How WAGMI Games Grew Its Web3 Gaming Community Without VC Funding
Who is Ian Bentley?
Ian Bentley is the CEO of Wagmi Games, a veteran in marketing and entrepreneurship with a track record in lead generation and entertainment ventures, including past roles in the music industry and Broadway production. He has previously founded Cyber Ventures and Autotropolis.com, achieving a successful exit with Autobytel.
What problem does wagmigames.com solve?
Wagmigames.com makes it easy for gamers to own and trade in-game assets without needing to understand complex crypto stuff, offering them ownership and real value from their gaming experience.
Homepage
How did Ian come up with the idea for wagmigames.com?
Ian Bentley's journey to creating Wagmi Games stemmed from his early experiences in the tech world and his keen interest in leveraging blockchain technology. He initially discovered a foundational understanding of consumer engagement through his background in Web2, which sparked his curiosity about the potential of Web3. While working on past ventures, Ian noticed the growing pains within the gaming industry related to digital asset ownership and how gamers were often left with no real ownership of in-game purchases when game companies closed down.
Ian's inspiration grew as he envisioned a gaming ecosystem where players could truly own their digital assets, like NFTs, without the usual complexities associated with cryptocurrencies. To refine his concept, Ian and his team examined existing models and engaged with the gaming community to identify issues like friction in user experience and understand what gamers truly valued. This community-driven feedback helped Ian and his team focus on making their platform more accessible and building trust in an emerging market.
Despite facing skepticism and challenges around integrating blockchain with gaming, Ian overcame these by simplifying the process for gamers. His commitment to creating an ethical, user-friendly gaming experience without the need for prior crypto knowledge was instrumental in propelling Wagmi Games forward. Overall, Ian learned the value of listening to his community and prioritizing user experience, which became key lessons in his journey to building Wagmi Games.
How did Ian Bentley build the initial version of wagmigames.com?
The development of WAGMI Games began in November 2021, spearheaded by Ian Bentley and a team of four developers who transitioned from a previous project. They faced initial challenges in setting up a web3 gaming platform without outside VC funding, opting instead for community support through token taxes and NFT sales. The team initially developed a browser-based game on Binance’s BSC Chain and later pivoted to mobile development on Immutable's Layer 2, aiming for a gas-free transaction system to increase the game's accessibility and appeal, especially after Apple and Google's acceptance of NFT transactions. This pivot was crucial as it aligned with industry trends and allowed WAGMI Defense to capitalize on the growing mobile gaming market, which surpasses console and PC gaming in revenue. The process was marked by the complexity of integrating advanced features like telemetry, matchmaking, and AI bots, which became crucial following the strategic hiring of Brent Pease from Electronic Arts to bolster the development direction.
Wagmi
What was the growth strategy for wagmigames.com and how did they scale?
Community Engagement
WAGMI Games heavily leverages its tight-knit community as a key growth channel. Unlike many startups, they have not depended on venture capital, opting instead for a fair token launch and NFT sales driven by community support. Players who become part of the community are rewarded through game quest-based rewards and pre-launch mints like the Genesis NFTs. Community-driven initiatives help retain users and build loyalty. The company engages its community through platforms like Discord and Telegram, encouraging active participation and input, which fosters a strong sense of ownership and belonging.
Why it worked: By making the community an integral part of their development and rewards ecosystem, WAGMI Games cultivates loyalty and trust. This approach encourages community members to organically spread the word about the games, extending their reach without traditional marketing expenses.
Mobile Gaming and Accessibility
WAGMI Games has strategically focused on the mobile gaming market, recognizing its dominance in global revenue compared to desktop and console games. They have made their flagship title, WAGMI Defense, a free-to-play mobile game accessible through the App Store and Google Play Store. By incorporating easily accessible digital collectibles, players can participate without needing a deep understanding of blockchain technologies.
Why it worked: Mobile gaming provides access to a vast audience since nearly everyone has a smartphone, unlike the limited market engaged through gaming consoles or PCs. The frictionless mobile entry helps acquire users quickly, generating more revenue through in-game purchases.
Strategic Partnerships
They successfully formed strategic partnerships with significant players such as Immutable, GameStopNFT, and OpenSea. Such collaborations have enabled them to leverage their partners' expertise, platforms, and audience, especially important for launching their digital comics and enabling platform interoperability.
Why it worked: Leveraging recognized platforms and marketplaces for NFTs and gaming expands WAGMI Games’ credibility and reach. Strategic alliances bring in technical advantages and reputation boosts, which are invaluable for a Web3 company trying to acquire new users.
