The trajectory of video games has been marked by notable evolution, culminating in the integration of blockchain technology, which has revolutionized the way games are played and monetized. Blockchain-based games, often called “play-to-earn” games, have emerged as a profitable niche, allowing players to make real monetary gains. This new category of play-to-earn (P2E) games has established itself as a fundamental pillar in the cryptocurrency space, offering players the chance to accumulate rewards through gameplay, achieving objectives or completing specific missions.
The rewards, which vary between tokens and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), carry real value and can be exchanged for other cryptos or converted into conventional currency through specialized cryptocurrency exchanges. Players have a wide range of games to explore, from pet adventures to immersive 3D metaverse experiences and fitness-focused games. The use of the rewards obtained is at the player's discretion.
This document will introduce some of the games based on blockchain most profitable titles available in 2023, ranging from established titles with solid ecosystems to new releases that offer the opportunity to stand out in this expanding space.
In this article, we will discuss:
What are cryptocurrency games?
The concept of virtual currency in games is not new, but the adoption of blockchain technology has opened new doors for developers in the blockchain-based gaming industry, allowing them to incorporate real-world economic elements into their titles.
By engaging and progressing in these games, players have the opportunity to acquire digital assets, such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies, which become their beneficial property.
These digital assets can be exchanged for stablecoins through cryptocurrency exchanges, whether centralized or decentralized, and subsequently traded on online platforms or converted directly into fiat currency.
How do cryptocurrency games work?
Currently, blockchain technology is present in several sectors and the digital gaming industry is no exception. Its influence in this domain is so significant that many consider gaming to be one of the first and most relevant practical applications of blockchain.
To understand blockchain-based games, one can compare them to any traditional video game ever experienced. Conventional gaming platforms centralize the experience, confining the use of players' earnings, whether in the form of coins or experience points (XP), to the environment of that particular game.
In contrast, blockchain-based games operate in a decentralized manner, granting players genuine ownership of their game data. These can be transferred between different games or blockchain networks, allowing the sale or exchange of these assets on public Marketplaces.
In general, blockchain-based games are classified into completely decentralized and hybrid models.
In completely decentralized models, the game operates exclusively on the blockchain, preventing developers from making changes without community consensus. Hybrid models, in turn, work on centralized servers for gameplay, but enable trading of game assets in a decentralized market.
The 15 Best Games to Earn Cryptocurrencies? 15 options to profit!
1.The Sandbox
Started in 2012 as a gaming platform for iOS, Android and Windows, The Sandbox evolved into the blockchain universe after being acquired by Animoca Brands in 2018. This virtual environment encourages the creative expression of users, whose creations continually enrich The Sandbox multiverse .
Taking inspiration from hits like Minecraft and Roblox, The Sandbox aims to transfer autonomy and ownership to users, as opposed to developers. Through the use of NFTs, users are able to own and monetize their works, encouraging them to actively contribute to the game ecosystem.
In Sandbox, users can design in-game objects using the VoxEdit tool, to later sell them on the game's marketplace. Three specific tokens facilitate this trading: SAND, an ERC-20 token that serves as the ecosystem's main currency, LAND, NFTs that symbolize player-purchasable and developable digital land, and ASSETS, player-created ERC-1155 tokens that can be traded on the marketplace, representing user-generated content.
Recently, LAND's sales expansion, exemplified by the BharatVerse sweepstakes, highlights continued growth and community engagement. With an increasing focus on social interaction, event features, and expression through avatars, The Sandbox is moving toward a more community-driven experience. The diversification of user-generated content, as seen in Game Maker, offers a wide range of interactive experiences and games. These innovations underscore The Sandbox's commitment to fostering a dynamic, creative and community-based virtual environment.
SAND tokens can be purchased on several exchanges, including Binance, which offers a 20% discount on trading fees. To buy LAND, you must first purchase SAND and participate in one of the pre-sales on the game platform.
2. Splinterlands
Splinterlands stands out as a strategic collectible card game where each card is a unique NFT.
Although it is possible to play Splinterlands free of charge, access to resources play-to-earn requires a modest initial investment. Unlike Axie Infinity, the cost of entry is affordable; It is necessary to purchase a Summoner's Book for approximately US$10. With this, the player is able to earn rewards, participate in tournaments and trade cards in the market.
