The Past, Present, and Future of Full-Chain Games

The blockchain gaming market is receiving widespread attention, with a market value reaching several billions of dollars. On-chain games, as an emerging form of gaming, are gradually gaining attention by fully realizing game logic and state on the chain, offering advantages such as decentralization and openness.

This article defines the concept of full-chain gaming, outlines its origins and development history, analyzes the significance of full-chain gaming, provides an overview of the current market situation, main competitors, and representative projects, dissects the technical and design challenges faced, and looks ahead to future development trends and innovation directions.

1. Overview of Full-Chain Games

1.1 The Origin of Full-Chain Games

The development history of blockchain games:

• 2012: SatoshiDice was launched, becoming the first Bitcoin-based gambling game.
• 2013: HunterCoin emerged as a prototype of a full-chain game.
• 2015: Ethereum mainnet launched, introducing more on-chain games
• 2017: Crypto Kitties created the first crypto game
• 2018: Axie Infinity put assets on the blockchain as NFTs
• 2020: Dark Forest released its beta version, incorporating zero-knowledge proof technology.
• 2021: The Loot Project became a symbol of foundational layer IP.
• 2023: Rapid development of new types of full-chain games and autonomous worlds

Definition of Full-Chain Games 1.2

The whole-chain game is a game model based on blockchain technology, using smart contracts to implement all game logic. Its features include:

• The game logic and state are fully on-chain.
• Blockchain data as a real source
• Follow the principles of an open ecosystem
• The game is not related to the client.
• Interoperable with blockchain digital assets

1.3 The Significance of Full-Chain Games

The importance of blockchain games is reflected in:

• Ensure that game information exists eternally
• Promote open collaboration and decentralization
• Promote interoperability between games
• Enhance players' investment sense and engagement
• Bringing innovative opportunities to the gaming industry

2. Overview of the Full Chain Game Ecosystem

2.1 Full-Chain Game Engine

Mainstream full-chain game engines include MUD, DOJO, World Engine, etc., which generally use the ECS architecture and provide on-chain data management, high-performance computing, and other functions.

2.2 Full Chain Game Development Tools

• PixeLAW: Layered architecture design, simplifying the development process
• ZKWASM: Supports off-chain execution and on-chain verification strategies
• Web3Games.com: provides Layer2 networks and development toolkits

2.3 Full-Chain Game Public Chain

Mainstream options include:

• Layer 2 solutions: Arbitrum, Optimism, etc.
• Customized gaming public chains: World Engine, Curio, etc.
• Next-generation universal computing public chain: such as Starknet

2.4 representative full-chain game projects

• Dark Forest: Space Strategy Game
• Loot Survivor: Adventure Game
• Treaty: Strategy Game
• Wolf Game: Resource Farming Game
• LootRealms: Infinite Strategy Game

2.5 Full Chain Game Platform

• matchboxDAO: Incubating Starknet ecological games
• Cartridge: Starknet Game Aggregation Platform
• 0xPARC: Focused on the forefront exploration of blockchain gaming.
• Composable Hub: All-chain Game Aggregation Platform

3. Challenges Facing Full-Chain Games

• Performance and scalability issues
• Game Design Limitations
• User thresholds and transaction costs
• Risk of Privacy Breach
• Balancing decentralization and gameplay

4. Future Outlook of Full Chain Games

• The application of AI in games and its real-world impact
• The Impact of Innovative Gameplay on DeFi and Traditional Games
• Strengthening of the trends towards openness and decentralization
• Close integration with DAO governance structure
• The possibility for ordinary players to participate in creation has increased.

Blockchain games represent the future development direction of the gaming industry, promising to bring new business models and opportunities to the gaming sector, providing players with more freedom and control, and creating unique experiences.