One of the global DNA shifters in the space of digital innovation, NFC Lisbon 2024 became the guiding star for gamers, developers and tech fans. This year’s event brought together the latest movements and trends within the industry. Attendees experienced an event that showcased the continued maturity of blockchain and decntralized tech within web3 gaming.
Esports Stage and Gaming Booths
The main attraction of NFC was the busy esports stage, a hive 1of energy in an area packed with people watching the various competitive showcases. It was more than a stage for competition; it was a look into the future of esports, combining elements of traditional video gaming with the next wave of web3 features.
Ubisoft’s presence confirmed that Web3 gaming is maturing and has the ability to attract traditional Web3 gaming publishers. At their NFC, Ubisoft did demos of their new games, presenting live-action games of Champions Tactics and Eden Online. These games remind us how great gameplay can be paired well with the latest technology, pulling in traditional and new gamers.
In addition to this, Ubisoft elevated its presence to a new engagement level by giving attendees exclusive gamified photobooth activities to get involved in. This wasn’t merely a marketing photo-op—it was also a channel for attendees to join the all-important Eden Citizenship whitelist, thereby deepening the event’s resonance with the brand and amplifying the promise of exclusivity. The mixture of interactive entertainment and state-of-the-art technology emphasized Ubisoft’s dedication to exploring new avenues of interacting with the gaming community.
BGA Members and Collaborations
The Gaming Hub of NFC Lisbon was buzzing as numerous visitors convened to see the diverse group of companies who came together from the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA). Key members such as The Sandbox, Icon.X World, and Ordz Games hosted their own booths, each offering exciting games and hands-on demos that captivated attendees.
The Sandbox – Long renowned for their work in the world of decentralized gaming, The Sandbox booth offered a taste of their vast virtual world. Visitors would play around with game-like features on it and see within it what kind of interactive player-driven content and real in-game asset ownership such a world can offer. During NFC, The Sandbox announced their DAO, further cementing their innovation and dedication to decentralised gaming.
Icon.X World booth showcased a new generation of games that incorporated both blockchain and immersive gaming experiences. Their demos showed how blockchain can improve the gameplay experience with features that secure, transparent, and decentralized game worlds.
Ordz Games were to display their newest projects, demonstrating the power of web3 technology to disrupt existing gaming paradigms. Attendees were likewise able to get a feel for the advantages of decentralized gaming with their hands-on demos of gameplay, including improved security and player empowerment.
Partnerships and Events
The spirit of collaboration that characterizes NFC Lisbon was further evidenced by the partnership between BGA, the Gaming Hub and the recently launched Web3hub by Unicorn Factory Lisboa. Between them all, they brought together approximately 150 web3 gaming professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.
This event was a highlight of NFC Lisbon, featuring:
Game Demos: Visitors got to play some of the latest web3 games showing off some new gameplay mechanics and features that you simply do not see in traditional gaming.
Panel Discussions: Roundtable session to discuss innovative and sustainable Web3 game design by industry leaders. The conversation touched on the immense potential of web3 games to evolve and shape the future of a broader gaming industry.
Networking on the Rooftop Terrace: The evening finished with a networking session on the rooftop terrace where guests were encouraged to connect, continue discussions and explore potential collaborations. Having an open and casual setting within the heart of Lisbon facilitated meaningful conversations and the exchange of ideas, underscoring the collaborative nature of the event.
In reflecting on the event, Francisco Moreira, Lead at Gaming Hub, noted, “Hosting this event in partnership with the Blockchain Game Alliance and our new web3hub was a milestone for Gaming Hub. The panel on Web3 game design was especially significant, highlighting the transformative potential of Web3 games and their impact on the gaming landscape. The engaging discussions and networking opportunities underscored the immense creativity and potential within our community. This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to fostering innovation and propelling the gaming industry forward.”
Filinto Girão Osório, Web3hub & AI Project Lead, added, “Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) stands at the forefront of blending blockchain technology with gaming. This event underscored the growing importance of Web3 in the gaming industry. The collaboration highlighted how decentralized technologies are reshaping the gaming landscape, offering new avenues for innovation, ownership, and player engagement.”
As these partnerships and collaborations continue to evolve, events like NFC Lisbon pave the way for a more innovative and player-centric gaming ecosystem.
Featured Games
The Game Demo Station at NFC Lisbon was a hotspot for attendees eager to experience the forefront of web3 gaming. Several groundbreaking games were featured, each demonstrating the unique capabilities of blockchain technology in creating immersive, engaging, and innovative gaming experiences.
