In-Depth Analysis of the Fusion of Web3 Social and Gaming

1. The Essence of Decentralized Social Networking

1.1 The Essence of Socialization

Socializing is a fundamental human need, and we establish social relationships through the exchange of information. With the development of technology, socializing methods have continuously evolved, from face-to-face communication to the current mobile internet socializing.

1.2 Current Social Environment

Currently, social platforms are controlled by tech giants, and user data and relationship networks are managed by the platforms. We are gradually shifting from active selection to passive usage, making it difficult to extricate ourselves. Users contribute content and data but cannot truly own or freely dispose of them.

1.3 Expectations for Decentralization

Decentralized social networking aims to allow users to truly own their data and identity through technologies such as blockchain, enabling them to freely choose what content to share and control their privacy. Users can migrate freely between different platforms without being restricted by a single platform.

1.4 Current Challenges

Decentralized social currently faces two major challenges:

1. Traffic issue: User habits and social networks are difficult to migrate, and the user base on the new platform is small.

2. Application Scenarios: A lack of killer application scenarios that can attract users.

Games may become a breakthrough, bringing a large amount of traffic and application scenarios for decentralized social networking.

2. The Natural Fit Between Games and Social Interaction

Games provide virtual environments that break the limitations of time and space for social interaction. In MMO games, players can establish various social relationships, and interactions such as teaming up for dungeons and PvP deepen these social connections.

Some games like Fortnite have weakened the competitive aspect and strengthened social and entertainment attributes, hosting virtual concerts and other events. The combination of gaming and social interaction has been proven to be a great model.

2.1 GameFi and Metaverse

GameFi games allow players to truly own game assets through NFTs and tokens. However, the asset value of a single game is limited, so GameFi generally aims for the metaverse, hoping that assets can be interchanged between different games.

2.2 The concept of GameID

To achieve asset interoperability, a unified identity system is required, namely GameID. It records players' experiences, achievements, assets, etc. in various games and is associated with social relationships. GameID, along with other identity data, constitutes the user's decentralized identity (DID).

3. Current Main Models of Social Game Integration

3.1 User-Centric GameID Platform

Representative projects: Carv, DeQuest, Arche, etc.

These projects aggregate player data across various games to form a GameID. It can be used to showcase achievements, find playing partners, participate in competitions, and more. It primarily serves players, game project parties, and guilds.

3.2 Social Supplement Component of the Game

Representative projects: XMTP, Web3MQ, Swapchat, etc.

Provides a cross-platform social communication tool that allows players to freely communicate across different games and platforms. Similar to the role of Discord in Web2.

3.3 Game centered around NFT assets

Representative projects: Arcade, Worldwide Webb, Big Brawl, etc.

Allows players to import their own NFTs into the game as characters, increasing the utility value of the NFTs while leveraging the existing community network of the NFT project.

3.4 Mini-games based on existing social relationships

Representative projects: Game module in Mask plugin, Non-Fungible Friend, etc.

Similar to early QQ Farm, Alipay Chick and other social mini-games, leveraging existing social networks for dissemination. Currently mainly relying on Web2 platforms.

3.5 Virtual Relationships Surrounding AI

Representative projects: rct AI, Mirror World, GiroGiro, etc.

Use AI technology to create intelligent NPCs or virtual pets that establish interactive relationships with players. This could potentially disrupt traditional social forms in the future.

4. Summary and Outlook

The integration of social and gaming is giving rise to many innovative projects and models. From GameID to AI virtual relationships, there is immense potential. The combination of gaming and social interaction may become a key scenario for Web3 to break through traffic bottlenecks, warranting continued attention.