Social Media and Influencer Engagement
WAGMI Games has also engaged influencers and industry figures like Jonny Hustle, known from the "Crypto Banter" show, to boost awareness and credibility. Social platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Medium are used to disseminate updates, engage with players, and share development stories.
Why it worked: Influencer endorsements add significant clout and authenticity, given the influencers' large, engaged audiences. Social media platforms provide a flexible means of communication with current and potential users, maintaining engagement and interest in the brand.
What's the pricing strategy for wagmigames.com?
Wagmigames.com offers WAGMI Defense as a free-to-play mobile game, monetizing through in-game purchases such as NFTs and collectibles, with some NFTs valued over $500.
What were the biggest lessons learned from building wagmigames.com?
- Focus on Fun, Not Just Earnings: Wagmi Games learned early that "play-to-earn" isn't sustainable, focusing instead on making games inherently fun to ensure player engagement and satisfaction.
- Simplify User Experience: They recognized that 97% of gamers are not tech-savvy about Web3, so they removed crypto jargon, allowing players to buy, sell, and own digital assets seamlessly, which makes the adoption of their game smoother.
- Adapt and Pivot: Originally a browser-based game, Wagmi pivoted to mobile gaming, aligning with trends and growing revenue streams. This strategic pivot, timed with App Store policy changes, positioned them well for mass adoption.
- Community-Driven Growth: Instead of taking VC funding, Wagmi Games relied on community support, creating a model that benefits both the company and its users and fosters a stronger, more engaged player base.
- Interoperability and Future Plans: Planning for interoperability between their games, they aim to extend the life and value of digital assets owned by players, ensuring they remain relevant and valuable even as new games are launched.
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More about wagmigames.com:
Who is the owner of wagmigames.com?
Ian Bentley is the founder of wagmigames.com.
When did Ian Bentley start wagmigames.com?
2021
What is Ian Bentley's net worth?
Ian Bentley's business makes an average of $/month.
How much money has Ian Bentley made from wagmigames.com?
Ian Bentley started the business in 2021, and currently makes an average of .
Who is Ian Bentley?
Ian Bentley is the CEO of Wagmi Games, a veteran in marketing and entrepreneurship with a track record in lead generation and entertainment ventures, including past roles in the music industry and Broadway production. He has previously founded Cyber Ventures and Autotropolis.com, achieving a successful exit with Autobytel.
What problem does wagmigames.com solve?
Wagmigames.com makes it easy for gamers to own and trade in-game assets without needing to understand complex crypto stuff, offering them ownership and real value from their gaming experience.
Homepage
How did Ian come up with the idea for wagmigames.com?
Ian Bentley's journey to creating Wagmi Games stemmed from his early experiences in the tech world and his keen interest in leveraging blockchain technology. He initially discovered a foundational understanding of consumer engagement through his background in Web2, which sparked his curiosity about the potential of Web3. While working on past ventures, Ian noticed the growing pains within the gaming industry related to digital asset ownership and how gamers were often left with no real ownership of in-game purchases when game companies closed down.
Ian's inspiration grew as he envisioned a gaming ecosystem where players could truly own their digital assets, like NFTs, without the usual complexities associated with cryptocurrencies. To refine his concept, Ian and his team examined existing models and engaged with the gaming community to identify issues like friction in user experience and understand what gamers truly valued. This community-driven feedback helped Ian and his team focus on making their platform more accessible and building trust in an emerging market.
Despite facing skepticism and challenges around integrating blockchain with gaming, Ian overcame these by simplifying the process for gamers. His commitment to creating an ethical, user-friendly gaming experience without the need for prior crypto knowledge was instrumental in propelling Wagmi Games forward. Overall, Ian learned the value of listening to his community and prioritizing user experience, which became key lessons in his journey to building Wagmi Games.
How did Ian Bentley build the initial version of wagmigames.com?
The development of WAGMI Games began in November 2021, spearheaded by Ian Bentley and a team of four developers who transitioned from a previous project. They faced initial challenges in setting up a web3 gaming platform without outside VC funding, opting instead for community support through token taxes and NFT sales. The team initially developed a browser-based game on Binance’s BSC Chain and later pivoted to mobile development on Immutable's Layer 2, aiming for a gas-free transaction system to increase the game's accessibility and appeal, especially after Apple and Google's acceptance of NFT transactions. This pivot was crucial as it aligned with industry trends and allowed WAGMI Defense to capitalize on the growing mobile gaming market, which surpasses console and PC gaming in revenue. The process was marked by the complexity of integrating advanced features like telemetry, matchmaking, and AI bots, which became crucial following the strategic hiring of Brent Pease from Electronic Arts to bolster the development direction.
