“Off The Grid” Leads Epic Games Store: Blockchain Gaming Gains Traction

TLDR

• “Off The Grid” is currently the #1 free-to-play game on Epic Games store
• The game uses blockchain features built on an Avalanche subnet called GUNZ
• Players can mint in-game items as NFTs, allowing for secondary markets
• Off The Grid represents a shift from token-focused to gameplay-focused blockchain games
• A recent survey found wallet complexity as a major barrier to blockchain gaming adoption

“Off The Grid,” a free-to-play battle royale game developed by Gunzilla Games, has climbed to the number one spot on the Epic Games store’s free-to-play chart.

This early-access title has also gained significant traction on Twitch, with over 150,000 viewers tuning in to watch streamers play the game on October 11.

What sets “Off The Grid” apart from many other blockchain-based games is its focus on creating a compelling gameplay experience first, with blockchain elements integrated to enhance player ownership and control over in-game assets.

The game’s blockchain features are built on an Avalanche subnet called GUNZ, which allows players to mint non-fungible tokens (NFTs) representing in-game items such as weapons and skins.

This approach to blockchain gaming represents a departure from earlier models that prioritized token economics over gameplay.

Many critics have argued that these token-centric games are not sustainable, as they often see a sharp decline in user numbers following initial airdrops or reward distributions.

By allowing players to mint in-game items as NFTs, “Off The Grid” ensures that players maintain control over their virtual assets and enables the emergence of secondary markets.

This model aims to provide long-term value to players beyond immediate token rewards.

The success of “Off The Grid” comes at a time when the blockchain gaming industry is facing challenges in user adoption. A recent survey conducted by Elympics, the Blockchain Game Alliance, and PlayToEarn highlighted some of these hurdles.

The study, which polled over 1,000 individuals worldwide, found that more than 10% of respondents had never tried blockchain games, citing the complexity of connecting crypto wallets as a major deterrent.

Interestingly, the same survey revealed that approximately 57% of respondents said they played pay-to-win games to collect airdrops.

This statistic underscores the ongoing appeal of reward-based gaming models, even as the industry seeks to evolve towards more sustainable and engaging gameplay experiences.

As a AAA title, “Off The Grid” represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between traditional gaming and blockchain technology.

By prioritizing gameplay and user experience while incorporating blockchain elements, the game aims to attract mainstream gamers who might otherwise be hesitant to engage with crypto-based games.

The game’s success on the Epic Games store and Twitch suggests that there is indeed an appetite for high-quality blockchain games among mainstream audiences.

If “Off The Grid” can maintain its popularity and demonstrate the benefits of blockchain integration in gaming, it could pave the way for more widespread adoption of blockchain technology in the gaming industry.