Leading the evolution in Web3 gaming, Guild of Guardians is pioneering a "play-and-earn" model that prioritizes engaging gameplay over financial incentives. Developed by Immutable Studios—the creative team behind the successful Gods Unchained—this innovative mobile RPG emphasizes true digital asset ownership while delivering compelling game mechanics and exceptional replay value.
CryptoSlate spoke with Sangita Sarkar, Head of Marketing for Guild of Guardians, about the highly anticipated launch and her vision for the future of Web3 gaming. Sarkar brings impressive credentials from the mobile gaming industry, having worked on AAA titles including Words With Friends, Smash Hit: Hogwarts Mystery, and Deer Hunter.
Sarkar told CryptoSlate that she excels when working on the "cutting edge of gaming." Having experienced both the Facebook and mobile gaming revolutions during their formative years, Sarkar identifies Web3 as the next major transformation in the gaming landscape.
Speaking with Sarkar, her passion for gaming is evident as she shared her journey as a PC gamer since playing the original "Quake and Unreal" games at age 7. With such an extensive background across multiple gaming platforms and genres, her decision to join a Web3 project speaks volumes about the potential of blockchain gaming and represents another example of premier talent transitioning from traditional gaming to blockchain-based projects.
Guild of Guardians leverages NFT technology to empower users, enabling players to truly own their in-game assets. Sarkar highlighted the "countless hours and dollars" players invest in traditional games to acquire items without any real ownership rights. In conventional games, items belong to either the developer or publisher, leaving players with no control over their purchased digital assets.
Sarkar astutely observed that many early Web3 games "focused too heavily on the investment aspect" rather than creating engaging gameplay experiences. Gamers are not primarily investors; they are individuals seeking immersive entertainment and compelling narratives through interactive technology.
Transforming gaming primarily into an investment vehicle and expecting players to embrace this model demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes Web3 gaming valuable to the gaming community.
Conversely, Sarkar explained that Guild of Guardians is charting a course for Web3 gaming that will appeal to both traditional gamers and blockchain enthusiasts alike.
When questioned about why blockchain has become a controversial term in gaming circles, Sarkar noted that traditional gamers' hesitation toward Web3 stems less from an inherent distrust of blockchain technology and more from a lack of understanding combined with concerns about potential financial losses.
Sarkar doesn't believe that traditional gamers have been discouraged by blockchain technology due to specific industry missteps. Instead, she emphasized that improved user experience and high-quality gameplay are essential for Web3 gaming to achieve mainstream adoption.
However, when pressed further, Sarkar did acknowledge that developers who made unrealistic promises and launched tokens without functional products may have undermined some gamers' trust in Web3 gaming.
In contrast to these early approaches, Sarkar highlighted that Guild of Guardians already has active alpha testers playing a functional version of the game and providing valuable feedback to prepare for launch next year.
Regarding the public availability, Sarkar confirmed that the beta release is scheduled for 2023.
While Sarkar emphasized the game's focus on gameplay quality, the Immutable X website prominently features Guild of Guardians as an opportunity for players to earn rewards.
"Guild of Guardians is a mobile RPG that enables gamers to earn tangible rewards through their passion for gaming. This online fantasy role-playing game allows players to build their dream team of Guardians to compete in guilds for tradeable rewards"
In the meantime, stay tuned for a gameplay reveal on the CryptoSlate YouTube channel and Twitter in the coming weeks.
UPDATED Sept. 26 4:15 PM BST
