The gaming industry is undergoing a massive transformation with blockchain technology at its core. While the infrastructure for web3 gaming has made significant strides, a key challenge remains: distribution. Without efficient ways to connect developers and players, the promise of blockchain gaming falls short. NPC Labs is addressing this gap with their groundbreaking projects, B3 and Basement.Fun.
These two innovations are reshaping how games are launched, distributed, and experienced in the blockchain ecosystem.
What Are B3 and Basement.Fun?
NPC Labs, founded by former Coinbase and Base team members, is leading this charge with a dual-pronged approach:
B3: The Scalable Blockchain Layer
B3 is a high-performance blockchain built on Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 solution. B3 is specifically tailored to the needs of the gaming industry, offering:
• Interoperability: The ability to host and interact with other blockchains on top of it.
• Scalability: Designed to handle the high-frequency, low-cost transactions that gaming requires.
• Ecosystem Support: B3 supports a wide range of use cases, including grants and rewards for developers who launch games within its ecosystem.
B3 has already gained traction with projects like Parallel (from the Echelon ecosystem), demonstrating its potential to support large-scale blockchain-based games.
Basement.Fun: A Game-Changing Distribution Platform
While B3 provides the infrastructure, Basement.Fun serves as the distribution channel. This web-based platform enables developers to:
• Launch their games with ease, whether they’re built on B3 or not.
• Access tools and resources to establish their studios and distribute games efficiently.
• Earn Builder Points (BP), an incentivization mechanism for developers, especially those who launch on B3.
Importantly, Basement.Fun is open to all developers, even those not operating on B3, making it an inclusive platform that caters to diverse needs within the gaming community.
Why Does This Matter for Web3 Gaming?
Blockchain gaming has grown exponentially, yet the industry faces significant hurdles in bringing games to market. The infrastructure is there—blockchain networks, wallet abstractions, and tokenomics—but the distribution gap remains wide. Here’s why NPC Labs’ solutions are pivotal:
1. Addressing the Delta in Web3 Gaming:
Distribution is the missing piece in web3 gaming. While platforms like Steam dominate traditional gaming, web3 lacks a comparable distribution network. Basement.Fun steps into this role, providing a user-friendly platform for players to discover games and for developers to showcase their work.
2. The Firepower of Base:
Base, Coinbase’s Layer 2 solution, has quickly become one of the largest blockchains in terms of trading volume. By building on Base, B3 inherits its scalability and security, making it a powerful infrastructure for gaming projects.
3. Tailored Solutions for Developers:
• For developers wary of launching on new blockchains, Basement.Fun provides a blockchain-agnostic distribution platform.
• For studios looking for financial incentives, B3 offers grants and other rewards, encouraging them to build within the ecosystem.
4. Player-Centric Approach:
Basement.Fun focuses on creating a seamless user experience. Players can discover, play, and earn rewards through blockchain games without navigating the complexities typically associated with web3 gaming.
Who Is Behind NPC Labs?
NPC Labs boasts a team of industry veterans with deep expertise in blockchain and gaming:
• Daryl Xu (CEO): Former core contributor to Base and business development manager at Coinbase. His vision drives the company’s innovative approach to web3 gaming.
• Viktoriya Hying (COO): Former business development manager at Coinbase Base, she brings strategic insights and operational expertise to the team.
• Sean Geng (CTO): Former engineering manager at Coinbase, Geng is the technical powerhouse behind NPC Labs’ cutting-edge solutions.
The team’s connections in both blockchain and gaming have been instrumental in establishing partnerships and securing funding, including a $21 million round led by Pantera Capital.
How Do B3 and Basement.Fun Work?
B3: The Infrastructure
B3 operates as a Layer 3 ecosystem on Base, optimizing performance for gaming by:
• Reducing gas fees to near-zero levels.
• Enabling high transaction throughput essential for seamless gameplay.
• Utilizing chain abstraction to eliminate the need for players to switch networks, simplifying the user experience.
Basement.Fun: The Distribution Network
Basement.Fun functions as a hub for game discovery and play, featuring tools for:
• Quick and efficient game launches.
• Incentivizing developers with Builder Points (BP), especially for projects built on B3.
• Engaging players through fun and accessible games like “Art Squiggle Snake,” a standout title on the platform.
Why Should Developers and Players Care?
For Developers:
Basement.Fun and B3 provide a comprehensive toolkit for game creation and distribution. Whether a studio wants to launch on B3 for grants or leverage Basement.Fun for its wide reach, the ecosystem caters to various needs, making it a versatile choice for developers entering the web3 space.
For Players:
Basement.Fun offers a growing library of blockchain games that are easy to access and play. The platform emphasizes the “play-to-earn” model, allowing players to enjoy casual games while earning rewards—a compelling proposition for gamers looking to explore web3.
Where Can You Explore This Ecosystem?
Head over to Basement.Fun to dive into the world of blockchain gaming. The platform is live and already hosting engaging games like “Art Squiggle Snake,” with more titles expected to join the roster soon.
Final Thoughts: NPC Labs and the Future of Web3 Gaming
NPC Labs is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in web3 gaming: distribution. By combining the scalable infrastructure of B3 with the user-friendly distribution network of Basement.Fun, they are setting a new standard for blockchain gaming. Whether you’re a developer looking to launch your next big game or a player eager to explore the future of gaming, NPC Labs’ ecosystem offers a glimpse into what’s possible when innovation meets accessibility.
Resources:
• Basement.Fun Official Website
• Basement.Fun Developer Tools
The future of gaming is here, and it’s happening on B3 and Basement.Fun and so many other placed. Are you ready to be part of it?
