Why Gamers Hate Crypto? Atari Founder Nolan Bushnell Points to Play-to-Earn Games

For years, a rift has existed between traditional gaming and the world of cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It’s almost an open secret – many gamers just don’t like the idea of crypto seeping into their beloved games. But why this strong aversion? According to Nolan Bushnell, the legendary founder of Atari and a true pioneer in video games, the answer is surprisingly straightforward: it all boils down to the rise and, in his view, the flaws of play-to-earn games.

Why the Crypto Disdain? Blame Play-to-Earn, Says Atari’s Nolan Bushnell

“I can tell you clearly where this disdain for crypto comes from,” Bushnell stated in a recent interview. “The hatred comes from these play-to-earn games that pioneered blockchain gaming.”

“Good gamers don’t like to grind. Grinding is shitty. What gamers want is fun, and unfortunately these play-to-earn games are 100% dependent on the greater fool theory to work.”

In a wide-ranging conversation with Cointelegraph, Bushnell, often hailed as the “godfather of video games,” shared his insightful perspectives on the evolving gaming landscape and the potential – and pitfalls – of blockchain technology within it.

To call Bushnell an “inventor of video games” might sound like hyperbole, but it’s not far from the truth. His career spans decades and includes founding not only the iconic gaming company Atari but also the family-friendly dining and entertainment chain Chuck E. Cheese. Remarkably, he even counts Steve Jobs among his former employees. Bushnell’s insights into gaming carry weight, shaped by a lifetime at the industry’s forefront.

Beyond Play-to-Earn: A New Vision for Web3 Gaming

Bushnell believes that for Web3 gaming to truly flourish, a significant pivot is necessary. The industry needs to move away from the much-criticized play-to-earn models. Instead, he advocates for a renewed emphasis on crafting compelling and immersive virtual worlds. He sees virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) as the key technologies to build these engaging digital spaces.

But what will drive mass adoption of these new virtual realms? Bushnell argues it’s deeply rooted in human nature – the fundamental need for socialization and a sense of belonging. He emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of “place and time” within these virtual economies.

“How do you meet people? Where do you meet them? Where do you meet them? That’s the connective tissue of Web3 and the metaverse. If you can provide this sense of real place and real time in virtual worlds, that’s when I think we’ve really got something.”

Blockchain’s Role: More Than Just Crypto in Games

Currently, Bushnell is the chief knowledge officer at Moxy, a forward-thinking blockchain-based esports company. In this role, he highlights three core areas where blockchain technology can significantly enhance modern gaming:

1. Seamless and Secure Transfers:

Bushnell emphasizes the paramount importance of seamless and secure transfers within gaming. He envisions gaming evolving into a true platform for competition, and for fair and robust competition, the ability to transfer funds securely and effortlessly is crucial.

“We want to turn gaming into a platform for competition and in order to have good competition, you need to be able to securely transfer funds simply and easily,” he explained.

2. The Power of Smart Contracts:

Close behind seamless transfers in importance, according to Bushnell, is the utility of smart contracts. He sees their value extending far beyond just games, recognizing their potential in all facets of human interaction. Smart contracts can formalize relationships and clearly define the terms of engagement, bringing clarity and trust to various interactions.

“Number two, and it’s a close two, by the way, is the utility of smart contracts. Smart contracts don’t just have value in games but in all human interactions because so much of what we do in life is establish relationships and then set the terms of those relationships.”

3. Secure Digital Asset Storage:

The third pillar Bushnell highlights is the secure storage of digital asset value. In an increasingly digital world, the ability to securely store and manage digital currencies and tokens becomes essential. Blockchain provides a robust and decentralized solution for this need.

Bushnell’s Journey into Crypto: From Skeptic to Observer

Bushnell’s introduction to the world of cryptocurrency came through Tether co-founder Brock Pierce. He recalls first hearing about Bitcoin when its price was around $50. Initially, he admits, crypto didn’t grab his full attention.

However, like many others, Bushnell’s perspective shifted as Bitcoin’s price began its dramatic surge. This price movement sparked a realization that something significant was happening within the blockchain space.

While acknowledging the price volatility of cryptocurrencies and admitting to limited personal investment, Bushnell concludes with an optimistic outlook. He believes in the power of collective human perception of value. When a large group of people share a belief in something’s value, he suggests, it often has real-world implications. This shared perception, he implies, could be a strong indicator for the future of blockchain and its role in various sectors, including gaming.

Ultimately, Nolan Bushnell’s perspective offers a valuable insight into the complex relationship between gamers and crypto. By shifting the focus from potentially flawed play-to-earn models towards creating engaging, social virtual worlds and leveraging blockchain for secure transactions and smart contracts, the future of Web3 gaming might just win over even the most skeptical traditional gamers.