How to Ensure Security in Blockchain-Based Games? TechTricks365

“With great power comes great responsibility”, we have heard this famous quote by Uncle Ben, but it applies to the current internet era as well – Web 3.0. Game developers have the great power to sway gamers with innovations like blockchain-based games. However, this power comes with a responsibility – to ensure their data remains infringed. 

The evolution of the internet is real, and it is growing at a fast pace. Therefore, this rapid change at this humongous stage calls for added security measures. No matter how many perks we enjoy with regard to the current developments in the gaming landscape, security will remain a point of concern. It is a line that decides whether a gamer will stick to the game or not. 

Blockchain games gained traction with the introduction of play-to-earn (P2E) models. Although these games provide hefty rewards and follow a decentralized model, security risks pertain. Significant security measures must be kept in place to tackle vulnerabilities like wallet hacks and in-game asset manipulation.

To maintain trust and protect your players and assets, security must be a top priority. In this article, we’ll break down how to ensure security in blockchain games, covering best practices, tools, and real-world strategies developers can use to build secure and successful gaming experiences.

Why Security Matters in Blockchain Gaming

Unlike traditional games, blockchain-based games involve real money and digital assets like NFTs and tokens. If compromised, you won’t just lose your contact information or personal details, you can lose valuable items. These NFTs or digital assets can be stolen, manipulated, or rendered worthless, damaging your reputation and the player economy.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Player wallets and personal data
• Smart contracts manage game logic and payments
• In-game marketplaces and tokenomics
• NFT ownership and transfers
• Game fairness and exploits

Key Security Challenges in Blockchain Games

Blockchain games are lucrative for both developers and players. Therefore, they have some vulnerabilities as well. Listed below are the major loopholes a player can experience in a blockchain game. 

Smart Contract Vulnerabilities	Smart contracts are self-executing code. If poorly written, they become targets for exploits.
Sybil Attacks	One user creates multiple fake identities to gain unfair advantages in P2E mechanics.
Wallet Hijacking & Phishing	Fake dApps and malicious browser extensions trick users into giving up access.
Front-running & MEV Exploits	Bots monitor and manipulate transactions in the mempool to gain profits unfairly.
Token Inflation or Exploitation	Poorly managed in-game economies can be manipulated or drained.

What Are the Methods to Enhance Security in Blockchain Games?

There are steps or practices through which developers ensure the game is devoid of loopholes. In this section of the blog, we will list these practices and talk about them in detail. 

Use Well-Audited Smart Contracts

• Write clean, modular, and upgradable code.
• Rely on open-source frameworks like OpenZeppelin.
• Get third-party security audits before deployment.
• Use formal verification tools like MythX, Certora, or Slither.

Avoid writing your own token or wallet logic from scratch unless necessary. Make sure to consult a third-party security audit to double-check the progress.

Implement Multi-Sig Wallets for Game Treasuries

• Use multi-signature wallets like Gnosis Safe to prevent single-point-of-failure in asset management.
• Useful for treasury management, admin access, and emergency functions.

Secure Player Authentication with Web3 Standards

• Integrate WalletConnect, MetaMask, or Coinbase Wallet with proper user prompts.
• Use nonce-based authentication to avoid replay attacks.
• Avoid storing sensitive user info on-chain.

Monitor Smart Contracts in Real Time

Leveraging smart contracts in blockchain games for automating transactional processes is not enough. Developers need to trace and remain informed of all the transactions taking place. A real-time alerting setting is necessary. Moreover, monitoring suspicious activities is also very important.

• Use tools like Forta or Tenderly for real-time alerting and transaction tracing.
• Monitor for abnormal activity, such as contract drains or unexpected user behaviors.

Create Fair & Tamper-Proof Game Logic

Creating a fair and tamper-proof game logic is essential to keep the players attached to the game for a long time. Any malpractice in fair play shall be penalized if caught. 

• For PvP games or RNG-based outcomes, use verifiable randomness (e.g., Chainlink VRF).
• Store important game logic on-chain, but keep heavy computation off-chain using Layer 2s or oracles.
• Regularly test for gameplay exploits like infinite loops or economy farming.

Protect In-Game NFTs

Protecting in-game NFTs is an important aspect of maintaining security in your blockchain game. Make sure to mint NFTs through prominent blockchain platforms. 

• Mint NFTs through secure and audited protocols like ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards.
• Allow NFT freezing or flagging if stolen.
• Consider using soulbound tokens for non-transferable game achievements.

Educate Users About Security

Roll out videos and talk about security in podcasts. Encourage and collaborate with top creators to participate in educating gamers about security in blockchain games. 

• Warn players against phishing and fake contracts.
• Prompt confirmations clearly in dApp interfaces.
• Encourage hardware wallet usage for significant assets.

Plan for Emergency Response

Always have a backup plan to tackle emergencies. In times of phishing or scams, you can easily freeze game mechanics and assets if you have an emergency plan in advance. This way, scammers won’t be able to sell assets on NFT marketplaces like OpenSea.

• Add circuit breakers and pausable contracts to freeze game mechanics during exploits.
• Prepare a crisis communication strategy to alert users quickly.

Tools & Platforms for Securing Blockchain Games

Tool/Platform	Purpose
OpenZeppelin	Secure smart contract libraries
Slither	Static analysis of Solidity code
Forta	Real-time threat detection
Chainlink VRF	Verifiable randomness for fair play
Gnosis Safe	Multi-signature wallet for treasury
Tenderly	Smart contract monitoring & debugging

Bonus Tips for Developers

• Use testnets (Goerli, Sepolia) extensively before mainnet deployment.
• Limit user access with role-based permissions.
• Have bug bounty programs via platforms like Immunefi to encourage ethical hacking.

Real-World Example: Axie Infinity Hack

Blockchain-based games are not immune to phishing. In 2022, Axie Infinity’s Ronin Bridge was hacked for over $600 million due to compromised validator nodes. This incident solidifies the need for utmost security in your blockchain game. The lesson? Don’t compromise on decentralization and validator security, especially when bridging assets across chains.

Want help building or securing your blockchain game?

Do you wish to build a blockchain game with utmost security? Or do you just wish to add layers of security to your already existing blockchain game? Hire BR Softech, a blockchain game development company, with experience in smart contracts and Web3 game design.

We will take care of all your requirements and provide foolproof solutions.

Final Thoughts

Blockchain games offer immense opportunity, but with that comes great responsibility.
By following strong development practices, using the right tools, and staying alert, you can build a blockchain game that’s fun, fair, and secure.

Because if the game does not meet basic necessities like credibility, it is bound to crash in the market. Players don’t entertain such games, and entrepreneurs have to face heavy losses in their investments.

Frequently Asked Questions