Blockchain Gaming
Introduction
Video games have captivated users since the dawn of digital technology. In 1972, Atari Inc. released Pong, a simple arcade ping-pong game that helped launch the evolution of gaming. Popular games such as Pacman, Asteroids, and Space Invaders paved the way for future gaming consoles like Nintendo, Gameboy, PlayStation, and Xbox. Gaming has transformed even more in recent years as users can access rich gaming experiences via portable devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and portable consoles.
Gaming even has its roots in the origin story of Ethereum; Vitalik Buterin, one of the founders of Ethereum, spent years playing World of Warcraft only to have his character’s damage component significantly reduced in patch 3.1.0. Buterin is quoted as saying, “I cried myself to sleep, and on that day, I realized what horrors centralized services can bring.” This led Vitalik to learn about Bitcoin and its decentralized properties, serving as a heavy influence for the future creation of Ethereum. Now it may be decentralized blockchain technology that catalyzes the next generation of games via interoperable gaming universes, digital ownership, and financial incentives.