- My Neighbor Alice: This game captivated players with its charming, community-driven gameplay. My Neighbor Alice allows players to buy and own virtual islands, collect and build exciting items, and meet new friends. The game’s integration of blockchain technology ensures true ownership of in-game assets, providing players with a tangible sense of investment and engagement.
“It was an honor to be part of the BGA Game Wave in Lisbon, and reinforce our presence with this amazing community. At the same time, we had the opportunity to be part of the sessions. The attendees were super interested in our game and many people tried My Neighbor Alice for the first time! There was also space for networking and we met a couple of old friends from the community, but made interesting contacts for future partnerships too! Thanks BGA for having us! Count us in for the next time :)”
Stefania Specchio
BD of My Neighbor Alice
- Qudo by Blockbastards: Qudo showcased its unique proof-of-gameplay reward mechanism, which incentivizes players by rewarding them for their in-game activity. This innovative approach not only enhances player engagement but also creates a fair and transparent gaming environment.
“Coinciding with the Non-Fungible Conference Lisbon event, Game Wave Lisboa provided a platform to showcase the latest addition to the QUDO platform, NFTribes, to the BGA community and other members of the gaming hub. It also fostered engaging discussions about the current web3 gaming scene and provided an opportunity to connect in person with the wider ecosystem and other BGA members whose work we previously only knew through the BGA community channels.”
Diogo Abreu
CMO of Qudo by Blockbastards
- The Last Monarchy: Combining strategy and role-playing elements, The Last Monarchy offered players an immersive experience set in a richly detailed fantasy world. The game’s blockchain integration ensures secure transactions and true ownership of in-game assets, setting it apart from traditional RPGs.
- Blackpool Finance: Known for its financial expertise, Blackpool Finance presented its gaming projects that integrate complex financial mechanisms into gameplay. This fusion of finance and gaming opens up new avenues for player interaction and investment within the gaming ecosystem.
Panel Discussion: Innovative and Sustainable Web3 Game Design
A highlight of NFC Lisbon was the panel discussion on ‘Innovative and Sustainable Web3 Game Design’. This session brought together thought leaders and industry experts to explore the future of web3 gaming, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and the integration of decentralized technologies in game design.
Speakers and Takeaways
The panel featured distinguished speakers who shared their insights and experiences:
- Akilesh Babu, BD at Aura: Akilesh emphasized the critical role of fun in game design, stressing that even the most technologically advanced games must prioritize player enjoyment to succeed.
- Andy Alekhin, Co-founder of Quantum Rift Labs: Andy discussed the challenges and strategies for integrating blockchain UX into game design. He highlighted the deep potential of player-driven content and economies to enhance game engagement and create more immersive experiences.
- Joseph Turner, Chief Esports Officer for Gaimin: Joseph provided insights into how esports exemplifies the disruptive potential of new technologies and genres. He noted that visiting key groups such as the Web3Hub in Lisbon offers valuable perspectives on the industry’s development.
- Narcisse Verger, Advisor at Blackpool Finance: Narcisse shared thoughts on the evolving gaming landscape, focusing on how decentralized technologies are reshaping traditional models and creating new opportunities for innovation and player empowerment.
Key takeaways from the discussion included:
- The importance of integrating web3 elements thoughtfully and ensuring they enhance, rather than detract from, the gaming experience.
- The transformative potential of player-driven content and economies in creating more engaging and sustainable games.
- The need for seamless UX design to make blockchain-based games accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience.
Andy Alekhin summed up the event’s impact well: “Thanks for having me on the panel last week! One key takeaway was the deep potential of player-driven content and economies to improve game engagement. I also enjoyed discussing strategies for navigating the challenges of integrating blockchain UX into game design. Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity to exchange insights with other panelists and gain new perspectives on the future of Web3 gaming.”
Joseph Turner echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of the event for the industry: “From engaging panel discussions and the varied thoughts about future development, all the way through to the thought-provoking conversations and learning about how innovative game designers are becoming in the space, it was a truly incredible event that helps to back the industry into a brighter future.”
Sebastien Borget’s BGA Presentation
The panel discussion was followed by a short but impactful presentation by Sebastien Borget, the president of the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) and co-founder of The Sandbox. Sebastien provided an insightful overview of BGA’s mission, which is to promote blockchain within the gaming industry by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advocating for blockchain technology’s benefits.
Sebastien highlighted several key activities and initiatives that BGA is involved in:
- Community Building: BGA’s efforts to create a global community of developers, gamers, and industry professionals who are passionate about the integration of blockchain technology in gaming.
