At the Blockchain Game Summit yesterday, a variety of blockchain-based and gaming companies announced the Blockchain Game Alliance. This coalition is “committed to advocating for the democratization of blockchain within the gaming industry.”

Essentially, the group will become a space for stakeholders and enthusiasts to discuss ideas and research regarding blockchain and the future of the gaming industry. The collective will also lead the way in establishing rulesets and best practices for all blockchain gaming companies.

The founding members include:

Gabby Dizon - Chairman and Co-founder, Alto

Alex Amsel - Head of Blockchain Strategy, Fig

Dan Biton - Co-founder, Gimli

Manon Burgel - Co-founder and CEO, B2Expand

Nicolas Pouard - Blockchain Initiative Manager, Ubisoft

Ludovic Courcelas - Consultant, ConsenSys

Marc Coupal - Business Developer, Enjin

Shaban Shaame - CEO and Co-founder, EverdreamSoft

Nicolas Gilot - Co-CEO, Ultra

Some of the team at the Blockchain Game Summit

Gimli’s Dan Biton commented on the collaboration, stating his intention with the group:

“The Blockchain Game Alliance aims to leverage our combined skills and expertise to provide a bridge between blockchain and gaming in order to accelerate industry adoption. Alliance members will have access to extraordinary businesses with some of the brightest minds, in order to improve collaboration and disrupt the status quo, so the industry can best serve the 2.2 billion active gamers worldwide.”

Interestingly, some blockchain-based gaming groups like Equiti Games or Brian Fargo’s Robot Cache aren’t involved with the Alliance. Fargo is CEO of Fig, a gaming-focused alternative to Kickstarter. Even G2A, the platform known for some shadier practices in the industry , is getting involved with blockchain. I’m curious about the criteria here.

Regardless, as an advocate of a blockchain-based future, I appreciate the mission behind this group. Blockchain is still an emerging technology, and one rife with scams. Establishing a ruleset early on is vital for mainstream adoption.

Communities govern a blockchain, not a central authority. This technology offers developers complete control of their games on a distribution platform. With it, some platforms are working to enable users to trade digital games with some profits even going back to developers. If appropriately implemented, blockchain platforms could be the next big step for fair digital distribution.

Ultra’s Nicolas Gilot says it best, stating that “Blockchain is redefining the gaming experience by providing transaction transparency and proof-of-ownership, while also bringing exciting innovations and financial incentives to players.” He continues, “the Blockchain Game Alliance is advocating for a universal standard in the blockchain gaming space to create a more interoperable and transparent ecosystem which will benefit stakeholders, by furthering innovation and ensuring economic viability.”

If interested, you can sign up for the Blockchain Game Alliance newsletter here.

What do you think of the Blockchain Game Alliance? Do you believe blockchain is the future of digital distribution? Let us know in the comments below!