Blockchain games (also known as crypto games or Web3 games) are a fairly recent gaming innovation. Rather than rewarding players with in-game currencies and items, these games reward players with actual cryptocurrency and NFTs. This essentially allows players to earn money by playing games!
There are already quite a few different blockchain games for players to choose from. This post takes a look at five of the most popular titles in the genre (the ‘blockbusters’ of blockchain gaming) and what these games involve.
How do blockchain games work
Blockchain games require you to have a crypto wallet set up. This allows you to accept crypto payments and NFTs. The games offer the option to buy tokens and NFTs – which is how they make their money. Transactions are all recorded on a super-secure digital ledger called a blockchain. By using a block explorer as a service you can check and confirm transactions.
The 5 biggest blockchain games
Axie Infinity
Inspired by Pokemon, Axie Infinity allows you to collect, breed and battle cute monsters called Axies. The thing that sets it apart is that each Axie is essentially an NFT that has real-world value. Some players have made a lot of money by breeding and selling rare Axies (although the 2022 crypto crash made this less lucrative). The updated version Axie Infinity: Origins meanwhile offers free starter Axies, so you no longer have to invest money up front to play. It is often regarded as one of the best blockchain games offering a lot of replayability and consistent updates.
Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is a free-to-play trading card game where you build decks and duel opponents (think Heartstone, but with a blockchain twist). Every card you collect is minted as an NFT. This has created a market outside the game for buying and selling Gods Unchained cards. Winning matches in the game meanwhile earns you real crypto in the form of GODS tokens. The game has built a loyal community, however some players have criticized it for being a little clunky.
Off The Grid
Produced by Gunzilla Games, Off The Grid is a cyberpunk battle royale game that allows you to win GUNZ crypto through gameplay. NFTs are also integrated into the game in the form of weapons, skins and in-game assets. Currently the game is still in its ‘beta’ phase, and there have been concerns over whether a full version will ever be released, however in its current form it is still a very easy game to get hooked on.
Decentraland
Decentraland could be better described as a social virtual reality platform. It’s kinda what Facebook’s Metaverse was aiming for, but it’s a decentralised version that has been built by the players. Based in the fictional world of Genesis City, players have the option to buy virtual real estate, invest in virtual clothing and attend virtual events with an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency called MANA. Digital land within the game appreciates in value just like real land, while celebrities like Paris Hilton and Deadmau5 have hosted exclusive concerts and fashion shows within the game.
The Sandbox
The Sandbox is a voxel-based world-building game that is similar to Minecraft but powered by a blockchain. User-generated content can be created, played and monetised using SAND tokens. The game has a large engaged community and has a vibe that feels similar to old MMORPGs. Major brands and celebrities like Snoop Dogg, The Walking Dead and Adidas have previously created partnerships leading to some interesting themed experiences within the game.
