OpenSea CEO Devin Finzer predicts a pivotal shift in the NFT landscape—from speculative art collectibles to tangible utility in gaming and real-world applications.
The Evolution of NFTs: From Hype to Utility
During a discussion with TheStreet Roundtable host Scott Melker, Finzer emphasized that the next phase of NFT adoption will focus on practical use cases rather than mere ownership of digital art.
Melker reflected on the 2021 NFT frenzy, noting:
"The collectible and art NFTs had a massive bubble... OpenSea benefited hugely from that hype. Where do NFTs go from here?"
Finzer agreed, framing the hype as a foundational period:
"Every new technology goes through excitement and speculation first. The initial NFT use case—owning and trading digital items—was groundbreaking, but now we’re building the next layer."
Key Trends Driving NFT Utility
Gaming Integration:
NFTs are becoming central to in-game economies, allowing players to own, trade, and monetize digital assets. Finzer highlighted:"Developers see NFTs as ideal for representing digital items in gaming economies. It’s early, but Web3-native games are leading the charge."
- Physical Collectibles Tokenization:
Companies are bridging physical and digital worlds by attaching NFTs to tangible items (e.g., sneakers, trading cards), enabling seamless redemption. Enduring Digital Art Culture:
Finzer affirmed that art NFTs remain relevant, comparing them to traditional art collection:"Just as you collect physical art, digital art holds cultural and financial value."
The Long-Term Vision
Finzer stressed patience amid market volatility:
"We’re building for the long term—utility will outlast speculation."
FAQ: NFTs Beyond Art
Q: How are NFTs used in gaming?
A: NFTs enable true ownership of in-game assets (e.g., skins, weapons), which can be traded or sold across platforms.
Q: Can NFTs represent physical items?
A: Yes! Companies tokenize physical collectibles (e.g., luxury goods), linking them to NFTs for proof of authenticity and ownership.
Q: Is digital art still important in the NFT space?
A: Absolutely. Art NFTs preserve crypto-native culture and offer collectors a digital alternative to traditional art markets.
👉 Discover how NFTs are revolutionizing gaming economies
👉 Explore tokenized physical collectibles
This article adheres to Google SEO best practices, prioritizing clarity, depth, and natural keyword integration (e.g., "NFT utility," "gaming NFTs," "tokenized collectibles").
### Key Features:
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- **Engagement Tools**: FAQ section and anchor texts enhance readability and click-through potential.
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- **Commercial Safeguards**: Removed promotional links (e.g., *TheStreet* tags) and retained only the approved OKX anchor.
- **Depth**: Expanded on Finzer’s insights with examples (Web3 games, physical collectibles) to meet word-count goals.