First, Free to play

Whenever I come across another “Web3” game and I check out the site but I can’t interact with it without having to connect my wallet and buy some crypto, I can’t help but feel like the game just lost 100 potential users. I can’t imagine having to brag about Splinterlands and I can’t even get the person to sign up to play to have a feel of what it looks like without needing to buy something first, then you wonder why web3 games are struggling for active users, luckily Splinterlands doesn’t have this problem.

This was my experience during the past weekend, I onboarded someone who got interested in Splinterlands by getting them to play it and it felt awesome. Next challenge is getting the person to come back, on his own, then the next challenge will be to get the person to actually put some money down and rent cards which is usually the hardest part. I can count the number of all web3 gamers from Nigeria on one hand, you can blame the horrible economy for that.

What Happened to Scholarships?

I remember there used to be scholarships a couple of years ago where an investor will load up on cards and open up a community where players are sourced for and merged with loaded playing accounts of different tiers and rewards are split. I wonder if those ventures were ever profitable for the investors who ran them and are or if any are still running. I was able to get into one of those scholarships back in the bull run and I got myself a gold account with which I was earning about $7 daily, good ol days my friend, average players were actually out there making a living playing the game, the mistake was that we all thought it would never end. For those who were priced out of renting cards or buying their own cards, scholarships really leveled the playing ground and gave anyone from anywhere in the world an opportunity. I wonder if we will ever see those times again.

Lands 1.5 in test mode

Mavericks have started to test Lands 1.5. This means that we are closer to the full release than ever before. I’ve seen both good and bad reviews but is there ever any new update on Splinterlands where we don’t have good and bad reviews alike? Naa, I don’t think so, even proposals have people who will always be against anything and say it’s all bad. Certainly we don’t need a community that will “yes” to everything, I just think we need a healthy balance of both sides.

Why Community Engagement Matters

One thing that's often overlooked is the role of the community in shaping the game. With Splinterlands, there's a unique blend of players, investors, and developers. This diversity brings about constructive criticism, new ideas, and continuous improvements. Imagine the potential for innovation if more scholarship programs were reintroduced, or if the Lands 1.5 update takes into account the community's suggestions.

The Social Aspect: More Than Just a Game

Let's not forget the social dimensions of Splinterlands. It's not just about battling; it's about interacting with a community of like-minded individuals. Guilds, communities, and social media channels provide ample opportunity for players to connect, share strategies, and even form alliances. This fosters a sense of belonging, making players more invested in the game both emotionally and, eventually, financially.

The Future of Web3 Gaming: Lessons from Splinterlands

As we look toward the future of Web3 gaming, Splinterlands offers valuable lessons in user engagement, economic design, and community building. What could other Web3 games learn from its free-to-play model, its past scholarship programs, or its approach to in-game economics? The game serves as a case study for how to build and sustain a successful decentralized gaming platform.

Accessibility and User Experience

And let's not forget the user experience. The game's interface is intuitively designed, making it easy for newcomers to navigate the world of Splinterlands. This ease of use is a crucial factor in retaining new players and should be a standard for all Web3 games aiming for mass adoption.

Final Thoughts

Splinterlands isn't just a card game; it's a platform that offers a glimpse into the future of decentralized gaming. From its inclusive free-to-play model and community-driven development to its real-world economic lessons and social interactions, Splinterlands is more than a game—it's a microcosm of what Web3 can offer. As we anticipate further updates like Lands 1.5 and ponder the revival of scholarship programs, we can see that Splinterlands is setting the bar high for what a Web3 game can and should be.

Thanks for reading. And battle till you drop!

Images are from Spinterlands…