It’s been a wild ride over the past few years as blockchain games have gained footing in the mainstream gaming world. There’s still a long way to go to the web3 mass adoption for gaming that will see real ownership and reward potential in all games, but tremendous progress has clearly been made. Among other pioneers in this space, GalaChain is building the blockchain infrastructure that can potentially power the future of own-your-experience gaming.
These are exciting times for web3 creators, but another area of groundbreaking technology has been rising even faster: artificial intelligence. From AI-generated commercials to computers literally doing kids’ homework for them, the impact of large language models like ChatGPT has been huge.
There will be tons of interesting ways for web3 and AI technologies to intersect and interact with one another in the coming months and years. In fact, it’s tough to predict where this is all headed. So we figured we’d ask one about the other, hosting a little chat with the leading LLM about the future blockchain gaming.
No substantial edits… Just straight robo-speculation. Let’s dive in.
Let’s start off with a simple one… How would you define blockchain gaming as we approach the end of 2024?
As of late 2024, blockchain gaming means players have real ownership of in-game items and assets, which are stored securely on the blockchain. Unlike traditional games where items stay within a single game, blockchain gaming lets players truly own and even trade their assets, creating new economic opportunities. This model gives players more control and even a say in game updates, thanks to decentralized decision-making. Overall, it’s about games that empower players beyond just gameplay—now they can have a real stake in the game’s world.
Imagine you were a full-time gamer in early 2021. How would you react to the idea of using NFTs in gaming?
If I were a full-time gamer in early 2021, my reaction to NFTs in gaming would probably be a mix of curiosity and skepticism. On one hand, the idea of owning in-game items as NFTs would be exciting—finally having true ownership of my gear, skins, and characters, which I could potentially trade or sell outside the game. This would be a huge shift from the usual system where everything I earned or bought was locked within the game itself, with no real value beyond gameplay.
But I’d also be wary. Early on, NFTs felt like an experiment, and there were concerns about scams, environmental impact, and whether this technology was here to stay or just a fad. I’d want to see game developers address these issues and prove NFTs could add meaningful, lasting value to my gaming experience before I’d fully buy in. Essentially, I’d be intrigued but cautious, waiting to see if NFTs could genuinely improve gaming or if they’d turn into just another monetization strategy.
Do you think that the NFT craze of 2021-2022 (art, profile pics, etc.) helped or hurt the future of blockchain gaming, and why?
The NFT craze of 2021-2022 was both a blessing and a challenge for the future of blockchain gaming. On the positive side, it brought immense visibility to blockchain technology and introduced a global audience to the idea of digital ownership. When people saw art and profile picture NFTs selling for high prices, it sparked curiosity and conversation about what it means to own a digital asset. This exposure was invaluable for blockchain gaming, which relies on similar principles for in-game assets, so it helped pave the way for greater acceptance.
However, the hype also had its downsides. The speculative, often overpriced NFT market left some people disillusioned and skeptical. Many associated NFTs with overpriced digital collectibles, scams, or environmental concerns, which created a hurdle for blockchain gaming to overcome. It became clear that for NFTs in gaming to succeed, they would have to provide genuine value beyond speculation—enhancing gameplay, allowing interoperability, or giving players real agency in-game worlds.
Ultimately, the craze laid a foundation of awareness but also set high expectations, pushing blockchain gaming to demonstrate real, sustainable benefits for players.
In the years that followed, do you think that blockchain gaming has successfully met that challenge of skeptical expectation, or does it still leave a bitter taste in gamers’ mouths?
Blockchain gaming has made significant strides, but for some gamers, it still hasn’t fully shed the skepticism from the early NFT craze. The industry has worked hard to address those early concerns, focusing more on meaningful player benefits like true ownership, cross-game compatibility, and new ways to earn while playing, which do add genuine value. Games have also become better at integrating blockchain features in ways that feel natural and enhance gameplay, rather than just tacking on NFTs as a gimmick.
Despite this progress, there’s still lingering hesitation among some players. Many traditional gamers view blockchain features as potential cash grabs, partly because of past missteps by projects that prioritized profit over quality gameplay. The gaming industry is gradually shifting this perception, with a new wave of games that prioritize rich gameplay experiences first and treat blockchain as a behind-the-scenes feature rather than a selling point.