Wagmi
What was the growth strategy for wagmigames.com and how did they scale?
Community Engagement
WAGMI Games heavily leverages its tight-knit community as a key growth channel. Unlike many startups, they have not depended on venture capital, opting instead for a fair token launch and NFT sales driven by community support. Players who become part of the community are rewarded through game quest-based rewards and pre-launch mints like the Genesis NFTs. Community-driven initiatives help retain users and build loyalty. The company engages its community through platforms like Discord and Telegram, encouraging active participation and input, which fosters a strong sense of ownership and belonging.
Why it worked: By making the community an integral part of their development and rewards ecosystem, WAGMI Games cultivates loyalty and trust. This approach encourages community members to organically spread the word about the games, extending their reach without traditional marketing expenses.
Mobile Gaming and Accessibility
WAGMI Games has strategically focused on the mobile gaming market, recognizing its dominance in global revenue compared to desktop and console games. They have made their flagship title, WAGMI Defense, a free-to-play mobile game accessible through the App Store and Google Play Store. By incorporating easily accessible digital collectibles, players can participate without needing a deep understanding of blockchain technologies.
Why it worked: Mobile gaming provides access to a vast audience since nearly everyone has a smartphone, unlike the limited market engaged through gaming consoles or PCs. The frictionless mobile entry helps acquire users quickly, generating more revenue through in-game purchases.
Strategic Partnerships
They successfully formed strategic partnerships with significant players such as Immutable, GameStopNFT, and OpenSea. Such collaborations have enabled them to leverage their partners' expertise, platforms, and audience, especially important for launching their digital comics and enabling platform interoperability.
Why it worked: Leveraging recognized platforms and marketplaces for NFTs and gaming expands WAGMI Games’ credibility and reach. Strategic alliances bring in technical advantages and reputation boosts, which are invaluable for a Web3 company trying to acquire new users.
Social Media and Influencer Engagement
WAGMI Games has also engaged influencers and industry figures like Jonny Hustle, known from the "Crypto Banter" show, to boost awareness and credibility. Social platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Medium are used to disseminate updates, engage with players, and share development stories.
Why it worked: Influencer endorsements add significant clout and authenticity, given the influencers' large, engaged audiences. Social media platforms provide a flexible means of communication with current and potential users, maintaining engagement and interest in the brand.
What's the pricing strategy for wagmigames.com?
Wagmigames.com offers WAGMI Defense as a free-to-play mobile game, monetizing through in-game purchases such as NFTs and collectibles, with some NFTs valued over $500.
What were the biggest lessons learned from building wagmigames.com?
- Focus on Fun, Not Just Earnings: Wagmi Games learned early that "play-to-earn" isn't sustainable, focusing instead on making games inherently fun to ensure player engagement and satisfaction.
- Simplify User Experience: They recognized that 97% of gamers are not tech-savvy about Web3, so they removed crypto jargon, allowing players to buy, sell, and own digital assets seamlessly, which makes the adoption of their game smoother.
- Adapt and Pivot: Originally a browser-based game, Wagmi pivoted to mobile gaming, aligning with trends and growing revenue streams. This strategic pivot, timed with App Store policy changes, positioned them well for mass adoption.
- Community-Driven Growth: Instead of taking VC funding, Wagmi Games relied on community support, creating a model that benefits both the company and its users and fosters a stronger, more engaged player base.
- Interoperability and Future Plans: Planning for interoperability between their games, they aim to extend the life and value of digital assets owned by players, ensuring they remain relevant and valuable even as new games are launched.
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Indifferent Bro...
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Game server hosting for casual gamers.
|
$82.4K
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|
|
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|
Online platform for playing classic solitaire games.
|
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monthly
|
|
Scirra Ltd
|
No-code game development engine for creators.
|
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monthly
|
|
Dilly Dally Gam...
|
"Casual dominoes game for senior women."
|
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|
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|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
"Indie game studio creating award-winning and bespoke videogames."
|
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monthly
|
More about wagmigames.com:
Who is the owner of wagmigames.com?
Ian Bentley is the founder of wagmigames.com.
When did Ian Bentley start wagmigames.com?
2021
What is Ian Bentley's net worth?
Ian Bentley's business makes an average of $/month.
How much money has Ian Bentley made from wagmigames.com?
Ian Bentley started the business in 2021, and currently makes an average of .
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
