The Best Game Stores to Build or Launch Web3 Titles

Blockchain tech is reshaping the gaming world, enabling open, transparent, and player-owned ecosystems. With that, selecting the right game store to launch your Web3 game is crucial for visibility, user engagement, and overall success. Here's an in-depth look at the best platforms for launching blockchain games:

1. Epic Games Store

Why Epic Store? The Epic Games Store is a major player in digital gaming, known for its favorable revenue split, large user base, and strong support for developers. Epic offers 88% of revenue to developers, much more than the usual 70% from other platforms. On top of that, Epic often gives away free games, attracting a vast user base.

User Statistics:

• Total Users: 270 million PC users
• Monthly Active Users (MAU): 75 million

Real-World Example: Illuvium and Star Atlas are standout blockchain games on the Epic Store.

• Illuvium: This game combines RPG and autobattler genres. Players collect and battle creatures called Illuvials, each with unique attributes, in an open-world setting. The game uses blockchain for asset ownership and trading, allowing players to own their in-game assets.
• Star Atlas: A grand strategy game set in space, it features a fully on-chain economy. Players can explore the galaxy, engage in space combat, and own virtual assets that can be traded or sold in the marketplace.

Epic's initiatives, such as self-publishing tools, Epic First Run, and major back-end improvements, enhance the platform's appeal to Web3 game developers. 

2. Steam

Why Steam? Steam is the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming, boasting an extensive library and a robust community. Despite its cautious stance towards blockchain games, Steam remains a top choice due to its massive user base.

User Statistics:

• Total Users: Over 132 million monthly active users

Real-World Example: Superior is a popular blockchain game available on Steam.

• Superior: This game, also available on Gala Games, is a co-op shooter where players hunt superheroes to steal their powers. While the Steam version doesn't come with crypto features, the Web3 version integrates blockchain tech to offer unique, tradable in-game items.

Steam's extensive reach and community features make it an excellent platform for launching Web3 games, despite the platform's selective stance on blockchain integration.

3. Ultra

Why Ultra? Ultra is a blockchain-based game distribution platform designed to offer fairer revenue splits and enhanced user experiences. It charges a distribution fee of 12% - 15%, while the largest competitors charge up to 30%. Ultra provides tools for easy integration of crypto features, making it a no-brainer for Web3 games.

Real-World Example: Citadel is a notable game on Ultra.

• Citadel: This game is a competitive FPS to be released on Ultra in 2024. It is made by veterans from Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, Epic Games, and 343 Industries. 

Ultra's focus on blockchain tech and fairer revenue distribution makes it a strong contender for those looking to launch blockchain games.

4. Enjin Marketplace

Why Enjin Marketplace? Enjin is designed for blockchain gaming and NFTs, providing a marketplace for developers to create, manage, and trade blockchain-based assets. Enjin's suite of tools simplifies the integration of blockchain features into games.

Real-World Example: Lost Relics is a standout game on the Enjin Marketplace.

• Lost Relics: This action-adventure RPG allows players to explore dungeons, battle monsters, and collect valuable blockchain-based items. The integration of Enjin's technology ensures that players can own and trade their in-game items securely.

Enjin's focus on Web3 gaming and comprehensive developer tools make it an ideal platform for launching and managing blockchain games.

5. WAX (Worldwide Asset eXchange)

Why WAX? WAX is a blockchain made for digital assets and virtual goods. It offers a decentralized marketplace perfect for Web3 games and provides APIs and tools to streamline the integration of crypto features.

Real-World Example: Alien Worlds is a leading game on the WAX blockchain.

• Alien Worlds: This game combines elements of mining and space exploration. Players mine the in-game token, Trillium (TLM), and take part in space missions. The game uses NFTs for game assets, allowing players to trade and own items in a decentralized manner. 

WAX's focus on digital assets and robust infrastructure makes it a top choice for developers looking to launch blockchain games.

No doubt, choosing the right game store for launching a Web3 game is crucial for success. Platforms like Epic Games Store, Steam, Ultra, Enjin, and WAX each offer unique advantages. Epic and Steam have large user bases and robust community features, whereas Ultra, Enjin, and WAX provide specific blockchain support. By using these platforms, developers stand a better chance of increasing their game's visibility, user engagement, and overall success.