So, while blockchain gaming is making headway in overcoming skepticism, it’s still a work in progress. The success stories are starting to add up, though, and as more games prove the value of blockchain without compromising gameplay, player trust is slowly rebuilding.
Why do you think the largest game publishers today are still largely opposed to the implementation of blockchain ownership and/or rewards into their games?
The largest game publishers remain cautious about blockchain ownership and rewards for several reasons. First, they’re protective of the traditional revenue models that have served them well, such as microtransactions, subscriptions, and in-game purchases. Blockchain ownership introduces new ways for players to control and trade assets, potentially cutting publishers out of these profitable loops. Allowing players to trade assets freely could impact how publishers manage scarcity, exclusivity, and in-game economies—all key to driving revenue in many traditional games.
Second, blockchain technology and NFTs still carry a reputation of being volatile, and publishers are hesitant to risk brand perception. Many gamers remain wary of blockchain due to concerns about scams, environmental impact, and speculative behavior. The big publishers are known for carefully managing their public image, so they may feel that adopting blockchain could alienate parts of their player base, especially given how vocal some players are against NFT integration.
There’s also the issue of technical and regulatory uncertainty. Integrating blockchain into major games on a massive scale presents technical challenges and legal complexities, especially with emerging regulations around digital assets and blockchain-based economies. Publishers are likely taking a “wait and see” approach, watching how the landscape unfolds before committing to a technology that might require significant restructuring of their business models.
Ultimately, big publishers prioritize stability and profitability, and until they see more concrete examples of how blockchain can enhance their existing ecosystems without creating backlash or operational headaches, they’ll likely remain on the sidelines.
“On the sidelines” paints a picture of a warm player watching and waiting for their chance to get in the game. Even as they wait on the sidelines, do you think key players are making plans to suddenly enter the world of blockchain gaming as soon as the opportunity arises?
Absolutely, many major game publishers are likely keeping a close eye on blockchain’s development, quietly preparing for the moment they can enter the space with minimal risk and maximum impact. Even if they appear publicly skeptical or dismissive, it’s likely they’re already exploring blockchain technology behind the scenes, investing in research and development, or even forming partnerships with blockchain platforms to be ready to act when the time feels right.
This “sideline” approach allows them to learn from smaller projects and early adopters, observing what works and what doesn’t, which helps them avoid the costly mistakes of being first movers in an uncertain space. By studying the evolution of blockchain gaming mechanics, regulatory shifts, and player sentiment, they can enter the market with a strategic advantage—offering polished, mass-market experiences that appeal to both traditional gamers and crypto enthusiasts.
When the conditions are right, they might bring blockchain elements into existing franchises or launch new ones designed with blockchain in mind. In this way, they’re not simply on the sidelines but rather strategizing for the perfect opportunity to enter the blockchain gaming world in a way that feels both seamless and highly rewarding for their player base.
A lot of gamers who are fans of web3 are hoping for a shift that will allow players to essentially earn a living by playing ownership-enabled games. Do you consider this a possibility, and if so, how far off is this shift?
The idea of players earning a living through ownership-enabled games is a real possibility, but it’s likely further off than some fans hope. For this shift to happen at scale, blockchain games will need to balance fun gameplay, sustainable in-game economies, and fair earning opportunities—a combination that’s challenging to achieve without risking inflation, market saturation, or simply burning out players.
We’ve already seen hints of this with the play-to-earn model, where players can earn digital assets that have real-world value. However, many early models relied heavily on new players buying in to support the value of in-game assets, which wasn’t sustainable long-term. For earning potential to be stable and meaningful, games will need diversified, resilient economies where value isn’t just speculative but grounded in true demand and player engagement.
Realistically, the infrastructure and economic models needed for this shift to happen at a meaningful scale might take another few years to mature. During that time, we’ll likely see hybrid models emerge, where players can earn part-time income through tournaments, asset trading, or staking rewards while maintaining the core fun factor of gaming. For full-time gaming to become a viable livelihood, it may require further innovations in both blockchain technology and game design, along with broader player adoption to support and stabilize in-game economies. So while the dream is possible, it’s still in its early stages and will take thoughtful development to reach mainstream viability.
