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April 20, 2024

The Role of Customer Support in the Era of AI-Powered Web3 Gaming

No doubt, gaming is one of the hottest niches in web3. In fact, web3 gaming has on-boarded more people into web3, more than any other niche (DeFi, NFTs, etc). Now, with the combination of AI into these gaming systems, the potential of web3 gaming becomes further catapulted, presenting great benefits to those who venture into these waters. This could easily be the motive for BytePlus, a web3 company owned by TikTok’s parent company, as they launch a partnership project with Mysten Labs on Sui, to explore the possibilities of AI and blockchain in wen3 gaming.

Today, we shall be discussing the impact of AI and blockchain technology in web3 gaming, the future for this sector, and ways by which AI can have a significant impact on player satisfaction in the web3 gaming sector.

Understanding the Impact of AI and Blockchain in Web3 Gaming

AI and blockchain technologies are revolutionising the concept of web3 gaming, offering a host of present benefits and promising future developments. Presently, AI is enhancing gameplay experiences by personalising content, optimising game mechanics, and providing intelligent NPCs (non-player characters). According to a report by Zion Market Research, the global AI in gaming market size was valued at USD 1.19 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 23.54 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 28.8% from 2021 to 2028. 

On the other hand, blockchain technology is introducing transparency, security, and ownership to in-game assets and economies. It enables players to truly own their digital assets, facilitating trade and transfer across different gaming platforms. Presently, blockchain-based games are gaining traction, with popular titles like Axie Infinity and Decentraland leading the way. According to DappRadar, Axie Infinity recorded over 1.5 million active users and $2.5 billion in transaction volume in 2021 alone.

Looking ahead, the synergy between AI and blockchain in web3 gaming holds immense potential. AI-powered algorithms can analyse player behaviour and preferences to dynamically adjust game environments, quests, and challenges in real-time, providing personalised gaming experiences. Additionally, blockchain technology can ensure the integrity of AI algorithms, preventing tampering or bias. Moreover, blockchain-based decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) could enable players to have a say in the development and governance of their favourite games.

In the coming years, we can expect to see further integration of AI and blockchain technologies in web3 gaming, leading to more immersive, interactive, and player-centric experiences. With advancements in machine learning and decentralised infrastructure, the gaming industry is poised for significant growth and innovation. As these technologies mature, web3 gaming could redefine the relationship between players, developers, and virtual worlds, ushering in a new era of gaming where ownership, creativity, and community collaboration reign supreme.

The Evolution of Player Support in Web3 Gaming

The evolution of player support in the web3 gaming sector has been significantly influenced by advancements in AI and blockchain technologies. Initially, player support primarily relied on traditional methods such as email tickets and community forums, which often led to slow response times and limited assistance. However, the integration of AI and blockchain has transformed player support into a more efficient, personalised, and transparent process.

  • AI-Powered Customer Support:

AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are being deployed to provide instant assistance to players. These bots can answer frequently asked questions, troubleshoot common issues, and guide players through game mechanics or technical problems. By leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms, these AI systems continuously improve their understanding and effectiveness in resolving player queries. This results in faster response times and enhanced user satisfaction. Additionally, AI can analyse player feedback and sentiment to identify trends and areas for improvement in the gaming experience.

  • Blockchain-based Asset Support:

With the advent of blockchain technology, player support for in-game assets has become more robust and transparent. Blockchain enables the immutable recording of ownership and transaction history for digital assets, ensuring players have complete control and ownership over their items. In cases of disputes or fraudulent activities, blockchain provides an auditable trail that can be used to verify ownership and resolve conflicts. This level of transparency and security instils trust among players and fosters a more positive gaming environment.

  • Decentralised Governance and Community Support:

Blockchain-based decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) are empowering players to participate in the governance and decision-making processes of their favourite games. Through DAOs, players can propose and vote on changes to game mechanics, content updates, and community events. This decentralised governance model fosters a sense of ownership and community involvement, leading to a more engaged and loyal player base. Moreover, DAOs enable players to collectively address issues and concerns, ensuring that support efforts are aligned with the community's needs and priorities.

Elevating Customer Support to Ensure Seamless Onboarding and User Engagement

Elevating customer support to achieve seamless onboarding and player satisfaction in the web3 gaming sector requires a comprehensive approach that combines proactive strategies and responsive solutions. And a crucial aspect is by designing a comprehensive onboarding process that guides new players through the game's mechanics, controls, and features. This includes providing tutorials, tooltips, and interactive guides to help them familiarise themselves with the gameplay. Additionally, offering a dedicated support channel specifically for onboarding queries ensures that any issues or confusion are promptly addressed.

Personalised support experiences tailored to each player's needs and preferences are also essentials. Utilising player data and behaviour analytics allows for understanding gaming habits, skill levels, and preferred communication channels. Offering customised assistance, recommendations, and tips enhances the gaming experience and effectively addresses specific concerns. And with a round-the-clock multichannel support, players can reach out for assistance whenever they need it, providing a support system that caters to the most convenient method for users, while maintaining timely responses.

Proactively communicating with players to provide updates, announcements, and helpful tips fosters engagement, reduces confusion, and demonstrates a commitment to player satisfaction. Regular newsletters, in-game notifications, and social media posts keep players informed about upcoming events, new features, and community activities. Establishing community forums and a comprehensive knowledge base where players can find answers to common questions, troubleshooting guides, and gameplay tips promotes self-service support and peer-to-peer assistance. Encouraging experienced players to participate in forums by providing helpful advice and insights to newcomers strengthens the community ecosystem.

Implementing feedback mechanisms to gather insights from players about their support experiences and overall satisfaction is essential. Regularly soliciting feedback through surveys, polls, and in-game feedback forms allows for identifying areas for improvement, addressing pain points, and enhancing the quality of customer support. Investing in continuous training and development programs for support staff ensures they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to assist players effectively. Ongoing education about game updates, new features, and best practices for player interaction empowers support staff to handle complex issues and escalations with confidence and professionalism.

As a boundless technology, the impact of AI on any industry can be very significant. And in a sector as progressive as gaming, AI could indeed leave an indelible mark on the proceedings of gaming in web3. This is obvious in the strategies web3 gaming companies can adopt to elevate their customer support efforts to achieve seamless onboarding and maximise player satisfaction. And when such satisfaction is possible, player loyalty and contributing to the long-term success of the gaming ecosystem is naturally fostered.

In summary, the integration of AI and blockchain technologies into gaming systems can support instant assistance and personalised experiences, as well as transparency and security for in-game assets. And with decentralised governance through DAOs, players are also empowered to actively participate in shaping the future of their gaming communities. As these technologies continue to advance, player support in web3 gaming will become even more efficient, responsive, and player-centric.