Whether it is settling in front of a personalized gaming setup, switching on a console, or reaching for a mobile device, many of us choose gaming as a way to relax and have fun. The idea of being paid to play games is something that many can only dream of, but the reality is that many of us could be earning while we play.
As far as careers go, professional gaming is up there with becoming a professional athlete and needs a lot of natural ability, dedication, and the willingness to sacrifice other aspects of your life.
However, P2E (play-to-earn) games are something that anyone can do, and it can be a fun way to make some extra money.
What is P2E Gaming?
Many P2E games make use of blockchain technology to provide players with incentives for completing certain tasks in a game.
Cryptocurrency expert Phakphum explains that P2E gaming is rapidly becoming one of the main stories in Crypto News. Thailand is just one of many nations embracing this new gaming option as technology continues to develop, as will the options available to gamers.
Digital assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs can be earned and traded for in-game currencies or fiat currencies in external marketplaces.
This exciting development has revolutionized the gaming world and uses blockchain technology to create decentralized environments that allow assets to be earned. They rely on community governance rather than a central authority and players can earn crypto through the completion of predefined tasks or NFTs that can represent weapons, characters, and more.
How Does P2E Gaming Work?
Games are designed so the actions that players make benefit the group, much like the gamification of an assembly line. Real-world value can be created by players who create their own markets, with the following mechanics crucial to their success.
Tokenization
The tokenization of in-game assets adds an additional level of value that can be transferred beyond the game itself. By transforming them into NFTs (non-fungible tokens), the user can create a unique asset that they have ownership of.
The individuality and rarity of these items can also increase their value alongside their usefulness in the gaming arena.
Economic Ecosystems
The economic ecosystem is sometimes backed by native cryptocurrencies that make transactions within the game easier. Over time, the ecosystem in the game’s universe grows and creates a place where players can begin trading their tokenized assets.
Earnings
Earnings in P2E games are linked to gameplay, and different games have different ways for players to earn cryptocurrencies, tokens, NFTs, or other in-game items.
These rewards can help to elevate gameplay or be traded, creating real-world worth.
Blockchain Verification
Blockchain technology upholds the security and integrity of the game, recording every transaction to ensure fraudulent activities can’t be carried out. By ensuring dishonest practices can’t be conducted during the game, it helps to maintain value.
Exchanges
Integrated exchanges and marketplaces make it easy for players to list their digital assets for sale in a safe and secure environment. In-game marketplaces will typically use a native cryptocurrency but may also be compatible with others.
The rarity or functionality of assets drives their value, with players able to make decent money on the secondary market.
P2E Games
There are games to suit all types of players including role-playing games where players adopt the persona of a character to engage in various adventures.
Strategy games are an excellent option for tactical gamers who like to engage their brain when creating armies, kingdoms, and civilizations. Sports, racing, adventure, and exploration games are all exciting ways to immerse yourself in the gaming experience, earning along the way as you progress through different levels.
NFT and collectible card games allow players to get creative and enjoy the excitement of discovering rare and tradable assets.
Below you will find some of the most popular P2E games on the market at the moment, but there are far more available.
Polywin
Polywin blends the world of gaming with crypto trading to create a fast-paced gaming environment where players face off against each other with the winner taking the spoils.
Shiba Shootout
Shiba Shootout is a Western-style game where players compete in duals and feats of accuracy. Players that are fastest on the draw will be victorious and its variety of landscapes, great graphics, and fun atmosphere make it a favorite among consumers.
Players can use $SHIBASHOOT tokens to purchase Lasso Lottery tickets with the chance of winning crypto prizes.
Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity is an excellent option for Pokemon fans as players breed and train their creatures (Axies) that are then used to battle. Axies can be acquired in the game’s marketplace, while the opportunity to mint in-game real estate as NFTs provides greater value.
The game uses AXS (Axie Infinity Shards as its primary token, but also accepts other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for purchases. Gamers who complete certain quests or win competitions can earn SLP (Small Love Potion) tokens.
CryptoKitties
CryptoKitties is a simple option for cat lovers that sees players breed and collect NFT-based digital cats. The value of the NFTs is determined by the rarity or unique features of the cat.
Decentraland
Decentraland, named after the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, is a game where players can roam different areas, create scenes and artworks, and trade digital assets that include the clothes their avatar wears and land.
The game runs on Ethereum’s blockchain and features NFTs and in-game cryptocurrency.
The Future of P2E Gaming
P2E games are a product of their age, made possible by the technologies that make cryptocurrency and mobile gaming so accessible. As these technologies develop, so will the capabilities of P2E games. This makes it an exciting time for developers and consumers.
Decentralization is key to its appeal, giving power to players and making it possible for people to earn significant sums from some games.
One thing that could damage games in the long term is if players decide to cash out their assets rather than reinvest in the game. Ensuring players remain active and interested is something that developers will need to work on.