The Future Impact of Free-To-Play Mode In Splinterlands
Hey Jabeelievers!
In the 68th episode of the Into The Splinterverse - a Youtube video by @stever82 and @bebeomega, they interviewed a very special guest - our favorite CEO @yabapmatt. In this interview, Matt mentioned about redoing the onboarding experience by making a Free-To-Play Mode. According to him, F2P will enable new players to play without purchasing Spellbooks only earning GLINTs and Soulbound cards.
Contemplating on what Matt said, it made me come up with questions. If we are going to allow players to play for free and earn rewards (albeit Soulbound), will this encourage them not to buy cards, not to stake SPS and eventually devalue our assets? Let us divulge on the issue of F2P mode in Splinterlands and see it's impact in our ecosystem.
What Would Free-To-Play In Splinterlands Look Like?
Based on Matt's view of Free-To-Play Mode here are the various points he envisioned:
- Players can start playing by just creating an account with their email address.
- No HIVE account required.
- Full game experience:
- Play battles.
- Earn GLINTs.
- Buy SoulBound stuffs in the GLINT Shop.
- Buy cards and packs using Credits.
- Inability to earn SPS and DEC tokens.
- Inability to send anything outside of their accounts.
All in all, this is basically a Web2 version inside the game. But what would be the benefits of having F2P mode?
Benefits Of Free-To-Play Mode
Web3 gaming is no doubt the future of gaming. It allows players to own a stake in the game and do whatever they wish with their assets. But in order to have a widespread adoption of blockchain, games employ web2 tactics into their arsenal. With our F2P, this is what we wish to accomplish:
Immerse Large Player Base
Who doesn't like free things? Doing F2P attracts a massive audience. Some people may just try the game and see how enjoyable it is. Some players would just like to play casual. In whichever case, once they discover the fun and enjoyment, this will eventually hook them up to the game and immerse them to the ecosystem.
F2P But In-App Purchases Inside
A lot of F2P games employ In-App Purchases for micro transaction monetization. In Splinterlands, once Glamour and Card Skins are introduced, this will be our own in-app purchases. Eventually players will discover that they can transfer their assets and let them earn from it.
Reduced Roadblocks and Gates
For non-crypto enthusiasts, the notion of blockchain is very hard to understand at first. F2P mode will make registration and playing easier without the blockchain jargons and processes. We can somehow introduce crypto bit by bit in the game specially with the use of Battle Pass or Achievements.
Game Centeredness
Without thinking of the earning potentials, players can just focus on the game. Players can discover the fun side of Splinterlands this way. Of course, players will eventually mature into Asset Owners or Investors as long as they enjoy the game like we do.
Closing
In closing, I am personally excited with F2P mode. I am having a hard time introducing Splinterlands to younger players because of the web3 part but now I can simply introduce Splinterlands as a web2 game (Initially) I could just eventually or casually insert some Web3 benefits now and then so they can become a Battlemage (possessing a Spellbook). Kudos to Matt and the team for considering this path.
Not a Splinterlands player yet? Join the game by registering in the Splinterlands Website.
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Sources: Splintercards, Splinterlands, Youtube