In a recent statement, Colleen Sullivan, from Brevan Howard Asset Management’s crypto-venture arm, delved deep into the potential and limitations of integrating blockchain technology in the gaming arena.
Blockchain’s Transactional Throughput Concerns
The most salient point of concern is the blockchain’s throughput. With networks like Solana being able to process a maximum of approximately 2,000 user transactions every second, the technology might be falling behind the requirements of mainstream gaming. Sullivan points out, “That’s still a fraction of what it would take to put a game like Monopoly GO, its game logic and game state fully on-chain.”
Gaming Giants Taking a Leap into Blockchain
2018 saw gaming moguls like Ubisoft and Square Enix, the masterminds behind gaming sensations “Assassin’s Creed” and “Final Fantasy,” venturing into the world of blockchain. When cryptocurrency was riding high in 2021, the intention to embrace blockchain was strong. However, following the digital market’s decline, gaming giants like Sega decided to withdraw from their blockchain gaming pursuits.
The Slow-paced Maturation of Blockchain Technology
Sullivan’s $40 million investment in Horizon Blockchain Games in October 2022 underscores her belief in the technology’s potential. Yet, she underscores that the mainstream gaming arena might have to wait several years before blockchain can fully cater to their needs.
Conclusion
The fusion of blockchain technology with the gaming industry is inevitable given the growth and the advantages it promises. However, the sentiments expressed by experts like Colleen Sullivan resonate with many in the gaming sector. It’s not about the if, but rather the when. As gaming demands rapid, efficient, and large-scale transactional capacities, the blockchain industry has some evolving to do. For now, patience, research, and consistent developments seem to be the key to unlocking this potential merger, setting the stage for a groundbreaking shift in the world of gaming.
