Minecraft, GTA may change their tune on blockchain yet: GameFi execs

cointelegraph.com:

While several mainstream game studios have taken a noticeable step back integrating blockchain tech, three blockchain gaming executives say it's only a matter of time before they change their tune. 

In July last year, Minecraft developer Mojang Studios announced a ban on NFTs and blockchain technology.

By November, Rockstar Games updated its website to stipulate that fan-operated servers for Grand Theft Auto V can no longer utilize crypto assets, specifically non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Rip NFT worlds? pic.twitter.com/5bEy5oqtjm

Walter Lee, Gaming Growth Lead at BNB Chain, argues however, the ban is more related to NFT activities than general blockchain tech and thinks that once "more regulation is in place" to guarantee player safety, mainstream studios will warm up to the tech.

"There is still a lack of education and regulation around Web3 therefore some users and companies are still skeptical about the benefits and scams that can often be associated with it," he said.

Mojang Studios pointed to rug-pulls surrounding certain third-party NFT integrations, along with NFT wash trading and issues around digital ownership as reasons for the ban.

Lee believes player demand will ultimately tip the scale on blockchain tech in mainstream games.

That being said, somegaming enthusiasts have a love-hate relationship with crypto, particularly when NFTs are involved.

French gaming giant Ubisoft Entertainment was forced last year to backpedal on plans to integrate NFTs into its games after player backlash.

An October 2022 survey from blockchain entertainment provider Coda Lab's found traditional gamers weren't a fan of cryptocurrencies or NFTs in general, though they didn’t seem to mind NFTs used in gaming as much.

"If there becomes an