The Avalanche Battle Royale Winning Over Traditional Gamers

ChainPlay

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17 hours ago

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Off the Grid, a new battle royale shooter on the Avalanche blockchain, has achieved what few crypto games have: widespread success in mainstream gaming. In early access, it quickly claimed the top spot as the most popular free-to-play game on the Epic Games Store, captivating traditional gamers who might now be more open to Web3 games. This change signals a potential shift in how players perceive blockchain-based titles, showing that quality can attract a larger audience.

A Game-First Approach Leads to Success

Off the Grid’s success is largely due to its “game-first” strategy, a concept some in the crypto world have emphasized for some time. Rather than highlighting crypto and NFT elements, the game focused on high-quality gameplay, creating real value for players without leading with blockchain features. Hans Andersson, CBO of Moonray Studios, noted that broad adoption needs a gamer-centered experience—one that prioritizes player enjoyment over financial aspects. This perspective aligns with what many industry experts believe is essential for long-term success in crypto gaming.

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The game’s gameplay was the central attraction, with unique mechanics that stood out compared to battle royale giants like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone. Viral clips on social media drew players in, often before they even realized Off the Grid was a Web3 game. For some, this approach helped shift perceptions of crypto in gaming, with former pro gamer Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek stating he’s warming up to an NFT marketplace. This kind of positive reception can help pave the way for other crypto titles seeking to break into the mainstream market.

Off the Grid’s success stands in stark contrast to past crypto gaming missteps, like Pixelmon, which promised big things but delivered poorly. The crypto industry’s “build in the open” philosophy—allowing fans to follow game development—often backfired when games launched incomplete or unpolished. According to Nicolas Pouard from Ubisoft, launching a game requires immense effort, and Web3 adds layers of complexity and polarized opinion, making the path even tougher. Many developers are learning from these experiences and adjusting their strategies to avoid similar pitfalls.

Focusing on Gameplay Over Crypto Elements

Gunzilla Games, the creators of Off the Grid, chose not to emphasize crypto aspects in the game’s first public version. The game’s Avalanche-based GUNZ network and upcoming NFT features remain behind the scenes, letting players focus solely on gameplay. This approach avoided the polarization often associated with crypto gaming, reinforcing the game-first mindset that is now gaining traction in the industry. Such strategies can foster a more welcoming environment for gamers who are skeptical of blockchain technologies.

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Off the Grid’s success hints at what’s possible for crypto games, but challenges remain. Most mainstream gamers play on platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam, which have restrictions or bans on crypto elements. Moonray’s upcoming release on PlayStation 5, for example, will launch without its usual crypto features, underscoring the hurdles in bringing blockchain games to a mass audience. Developers must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure their games can reach as many players as possible.

Although still in early access, Off the Grid marks a shift for crypto gaming, emphasizing a thoughtful, player-focused integration of blockchain elements. As blockchain gaming evolves, successes like Off the Grid could help bridge the gap between traditional and Web3 gaming, signaling a promising future for those willing to prioritize quality gameplay above all else. The gaming community is watching closely, eager to see how this trend develops and what new titles may emerge.