When competing in ranked battles in Splinterlands, players accumulate DEC tokens (Dark Energy Crystals), with the amount varying depending on the league, winning streak, card choice and number of players involved in the battle. At the time of writing, DEC tokens are worth around $0,0007, allowing players a significant return for their time invested.
In addition to DEC, players can obtain Splinterlands credits, which can be used exclusively within the game to purchase packs, cards and other items. The profitable potential increases in the NFTs market; Rarer cards tend to be more valuable. These can be sold or exchanged on several NFT marketplaces, including OpenSea.
Holding Splinterlands NFTs also generates SPS tokens, the game's governance token. The quantity and rarity of NFTs directly influence the amount of SPS received. Currently, SPS tokens are priced at approximately US$0,015 and can be sold or used in Staking for additional income.
3. The Six Dragons
Enjin has quickly established itself as an essential meeting point for blockchain-based game developers, fostering an ecosystem of tools designed to foster the creation of complex virtual economies using blockchain technology. The platform offers resources for the development of blockchain games, the issuance of specific tokens for these games, and provides digital wallet and marketplace services. Enjin Coin (ENJ), an ERC-20 token, is the basis that supports gaming assets created on the platform, facilitating their free trading.
Among Enjin's standout titles is The Six Dragons, an open-world RPG with a fantasy theme. This game features an expansive 256 km² universe, allowing players to face epic challenges, harvest materials, forge more than 300 unique items, and trade these items with other players, as well as enhance their equipment with powerful enchantments.
The Six Dragons prioritizes user autonomy, positioning itself as a truly decentralized game, following the principles of blockchain. Although the fantasy theme is common in both conventional and blockchain-based games, The Six Dragons stands out for its visual quality and the freedom it offers players to explore the game world and trade a wide range of items.
The ability to design and manufacture items, which can be used or sold, is acquired by players as they engage with the game, promoting active participation and development of the ecosystem. For those interested in acquiring Enjin Coin for use in the game, Binance appears as an advantageous option, although other exchanges also support the token.
The Six Dragons recently implemented features that further integrate blockchain technology into the game, enriching the user experience. Among the main advances are:
Jumpnet Integration: Benefits the game economy with minimal transfer fees, rewarding Governance NFT holders with weekly income and facilitating the exchange of new tokens (eTSDT and gTSDT).
- New in the Game: Inclusion of activities such as hunting and a cooking station in villages, offering temporary improvements to players.
- Equipment Durability: Introduction of a system where weapons and armor suffer wear after use in battles, requiring repairs based on their level and rarity.
- Renovation of Villages and Missions: Aesthetic update of villages, each reflecting its location in the game world, accompanied by new narrative missions that encourage exploration.
4. Star Atlas
Star Atlas is an ambitious proposal in the blockchain gaming universe, positioning itself as a next-generation metaverse developed on the Solana network. Although the full version of the game is still in development, mini-games have already been released, allowing players to begin setting up their profiles, choosing factions, and trading ships and equipment in the form of NFTs on the marketplace, in addition to carrying out preliminary space exploration.
This project aspires to be more than a simple gaming metaverse; aims to create a virtual and immersive solar system, with a complex economy and multidimensional play-to-earn functionalities. The potential of Star Atlas is so vast that a full analysis exceeds the possibilities of this summary, but additional details can be found in a dedicated analysis of the project.
In the Star Atlas ecosystem, two tokens stand out: ATLAS, the game currency, and POLIS, a governance token. Both are available for trading on OKX, among other exchanges.
5. God's Unchained
In the world of blockchain-based games, Gods Unchained stands out as a play-to-earn collectible card title that incorporates elements of NFTs into its gameplay. Under the leadership of a former director of Magic: The Gathering Arena, the game offers a battle experience using a custom deck, similar to the dynamics of MTG.
To enter this world, interested parties must register and download the game free of charge through its official website. A detailed tutorial teaches the rules and offers a starter set of 85 cards, allowing new players to build their decks.
Monetization in Gods Unchained is made possible by selling cards in the form of NFTs on the game's internal market. The price of each card varies, mainly influenced by its rarity.
