Unity Supports Web3 Gaming Development by Introducing Verified ToolKits

Each passing day in the Web3 space gets us closer to decentralization. We’ve seen many gaming companies lead their way into the new era of the internet by implementing various decentralized technologies such as blockchain, metaverse, and non-fungible tokens. Square Enix, Sony, and Konami have already taken the Web3 ship, however, the real captain of decentralization must be the leading platform for game development Unity. The gaming engine giant has recently tapped into Web3 by adding 13 web3 platforms to its asset store. Is this the beginning of the Unity Web3 journey? 

Unity Web3: Decentralized Gaming Is Here

On February 28, the 3D gaming tech company Unity announced in a press release the introduction of the “decentralization” category in its Unity Asset Store. This new feature is set to support developers who are interested in Web3 technologies such as blockchain technology. It will also enable them to use decentralization in gaming. 

Unity further explained that “Decentralization in this context typically refers to models of ownership in games that allow players to create, earn, or obtain in-game resources that they can then sell or trade.” Therefore, the new category will feature development tools to allow programmers to add on-chain gaming assets. 

Web3 Gaming Development Kits

In addition, Unity added support for 13 different Web3 software developer kits (SDKs) from various blockchains and platforms. The list of platforms includes Algorand, Aptos Labs, Immutable X, Infura, Metamask, and Solana.

1/ Today, @unitygames has announced a new asset store category for verified decentralized technologies in gaming — including the Solana SDK for Unity by @magicblock.

Solana games are already next level — and now, they can go even further. https://t.co/KevKja5SK7

— Solana Foundation (@SolanaFndn) February 28, 2023

According to Unity, these SDKs act as verified Web3 solutions. These tools will allow developers to access tools for managing digital assets, deploying on blockchain networks, and writing smart contracts. For example, the Metamask SDK allows developers to implement a library to their gaming projects, which lets users connect seamlessly with their digital wallet for any game developed on Unity. 

Another example would be the Solana SDK which allows the seamless integration of Solana-based NFTs, digital assets, and on-chain programs within Unity-based games. 

On the day of Unity’s announcement, Metamask tweeted explaining how “The gaming industry is rapidly growing, and the web3 gaming sector is attracting significant investment.” The leading cryptocurrency wallet platform also stated that their listing on Unity “will bring web3 values to the gaming industry. It’s a whole new era for gaming devs”. 

Unity’s Step to Make Web3 Gaming a Thing

The interest Unity’s taking in introducing Web3 gaming development tools is a massive step for future blockchain games. The rise in decentralized gaming is evident, especially with the recent Yuga Labs game Dookey Dash that sparked mayhem. Aside from the niche genre of P2E games, having a platform like Unity gives the right set of tools to develop and incorporate decentralization into gaming on another level. In fact, The Sandbox and Decentraland were both developed using Unity. 

The facilitation of Web3 toolkits might create a new genre of decentralized games. Many indie developers use Unity to develop Web2 games. The fusion of traditional gaming with the revolutionary decentralization of digital assets might give Web3 the true value it’s seeking. 

Having trusted and legitimate sources for the Web3 development toolkits create new opportunities for developers who are afraid to tap into the Web3 pool. Web3 is still in its infancy stage, and finding the right development resources might be tricky and daunting for newcomers. This way, Unity added ease of adoption by gathering trusted platforms without developers having to navigate to third-party websites.