Gameplay is a cornerstone of any successful Web3 game, serving as the foundation for player engagement, satisfaction, and long-term retention. SERAPH: In The Darkness demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering a comprehensive and engaging gameplay experience by balancing accessibility, strategic depth, and Web3 integration. The game leverages high-quality graphics, immersive audio, and innovative visual elements to enhance the gameplay experience and establish a unique identity in the Web3 gaming space.
SERAPH prioritizes accessibility by simplifying the onboarding process through the ActPass system, allowing players to create wallets using email or social media accounts and automating gas fees and payments.
The game seamlessly integrates Web3 elements into its core ARPG mechanics, introducing blockchain features like functional NFTs and a player-driven economy after players reach level 60.
The game's high-quality graphics and immersive audio design create a visually stunning and immersive atmosphere, comparable to traditional AAA Web2 games.
SERAPH fosters strategic depth through a complex skill system that allows players to customize their characters and experiment with different skill combinations, encouraging strategic thinking and adaptability.
The game's retention rates, including 89.45% day-2 retention and an average of 7 hours of daily playtime, reflect its ability to engage and satisfy players, contributing to long-term participation.
Completeness
While SERAPH: In The Darkness demonstrates strong gameplay mechanics and Web3 integration, certain areas require further analysis to fully understand its long-term potential.
The endgame loop has been criticized for becoming repetitive and purposeless once high-level items are acquired, which may negatively impact long-term player retention.
The forced integration of Web3 elements, particularly the reliance on NFTs, has been viewed as disjointed and more of a financial mechanism than an integral part of the gameplay.
Despite efforts to simplify the onboarding process, new players transitioning from Web2 still face significant barriers, such as managing wallets, private keys, and gas fees, which could limit the game's ability to attract a broader audience.
