In the latest episode of the Semoto Podcast, we sat down with Andreas Valentin, founder of Constraint, to explore the intersection of Web3 and gaming.
With years of experience in AAA game development and a deep dive into blockchain technology, Andreas offers unique insights into how Web3 is transforming the gaming landscape.
From Traditional Gaming to Web3: Andreas' Journey
Andreas has an impressive background, having worked with major studios like EA Games and Wargaming.
His passion for gaming evolved into a fascination with blockchain technology, leading him to identify how Web3 tools could revolutionize game development and player experiences.
His company, Constraint, specializes in identifying bottlenecks in development and offering strategic solutions—not just for gaming, but also for DeFi and DAO projects.
🔑 Key Takeaways from the Podcast:
1️⃣ What is Web3 Gaming?
Web3 gaming is often misunderstood. Andreas breaks it down into three core pillars:
Digital Scarcity: Ensuring in-game items are unique and valuable.
Sovereign Ownership: Players fully own their digital assets.
Decentralized Control: Empowering players to influence game ecosystems.
However, Andreas challenges the common belief that we’re on the brink of a Ready Player One-style metaverse.
Instead, he believes Web3 gaming will evolve gradually, laying foundational systems before reaching that level of immersion.
2️⃣ The Power of Ownership & Interoperability
While sovereign ownership is often highlighted, Andreas stresses that interoperability is the real game-changer. He explains that ownership alone isn’t enough—players need to use their assets across multiple games for true value.
Imagine owning a rare skin in League of Legends and being able to use it in another game like Baldur’s Gate.
But this isn’t just a tech challenge; it’s a business model shift. Blockchain enables royalty fees on assets, meaning developers can earn passive income as their in-game items are traded across platforms.
3️⃣ The NFT Craze: Lessons Learned
Andreas likens the NFT boom to the dot-com bubble of the late '90s. The technology holds promise, but many projects have misused or misunderstood its potential.
Ownership of assets means little if the game itself lacks quality. He argues that successful Web3 games need to offer either:
Better gameplay than traditional games, or
A more sustainable business model that benefits both players and developers.
Without these, Web3 games risk falling flat despite the tech hype.
4️⃣ Advice for Web3 and Web2 Developers
For Web3 developers, Andreas advises to have "strong opinions, loosely held." Be confident in your direction but adapt quickly when data contradicts your assumptions.
For Web2 developers looking to integrate Web3, the key is to ensure new features align with the core gameplay. If players love your game for specific reasons, any Web3 addition should enhance that experience—not conflict with it.
5️⃣ Choosing the Right Blockchain
When asked about the best blockchain for gaming, Andreas emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best chain depends on your specific use case:
Do you need fast transactions?
Is large data storage a priority?
Are on-chain actions central to gameplay, or just meta-data like achievements?
For lighter, mobile-friendly games like those on Telegram (TON blockchain), fast settlement might be key. But for more complex games, other factors come into play.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Web3 Gaming
Andreas concludes that Web3 gaming is still in its early stages—similar to the internet in the late '90s.
While we don’t yet know what the "Google" or "Amazon" of Web3 gaming will look like, the foundations being laid today will shape the future. Interoperability, ownership, and new revenue models are just the beginning.
If you're a developer or project looking to navigate this evolving space, platforms like Semoto can connect you with vetted experts like Andreas and Constraint.
🎧 Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full podcast episode here and explore how Web3 is reshaping the gaming industry.
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