What is a Blockchain and Why Use it for Gaming?

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Blockchains are an increasing list of records, defined as “blocks”, that are linked using cryptography. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data (typically represented as a Merkle Tree) Blockchains and the immutable (unchanging over time), distributable technology are now being used in many different ways. One of these adaptions of blockchain technology is taking place in video gaming. Video games have already adopted in-game currencies, and cryptocurrencies (which are a monetization of sorts of blockchain technology), are the perfect fit in many in-game currency scenarios. Blockchains in games are a way to assign ownership, replace in-game currency with cryptocurrency, enable trading and marketplaces with no centralized failure point, and bring weapons/characters/gear across different games (using NFT – Non-Fungible Tokens – collectibles of sorts) This can also potentially reduce fraud on the part of gaming companies, or the players themselves.

A few ways gaming companies are using blockchain:

  • Microsoft is using blockchain technology to distribute payments to those who are involved with certain aspects of a games’ development
  • Upland property game is using EOS blockchain to assign ownership and other data to in-game property (based on real-world property)
  • The Six Dragons (playable in-browser like Brave browser – PS5 coming) an amazing RPG that uses blockchain for all in-game items and more

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