Blockchain gaming company Azra Games is adopting a unique approach to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in Web3 games by prioritizing gameplay over cryptographic aspects. According to the company’s founder and CEO, Mark Otero, Web3 games should be compelling enough for players to adopt them for their gameplay rather than focusing on NFTs or in-game tokens.
“In fact, we must build a game so good people don’t care. And they shouldn’t know they are playing a Web3 game,” Otero said in a recent interview with Decrypt. Azra Games’ aim is for the Web3 elements to reveal themselves only after players become hooked, adding value and enhancing user experience. This strategy has attracted investment from venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), NFX, Coinbase Ventures, and Play Ventures.
Former Electronic Arts general manager Otero founded Azra Games in 2022 with the mission of creating games that incorporate Web3 elements like NFTs and in-game tokens. The company, which is backed by entrepreneurs Sonny Mayugba and Travis Boudreaux, has so far raised $25 million. Veterans from Capital Games have also joined the team.
Azra Games’ current project is a game named Legions & Legends. Otero regards the project as an opportunity to craft something innovative using a potentially new business model for a novel platform.
Despite his enthusiasm for Web3 gaming, Otero remains skeptical about the play-to-earn concept. This blockchain gaming mechanic rewards players with crypto tokens for completing tasks, winning battles, and competing against other players. Otero believes that different players have different motivations for playing games: traditional players frequently prioritize entertainment value, while crypto-native players tend to be more financially motivated.
In Otero’s view, a focus on gameplay, entertainment value, and fun should be the industry’s priority. “Our philosophy has always been gameplay, entertainment value, and fun first. Period. Why? Because that is sustainable,” he said. His comments come at a time when blockchain games have experienced a significant decline in users and trading volume.
By emphasizing gameplay over crypto elements, Azra Games’ approach might pave the way for a more sustainable Web3 gaming industry. By capturing players’ interest with engaging gameplay, the underlying Web3 tech can enhance experiences without overwhelming users or creating unsustainable hype. This approach could lead to a healthier, more balanced gaming ecosystem where the benefits of blockchain technology are naturally integrated into traditional gaming experiences.
Source: Cryptonews
