Analysis of Goblintown’s Entry into Gaming
The recent announcement of Goblintown’s upcoming PC and Mac game, Goblintown: Really Hard Driving Game, marks a significant expansion of the Ethereum NFT project into the gaming sector. This move is intriguing, especially considering the game will not have any direct crypto or NFT connections, despite Goblintown’s roots in Web3. The decision to launch the game on both Steam and the Epic Games Store is strategic, given the differing stances these platforms have on blockchain-based games.
Epic Games Store has been more open to hosting blockchain-based games, as seen in https://decrypt.co/83657/steam-bans-crypto-games-while-epic-games-welcomes-them, while Steam, owned by Valve, banned such games in October 2021, as reported in https://decrypt.co/83633/this-week-on-crypto-twitter-steam-bans-nfts-axie-upsets-fans-and-tungsten-cubes-go-viral. However, some developers have found workarounds, as mentioned in https://decrypt.co/153196/crypto-nft-games-still-launching-steam-despite-ongoing-ban.
The game’s release is slated for 60-90 days from the announcement, with Truth Labs co-founder and CEO Alexander Taub indicating that more details will emerge as the launch date approaches. Notably, Taub mentioned that the game will utilize the Goblintown IP and world but as a straight Web2 game, suggesting a broader appeal beyond the crypto and NFT community.
Connection to Abstract and Streaming Focus
The upcoming game is also linked to Abstract, a consumer-focused Ethereum layer-2 network launched by Igloo Inc., the parent company of Pudgy Penguins. Abstract’s focus on streaming aligns with the potential of Goblintown: Really Hard Driving Game to be highly streamable, as suggested by Taub. This could indicate a strategy to leverage the game’s entertainment value to attract a wider audience, potentially bridging the gap between Web3 enthusiasts and traditional gamers.
Market Impact and Community Reaction
The announcement has already shown a positive impact on the original Goblintown NFT collection, with prices increasing by nearly 20% in the last 24 hours to $573, according to NFT Price Floor. This surge reflects the excitement and anticipation within the community regarding Goblintown’s expansion into gaming.
Predictions and Insights
Given the information, several predictions can be made:
– Increased Adoption: By launching a game without direct crypto or NFT connections, Goblintown may attract a broader audience, potentially increasing adoption and interest in the brand and, by extension, the NFT collection.
– Streaming and Community Engagement: The focus on streaming, especially through platforms like Abstract, could lead to a highly engaged community around the game, with streamers and viewers alike contributing to its popularity.
– Future Developments: The success of Goblintown: Really Hard Driving Game could pave the way for more Web3 projects to explore traditional gaming markets, potentially leading to a more integrated gaming ecosystem that blends Web2 and Web3 elements.
In conclusion, Goblintown’s foray into traditional gaming with Goblintown: Really Hard Driving Game is a strategic move that could expand its reach and appeal. The decision to separate the game from direct crypto and NFT elements, while still leveraging the brand’s Web3 origins, is a fascinating approach that could set a precedent for how Web3 projects engage with broader audiences. As the gaming and crypto spaces continue to evolve, projects like Goblintown will be at the forefront of exploring new boundaries and opportunities.
