A Guide to Crypto Game 'Off The Grid'

Web3 gaming is still evolving, revolutionizing traditional gaming markets and creating new monetization methods and online experiences. Using cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the blockchain as part of a game’s architecture, web3 games have opened up a new paradigm. The Play-to-earn model has been the loudest shift to hit the market so far, but it's not the only type of game that incorporates crypto!

If you know anything about web3 gaming–including play-to-earn games—you'll know that creating an engaging experience is still challenging.

But one crypto game has emerged with a difference. Meet Off The Grid, a battle royale game on Avalanche that aims to change how players interact and engage.

What is the 'Off The Grid' Crypto Game?

Off the Grid is a battle royale type game set in a dystopian future. The aim of the game is simple: be the last one standing among 150 participants.

Under the hood, Off the Grid merges traditional battle royale mechanics with extraction shooter elements. It's a unique experience, allowing players to compete against each other, interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) and participate in a dynamic economy powered by blockchain.

How does Off the Grid Use Crypto?

While main goal is to be the last player standing, the Off the Grid game also lets you extract valuable loot, then trade those items on a marketplace powered by blockchain technology.

Using blockchain, this marketplace allows players to securely buy, sell, and trade items, ensuring transparency and true ownership. This introduces an new economy driven by the players of the game.

"Cybernetic Enhancements" and combinations of items give players strategic benefits. This encourages the trade of in-game items in the form of NFTs, not only compatible with the Off the Grid marketplace, but also third-party NFT marketplaces such as OpenSea.

Off the Grid also have an in-game currency named GUNZ token. This is an ERC-20 token compatible with EVM chains, meaning you can swap, send and transfer GUNZ with any web3 wallet.

While trading features are available, they are optional. Playing Off the Grid is entirely possible (and fun!) without engaging in its monetized elements.

Where can I play Off The Grid?

Currently in early access, Off The Grid is available on PS5, Xbox, and PC. Expect thrilling gameplay with large 150-player lobbies and a campaign that lasts over 60 hours!

Why is Off the Grid a Crypto Game?

Blockchain enabled games have a few key benefits which off the Grid is taking full advantage of.

NFTs allow for in-game assets to become interoperable — meaning they can have utility outside of the game & enabling players to trade them on open marketplaces. Off the Grid uses NFTs to create transparent ownership and transfer mechanisms for its in-game items like weapons and loot.

Wallets allow for users to authenticate & log into any game seamlessly. This allows them to use interoperable NFT assets in other games, buy & sell items with cryptocurrencies, and much more. Off The Grid has also enabled in-app wallets, so that its users can enjoy a non-custodial, branded and seamless user experience.

Blockchain tokens are a transparent, secure and flexible way to manage an in-game currency. Simply set up the token and let the network and smart contract handle the distribution. Users no longer need a middleman to manage and collect data on in-game currencies, and exchanges can be executed without interference.

Build a Blockchain Game like Off The Grid

Using thirdweb, you can create your own blockchain game just like Off the Grid.

Its use of blockchain removes the stress of building a traditional game's backend infrastructure. Simply bypass creating backend infrastructure with built-in auth, payments, & database systems as blockchain primitives. Since the blockchain provides an immutable and verifiable record of user interactions and activity; the game can check for authenticity and disallow bad actors.

Using the blockchain to store game data also removes the game's potential dependency on the server-client model for data storage. This move also improves decentralization and decreases the risk of downtime or failure.

Finally, building a blockchain game like Off the Grid requires wallet infrastructure. Just like Off the Grid, you can implement in-app (embedded) wallets that are branded to your web3 game. You can also introduce functionalities such as accepting specific tokens such as in-game currencies - just like Off the Grid does with GUNZ token.

Or to take your in-game wallets to the next level, you could implement thirdweb Smart wallets, unlocking features like gasless and signless transactions via account abstraction.

Top thirdweb Tools for web3 gaming developers

Unity and Unreal SDK

 thirdweb's Unity SDK and Unreal SDK stand out as best-in-class, client-side, cross-platform native SDKs specifically designed for game developers. It bridges the gap between blockchain technology and the gaming world, allowing seamless integration and a superior gaming experience. From onboarding, to authenticating, to interacting - your game will feel like a seamless web2 game, and you can focus on being the great game developers you aspire to be.

In-App Wallets

A groundbreaking solution for wallet generation, thirdweb's In-App wallets revolutionize the way private keys are managed. With sharded keys stored securely and gated by customizable authentication layers, these wallets serve as a reliable and persistent signer across different platforms, maintaining a non-custodial nature.

Smart Wallets (ERC4337)

Addressing wallet management challenges, thirdweb's Smart Wallets enhance the functionality of Embedded Wallets or other EOAs. These wallets enable gasless interactions on behalf of the user and offer features like temporary access for other signers, ensuring a persistent, cross-platform, non-custodial, and deterministic wallet experience.

thirdweb Engine

thirdweb Engine simplifies blockchain interactions by providing a production-ready REST API for reading and writing data. It comes equipped with backend wallets, nonce management, and queuing features, making it ideal for more managed types of games.

Connect

thirdweb's Connect offers UI components that enable seamless onboarding and integration with all the above tools, ensuring a smooth user experience.

The future of web3 gaming

As we look towards the future of gaming, Off The Grid stands out as a revolutionary title that merges traditional battle royale mechanics with innovative blockchain technology.

Moreover, the game’s peer-to-peer trading platform adds layers of strategy and personalization to each match. Off The Grid is not just another battle royale game; it represents a significant shift in how games can integrate technology to enhance player experience and ownership.