The impact of blockchain technology extends beyond finance to various sectors, including the entertainment industry. Its decentralized nature and immutable features have sparked a revolution, changing the way entertainment is created, distributed, and consumed.
In recent years, play-to-earn (P2E) technology has become an attractive factor for players. By integrating cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized finance (DeFi), these crypto games allow users to earn valuable digital assets through their gaming achievements.
The play-to-earn model has demonstrated video gaming as more than just entertainment, but as a possible way to generate income around the world. Let’s take a closer look at the phenomenon of play-to-earn games, and also list the most popular ones in this article.
Understanding the Play-to-Earn Games Phenomenon
Play-to-earn games are video games that compensate players for their achievements in the game with assets of tangible monetary value. Software providers use blockchain technologies such as cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as a means of monetization. These items allow players to exchange in-game items for cryptocurrency or display virtual assets using NFTs. These games are called “play to earn” games because they allow players to earn cryptocurrency while playing.
Game developers typically build and implement these platforms using layer 1 blockchain networks such as Ethereum, Solana, or the BNB chain. Using blockchain infrastructure, studios can tokenize game items by providing them with unique digital identifiers. Consequently, players become the legal owners of these virtual assets, which they can sell within the gaming community, exchange for other NFT-related assets, or convert into real-world currency. Essentially, the play-to-earn model allows players to earn valuable rewards by completing in-game challenges, defeating opponents, or leveling up their characters.
Methods for Earning Assets in Play-to-Earn Games
Developers generate income through advertising, item sales and the game’s own cryptocurrency, often rewarding players with virtual assets. Players can earn assets in various ways:
- Accumulation of Achievements: Play-to-earn games typically track the player’s progress and reward them accordingly. For example, a video game might reward crypto coins for defeating opponents.
- Character Promotion: Developing your in-game characters can bring rewards. For example, a blockchain RPG might offer in-game items when you level up a character, often in the form of NFTs for resale.
- Participation in Gambling with Cryptocurrency: Crypto gambling works similarly to traditional gambling, but instead of fiat currency, it rewards in cryptocurrency. For online gambling, blockchain technology has also brought many positive innovations, the main ones being the development of new types of exclusively crypto games.
Best Rated Play-to-Earn Games of All Time
Play-to-earn (P2E) games have grown in popularity, offering players the opportunity to earn real value while playing. Among the many P2E games, some have gained fame due to their addictive gameplay, rewarding mechanics, and innovative features. Here are some of the best games of all time with the best rating:
Axie Infinity
Often called the pioneer of P2E gaming, Axie Infinity combines elements of strategy, breeding and combat in a fast-paced blockchain-based world. Players breed and collect adorable creatures called Axies, which they can then battle against other players or opponents in PvE to earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP) tokens.
Splinterlands
Splinterlands is a digital trading card game in which players build decks of cards representing various creatures and battle against other players’ decks. By participating in battles and tournaments, players can earn in-game rewards, including Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) and NFT cards, which can be traded or sold on the marketplace.
Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is a competitive card game similar to Hearthstone, but with blockchain-based card ownership. Players collect and trade cards, create decks, and compete in matches to earn rewards and climb the leaderboard. Game cards are stored as NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing players to truly own their digital assets.
The Sandbox
The Sandbox is a virtual world building game where players can create, own and monetize their gaming experience. Using VoxEdit’s intuitive gaming software, players can create and animate voxel assets, which can then be traded or sold on the market. Players can also earn sand tokens by participating in various activities in the game.
CryptoBlades
CryptoBlades is an idle RPG where players can earn skill tokens by participating in battles and completing quests. These skill tokens can be used to earn Binance Smart Chain (BSC) tokens, providing players with a passive income stream. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay has garnered a loyal player base.
Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds is a decentralized gaming metaverse where players can mine Trilium Tokens (TLM) by participating in land-based mining activities on different planets. Players can also engage in battles, complete quests, and participate in management to earn additional rewards. The exciting sci-fi universe of the game has captivated players all over the world.
Gala Games
Gala Games serves as a platform for numerous blockchain-based games, featuring titles such as TownStar, Mirandus, and Fortified. Players can earn Gala Tokens by playing these games and participating in community events. The diverse range of games on the platform will appeal to players of all interests.
These are just a few examples of the most popular play-to-earn games available today. As the P2E gaming industry continues to evolve and innovate, we can expect even more exciting games to emerge in the future, providing players with new opportunities to earn money while playing.
