Play to earn (P2E) games are changing the game industry by letting players earn cryptocurrency or digital assets as they play. Unlike traditional games, where rewards are just in-game items or achievements, P2E games offer real-world value through blockchain-based rewards, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs. This has made gameplay a source of income and blurred the line between gaming and earning.

Crypto Games

Crypto games use blockchain technology which is known for its transparency, security and decentralization. Each player’s activity and transactions are recorded on the blockchain so the game is fair and assets are truly owned by the players. Earning rewards in crypto games often involves completing quests, getting high scores or competing in tournaments. The amount of earnings usually depends on skill level, dedication and involvement in the game.

One of the key features that makes crypto games unique is the concept of true ownership. Unlike traditional games where in-game items are just licensed to the players, blockchain based games allows players to own their items outright. These items can be traded, sold or used across different platforms, gives more flexibility and value.

Top Play to Earn Games

Here are some of the top P2E games in 2024, each with different gameplay and earning potential:

Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is a pioneer in P2E, a game where players collect, breed and battle creatures called Axies. Built on Ethereum, players earn Smooth Love Potions (SLP) as rewards which can be traded or used in the game. The game’s economy is NFT based, each Axie is a tradable asset.

The Sandbox

The Sandbox is a virtual world where players can create, own and monetize their gaming experiences. It’s known for its virtual real estate where landowners can build custom games and experiences. The game uses SAND token for in-game purchases and trading, NFTs for land and accessories.

Decentraland

Similar to The Sandbox, Decentraland is a decentralized virtual world where players can buy, sell and develop parcels of land. Powered by the MANA token, Decentraland combines gaming, social interaction and virtual real estate into one experience. Players can earn cryptocurrency by creating and selling virtual items, hosting events or just trading land.

Splinterlands

Splinterlands is a digital collectible card game where players build card decks and compete in battles. Each card is an NFT, players can trade or sell their cards for real world value. The game’s reward system includes Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) which can be earned by winning battles and used to purchase new cards or other items.

Illuvium

An upcoming game on the Ethereum blockchain, Illuvium combines RPG elements with strategic gameplay. Players capture and train creatures called Illuvials which can then be used to battle or traded as NFTs. The blockchain integration makes the game more engaging and rewarding.

Big Time

Big Time is a multiplayer action RPG where players travel through time to fight enemies and collect rare items. The game is unique in its NFT based loot, players can truly own and trade the items they collect. With an experienced team behind it, Big Time aims to bring AAA quality gaming to P2E.

Game Genres and Platforms

Play to earn games span across different genres, for different tastes. Players can find P2E games in role-playing (RPGs), strategy, collectible card games and even virtual real estate simulators. Each genre has its own style of gameplay and rewards, so players can find something that fits their interests.

The platform choice is also diverse, many P2E games are available on PC, mobile and web based interfaces. So players can play regardless of their gaming setup.

Getting Started with Play to Earn Games

Getting started with P2E games is usually a few steps:

1. Create an Account: Players need to sign up on the game’s platform. This often involves linking a digital wallet compatible with the game’s blockchain.
2. Acquire the Game’s Native Token: Many P2E games require players to hold or purchase the game’s cryptocurrency to unlock certain features or play the game.
3. Start Earning Rewards: Players can then complete tasks, reach milestones or compete against others to earn rewards which may include cryptocurrency or NFTs.

NFTs in Play to Earn Games

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a big part of many P2E games. They represent unique digital assets such as characters, items or virtual real estate. NFTs are stored on the blockchain which ensures their authenticity and ownership. Since they are digital assets with real world value, players can buy, sell and trade NFTs in various marketplaces, within the game or on external platforms.

Safety and Security

While P2E games are generally safe due to blockchain’s transparency and immutability, players should still be careful:

• Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Players should always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Be Careful of Scams: Players should be aware of phishing attacks and fraudulent schemes especially in games where trading is involved.

Regional Trends in Play to Earn Adoption

Play to earn (P2E) games popularity varies across regions due to cultural, economic and regulatory factors. In Southeast Asia, P2E games have become a source of income, especially during economic downturns, many players see it as a way to supplement or replace traditional jobs. The region’s youth culture and widespread use of mobile devices make it a perfect market for accessible P2E games. In Latin America, P2E gaming is a path to financial inclusion amidst economic instability and high inflation, players use cryptocurrency to counteract devaluing local currencies and access global markets.

In Western countries, adoption is hindered by regulatory uncertainty and changing gaming habits. While some players are cautious of the financial aspect of P2E games, new games are slowly improving game quality, appealing to those who value storytelling and high quality experiences. Local regulations also plays a part, Japan is embracing blockchain and growing the industry while China is imposing stricter rules on cryptocurrency trading limiting P2E gaming.

Crypto Gaming Future

The future of P2E gaming is looking good, more games and players are coming. New platforms and games are emerging every now and then, offering new ways to earn cryptocurrency and interact with digital assets. As blockchain technology advances, P2E games will continue to grow, with more features and better gaming experiences.

Conclusion

Play to earn games has opened a new frontier in gaming where players can earn real world rewards through their gaming. By using blockchain and NFTs, these games offers tangible benefits, disrupting the traditional gaming model. With many genres and platforms to choose from, there’s a P2E game for everyone, whether you want to battle monsters, trade digital cards or build virtual worlds.

Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Owen Skelton.