Think of any video game genre, and you can be assured that it has found a Web3 counterpart in recent years. FPS titles, platformers, trading card games, RPGs, MMOs – they’ve all seen the Web3 treatment. Whilst individual games in each of these genres has seen success, one genre of games in particular has captured regular acclaim – sports.
Sports games are perfectly suited to Web3 gaming. Combining team-building, strategy, management and more, it’s a genre that seems purpose-built for Web3 integration. More than any other genre, it is Web3 sports games that have done the most to onboard traditional gamers and collectors into the Web3 industry.
Here’s 5 of the leading Web3 sports games that prove it.
FIFA Rivals
Although it is still several months away from a public release, with its American football counterpart NFL Rivals having already enjoyed over 8 million downloads, we have a good idea of what’s in store for FIFA Rivals.
Developed by Mythical Games, FIFA Rivals will see players manage a roster of officially-licensed professional football stars, building a dream team to dominate on the pitch in both PvP and PvE matches.
Over 100,000 users have already registered their interest in the Mythical Marketplace – where in-game assets for both NFL Rivals, and likely FIFA Rivals, will be traded. By tapping in to the world’s most popular sport, we can expect those numbers to skyrocket – and prove why Web3 technology will be a staple of the next generation of gaming.
Rumble Kong League
Sports games don’t have to be realistic to be successful – and Rumble Kong League is a perfect example of that.
Rumble Kong League takes the sport of 3v3 basketball and gives it a creative twist. Players build a roster of cartoon-styled, anthropomorphic apes – using the game’s built-in NFT marketplace – and take to the court in fast, furious and high-octane matchups against both other players and PC opponents.
On top of that, players can explore the world of Athlos City, hang out with their friends and other players, and complete a variety of courtside quests for exclusive rewards. Rumble Kong League brings the excitement of arcade classics to mobile, with a blockchain boost that every player can enjoy.
zkRace
Horse racing is a sport that has seen several Web3 iterations – and zkRace is one of the very best.
Formerly known as DeRace, zkRace sees players build and manage a stable of NFT-powered steeds, training them to compete in highly-competitive events across a series of racecourses. You might not have thought that there would be many Web3 horse racing fans out there – but combine stellar gameplay with furious competition, and you’ve got a winner on your hands.
The game features a fully-fledged NFT marketplace, where superior steeds are bought and sold. This gives players an additional incentive – a way to earn through training, developing and trading the very best steeds around. With races taking place every few minutes, 24 hours a day, with zkRace, there’s always action out on the racecourse.
NBA Top Shot
No list of the best Web3 sports games would be complete without NBA Top Shot.
Essentially an officially-licensed card-collecting title – rather than an out-and-out game – the impact and influence of NBA Top Shot cannot be understated. The game was the first Web3 title to see widespread mainstream recognition, enticing millions of basketball fans around the world to dive into the action and collect the hottest shots, dunks and moments in NBA history.
Though its heyday appears to be behind it, NBA Top Shot remains a pillar of the Web3 sports genre. With the officially-licensed IP allowing the sports biggest stars to be front-and-centre, its no surprise that fans followed – and with those fans eager to get their hands on limited edition moments in the history of the sport, the success of NBA Top Shot was a slam dunk.
Step App
Move-to-Earn games are one of the most recent developments in Web3 gaming, turning physical movement in the real world into blockchain-based rewards. Step App is one of the innovators that’s leading the way.
As you walk, jog and run in the real world, each step translates into token rewards that can be redeemed for a range of digital and physical rewards. This includes items such as sneakers and headphones, to exclusive deals and discounts.
With over 300,000 users in over 100 countries, Step App is not just a revolution in Web3 gaming, but has also become a vital tool in improving the wellness of its users. Adding additional incentives to the benefits of exercise is a no-brainer – and we’re certain Step App will be one of the first of many to incorporate blockchain-based features such as these in future.