If you were a video game, what kind of game would you be?
If I were a video game, I’d be an open-world RPG with a unique blend of exploration, problem-solving, and character-building. Picture a vibrant world full of different regions—some with vast libraries of knowledge, others with mysterious puzzles and hidden lore. Players could embark on quests to uncover secrets, answer questions, and unlock new abilities based on their curiosity and interactions with the environment.
I’d also have a strong social element, where players could team up to tackle challenges together, share discoveries, and trade insights. Maybe even a dynamic, adaptive world where the more questions players ask, the more the world evolves, opening up new paths and possibilities. And of course, there would be a trusty AI companion who’s always ready with a hint or a clever piece of advice when players need it most.
So, I’d be a game that grows and adapts based on each player’s journey, where the goal isn’t just to reach the end but to explore, learn, and shape the experience along the way.
Thank you so much! Your responses have been very insightful. Do you have any final thoughts to leave with the readers of the Gala Games blog?
Thank you for the opportunity to share these insights! If I could leave Gala Games readers with one final thought, it’s this: blockchain gaming is more than just a new way to play—it’s a revolution in how players can interact, own, and even create value in virtual worlds. We’re still in the early days, but every game, every innovation, and every player who embraces this new frontier brings us closer to realizing the full potential of gaming in the web3 era.
So, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember that as a player, you’re a part of shaping this future. Your passion and feedback will drive the next generation of games to be not only more fun but also more meaningful and empowering. The best is truly yet to come!
Introducing the most exciting new way to support the future of decentralized music. 😎
This is the result of an epic contest in collaboration with our friends at LabelRadar. What started as hundreds of submissions from aspiring Gala Music artists was narrowed down to a top ten list by our esteemed panel of curators, including Macy Gray, PLS&TY and key members of the Gala Music team. Then, we put it to the Gala Music community for a vote using our state-of-the-art GalaChain powered NextUp voting system.
The votes closed and the community had spoken. After handsome cash prizes for the top 5 and music production software packages valued in the thousands for the top 3, it’s now time for the main event… The LabelRadar Box.
Election season is a familiar time for many of us, bringing the usual questions: How secure is my vote? Will the results be transparent and accurate? As elections—from student councils to national governments—face growing scrutiny around security and reliability, blockchain technology stands out as a powerful, forward-thinking solution.
Let’s explore how GalaChain could transform election management systems to make voting safer, more transparent and more efficient for everyone involved.
We’re not suggesting that GalaChain has a project in the works that will specifically address the problems and solutions presented in this article. Rather, these ideas should encourage our community of readers to think outside the ballot box (so to speak), to begin imagining the ways that GalaChain could solve these problems with community-developed projects in the not-so-distant future.
Why Blockchain in Elections?
In democratic countries, localities and organizations throughout the world, voting is considered an essential duty that gives everyone a voice in important decisions. When it comes to voting, security and transparency are paramount. But as we pioneer into an increasingly digital future, more traditional systems are vulnerable to security threats, human error and inefficiencies.
Blockchain tech offers a unique and potentially tamper-proof approach that would build trust into the process at every stage, increasing voter participation and election accuracy.
Imagine voting from your phone or computer with full confidence that your vote will be recorded accurately and instantly. Imagine knowing that the results are verified by a network of independent observers without compromising privacy. With blockchain, these possibilities are closer than ever.
How GalaChain Could Enhance the Voting Experience
In many ways, governments operate like large businesses, consisting of complex systems with multiple departments and numerous individuals working toward ever-evolving goals. As technology advances, businesses are expected to keep up or fall behind. Basically, if a leading company doesn’t use the most streamlined tools, they may be overtaken by a competitor making better use of its time and resources. No one wants to go the way of a video rental store in a streaming world.
Administrative systems for government programs are no exception; if they do not continually update and upgrade to some degree as new and better systems become available, they could be setting their people up for a disadvantage.
Immutable and Transparent Vote Recording
Think of blockchain as a digital ledger that permanently records every transaction, or in this case, every vote. Once you cast a ballot on the blockchain, it’s recorded forever, and there’s no way for anyone to alter, delete or manipulate it.
