Online gaming, a dynamic and ever-evolving realm, stands on the precipice of the promising potential of Web3 technology. This innovative shift comes at a time when the world of gaming faces not only existing challenges but also a new wave of concerns in the form of AI-driven bots and deepfake accounts.

The Shortcomings of Web2 Gaming

As we venture into the potential of Web3, it's crucial to recognize the ongoing issues that have persisted in Web2 gaming. While Web2 has been remarkably successful, it has not been without problems. One of the most prevalent challenges is the burden of managing numerous game-specific login credentials and passwords. This juggling act often leads to "subscription fatigue," dissuading players from exploring new platforms, thereby limiting the diversity of their gaming experiences.

Security and privacy are paramount concerns in the Web2 gaming landscape. According to Kaspersky Labs, cyberattacks on gamers have been on the rise, with a 13% increase in attacks from 2021 to 2022. While these attacks can result in financial losses, the potential exposure of sensitive user data is more concerning. Online games often collect a wide range of information, including geographic, behavioral, and social data, making them appealing targets for data breaches and unethical practices.

Furthermore, the proliferation of bots and AI-driven deepfake accounts compounds these issues. Bots have been a persistent problem in the Web2 gaming landscape, with the situation worsening given the recent releases of AI platforms like ChatGPT. Given the substantial value hosted in virtual gaming worlds, both new and existing users must be aware of the potential dangers that this technology can create.

Web3 Technology: A Solution to Web2 Challenges

Web3 technology offers a promising solution to address these longstanding issues in Web2 gaming while also countering the new threats posed by bots and deepfake accounts. Acxyn acknowledges the potential of Web3 to provide players with cryptographically secured identities that alleviate many of the shortcomings of Web2 gaming. These identities serve not only as a digital wallet but also as a single point of access to all Web3 gaming titles. They act as a player's profile, credentials, and a robust tool for safeguarding gamers.

One of the primary advantages of Web3 IDs is their ability to function as a universal login key for any game or service. This streamlined approach significantly lowers entry barriers, encouraging users to explore new titles with minimal effort. However, the core of this convenience is the exceptional security offered by Web3 IDs. The immutable and cryptographic nature of blockchains virtually eliminates the risk of compromising a decentralized identity, ensuring the secure storage and controlled access to funds.

Crucially, player control extends to data privacy, as Web3 IDs allow users to dictate which platforms can access their data. At any time, users can revoke access, reducing the potential for third parties to scrape personal information. This enhanced autonomy and security are pivotal in the Web3 gaming landscape.

Lastly, the issue of bots can be addressed through a one-time "humanity check" when setting up a Web3 ID. Techniques such as biometrics or personal video chats with approved validators can be used to confirm a human identity. Once a Web3 ID is certified, proving its legitimacy to any platform becomes straightforward. Even the most convincing deepfaked bot accounts would struggle to falsify such information, leading to a significant reduction in cyberattacks.

To sum up, Web3 technology is poised to usher in a new era of online gaming, where security, accessibility, and player control take center stage. The ongoing challenges of Web2 gaming, coupled with the rising trends of AI-driven bots and deepfake accounts, make the promises of Web3 even more relevant and essential for the evolving gaming landscape.