Mythical Games and the Shift Toward Gameplay-Focused Web3 Experiences

Over the past several years, Mythical Games has played a notable role in evolving web3 gaming by focusing less on technical features and more on delivering engaging experiences.

By prioritizing gameplay, accessibility, and entertainment value, the studio has contributed to making blockchain-enabled games more approachable to a wider audience.

Rethinking the Introduction to Web3 Gaming

When Bitcoin first gained public attention, it often required significant explanation. For many, its value and function only made sense after repeated exposure and conversation. Similarly, early explanations of web3 gaming often relied on comparisons and catchphrases to help unfamiliar users understand the concept:

• “It’s like gaming on the blockchain.”
• “It’s about giving players ownership.”
• “It’s gaming where you can earn rewards.”

While not inaccurate, these definitions didn’t always resonate with mainstream players. Part of the issue may lie in the terminology itself – “web3 gaming” can sound vague or overly technical. Does it require a browser? Is it always multiplayer? Does blockchain make crypto games fundamentally different from traditional games?

Moving Beyond Blockchain-Centric Messaging

Developers in the web3 space have spent years trying to bridge this communication gap, believing that with enough outreach, players would embrace the new model. But a different school of thought has emerged – one that argues success won’t come from explaining the tech, but from simply building better games.

This perspective suggests that blockchain elements shouldn’t be front and center in game design. Players are generally more interested in the quality of the gameplay experience than in the infrastructure that powers it. In other words, if a game is compelling enough, players will enjoy it regardless of whether it involves web3 components.

Mythical Games’ Approach

Founded in 2018, Mythical Games entered the market with a focus on game design rather than crypto mechanics. Rather than replicating early “play-to-earn” models that emphasized token-based rewards, Mythical emphasized usability, gameplay depth, and optional integration of blockchain features.

According to Nate Nesbitt, Head of Communications at Mythical, the project’s goal has always been to develop games that are enjoyable in their own right:

“If the most notable feature of your game is its token system or the fees it avoids, you’re not offering a game – you’re presenting a technical product. For most users, it’s the experience that matters. Prioritize good gameplay, and users will follow.”

Design Principles Guiding Development

Some of the ideas that have informed Mythical Games’ titles include:

• Blockchain features should enhance, not define, the experience.
• Games should be enjoyable without needing knowledge of wallets or tokens.
• Onboarding should be straightforward and not require crypto familiarity.
• Digital assets and tokens should be optional tools, not requirements.
• Strong communities contribute to the longevity of a game.

These principles are reflected in current and upcoming titles such as NFL Rivals, Blankos Block Party, FIFA Rivals, and Pudgy Party. Among them, NFL Rivals stands out, with over 6 million downloads, making it one of the most widely adopted games associated with blockchain technology.

The Role of Licensing and Intellectual Property

NFL Rivals’ popularity can be partly attributed to its use of official NFL branding. Mythical’s partnership with the NFL allowed it to tap into a preexisting fanbase and offer a recognizable product that didn’t feel foreign or experimental. While web3 integrations helped shape the game’s mechanics, its success owes much to more conventional gaming practices and recognizable content.

A Broader Industry Trend

While many web3 projects have moved away from early token-focused strategies, some studios continue to explore how to incorporate blockchain without making it the core appeal. Mythical Games is one example of this transition, where the emphasis has shifted to gameplay-first development and user-friendly experiences.

Features like NFTs, community governance, and token ownership may still play a role in the broader web3 ecosystem, but for mainstream audiences, these elements are unlikely to be the main draw. Instead, developers are increasingly realizing that players are most motivated by creativity, challenge, and entertainment value.

Looking Ahead

As the next generation of web3 games takes shape, their success will likely depend more on quality design and accessibility than on tokenomics or platform architecture. Blockchain infrastructure can support these experiences, but it’s the games themselves that will determine whether players keep coming back.

For Mythical Games and others following this philosophy, the future of web3 gaming may have less to do with explaining how it works and more to do with showing what makes it fun.