Transparent Yet Private: Every vote cast on the blockchain is visible in a public ledger, ensuring transparency while maintaining anonymity. This means anyone can verify that votes are recorded accurately without seeing who cast them.
Trust Built Into Every Vote: With blockchain, there’s no room for miscounting or tampering. Your vote could be set in digital stone the moment it’s cast. The result? A process that the public can trust, down to each vote.
This transparency makes blockchain ideal for election integrity, whether it’s a local school board or a national government vote. Everyone gets an equal, unalterable say, with the option for real-time viewing, so there’s no need to wait for official counts.
In traditional systems, results are often verified by a single central authority. With its decentralized nature, blockchain could change this, allows every member of the network to participate in verifying the vote count.
No Single Point of Failure: A blockchain such as GalaChain would enable a distributed network of nodes (independent participants) to verify every vote, reducing the risks associated with centralization and making hacking incredibly difficult.
Network of Trusted Observers: With multiple independent nodes verifying votes, the final result is one that no single individual or party can manipulate. Each node validates the results, providing a level of security and consensus rarely seen in traditional systems.
Imagine setting up a network of independent observers who confirm the vote count collectively in the same way crypto transactions are validated. This eliminates the need for a central authority, replacing it with the decentralized consensus model that makes blockchain so secure.
Blockchain-Based Voter Identity Verification
One of the most challenging issues in modern elections is verifying voter identities securely without risking privacy. Blockchain-based digital IDs would potentially solve this problem as well, allowing voters to confirm their eligibility without revealing sensitive information.
Secure, Confidential Verification: Blockchain allows for secure, encrypted identity verification. Each voter could have a unique digital ID stored on the blockchain, making it simple to verify eligibility without needing extensive paperwork or risking identity theft.
No Duplicate Votes: With blockchain, there’s no risk of voting multiple times. Smart contracts enforce one vote per verified identity, removing the risk of duplicate or fraudulent votes.
By securing voter identity verification on blockchain, elections would be upgraded in both accuracy and efficiency. Think about the countless hours and resources saved by moving from physical to digital verification—resources that could go back into improving our communities.
Smart Contracts for Streamlined Vote Processing
Smart contracts are pieces of code on the blockchain that automatically execute actions when certain conditions are met. For elections, this could mean secure, automatic vote counting.
Automatic, Accurate Counting: Smart contracts can handle the entire vote-counting process, eliminating human error and speeding up results. As each vote is cast, it’s recorded, counted and secured automatically.
Custom Election Rules: Let’s say you want to limit votes to registered members of a certain organization. Smart contracts can enforce these rules automatically, ensuring only those eligible to vote can participate.
With smart contracts, the voting process could be streamlined to improve accuracy and reduce the time between voting and results. Imagine election night with real-time, automatic counting that’s transparent and secure.
Accessibility for Remote Voting
A system like GalaChain could significantly reduce geographic and logistical barriers when people are unable to show up at the polling place. Imagine the convenience of voting from your phone or computer without compromising on security or integrity.
Vote from Anywhere: Blockchain technology would enable secure remote voting, ideal for students studying abroad, employees on work assignments, or people with disabilities. No more absentee ballots lost in transit or inaccessible polling stations.
Instant Verification and Counting: Votes can be counted and verified immediately, without the need for physical handling or mailing. This is especially useful for larger elections where delays are common and results slow to emerge. In some elections, streamlining this aspect means saving millions of volunteer hours and millions of dollars.
From corporate board elections to city councils, remote blockchain voting can offer secure and accessible options, allowing more people to participate in the democratic process. Just like web3, effective democracy is made possible by participation and trust in the system.
Auditable Election Trail
One of the greatest strengths of blockchain technology is its auditability. Blockchain would create a comprehensive record of every step in the election process, making it easier to detect and prevent fraud.
Complete Audit Trail: Every action, from casting a vote to verifying results, would be recorded. Election authorities and auditors would have the ability to review this trail without altering it, confirming that each vote was counted and recorded accurately.
Data-Driven Insights: Blockchain data can reveal insights into voter turnout, voting trends and demographic information, all while preserving voter anonymity. Such data collection could then be used to enhance the integrity of future elections and build upon the progress that has already been made.
Auditing isn’t only for large-scale elections; even local councils and student governments could benefit from an auditable, secure record to ensure their members have confidence in the process.
