Blockchain is revolutionizing many industries, and the gaming world is no exception. In this lesson, we’ll explain what blockchain is, how games built on this technology work, and the key differences between the traditional Play-to-Win model and the innovative Play-to-Earn approach. The content is presented in an easy-to-understand manner so that even someone new to cryptocurrencies can grasp these concepts.
What Is Blockchain?
Blockchain, also known as a digital ledger, is an innovative way to record and transfer transactions securely. Each transaction is stored in a “block,” and these blocks are linked together in a chain. This process ensures that:
- Data is transparent: Everyone can see the recorded information.
- Security is high: Changing data in one block would require altering all subsequent blocks, which is practically impossible.
Blockchain isn’t limited to finance—it’s also making waves in gaming and other industries.
Play-to-Win vs. Play-to-Earn
In gaming, two main models are emerging:
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Play-to-Win:
In this centralized model, all information about players, their progress, and achievements is stored on servers controlled by the game developers. Players often need to purchase items that enhance their characters, but they don’t have full control over their accounts or in-game assets. -
Play-to-Earn:
This decentralized model gives players complete control over their characters and assets. Here, you can earn digital assets like tokens and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) just by playing. These digital assets can later be exchanged for real money or used in other games. The Play-to-Earn model not only changes how you enjoy gaming but also introduces the possibility of earning real rewards.
Why Are Play-to-Earn Games Attractive?
Games built on blockchain technology offer several benefits for both players and creators:
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For Players:
- True Ownership: You gain full control over your in-game items and characters.
- Real Rewards: Tokens and NFTs earned during gameplay can have real-world value.
- Fair Play: Decentralization ensures that no one can manipulate the game results.
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For Creators:
- Higher Engagement: Innovative gameplay attracts more users and builds a vibrant community.
- New Opportunities: Integrating blockchain and NFTs opens up exciting possibilities for game design and the development of Metaverse concepts.
While the Play-to-Earn model is promising, it’s still in its early stages. It’s important to research who is behind a game, understand its economic model (tokenomics), and evaluate the incentives provided for holding or earning tokens.
Examples of Popular Play-to-Earn Games (May 2025)
Here are a few games that have successfully adopted the Play-to-Earn model:
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Pixels (PIXEL) – A browser-based farming MMO on the Ronin blockchain. Players cultivate plots, trade resources, and complete daily quests to earn PIXEL tokens and in-game “BERRY” rewards.
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Axie Infinity – The play-to-earn pioneer has regained momentum with new Homeland and Origins modes and a forthcoming MMO expansion, Atia’s Legacy. Rewards continue to be distributed in AXS and SLP, supplemented by a daily bounty board.
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Parallel TCG (PRIME) – A free-to-play, futuristic trading card game now in its open Season 15 beta. Ranked matches and official tournaments award PRIME tokens, which can be used to buy new cards or sold on secondary markets.
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Big Time (BIGTIME) – A cooperative action-RPG that drops NFT loot during gameplay. Weekly events and a battle pass grant both BIGTIME tokens and rare cosmetic skins for character customization.
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Treeverse (END) – A cross-platform MMORPG (iOS/Android/PC) built on Immutable’s zkEVM. Season 1 (27 April–18 May) distributed END, IMX, and MON tokens for quest completions and leaderboard performance.
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Pirate Nation (PIRATE) – A fully on-chain RPG on Arbitrum where you build ships, recruit crews, and compete in timed events. The recent “Deadman’s Heart” challenge offered a 1 million PIRATE token prize pool to top performers.
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Shrapnel (SHRAP) – A AAA-quality extraction shooter slated for a free launch at the end of 2025. Playtest participants earn SHRAP tokens and exclusive NFT weapon skins, which will be tradable in the post-launch marketplace.
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Aurory: Seekers of Tokane (AURY) – A roguelite monster-catching adventure on Solana and Arbitrum. Its April mobile release lets players earn AURY Shards through daily and weekly challenges, plus AURY tokens in PvP battles.
Summary
Blockchain technology is opening up exciting new possibilities in the world of gaming. Play-to-Earn games merge fun and the potential to earn real money, giving players full control over their assets and rewarding them with valuable tokens and NFTs. While the concept is still evolving, it’s clear that this model is reshaping the future of gaming and digital entertainment. As with any emerging technology, always do your research before investing time or money into a new game or platform.
