Editor's Note: Please note that this article represents the opinion of the writer. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Funjible Games.Interoperability, both in traditional and crypto gaming, has the potential to improve player experiences and create new economic models. However, the NFT/Web3 gaming industry rushes headlong into interoperability without first establishing its fundamentals.It's crucial to distinguish between true interoperability and what some call "omni-portability." Interoperability focuses on shared data and cross-game interactions. However, omni-portability refers to the direct transfer of complex assets between games, a far more challenging and often unrealistic goal, according to gaming VC <a href="https://x.com/SamPeurifoy/status/1625854799983042561">Sam Peurifoy</a>.While debating interoperability, many bring up real-life examples from games we all know, but they miss one vital point. Traditional gaming giants like Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and Call of Duty introduced cross-platform play and shared economies only after cementing their place in the industry, which can take years. They built massive player bases and refined their core gameplay loops before venturing into interoperability.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.funjible.games/The_Interoperability_Dilemma_01_08978ff53b.jpg" alt="The Interoperability Dilemma-01.jpg" srcset="https://assets.funjible.games/thumbnail_The_Interoperability_Dilemma_01_08978ff53b.jpg 209w,https://assets.funjible.games/small_The_Interoperability_Dilemma_01_08978ff53b.jpg 500w,https://assets.funjible.games/medium_The_Interoperability_Dilemma_01_08978ff53b.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h2>Interoperability in Traditional Gaming</h2>&nbsp;Fortnite's recent integration of LEGO Fortnite within its main client exemplifies this strategy. This Minecraft-like experience leverages Fortnite's existing audience while exploring new gameplay styles. Similarly, Call of Duty offers Warzone as an optional install alongside its main titles, creating a cohesive ecosystem for players. Both LEGO Fortnite and Warzone are optional game modes, but the developers choose to feature them inside their main titles for increased visibility.Considering Call of Duty and Fortnite aren't bound to the blockchain, these two easily tackled complex interoperability challenges, such as item reimagining, one of the most appealing use cases for interoperability. Fortnite skins transform to fit the LEGO aesthetic in LEGO Fortnite, while Call of Duty maintains consistent character models and operators across various modes.Crypto games, on the other hand, attempt to create intricate ecosystems of interconnected titles before proving the merit of any single game. Many crypto game developers design games to require engagement across multiple titles for meaningful progression. This strategy risks alienating players who prefer focused, standalone experiences. It also imposes an undue burden, potentially leading to player fatigue and disengagement.Moreover, the technical limitations of current blockchain technology make true "omni-portability" of large game assets impractical. Blockchains struggle to store or transfer gigabytes of data efficiently, making the direct movement of complex 3D models or high-resolution textures between games difficult and unfeasible.<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.funjible.games/The_Interoperability_Dilemma_02_64e07b0e36.jpg" alt="The Interoperability Dilemma-02.jpg" srcset="https://assets.funjible.games/thumbnail_The_Interoperability_Dilemma_02_64e07b0e36.jpg 245w,https://assets.funjible.games/small_The_Interoperability_Dilemma_02_64e07b0e36.jpg 500w,https://assets.funjible.games/medium_The_Interoperability_Dilemma_02_64e07b0e36.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;<h2>NFT Games Could Benefit From Narrower Scopes</h2>&nbsp;At its current state, the <a href="https://funjible.games/games?sortBy=4">crypto gaming</a> ecosystem lacks a true breakout hit, a game that captures widespread attention and maintains a large, engaged player base over time. Without this foundation, the push for interoperability feels misguided and premature. Only after establishing a solid base of successful, popular titles, only then should the industry seriously explore meaningful interoperability.The crypto landscape also makes assumptions about player behavior based on traditional gaming's success. The popularity of cosmetic items in League of Legends or VALORANT doesn't guarantee similar results in crypto games. Crypto gamers or newcomers to the scene may have different motivations and preferences, which require careful study and consideration.While item reimagining is potentially the most attractive part of interoperability, one must conduct demand analyses before setting on a full-blown crusade to implement it in a game or an ecosystem. The crypto industry may have yet to find its blockbuster title, but it's also been working with a rather biased player base. Since 2021, most crypto games have been running playtests alongside crypto native users who may be representing a minority at the end of the day. In most cases, the wants and needs of casual users differ drastically from power users, which could be crypto gaming's biggest challenge moving forward.&nbsp;

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