With the hype surrounding games like Axie Infinity and Star Atlas, many people have become interested in the play-to-earn game universe, with users earning to play.
The interest has caused gaming tokens, traded as NFTs, to appreciate exponentially. AXS, for example, went from US$ 0.59 to US$ 65.45 on August 14, an increase that surpassed currencies such as bitcoin and ethereum, which appreciated 36% and 226% over the period, respectively. On the other hand, Star Atlas’ AXN token jumped from US$ 0.00138 (launch value, in August) to US$ 0.1274 on September 13.
“It is undeniable the impact that blockchain, NFTs, and cryptoassets have on society. Many industries will still undergo adaptations, so we can still expect more technological innovations coming at high speed to transform the way we shop, sell, do business, and even how we have fun”, said NovaDax CEO Beibei Liu.
In addition to the rewards distributed to players, tokens are available for trading on exchanges, which means you don’t have to be a gamer to trade them.
After all, what is play to earn?
The concept of online gaming that we knew until then followed the “pay to earn” model, that is, to play, you had to pay (for items or even for the game itself). In the new modality, players have fun, make friends, and get paid for it.
However, play-to-earn games are not always free, as there is an initial investment to acquire the first tokens needed by players. For example, in the case of Axie Infinity, three tokens are required to start the game – and with the astronomical valuation, the prices have become too high for many new players.
As a result, the so-called Scholarship came to the scene, in which a player can play with the Axies of someone else who invested in the purchase, and earn a percentage for it. For the owners of the items, it is almost like a passive income system. For some players, fun has become a source of income and has replaced traditional employment.
This sector is on the rise. A recent report by InvestGame showed that in the first half of this year alone, the blockchain gaming market raised US$ 476 million. The study indicates that NFTs are the basis of this success, which ensures the authenticity and uniqueness of tokens.
In games, it is possible to buy and sell tokens and virtual lands, and other items.
What is the main play-to-earn games?
In addition to Axie Infinity (developed on the Ethereum blockchain) and Star Atlas (in Solana), other games also follow the same model.
Cryptopop
Similar to Candy Crush, the game uses Ethereum and Popcoin as currency. Players earn by trading them within the Trade, which is the game’s marketplace. In addition, gamers make bonuses by advancing through stages.
Illuvium
It is an RPG adventure game built on the Ethereum blockchain. Players need to capture monsters, form teams, and overcome opponents. Captured monsters can battle in the arenas or be sold to other participants.
Decentraland
In it, players can help develop the platform ecosystem and profit by selling the buildings in the game’s proprietary marketplace. Payment is made with the crypto MANA.
Upland
Similar to Decentraland, in the Upland universe, participants buy and sell virtual real estate.
REVV Racing
This is a racing game in which the cars are NFTs. Therefore, to participate in the competitions, you must have one of them.
My DeFi Pet
Collectible pets have personality, can evolve and battle, and are marketed among participants.
Faraland
War game in the RPG model takes place in the Faraland Universe, which has many different races such as humans, orcs, angels, demons, draconians, elves, and fairies. The characters and equipment are NFTs, which can be traded between players.
