How Account Abstraction is Rewriting Web3 Gameplay

The procedure of introducing players to conventional games is generally straightforward. In Web2, onboarding has been simplified with social logins like Apple ID or Google, enabling seamless SSO integration and synchronization of progress across devices. Popular Web2 gaming stores centralize accounts to streamline onboarding and create unified player profiles.

In Web3, however, players must install wallets, manage private keys, and approve multiple transactions just to start playing. This creates friction that disrupts the gaming experience. For Web3 gaming to achieve mainstream adoption, onboarding must feel as seamless as Web2—players should often be unaware they even have a wallet.

What is Account Abstraction?

Ethereum has two account types:

1. Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs)

2. Smart Contract Accounts (SCs)

Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs)

EOAs (e.g. MetaMask, Ledger) are controlled by private keys. They are free to generate, reusable across EVM chains, and naturally interoperable. But if keys are lost or stolen, funds are permanently inaccessible. EOAs cannot delegate execution to third parties, making sponsored transactions difficult. The UX is also clunky and intimidating for mainstream users.

Smart Contract Accounts (SCs)

SCs (e.g. Safe) are controlled by code instead of keys, acting like programmable digital locks. This flexibility enables:

• Social recovery (login with Google, Facebook, etc.)

• Delegated execution and third-party sponsored transactions

• Gasless interactions with blockchains

• Automated fund movements without custodianship

In a typical Web3 game, players must approve and confirm multiple transactions (e.g. spending resources, starting crafting, receiving items). With SCs and ERC-4337, the experience improves drastically: smart contracts can originate transactions, bundling steps together for smooth UX.

How Do SCs Improve Web3 Gaming?

Account abstraction enables Web2-like onboarding, giving developers flexibility to design frictionless game experiences. Key features include:

Session Keys & Sponsored Transactions

Session keys let games submit transactions on behalf of players without repeated confirmations. Sponsored transactions let developers cover gas fees or designate tokens like USDC for payments.

Example: Proof of Play creates a burner wallet when users log in, stored in browser storage. This wallet covers transaction fees, while earned assets flow securely to a user’s primary wallet.

Tailored Flexibility

Developers want custom wallet interfaces and in-game marketplaces that align with game design. Ideally, wallets remain invisible while marketplaces blend seamlessly with the game environment.

Bundling Transactions

Multicall support enables bundling multiple actions into a single transaction, reducing gas costs and simplifying flows like NFT purchases to a one-click experience.

Effortless NFT Purchases

One-click NFT purchases with social login smooth the onboarding process by eliminating multiple passwords and key management. This boosts security and user friendliness.

Simplifying Fiat Access

Historically, funding non-custodial wallets required centralized exchanges—a clunky process for gamers. Now, SDKs integrate services like Moonpay or Stripe for fiat on-ramps. While not yet as seamless as Web2, this marks real progress.

How Gelato Enables Account Abstraction

The Safe Account Abstraction Relay Kit, powered by the Gelato Relay SDK, delivers user-friendly experiences. It enables gas payments in ERC-20 tokens and fully gasless transactions, making blockchain gaming more accessible.

These tools streamline processes and unlock mainstream adoption potential for Web3 gaming.

👉 Visit our tutorial to learn how you can mint NFTs without paying gas using Gelato's Safe Relay Kit.

About Gelato

Gelato is web3’s decentralized backend, empowering builders to create augmented smart contracts that are automated, gasless & off-chain aware across Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, Optimism, zkSync, and more.

Over 400+ projects rely on Gelato to power millions of transactions across DeFi, NFT, and Gaming.

Gelato services include:

• Web3 Functions: Connect smart contracts to off-chain data & computation with decentralized cloud functions.

• Automate: Execute smart contracts automatically with time-based or custom triggers.

• Relay: Enable reliable, gasless transactions via a simple API.

• Gasless Wallet: SDK combining Gelato Relay + Safe Smart Contract Wallet to enable Account Abstraction.