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Humanity is on the brink of extinction. The walls of spacetime are collapsing, different eras of history are colliding together, and forces of darkness are coming through the tears in time. Yet there is still hope.
Web3 adventure game, Big Time, opens its storyline with this suspenseful setup. And if this were a typical crypto-based game, the only “hope” to save humanity (that is, win the game) would be to pay for upgrades and advantages to beat the game. But in a move that’s bucking the growing pay-to-win trend in crypto-based games, Big Time’s developers are pivoting the model from monetization to player investment.
That’s right, Big Time is both free to play and it’s free from pay-to-win attributes that bog down many similar games in this space.
After its highly anticipated launch of in-game economy, “Preseason,” in early October, Big Time made it clear that it’s aiming to attract a wider and more loyal customer base by prioritizing player experience and building a robust player community over in-game revenue.
A New Approach to Gaming
The pay-to-win gaming model, where players can buy advantages (such as better weapons, more energy, and access to exclusive storylines) to help them win, has been a popular revenue stream for developers in recent years. However, critics point out that pay-to-win models give those with more disposable income a significant advantage over those who cannot afford to pay. Furthermore, the focus on monetization can lead to a lack of attention to gameplay balance and fairness, resulting in a subpar gaming experience for all involved.
Unlike many games in the industry, Big Time offers a free playing experience. This decision highlights the team's commitment to investing in a sustainable gaming environment and long-term player satisfaction over short-term monetization strategies. By focusing on creating an engaging and fair playing field, Big Time aims to foster a loyal player base and increase user participation.
Another unique feature of the game is what the creators have termed a "player-owned economy." Players have the opportunity to craft, trade, and collect digital wearables and collectibles known as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) using the game's native cryptocurrency. This approach adds depth to the experience while offering potential financial incentives to players.
Innovation and Investment
Big Time was created by an experienced team of industry veterans and former AAA game developers. Thor Alexander and Ari Meilich, founders of Big Time Studios, were both involved in creating the Ethereum-based game, Decentraland. They learned from the pitfalls of previous blockchain games and drew upon that experience when designing Big Time.
The developers also invested in a year-long testing phase, which allowed the team to gather valuable data and player feedback, resulting in a finely tuned gaming experience. This dedication to data-based improvement is also evident in the gradual rollout of the game, leading up to the full launch of the in-game economy in October.
The focus on player experience has paid off. During its pre-alpha phase, Big Time boasted huge popularity. It became the most streamed PC web3 game on Twitch, with a strong foothold in essential markets like Japan. Big Time was also awarded Game of the Year at the 2022 Polkastarter Gaming’s GAM3 Awards.
A Player-Centered Experience
A further way that Big Time sets itself apart is by deviating from the play-to-earn model, where tokens are generated based on the amount of time spent playing. Michael Migliero, Chief Marketing Officer at Big Time Studios, explained that this design in previous games led to “a user base seeking largely to profit instead of having fun.”
Aiming to create an environment where players are motivated by the joy of gameplay rather than financial gains, Big Time gives tokens to reward skill and strategic resource management. This encourages players to focus on improving their strategy within the game itself, fostering a more rewarding and competitive ecosystem.
The game's growing community is a testament to its appeal, with over 350,000 members on Discord and a quarter million on X (formerly Twitter). Big Time has already achieved impressive financial success, generating more than $80 million in direct sales and amassing an initial signup list of more than a million people.
Conclusion
Big Time is poised to change the web3 gaming landscape with its unique features and dedication to avoiding pay-to-win mechanics. By prioritizing the gameplay experience, the creators have differentiated this game from its competitors in significant ways. The decentralized nature of the web3 ecosystem makes it possible for entrepreneurial developers like those behind Big Time to play by their own rules and take a different approach to their business.
With its innovative player-focused strategy, Big Time is positioning itself as not just another game in the crowded market, but rather a forward-thinking platform that values player experience and community building. Its approach to the player-owned economy could serve as a model for future web3 games looking to balance economic incentives with engaging gameplay.
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