Gods Unchained introduces its own virtual currency, the GODS token, priced at US$0,3. Players can accumulate GODS tokens by completing matches and can increase their balance through Staking.
6. Sorare
The passion for collecting football cards and the dedication to fantasy football find a new playing field in Sorare, a platform that combines both in a blockchain environment, where digital collectible cards reach surprising values.
Users create their teams with five players, acquiring cards through auctions on the Sorare market or trading with other participants. Card value reflects players' real-life performance and exclusivity, with each player only having one unique card per season. For example, an exclusive Kylian Mbappe card was traded for more than €55.000.
Fantasy team scoring is based on the actual performance of the chosen players. It is possible to earn additional cards or ETH rewards depending on the team's success. ETH serves as the game's main currency, although users can also use fiat currencies for funding.
Blockchain technology ensures the authenticity of letters and offers a complete transaction history, ensuring transparency and security in negotiations. While some cards fetch high prices, there are more affordable alternatives for beginners.
In addition to football, Sorare has expanded to include the NBA and MLB, demonstrating its commitment to innovating in the fantasy sports segment through digital collectibles. Enthusiasts can continue building their dream teams, collecting and managing digital player cards, and participating in competitions that mirror athletes' real-world performance.
7. Big Time
Big Time positions itself on the multiplayer action RPG scene as an innovative proposal that combines agile combat with adventures across time and space. The game's economy is driven by the $BIGTIME token, which becomes essential for various transactions and mechanics within the game, including the creation and improvement of collectible weapons using $BIGTIME along with other materials. This feature introduces an additional layer of strategy and customization, enriching the players' experience.
Recently, the game expanded its universe with the launch of new adventure missions, offering new challenges and additional content. The possibility for players to rent Workshops and SPACE adds a strategic economic dimension, while Prestige Portals launch special missions, raising the level of challenge and rewards.
The platform encourages community interaction through an invitation system, using the Open Loot code, allowing players to climb the $BIGTIME rankings and obtain prizes. Exploring Mystery Boxes, containing items for crafting, complements the gameplay. These advances reflect Big Time Studios' commitment to constantly evolving, consolidating its position as a relevant title in the universe of blockchain-based games.
8.Valhalla
Valhalla represents one of the Floki Inu team's first and most ambitious forays into the metaverse, offering players a vast world for exploration and combat. Crossing extensive territories, users face monsters and obtain FLOKI tokens as a reward, in addition to being able to trade NFTs in the game's internal market.
Valhalla's combat system is distinguished by requiring a strategic approach, resembling chess moves, thus differentiating itself from the direct action dynamics present in many games. The free-to-play structure invites players to try the game with no upfront costs.
Advantages: Free access and an economy integrated with the popular Floki Inu token.
Disadvantages: The visual and mechanical aspects may not meet the expectations of traditional combat action enthusiasts.
9.Illuvium
Illuvium, an Interoperable Blockchain Game (IBG), ushers in a new era in cryptocurrency gaming, featuring a diverse gaming ecosystem that includes open-world exploration, city building, and PvP auto-battles, all on the Ethereum network. The project offers players an immersive science fiction narrative, spread across seven exotic alien environments, where it is possible to capture Illuvials, mine resources and develop a civilization.
“Illuvium Overworld” invites players to explore and collect creatures, while “Illuvium Zero” proposes a city management and construction experience. “Illuvium Arena” features a PvP automatic battle environment, introducing an element of competitiveness to the game.
A revolutionary aspect of Illuvium is the guarantee of players' absolute ownership of their digital assets, thanks to blockchain technology. Every captured Illuvial, forged weapon, or acquired item is the player's verifiable property, securely stored in their Ethereum wallet, and tradable through IlluviDEX, the game's internal marketplace.
Recent additions include early access to new game elements and the availability of limited promotional D1SKs, demonstrating Illuvium's continued commitment to enriching its gaming universe and user experience with innovations in the integration of blockchain technology.
10. Aavegotchi
For enthusiasts who have a special affection for Tamagotchis, Aavegotchi offers a nostalgic experience, reinvented in the digital age. It is an NFT collectibles game, developed on the Ethereum blockchain, where each Aavegotchi represents a unique digital avatar, characterized by exclusive attributes.