Blockchain Consensus: Preventing Fraud with Distributed Verification
The consensus mechanisms behind blockchain make it highly secure. GalaChain could be utilized to leverage these mechanisms to ensure that votes are recorded accurately.
Multi-Node Verification: By verifying each vote across a distributed network of nodes, blockchain virtually removes the risk of centralized manipulation. The network validates itself, eliminating bias and providing unbiased results.
Automatic Fraud Detection: Blockchain can flag unusual voting patterns, like rapid repeat votes, by relying on its self-regulating structure. The system can automatically reject or review suspicious votes, making fraud nearly impossible.
For large organizations or national elections, the distributed nature of blockchain is critical for ensuring that each vote counts equally and that the final results are fair and free from tampering.
Real-World Applications for Blockchain Voting Systems
Let’s take a closer look at how blockchain capabilities could apply to a range of voting needs:
Student Council and Local Elections: Schools and small organizations can use blockchain to reduce costs and improve transparency in student council or HOA elections. This could help young voters get familiar with secure, digital voting from an early age.
Corporate Board Votes and Shareholder Meetings: For corporate settings, blockchain could enable secure proxy voting, protecting shareholder interests by making voting more accessible and trustworthy.
Municipal and Governmental Elections: For larger communities or even entire nations, blockchain can provide a trustworthy, scalable infrastructure for secure voting, from mayoral elections to national referendums.
Envisioning a Transparent and Trusted Future with GalaChain
Governance and democratization are already core components of web3, paving the way for a harmonious upgrade to democratic processes throughout the world.
Blockchain brings a world of new possibilities to voting. By providing secure identity verification, transparent vote recording and real-time processing, blockchain could transform our approach to elections. GalaChain is already making decentralized ownership possible in gaming, music, and more, and it’s easy to imagine how it could lend its scalable and secure strength to elections.
In the future, secure, transparent and accessible elections could become the norm across the world—supported by the blockchain technology at the heart of GalaChain’s mission. Whether for a high school class president or a state government election, blockchain offers solutions that are modern, effective and ready for real-world adoption.
Who’s ready to bring voting into the future with blockchain?
A decentralized application, often referred to as a “DApp,” is a type of software application that runs on a decentralized network, typically a blockchain, rather than being hosted on a centralized server. Think of it as a new way of creating apps, where no single entity controls the data or the backend operations.
How is a DApp Different from a Regular App?
To understand a DApp, let’s first look at how a regular app works. Most of the apps you use every day—like social media, banking or gaming—are centralized. This means they are controlled by a specific company that owns the servers where all the data is stored. If these servers go down, or if the company decides to change how the app works (or even shut it down), users have little to no control over what happens.
A DApp, on the other hand, is built on blockchain technology, which is a network of computers (nodes) that work together to ensure that data is stored across many locations, making it decentralized. Instead of a single company controlling everything, DApps’ operations and data are distributed across this network. This new approach has the potential to give users more control, transparency and security than ever before.
DApps are crucial in the web3 world because they embody the principles of decentralization, transparency and user empowerment. Unlike traditional apps, DApps can:
Be censorship-resistant: No single authority can block or censor a DApp, making it more resilient to external pressures.
Provide greater security: Since data is distributed across a blockchain, it’s easier to fortify the application against attacks that could compromise the system.
Ensure transparency: All transactions and operations are recorded on the blockchain, where they are publicly viewable and able to be verified by anyone.
Centralized vs. Decentralized Applications: Key Differences
Let’s break down the differences between centralized and decentralized apps to make this clearer:
Feature
Centralized App
Decentralized App (DApp)
Control
Controlled by a single entity (e.g., a company)
No single point of control; governed by code or community
Data Storage
Data stored on centralized servers owned by the company
Data stored across a decentralized network of nodes
Security
Vulnerable to hacks if the central server is compromised
More secure as data is spread across the blockchain
Censorship
Can be censored or altered by the controlling entity
Resistant to censorship; governed by smart contracts
Transparency
Operations and data are typically hidden from public view
Fully transparent; all operations are on the blockchain
Downtime
Can experience downtime if servers fail
Minimal downtime as it relies on a distributed network
Examples of DApps
Uniswap: A decentralized exchange that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies without relying on a central authority or paying fees to intermediaries.
