Despite Backlash, 34% of Gamers Express Interest in Using Crypto in the Metaverse

Despite backlash from parts of the gaming community, a new survey reveals that a third of gamers are interested in using cryptocurrencies in the Metaverse.

And more players believe that the metaverse will have a positive impact on the game.

The survey was released July 13 by institutional software developer Globant. Last month, YouGov surveyed 1,000 adult PC, console and/or mobile gamers, and 34% of respondents expressed interest in trading cryptocurrencies in the Metaverse.

The Metaverse's "play while earning" (P2E) concept is also more popular with players, with 40% of the respondents saying they are "interested in pursuing the combination of 'play' and 'earn' in the Metaverse." While 11 % of respondents said they were more interested in making money, and 49% said they were only interested in playing games.

More than half (53%) of the respondents also said they would be happy to work in a virtual gaming world if they could earn digital currency through their labor.

In terms of NFTs, 16% of players said they had purchased at least one NFT in the past, but it was unclear if it was a game-related NFT.

More than half (52%) of gamers believe that the Metaverse will change the video game industry, "41% believe that the Metaverse will have a positive impact on the industry (25% disagree)."

However, it’s worth noting that only one blockchain-native platform made the list of most recognized Metaverse brands despite 40% of respondents linking blockchain technology to the Metaverse.

Most recognized is Meta (73%), followed by Fortnite developer Epic Games (27%), Roblox (21%), Ethereum-based The Sandbox (15%) and Pokemon GO Developer Niantic (10%).

Some hardcore gamers have expressed their distaste for cryptocurrencies and NFTs on numerous occasions, often in response to major corporations and brands announcing the integration of cryptocurrencies and NFTs into their product lines.

They criticized the environmental impact of the technology, arguing that it would negatively impact the gaming experience, but the core rationale seems to be that they believe these companies are simply looking for ways to scam money similar to the much-debated in-game microtransactions.

Recently, video game developer Mark Venturelli delivered a speech entitled "Why NFTs Are a Nightmare" at the Brazil International Games Festival, attacking NFTs.

Venturelli believes that the introduction of speculative economic activities through NFT will eventually destroy the experience of players who play games just for fun, because "organized groups" will take over the company to make large-scale profits.