Getting started in this universe requires the acquisition of an Aavegotchi, available for purchase directly on the market or through a portal that presents ten Aavegotchis for selection. The Aavegotchi ecosystem uses the GHST token as its native currency.
The journey with Aavegotchi involves increasing its rarity score, which can be accomplished by equipping the avatar with accessories and improving its experience points (XP) and affinity levels through regular interactions.
In the monetary aspect, Aavegotchi integrates into the universe of decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling players to obtain income through Staking of crypto assets. Additionally, there is the option to sell Aavegotchis and NFT Portals on the market. A land cultivation mechanism to obtain tokens is also being developed, enriching the possibilities for engagement and earnings within the game.
11. Undead Blocks
Undead Blocks positions itself as a standout in the cryptocurrency gaming scene, being an innovative multiplayer zombie survival game that captured the public's attention in December 2023. Operating on the Ethereum blockchain, it distinguishes itself as the first of its kind to adopt the “kill to win” model in a multiplayer context, offering an action-packed first-person shooter (FPS) experience against hordes of zombies.
At the heart of Undead Blocks, cryptographic mechanics are intertwined with gameplay through the in-game currency, ZBUX. With it, players acquire exclusive weapons and skins, enriching immersion and game strategies. Furthermore, the use of NFTs for weapons allows for advanced customization of equipment, optimizing attributes such as damage, ammunition capacity and accuracy.
The introduction of a soft launch phase marks a significant step forward for Undead Blocks, enhancing the zombie-fighting experience in multiplayer. Compatibility with multiple game controllers is a highlight, allowing users to choose between keyboard and mouse or traditional controllers, depending on preference.
The “play to earn” economic model is a notable feature, allowing players to obtain Gold ZBUX through specific NFTs, which can be converted into cryptocurrencies. The recognition and support of renowned partners, such as Animoca Brands, underlines the potential for Undead Blocks to gain a foothold among both cryptocurrency enthusiasts and the general gaming public.
12.Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds establishes itself as a “play to earn” strategy game that interacts with multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, WAX and BNB. Centered on the Trilium currency (TLM), the game challenges participants to compete for scarce resources, exploring the mining of NFTs and in-game tokens.
To enter the game, you need to register, choose an avatar and username, select a planet and a mining area. Initially, players start with a basic tool, a shovel, but can obtain additional equipment in the form of NFTs to increase the rewards obtained from mining.
An interesting feature is the possibility for players to stake their TLM tokens on specific planets, improving mining rewards for all users on that planet. TLM is also essential to participate in game governance and development decisions.
At the time of last analysis, TLM was trading at approximately US$0,01, marking a significant decline in value from its historic peak of US$6. However, Alien Worlds maintains an active and engaged base, with over 200 reported daily players by DappRadar, highlighting its continued popularity and attraction in the blockchain-based gaming space.
13. 9Lives Arena
9Lives Arena stands out as a 1v1 fantasy PvP game in testing, developed under the Enjin platform, that offers a unique experience with an emphasis on practice, preparation and the ultimate consequence of permadeath. In this scenario, each warrior is endowed with nine lives, losing one with each defeat. After the ninth defeat, only the warrior's statistics are preserved, immortalized in a statue, while the player finds himself tasked with preparing a new champion for the arena.
Players begin their journey by choosing between different classes of warriors, including Vikings, Gladiators, Samurai, among others, with extensive freedom for customization. This customization ranges from weapons and appearances (skins) to skills, which can be acquired and improved by winning battles, unlocking even more rewards. Furthermore, the warriors have the assistance of a companion named Ooogy, who assists in training and exploring the ruins of ancient Atlantis. Outstanding warriors have the opportunity to forge their own weapons, which can be traded or traded with other players.
14. Decentral and
In the universe of blockchain-based virtual worlds, Decentraland emerges as one of the leading platforms, alongside its competitor, The Sandbox. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Decentraland allows users to acquire land, known as LAND, to develop and monetize according to their preferences.
The metaverse is segmented into a limited number of LAND parcels, each represented by an ERC-721 NFT. The currency used within the game is MANA, an ERC-20 token that facilitates the purchase of LAND and its subsequent customization.
