ve done and we’re looking to the future of web3 gaming with confidence. Thanks to everyone who supported us, who submitted surveys, who shared their opinions, it’s a great contribution to the development of ARG technology! You can also ask me questions via DM on Twitter and I will be happy to answer them!
