How "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" Became a Sensation! How Can Web3 Games Take Inspiration?

In recent times, the highly popular sequel to the Zelda series, "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," has received rave reviews from numerous players since its release. After aggregating scores from 87 media outlets, the website Metacritic gave it the highest score among all games released this year: 95, just below the previous installment, "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," which scored 97. Several prominent game media outlets like GameSpot and IGN also awarded it a perfect score of 10.

As for how enjoyable "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" is, players are encouraged to experience it firsthand. There are already plenty of gameplay videos and review guides available that demonstrate the game's storyline and mechanics, so there's no need for further elaboration on that. However, in this article, we will discuss the "Sheikah Apparatus" within Tears of the Kingdom. As a gameplay feature focused on user-generated content (UGC), the freedom and possibilities offered by the Sheikah Apparatus undoubtedly become its biggest selling point.

In Tears of the Kingdom, players can choose from nearly 30 different Sheikah Apparatuses with various functions. By combining them with materials like wooden and stone boards, as well as a substance known as "glue," players can create the "ultimate tool" that turns the game into a battle of inventiveness. There's virtually nothing you can't create in the game.

A quick search on YouTube already reveals various creative ideas from players, including bombers, tanks, automated gunships, motorcycles, and even Gundam-style mechs.

What exactly is user-generated content (UGC) and how does it relate to the gameplay of the Sheikah Apparatus?

To understand UGC, it's generally referred to as content created by users of a product after using it, which they then share on the internet, thereby increasing the product's popularity and visibility. Compared to spending a fortune on advertising, the Sheikah Apparatus gameplay in "Tears of the Kingdom" is undoubtedly a successful UGC marketing strategy. Most online videos are created and edited by streamers and content creators without needing any financial involvement from the game company, yet they generate positive word-of-mouth and visibility.

One might argue that this level of exposure is due to the strength of Zelda's IP itself. However, imagine if the new gameplay feature of the Sheikah Apparatus were removed. Would "Tears of the Kingdom" still receive the same level of acclaim and spread among players? This is a question worth pondering.

Can UGC potentially address the lack of player acceptance in Web3 games?

Leaving aside the more complex processes such as wallet usage and fund transfers (ImmutableX is already developing game passports), to some extent, it can indeed help.

Considering current Web3 games, most of them revolve around PVE and PVP, involving repetitive tasks like monster hunting, completing daily quests, or winning battles against other players to gain higher profits. This simplistic and mindless approach makes it challenging for a Web3 game to maintain long-term engagement.

Imagine a life without smartphones, computers, or televisions, with no additional forms of entertainment—just working and receiving a paycheck. Does this resemble the Web3 game experience, where players are stuck in a loop of grinding and completing tasks? It's safe to say that most people already have an answer in mind.

Furthermore, the acceptance of Web3 games among traditional gamers is not high, to the extent that they may even be resistant to trying them. On one hand, this may be due to the negative impact brought by various scams and zero-sum games. However, the more significant reason is that the playability of Web3 games fails to surpass that of traditional games, making it unnecessary for traditional gamers to choose the more complicated Web3 games.

Pioneering the "Playability" and "Replayability" of Games

Creating gameplay with "The Zone Device" undoubtedly provides players with more gaming experiences beyond regular progression. More importantly, the viral spread brought about by "The Zone Device" successfully triggers a resonance between players and non-players.

In the past, when professional gamers talked about complex games or games that the other person had not played or understood, the non-players often showed little interest. However, "Tears of the Kingdom" is different. By showcasing various funny and creative videos from numerous players, it easily captures attention. Many people even purchase a Nintendo Switch just to personally experience "Tears of the Kingdom."

Moreover, this approach can also cultivate a truly active community, just like in "Tears of the Kingdom." Whenever players create new works, they are eager to share their experiences, strategies, and creations with others. This effectively strengthens the connections within the community.

The playability, longevity, and ability to resonate with players and attract more people are undoubtedly the missing elements in Web3 games. User-generated content not only allows games to maintain a sense of freshness and excitement over a long period but also provides the ability to experiment and create, leading to virtually endless possibilities through continuous updates. In the world of Web3 games, where retaining users is crucial, this is particularly important.

Original Article Link