With more and more web3 game projects being launched, blockchain company Zilliqa reveals that they are working to creating a web3 game console. The console will feature Zilliqa’s first-party games as well as other functions like web3 wallet integration and mining.
Players who will be gaming on the Zilliqa console will also be able to earn ZIL coins. Zilliqa’s dive into the console race will have them going up against titans like MicroSoft’s Xbox, Sony’s PlayStation and the Nintendo Switch. PlayStation is starting to release its big titles for the PS5, including the next God of War title while Xbox’ focus is their game pass feature. As both are home consoles, Nintendo on the other hand is all about being compact and on the go with the Switch.
Aside from providing a platform for web3 games, the new Zilliqa console will also be having including social features such as the ones found in Steam. Functions such as being able to purchase and download games, trade items and social features are planned to be included.
Based on the images that appeared online, Zilliqa’s console looks pretty sleek and compact with some carbon fiber flair. Initial images also show multiple ports with up to 6 USB ports, and HDMI port for display a USB-C port as well as LAN and Audio ports. The console might also be relatively smaller compared to the PlayStation and Xbox and has an obvious lack of a disc tray given that majority of web3 games are installed through digital downloads.
Valentin Cobelea, Zilliqa’s head of gaming technology states “Zilliqa’s hardware console and gaming hub will allow non-crypto natives to earn money while playing fun games without the complexity of managing the crypto they earn. We will launch the console and gaming hub early next year with two Zilliqa games, followed by more games from a variety of creators“. He also adds “With the backing of Zilliqa’s large crypto community and the easy-to-use infrastructure, we have no doubt that we can become the Steam equivalent for Web3 games.”
The Zilliqa web3 game console will enter a beta test phase this October 2022 and will launch on Q1 of 2023