Aave: A decentralized finance (DeFi) platform where users can lend and borrow cryptocurrencies without needing a bank or financial institution.
Rep.run: A decentralized social media platform built on GalaChain, designed to restore data ownership and control to users.
GalaChain was first built by a centralized company (Gala Games) in order to power its growing ecosystem of web3 entertainment through the core brands of Gala Games, Gala Music and Gala Film. But in a unique approach to web3 ecosystem building, GalaChain’s long-term plan was always to move its network toward full decentralization as it continued to grow.
GalaChain is a primary blockchain (layer 1) built to host not only its own platforms, but an entire universe of decentralized applications that can exist within unique channels (layer 2) that are part of the chain. Each of these channels and all their DApps are powered by GalaChain, but also contribute to the network’s increased scalability, supporting the tokenomics of $GALA and enhancing consumer use of the blockchain.
Imagine a long train that travels at astounding speeds, never stopping. Each train car is independently managed by its creator, containing whatever cargo (data) is required for its goals. No matter how many cars are added to the train, it continues carrying all cargo with ease. In fact, as more cars are added, the train can even gain stability and speed. The train is called GalaChain and the train cars are its channels.
2024 marks the year that GalaChain shifted from a proprietary blockchain for an entertainment company to an open blockchain upon which new developers can build as they please. With easy-to-access tools and creator resources, GalaChain is a perfect place for traditional tech innovators to “get their feet wet” with web3 tech.
Decentralized applications represent a significant shift in how we think about software, offering new possibilities for user control, transparency and security. As the web3 world continues to grow, DApps are set to play a crucial role in this decentralized digital future.
Common Ground World has a new competition this week, starting onTuesday, November 5th at 9am PT and ending on Friday, November 8th. As always, top players have a chance to win $GALA, the token that fuels the entire GalaChain ecosystem!
To win a share of nearly a million $GALA per week, all you have to do is make it into one of the top 1200 places on the leaderboard!
CGW Town Hall Live
Every second Friday, join members of the Common Ground World team for a live Town Hall on Youtube. The strategic sands of CGW are always shifting with exciting new content, gameplay upgrades and new chances to win. If you’re not coming to Town Hall, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on some opportunities.
Check out the replay of the last Town Hall from Friday, October 25th at the link below and get ready for the next one this Friday, November 8th!
If you’d like to submit a question for the AMA portion of the next Town Hall, just fill out THIS FORM.
This Week’s Competition
Time to make a splash! This week’s competition is all about selling Fish Tanks. Fill ‘em up, polish that glass and get ready to swim past the competition!
With a substantial Star boost from its normal trade value, crafting and selling Fish Tanks this week is sure to give you a better shot at that leaderboard!
⭐STRATEGY TIP⭐ While Fish Tanks are the focus, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the multitude of other craft options! You’ll find the complete list with current cash and star values HERE.
“Glass Half Full” – Meta Details
Goal: Sell Fish Tanks Trade: 50s, 1 Gasoline Biome: Forest N, Ocean E, Desert S, Ocean W Rewards: Standard $GALA leaderboard
Ingredients: 4 Molten Glass, 1 Limestone, 1 Salt, 25 Water, 2 Salmon Made in: Art & Decor Shop Stored in: Warehouse Craft time: 120s Affected by: Nothing Standard Cash Value: $101,350 Standard Star Value: 3523
Elevate with NFTs
There are tons of great ways to enhance your strategy by using well-placed Common Ground World NFT items like buildings and effect cards. NFT buildings can be placed and picked up for no in-game cost whenever you please, allowing you to move faster and enjoy a more productive town, which can make all the difference in a weekly competition.
You can get a free NFT each month just for playing! For November, we’re giving active players a special Lettuce Storage NFT! To qualify, be sure to play regularly throughout the month!
Introducing the Expert Fisherman
Inside his cozy little fisherman’s house, the Expert Fisherman is ready for any fishing challenge!
This angler is no ordinary fisherman. With twice the speed and a passion that costs you nothing in wages, he’s here to keep your waters lively and your production strong!
This Epic NFT hit the store last Friday, November 1st:
