Web3 Games: Can We Start Today?

Over the past few years, the world of gaming has undergone a significant transformation. With the advent of blockchain technology, the gaming industry has been revolutionized, and a new era of gaming has emerged, and it is Web3 games. We have all been promised a utopia where we can make money by playing games and, at the same time, provide jobs through games in the world of web3. This huge phenomenon has been getting all the buzz, from developers to players and non-players worldwide. However, things have not turned out as we had hoped. The question is, can we start making web3 games? The answer is yes, and here’s why!  The Promise of Web3 Games Web3 games offer a new level of ownership and control for players. Unlike traditional games, where players are subject to the rules and restrictions imposed by game developers and publishers, Web3 games allow players to own their in-game assets and characters as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the blockchain. This means that players can trade, sell, or lend their NFTs to other players or platforms without any intermediaries or fees. Moreover, players can also participate in the governance and decision-making of the game through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), where they can vote on game updates, features, and policies.   Web3 games provide a new source of income and opportunity for players. By playing Web3 games, players can earn cryptocurrencies or tokens that can be exchanged for real money or other digital assets. Some Web3 games also reward players for contributing to the game development or community, such as creating content, providing feedback, or promoting the game. Additionally, Web3 games enable players to access a global and open market where they can find new audiences, partners, and collaborators for their gaming activities.   These types of games foster a new culture of innovation and creativity for developers. With Web3 games, developers can leverage the power and potential of blockchain to create novel and immersive gaming experiences that aren’t possible with traditional platforms. For instance, developers can use smart contracts to create dynamic and interactive game logic that can adapt to the player’s actions and choices. Developers can also use decentralized storage and computation networks to ensure the security and scalability of their game data and logic. Furthermore, developers can benefit from the network effects and interoperability of Web3 games, where they can integrate their games with other platforms and protocols to enhance their game features and functionality.   The Reality of Web3 Games While the promise of Web3 games is exciting, the reality is that the industry is still in its early stages. There are only a few Web3 games available, and they are not as popular as traditional games. The reason for this is that they are still relatively unknown, and many people are hesitant to try them out. Additionally, the games are still in development, and there are many bugs and glitches that need to be fixed.  Can We Start Making Web3 Games? The answer is yes. Despite the recent controversy over the future of web3, many developers and enthusiasts have moved past it and continue to pursue their vision of a more open and fair gaming industry. There are already some examples of successful web3 games that show the potential and benefits of web3 gaming, such as creating new revenue streams for players and developers, fostering community engagement and governance, and enabling new forms of gameplay and creativity.   However, it requires a lot of knowledge and expertise. It requires a lot of knowledge and expertise in various fields, such as cryptography, smart contracts, game design, user experience, and scalability. Developers need to have a deep understanding of blockchain technology and decentralized platforms. They also need to be familiar with programming languages such as Solidity, which is used to create smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Creating a Web3 game is not an easy task, but it’s possible for those who are willing to put in the time and effort.  One of the ways to overcome the challenges of making web3 games is to form strategic partnerships with other developers and publishers who share the same vision and goals. By collaborating with others, web3 game developers can leverage their combined resources, expertise, and networks to create more innovative and engaging games that appeal to a wider audience. Moreover, partnerships can help web3 game developers to access existing platforms and ecosystems that support web3 gaming, such as blockchain protocols, wallets, marketplaces, and communities.  The Future of Web3 Games The future of Web3 games is promising. As the industry continues to grow, we can expect to see more games being developed and more players joining the Web3 gaming community. The potential for earning cryptocurrency while playing games is a significant draw for many players, and it is likely that this trend will continue to grow. Additionally, as technology improves, we can expect to see more advanced and sophisticated Web3 games being developed.  Conclusion Web3 games are not just a hype or a fad. They are a paradigm shift that will redefine the gaming industry and create new value and opportunities for both players and developers. Web3 games have ushered in a new era of gaming, offering players ownership, control, and new sources of income. These games provide players with the ability to own in-game assets as NFTs on the blockchain, trade them freely, and participate in game governance through DAOs. Players can also earn cryptocurrencies or tokens by playing Web3 games, contributing to game development, or engaging with the community.   For developers, Web3 games unlock a realm of innovation and creativity by leveraging blockchain technology to create immersive gaming experiences and tap into network effects and interoperability. However, the industry is still in its early stages, with limited availability and popularity compared to traditional games. Despite the challenges, many developers and enthusiasts are actively pursuing their vision of a more open and fair gaming industry. Strategic partnerships can help overcome these challenges by combining resources and expertise.

Work-Life Balance: A Step Towards Better Crews Well-being

The gaming industry is no stranger to long hours and tight deadlines. With its endless desire for breakthroughs, it becomes a landscape of invention and dedication that frequently challenges the limits of its experts. However, beneath the exciting challenges and rewarding accomplishments lies a hidden concern: work-life balance. Now, imagine achieving a high score, not just in any game, but in the ultimate game: life itself! Strap in as we embark on an insightful exploration into the essence of work-life balance and its crucial role in well-being. This article is your gateway to understanding how Agate is stepping up its game and supporting its crew in achieving that golden equilibrium. Understanding Work-Life Balance Work-life balance refers to an individual’s ability to distribute time and energy between work and personal obligations evenly. This equilibrium is crucial for mental and physical health, as well as the overall quality of life [1]. Achieving a healthy work-life balance doesn’t necessarily mean an equal division of hours between work and personal life but rather finding a flexible and functional equilibrium that suits individual needs and lifestyles. In essence, it’s about having the autonomy to juggle professional responsibilities and personal commitments efficiently. The Importance of Work-Life Balance and Its Impact on Crew’s Well-Being In the gaming industry, the continuous striving for innovation often leads to intense schedules. Over time, this lack of balance can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and negative impacts on employees’ physical and mental health [2]. Contrarily, a healthy work-life balance can boost morale, productivity, and overall employee well-being [3]. At its core, employee well-being is linked to how valued and supported employees feel within the workspace. At Agate, we place a high value on our crews’ well-being. We have implemented regular well-being checkups, conducted monthly, and a comprehensive burnout and well-being survey every six months. Our Talent Team (HR) carefully evaluates the results, providing support to crews and helping them navigate any challenges they may face. Follow up well-being issue How to Foster Good Work-Life Balance Take Worthwhile Breaks Evaluate if your break activities genuinely bring happiness, contribute to your health, or strengthen social bonds rather than simply acting out of habit. Aim for mindful leisure choices since mindlessly browsing social media tends to decrease happiness. In essence, taking deliberate breaks can boost your productivity and overall well-being [4]. Boost Your Work Efficiency Evaluate how you allocate work time. Can you delegate some tasks? Can you simplify routine jobs or minimize daily minor decisions? Consider blocking off time for important projects without a set deadline so they don’t fall through. Need to focus? Try turning off phone and email alerts temporarily. Remember, even a notification sound can be as distracting as using your phone [5]. Flexible Work Schedules Having flexible work schedules can give employees more control and autonomy, and research suggests that this policy can increase productivity [6]. People with flexible schedules take fewer sick days, experience less work-related impairment, and are more committed to their jobs. Pace, Space, Place Remember the three Ps in an ever-changing work environment. Set your own PACE, avoid rushing, and take regular rests. Choose your PLACE wisely, select a relaxing and stimulating environment to work in. Finally, respect your SPACE by keeping it tidy and conducive to concentrate. This trio has the potential to be your secret weapon against burnout! [7] Promoting work-life balance goes beyond just flexible schedules. It’s about creating an environment that promotes growth, fun, and relaxation. One strategy we employ at Agate is team building, a fun monthly event where Agate crews participate in various activities ranging from board games to community meals. These gatherings foster stronger connections and enhanced synergy among our dynamic crews. But our commitment to balance continues. Expanding on the concept of team building, this is where Agate Clan comes into play. Agate Clan is a collection of various extracurriculars that each crew can join according to their interests. These clans range from sports like the Badminton Clan to Art Clan, offering a diversity of activities that help our crews to wind down, learn something new, or simply enjoy a shared passion. They also serve to ensure our team members have a balanced life that caters to their personal interests and well-being. Agate Clan Nothing can illustrate the positive impact of work-life balance at Agate better than the real experiences of our crews. Let’s hear it from our crews who’ve found an exciting balance in their lives at Agate! Agate Futsal Clan “To me, work-life balance means achieving harmony between earning a living and engaging in fulfilling personal activities that keep us healthy, happy, and stress-free. Each person may have different proportions of this balance, but I firmly believe that excessive indulgence in any aspect isn’t beneficial. Work-life balance is of utmost importance. It’s no secret that mental health impacts our physical health, and with a healthy mind and body, we can deliver better work quality. Joining the AFC was a no-brainer. I’ve always had a penchant for football. Additionally, being somewhat passive in social settings, the AFC has provided a platform for me to interact with colleagues from different teams in an unforced manner. Participating in AFC has brought multiple benefits to my well-being. I have noticed significant improvements in my physical health, and it’s helped to alleviate feelings of isolation, especially after the recent pandemic. Joining AFC felt like a breath of fresh air!” Nelson playing mini soccer Agate Fustal Clan Agate Gunpla Clan “For me, achieving a good work-life balance is about having a mutually supportive system. Your work and personal life should complement each other, leading to overall satisfaction and well-being. Maintaining this balance is crucial, as it ensures continued enjoyment of life and work. Remember, even activities you love can lead to burnout if done in excess. My love for creation and modification, spanning from Legos to robotics, naturally led me to Gunpla and plastic models. When I discovered the interest of Gunpla at Agate, I saw the chance to unite people