By Jake Coleman
One of the primary concerns and criticisms within crypto projects, especially in the context of blockchain-based games, revolves around the potential risks associated with scams, fraud, and cyberattacks. This year, the web3 gaming industry has experienced a resurgence in security concerns due to various scams and vulnerability exploits.
These incidents have highlighted the importance of prioritizing security measures within the industry. According to a recent report from CertiK, a blockchain security platform, it has been alleged that a well-known web3 game executed an exit scam, resulting in the loss of approximately $1.6 million in user funds. A recent survey among active web3 gamers reveals that 41% of respondents express apprehension regarding potential scams and fraudulent activities within the sector.
The increasing awareness of these concerns has led to a greater allocation of resources towards developing security solutions for blockchain technology. In October, blockchain gaming startups secured a total funding of $103 million. Notably, a significant portion of these funds were allocated to projects with a strong emphasis on security.
One example is Blockaid, a startup specializing in providing advanced cryptographic security solutions. Moving forward, the web3 gaming industry will prioritize security as the main factor influencing user adoption and funding. This is due to the increasing emphasis on eliminating fraudulent activities. The persistence of security challenges in the web3 space remains a significant obstacle.
Global income generated from virtual reality gaming content
The Major Danger That the Commercial Trading and Online Gaming Businesses Face
In order to effectively mitigate critical security concerns within the web3 gaming sector, it is imperative for projects to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they face. The blockchain gaming sector faces two main types of risks: direct scams, which involve stealing deposited funds, and hidden fraud, where trust is established before causing financial losses.
The potential risks can sometimes be less obvious and more harmful, as they can create circumstances that work against the user. Software developers frequently employ discrete algorithms in the backend of games that can influence the outcomes, potentially causing players to perceive a series of unfavorable results.
The utilization of these algorithms has the potential to enable unscrupulous developers to manipulate win-loss ratios, thereby prolonging user engagement while systematically diminishing their likelihood of achieving success. The widespread occurrence of these misleading practices erodes user confidence and poses a threat to the overall integrity of the ecosystem.
Nevertheless, these challenges can be addressed using blockchain technology. At its essence, blockchain technology incorporates two key elements that significantly diminish the risk of fraudulent activities: the meticulous execution of smart contracts and the complete visibility of all actions and transactions. The effective utilization of smart contracts in web3 gaming projects can significantly reduce various security concerns.
A Combination of Independent Audits and Smart Contracts
Smart contracts, once deployed, possess immutability, which means that the game rules are fixed and cannot be modified to benefit any particular outcomes or parties. The state of being unchangeable provides a sense of assurance and equity that was previously difficult to achieve.
Moreover, the utilization of distributed nodes within the blockchain architecture allows for the implementation of smart contracts, which effectively mitigates the potential hazards associated with centralized control and manipulation. At Playnance, we have implemented this approach as well. We ensure that all game rules are protected through the use of an intelligent contract, benefiting both our customers and partners.
Nevertheless, it is essential to note that smart contracts are not immune to errors or flaws. Improper deployment of these tools can result in significant vulnerabilities. In some instances, even minor deviations from the ERC20 standard can cause methods to malfunction, resulting in funds becoming inaccessible and contracts being blocked. In some cases, contracts that rely on timestamps can be susceptible to manipulation. This is because miners can modify timestamps, which can ultimately impact the outcomes of these contracts.
In the realm of Web3 gaming projects, it is crucial to strike a balance between ensuring proper functionality and deploying the project securely. This is done to effectively minimize potential risks associated with the project. While ensuring optimal functionality is of utmost importance, it is imperative to prioritize security measures to safeguard against potential risks. Blockchain networks such as Ethereum and EOS provide a strong foundation for implementing smart contracts.
However, it is essential for developers to exercise caution in order to avoid introducing significant vulnerabilities. In order to make informed decisions, developers must exercise prudence when selecting programming languages. Utilizing programming languages such as C++ or JavaScript enables the development of intricate contracts, but it also introduces notable security vulnerabilities. Scilla, a programming language used for Zilliqa intelligent contracts, is designed to minimize the occurrence of programming errors.
The presence of reliable and impartial web3 auditing firms plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity of the system. These firms conduct thorough examinations of smart contracts to ensure their security and reliability. An evaluation conducted by a respected web3 auditor acts as a mark of reliability, affirming that the game functions strictly as intended, without any undisclosed vulnerabilities or mechanisms that could be manipulated for fraudulent activities.
Raising the Level of Security by Utilizing WEB3 and Transparency
Blockchain gaming projects should consistently seek out novel web3 solutions in order to ensure that their security protocols remain current and relevant. In the context of any organization, it is crucial to approach security measures with a comprehensive and diligent mindset rather than merely considering it as a routine task to be checked off. The implementation of a continuous business process is crucial for enhancing the resilience of the platform. This involves the integration of new policies, strategies, and solutions in an ongoing manner.
Non-custodial wallets provide a notable improvement in terms of security and control. In contrast to conventional gaming and iGaming practices, where funds are typically deposited directly onto the platform, these wallets empower players to maintain control over their funds. They enable users to authorize transactions only when deemed necessary. The implementation of this strategy serves to mitigate the potential for fraudulent activities occurring on the platform.
Contemporary web3 registration solutions such as Web3Auth and fiat bridges optimize the procedure of establishing and financing cryptocurrency wallets, thereby improving both the acceptance and protection aspects. These systems facilitate efficient and secure transactions, safeguarding the user’s funds.
They have already been implemented successfully in various projects. The integration of transaction transparency and advanced web3 tools creates a strong defense against fraudulent activities, making blockchain gaming both captivating and reliable.
How Fair Play Will Work in WEB3 Games in the Future
The concept of zero-fraud is crucial and ambitious, particularly in rapidly evolving industries such as blockchain gaming. In situations where players engage in competitive gameplay against each other instead of solely against the game itself, the motivation for developers to include deceptive mechanics is greatly diminished, if not eliminated. The adoption of player-versus-player formats supported by transparent and secure blockchain technology holds the potential to create a future where fairness is both a goal and an inherent aspect of the gaming experience.
In the realm of blockchain gaming, we witness the remarkable potential of a secure and fair digital gaming environment. The technology’s inherent structure not only minimizes the risks of fraudulent activities but also renders them completely irrelevant.
The overarching goal of web3 gaming projects should be to liberate users from the perils of fraudulent activities and deceptive practices. To achieve this goal, it is essential to prioritize transparent development practices, implement strong security measures, and actively engage in security monitoring and audits.
