In today’s digital landscape, the gaming industry has become an arena where players expend significant amounts of time and money to progress. In most traditional games, despite players investing heavily, they need to possess the means to monetize their rewards or claim genuine ownership of them. This is where Play-to-Earn (P2E) and Non-Fungible Token (NFT) games come into the picture, bringing a whole new paradigm shift in the gaming industry.

Understanding NFTs and P2E Games

NFT games utilize blockchain technology, where in-game assets, such as player skins or items, are represented by Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). On the other hand, P2E games enable players to earn crypto as rewards for completing tasks, finishing levels, or winning games. While many games fall into both categories, it's important to note that a game can only be classified as an NFT and P2E game if it uses blockchain, offers in-game NFTs, and provides rewards in crypto.

The P2E Model: Addressing Core Issues

The innovative model of P2E games provides solutions to key challenges gamers have long faced. Firstly, it introduces a new sense of ownership. The assets purchased in the game are NFTs, meaning they are owned by the player on a blockchain and can be used outside the game. Additionally, P2E games open up new income opportunities, providing players with a unique method to earn in crypto.

Most Popular P2E Games

1. Tamadoge (TAMA)

Tamadoge is a crypto-based game that operates on a play-to-earn (P2E) model. In simpler terms, this game allows players to earn rewards, specifically TAMA tokens, as they play. The game, Super Doge, is reminiscent of classic platformers like Mario, where players navigate through levels, collect coins, and compete against others for leaderboard positions. Players need a Doge NFT (a kind of collectable digital asset) to earn rewards in TAMA tokens. These are available on a platform called OpenSea and come in three tiers: common, rare, and ultra-rare. Playing the game costs 1 TAMA token each time. TAMA tokens are interesting because they're limited in supply (only 2 billion exist). A certain percentage of them (5%) get "burned" (removed from circulation) whenever players purchase assets from the in-game pet store. This helps create scarcity and potentially increases the value of the remaining tokens over time.

2. RobotEra (TARO)

RobotEra is another P2E crypto game that provides players with opportunities to earn while exploring a virtual world. Within this world, players can acquire land, known as continents, and build structures or complete experiences akin to the popular game The Sandbox. Players can create robots and sell them in the marketplace for TARO tokens. TARO, an ERC-based token (a type of cryptocurrency), has a fixed supply of 1.8 billion and is currently available in the presale stages. As the stages advance, the price per token increases. This game empowers players with decision-making powers by using its token for governance, allowing them to influence the project's future development.

3. Chimpzee (CHMPZ)

Chimpzee is a unique project that combines play-to-earn mechanics with environmentally-conscious gameplay. Its primary game, the Zero Tolerance Game, is a set of tasks to stop destructive actions towards forests. By completing these tasks, players can earn CHMPZ tokens. Moreover, players can earn CHMPZ coins by buying Chimpzee gear and merchandise or trading in the NFT marketplace. The tokens can be bought at a lower price during the ongoing presale, divided into four stages.

4. Doge Rush

Doge Rush is a P2E project that combines meme culture with gaming. The central part of this project is DogeHub. On this platform, players can enjoy single-player games, collect coins, and earn rewards from Doge Rush's native token, $DR. Players can also use their $DR tokens to buy NFT skins and other collectables. A portion of these tokens (1 billion out of a total of 2 billion) is currently up for sale in a presale at $0.0055 per token, expected to rise significantly when the tokens are officially listed on exchanges.

5. Swords of Blood

Swords of Blood offers a distinct narrative-driven P2E gaming experience. The game is set in the fantasy world of Ezura, where players assume roles like warrior or battle mage, undertake quests and gather loot. This hack n' slash game allows players to create characters that suit their style by collecting powerful weapons, armour, and crafting items. The Swords of Blood project is headed by experienced professionals from the gaming industry and has the backing of prominent firms like Master Ventures and Magnus Capital. Its token, SWDTKN, is currently in the presale stage, and investors can receive different benefits based on their chosen tier.

6. Pikamoon (PIKA)

Pikamoon offers a unique blend of virtual exploration and battles with the benefit of earning crypto. The game allows players to inhabit the virtual world of Dreva, purchase unique digital collectables known as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and earn PIKA, the native cryptocurrency. Once you've acquired a Pikamoon NFT, it can be used in two different activities: exploration and battles. Exploration involves building land, collecting tokens, and discovering new Pikamoon creatures, while battles are combats against other players' avatars. There's also a marketplace to buy items like healing potions using PIKA tokens. Pikamoon employs a deflationary token model, burning 5% of tokens spent on the marketplace to create scarcity. The PIKA token has a supply of 50 billion, with 15 billion reserved for presale.

7. Lucky Block

This crypto-based ecosystem has recently unveiled a new casino and sportsbook with over 2,700 games and sports betting opportunities. The main draw of Lucky Block is its convenience and accessibility, with only an email and password needed to register and no cumbersome KYC process. It caters to a broad range of players, from casual gamers to high-stakes punters, and offers a 15% cashback on losses during the first week. Players can transfer funds using a crypto wallet or buy crypto using fiat through an on-ramp feature. The minimum deposit to play is just $1, with no fees or limits on deposits or withdrawals.

8. Decentraland (MANA)

In Decentraland, players own and create virtual worlds, earning the native token, MANA, in the process. Players buy LAND (plots in the Metaverse), which they can embellish with NFT assets to increase its value. LAND can also be rented out to other players. Some businesses, like Samsung, have even set up virtual stores on their LAND. Another way to earn in Decentraland is by capitalizing on the value increase of MANA itself.

9. Axie Infinity (AXS)

A popular platform for earning while playing, Axie Infinity lets players collect and mint NFTs, which represent digital pets called Axies. These Axies can be used for various activities, such as battles or treasure hunting. The game rewards victories with AXS tokens, which can be traded or used for in-game decisions. Axies can be bred, bought, and collected, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.

10. The Sandbox (SAND)

The Sandbox is another Metaverse game where players can build, own, and monetize their piece of virtual land (LAND). Like a digital sandbox, players can use their avatars to construct customized worlds on their LAND and rent it to other users. The platform's native token, SAND, can be earned through these activities or by creating and selling artwork in the marketplace. Players can also increase its value by improving its LAND and selling it for profit.

The Reward System in P2E Games

The source of the reward money in P2E games is varied. Some games demand new players to buy mandatory items to play. While this system gives players more money and advantage, it helps generate rewards. Other games require players to purchase a recurring membership, leaving the potential to earn money on in-game assets. Some free games use advertisements as a means to generate reward money.

Market Dynamics

Currently, the P2E market size stands at $3.2 billion. According to a report by Absolute Reports, it is predicted to reach $8.8 billion by 2028. This is small compared to the $195 billion worth of the global video game market as of 2021, begging the question - why does a game that rewards you have a smaller market size?

The Future of P2E Games

P2E games still have a long way to go. They must focus on enhancing the gaming experience to parallel popular games like Minecraft, Subway Surfer, and Counter-Strike. Additionally, they need to prioritize developing better graphics to make games visually appealing. The bottom line is the games need to be fun and engaging before they can be anything else.

Conclusion

Play-to-Earn games represent a fascinating evolution in the gaming industry, combining digital ownership, monetary incentives, and blockchain technology. While they face challenges, their potential for reshaping the gaming landscape is significant.