Last week, while indulging in the latest episodes of a show called "The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure." I noticed striking similarities and crossovers between this anime and the world of Splinterlands. 
As iv been so deeply involved in Splinterlands, despite its incredible potential iv noted it lacks a meaningful storyline, captivating protagonists, and an ultimate clear enemy or antagonists. I feel this missed opportunity prevents the game from truly captivating players and forging emotional connections beyond the realm of financial incentives. 

Building Meaningful Main Characters:

One of the key elements that differentiates successful games in the monster building, battling, summoning, and collecting genre is the presence of a main crew of adventurers that players can become attached to. These characters serve as the face of the game and are instrumental in driving player engagement and emotional investment.

A Captivating Storyline:

While Splinterlands offers a fun and challenging gameplay experience, it often falls short when it comes to an immersive storyline. For example pikachu is not the most powerful monster in the game of Pokemon yet its value as a card outstrips most others because of nostalgia and importance to the story 
There are zero cards in Splinterlands that have an appreciated value due to an emotional attachment. Everything is solely ROI focused based on battle ability

Incorporating a captivating narrative can not only enrich the overall gaming experience but also cultivate a dedicated fan base. Players crave an expansive lore and background that adds depth and meaning to their adventures. By integrating a well-constructed storyline that explores the origins of the splinters, delves into their interconnected histories, and presents formidable challenges for the main characters to overcome, Splinterlands can transform into an all-encompassing world that resonates with players on a profound level.

for example why does the fire splinter exist, is there a fire god who we must befriend, appease or conquer to enrich our decks with blessings of the fire splinter?

Beyond Obsession with Financial Incentives:

While Return on Investment (ROI) and (APY) are undoubtedly important aspects of this game, they should not be the sole focus of player engagement. By shifting some of the spotlight from financial gains to the emotional and immersive aspects of the game, Splinterlands can attract a wider audience and foster a thriving community. When players develop an attachment to the main characters and invest in their personal journeys, the game becomes more than just a financial endeavor—it becomes an experience that transcends the boundaries of profit.

An Example: The Splinterlands Pilot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0vb9JuCV-Q

To illustrate the potential of integrating captivating characters and storylines, I have compiled a short video using footage from "The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure." This (poorly...hahah) edited footage demonstrates how a compelling pilot episode for Splinterlands could look, drawing inspiration from successful anime series. From what i can see the animations are extremely simple with many plot building screens simply being a still image with the mouth only moving during important discussions

Conclusion:

Splinterlands possesses immense potential to become a game that not only offers thrilling battles and collection mechanics but also captivates players on an emotional level. By crafting meaningful main characters, developing an engrossing storyline, and emphasizing the experiential aspects of the game beyond financial incentives, Splinterlands can establish itself as a standout in the genre. Let us embrace the power of storytelling and character development to create a gaming experience that resonates with players long after the battles are won.