- Education and Advocacy: Initiatives aimed at educating stakeholders about the potential of blockchain in gaming, including workshops, webinars, and publications.
- Support for Developers: Providing resources and support for game developers to help them integrate blockchain technology into their projects, thus driving innovation and adoption within the industry.
Sebastien’s presentation underscored the significant strides BGA has made in fostering a global community that is not only aware of but also actively engaged in the blockchain gaming revolution. His insights into the future of blockchain in gaming were both inspiring and thought-provoking, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation in this exciting field.
Nokkvi Dan Ellidason’s Thoughts
Nokkvi Dan Ellidason, CFO at Gaimin, provided a reflective summary of the event, highlighting the successful crossover between the Web3 and Gaming Hub communities in Lisbon. He emphasized the collaborative spirit that permeated the event, which he believes is crucial for driving innovation in the gaming industry.
Nokkvi remarked on the significance of hosting such events in Lisbon, a city rapidly emerging as a global innovation hub. He pointed out that the convergence of web3 and gaming professionals at NFC Lisbon demonstrated how far the industry has come in integrating decentralized technologies into gaming.
He noted, “The Web3 and Gaming Hub crossover in Lisbon was a testament to the city’s status as a global innovation hub. The collaborative spirit here clearly shows that scaling startups is far from a zero-sum game, driving forward both community growth and technological advancement.”
Nokkvi’s reflections highlighted several key aspects of the event:
- Innovation and Creativity: The diverse range of game demos and panel discussions showcased the immense creativity and innovation within the web3 gaming community.
- Networking and Collaboration: The event provided valuable opportunities for networking, allowing participants to forge new connections and explore potential partnerships.
- Community Growth: The strong turnout and active participation underscored the growing interest and engagement in web3 gaming, reflecting a vibrant and expanding community.
Gaming Startup Contest
One of the main highlights of NFC Lisbon was the Gaming Startup Contest, which showcased some of the most innovative projects in the web3 gaming space. On the final day of the event, the judges convened to announce the winner: Qudo. This platform, known for its proof-of-gameplay reward mechanism, aims to revolutionize the gaming industry by incentivizing gamers for their playtime and developers for the activity their games generate. This recognition underscored the continuous advancements within the flourishing web3 gaming ecosystem and gave visibility to all the fantastic projects that participated.
Side Events
In addition to the main event, NFC Lisbon featured several side events that enriched the overall experience for attendees:
- Web3 Society: Art, Culture & Gaming at The Block Lisbon: This event highlighted the intersection of web3 technology with art and culture, offering a unique perspective on how these fields are converging within the digital landscape. Attendees enjoyed a blend of artistic exhibitions, cultural discussions, and gaming showcases.
- Gaming Party at Ferroviario: Co-hosted by MetaFight, BlackPool Finance, Cross the Ages, Pyratz Labs, and InterCellar, this lively party provided an evening of networking on one of Lisbon’s most happening rooftops. It was a great opportunity for attendees to unwind, connect with peers, and discuss the future of web3 gaming in a relaxed and vibrant setting. The party gathered some of the most influential figures in the web3 gaming space, fostering connections and potential collaborations.
Final Thoughts
NFC Lisbon was a milestone moment for the meeting of gaming and Web3. The event effectively proved the power of blockchain and decentralized technologies to revolutionize how we play games and make them more interactive, private, and exciting. Featuring an esports stage, gaming booths, an eclectic mix of panel discussions, and networking sessions, there was plenty to enjoy for all attendees to the NFC Lisbon.
Looking ahead, it is certain that web3 gaming will change the game! Through the continued partnership, innovation, and integration of technology, the industry is only going to grow beyond our wildest imagination. Events like the NFC Lisbon not only reflect the status quo of the industry in regards to inclusiveness, but also sets up the groundwork that could lead to a more innovative and player-centric gaming environment.
Web3 is without a doubt the future of gaming, offering us new ways to better engage players and empower the community they help build – not to mention delivering actual value to players through ownership and cross-game-compatibility. We are just scratching the surface of the potential for creating gaming experiences that would have been thought impossible even just a decade ago.
About Blockchain Game Alliance
Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) is a global non-profit members’ organization with over 500 members spanning the Web3 gaming ecosystem, including games, infrastructure, tooling, and related services. Their mission is to help BGA members network and collaborate, gain visibility, and for the Blockchain Game Alliance to raise awareness and promote blockchain technologies for gaming.