Composed of 90.601 individual LAND parcels, each measuring 100 square meters, Decentraland offers users complete freedom of development, although many areas are organized into themed districts that emerged from collective sales of MANA tokens, with these districts being non-transferable ownership of their original buyers.
Operating as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), Decentraland gives MANA token holders decision-making power over the governance and administration of the metaverse. MANA can be purchased by gambling or through cryptocurrency exchanges, with Binance offering the best liquidity.
Decentraland resembles real-life dynamics, allowing LAND owners to explore possibilities such as selling advertising space, leasing digital space, or creating paid experiences – opportunities often inaccessible outside the metaverse. Recent innovations on the platform include the introduction of SDK 7, optimizing usability, performance and portability for creators, as well as Smart Wearables, which provide new experiences for avatars. These updates underline Decentraland's commitment to innovation and empowering its users, reinforcing its position as an influential player in the virtual worlds landscape.
15. Blankos Block Party
Blankos Block Party emerges as a vibrant multiplayer universe that uniquely merges gameplay, collection and design. Launching in early access for PC and macOS in December 2023, the game solidifies its position as a virtual entertainment platform where participants engage in a variety of social activities and games.
Integration with the world of cryptocurrencies occurs through the adoption of Blankos as collectible digital assets. These characters, in addition to being customizable, have attributes that make them unique and rare, and their ownership is verifiable through blockchain technology, which ensures both the authenticity and security of the items.
In addition to collecting, Blankos Block Party encourages creative expression from players by allowing them to design and share their own game levels. This functionality democratizes content creation, enabling users to create intricate maps to create exclusive spaces for parties, promoting intense community interaction.
Recently, the game has emphasized expanding its social features, particularly through Junction, a space where players can gather, show off their Blankos, face challenges and socialize. This fusion of social, creative and collecting elements establishes Blankos Block Party as a pioneer in the blockchain-based gaming space, offering an innovative and captivating experience to a global audience.
Conclusion: The Best Games to Earn Cryptocurrencies in 2024? 15 options to profit!
After exploring 15 diverse options, it reveals a vibrant and innovative panorama at the intersection of entertainment and digital finance. These games, ranging from epic open-world adventures to combat arenas and virtual life simulations, demonstrate the growing fusion between the gaming industry and the cryptocurrency ecosystem, offering players the chance to not only have fun but also profit. .
The titles covered illustrate a trend towards the massive adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets, transforming the way we perceive and interact with online games. From collecting and trading NFTs to staking tokens for rewards, the possibilities for engagement and monetization are vast and varied, catering to a wide range of player preferences and skills.
In addition to economic potential, these games foster vibrant communities, encourage creativity, and offer immersive experiences that challenge traditional gameplay conventions. Not only do they represent a new era in digital entertainment, they also highlight the growing role of cryptocurrencies in everyday life, offering a glimpse of future innovations in areas other than gaming.
FAQ
What is the Distinction between Cryptographic Games and Traditional Games?
Cryptocurrency-based games incorporate blockchain technology to offer distinctive features such as genuine ownership of in-game assets and decentralized economies. In contrast to conventional games, in which items remain in the possession of the game's creators, cryptographic games employ blockchain to give players effective ownership of their digital assets. Such an approach not only enriches the gaming experience, but also allows players the freedom to market, sell or apply their game items across multiple platforms.
Are cryptocurrency games safe and how can I ensure the safety of my crypto assets within the game?
Security is a fundamental aspect in blockchain-based games. The most reputable games in this category use blockchain to secure transactions and assets through smart contracts. However, it is vital that players adopt additional security measures, such as using hardware wallets and other reliable digital wallets for storing crypto assets. It is equally important to avoid sharing sensitive information such as private keys. Choosing games that have a transparent team of developers and an active community can also help ensure a safe gaming experience.
How do I monetize my gaming experience in cryptocurrency games?
There are multiple ways to monetize the crypto gaming experience. Players have the opportunity to acquire crypto assets by participating in in-game activities, completing missions or creating and trading unique in-game items. Before participating in any financial transactions in the gaming environment, it is recommended to conduct a detailed analysis of the economic dynamics of the game, the value of digital assets and the credibility of the markets or platforms involved in exchanging these assets.
