GameFi is a mix of gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi). Games in this sector run on blockchain technology, which means everything — from your character’s outfit to your in-game land — can be owned, traded, and sold by players using crypto.
Players earn rewards in the form of:
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Tokens (cryptocurrencies)
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NFTs (unique in-game assets)
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Virtual real estate, avatars, or tools
These rewards can often be exchanged for real-world money. It’s all possible thanks to the Play-to-Earn (P2E) model, which flips the traditional pay-to-win formula on its head.
What is Play-to-Earn?
In traditional games, players often spend money to unlock content, buy gear, or boost progress. But in Play-to-Earn, you get paid — in crypto — for your achievements in the game.
You might:
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Win tokens for defeating enemies
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Collect and sell rare NFT items
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Rent out your land or character to other players for passive income
Of course, earning in GameFi isn’t just about luck — it takes strategy, consistency, and skill. Some games require completing quests, battling others, or building complex structures to earn real rewards.
Why is GameFi a Big Deal?
Before GameFi, most games were built on centralized servers — which meant developers could shut down the game at any time. Players never really owned their assets. Even after spending money on gear or characters, you couldn’t do anything with them outside the game.
GameFi changes that. Because it runs on blockchain, players can:
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Truly own their in-game items
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Trade them freely
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Convert digital rewards into real income
This isn’t just exciting for gamers — it’s also attracting investors, creators, and crypto enthusiasts who see the potential of merging finance and entertainment.
How GameFi Works
Each GameFi project has its own economy, but they usually include:
NFTs
NFTs represent in-game assets like characters, skins, weapons, and land. These can be bought, sold, and traded on marketplaces for real crypto.
DeFi
Many GameFi platforms offer DeFi features — like staking, lending, or renting assets — that let players earn passive income even when they’re not actively playing.
For example:
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In Decentraland or The Sandbox, you can rent out your virtual land.
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Some players lend their NFT characters to others and earn a share of the profits.
Getting Started with GameFi
Feeling ready to dive in? Here’s how to begin:
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Create a crypto wallet
Choose a wallet that’s compatible with the game you want to try (e.g. MetaMask or Phantom). -
Add funds
You’ll need some crypto (usually ETH, MATIC, or SOL) to start, depending on the game. -
Buy game assets (if needed)
Some games are free-to-play, while others require buying NFTs to start (for example, Axie Infinity requires three Axies to begin playing). -
Start playing and earning
Once you’re in, the rewards depend on your time, strategy, and the game’s design.
Most Popular GameFi Projects (as of October 17, 2025)
1. Illuvium (ILV)
A graphical masterpiece and one of the most anticipated AAA games in the crypto world, which has now fully spread its wings. It’s an open-world RPG where you travel across an alien planet, capture powerful creatures (Illuvials), and battle them in an arena. The combination of Pokémon-style exploration with tactical auto-battler combat and cinematic-quality graphics has attracted legions of players from the traditional market.
2. Star Atlas (ATLAS)
An ambitious large-scale space opera set on the Solana blockchain. Star Atlas is an MMO strategy game where players join one of three factions, explore the galaxy, battle in spaceships, and colonize planets. The project stands out with its stunning graphics on Unreal Engine 5 and a complex, player-driven economy, making it one of the most immersive experiences in GameFi.
3. Shrapnel (SHRAP)
A AAA first-person shooter (FPS) that has redefined the concept of in-game ownership. Players fight for survival in a contaminated zone, collecting valuable resources while trying to reach an extraction point. A key element here is the ability to create and monetize your own maps, skins, and game modes, which has attracted a huge community of creative players and streamers.
4. Axie Infinity (AXS)
A veteran of the genre that has undergone a massive evolution. Although no longer as dominant as it once was, Axie Infinity remains at the forefront thanks to its expanded universe. Breeding and battling Axie creatures has been enriched with new modes, including building a kingdom on virtual land plots (Homeland) and a strategic card game (Origins) that has gained recognition on the esports scene.
5. The Sandbox (SAND)
A leading decentralized metaverse where creativity reigns. It’s a digital world built from blocks where users buy virtual plots of land (LAND) and create their own games, concerts, and interactive experiences on them. The strength of The Sandbox lies in its numerous partnerships with global brands and celebrities (including Snoop Dogg and Gucci), making the platform a vibrant hub of Web3 culture.
6. Guild of Guardians (GOG)
A mobile RPG that has successfully conquered the mass market. In Guild of Guardians, you form a team of heroes, traverse dungeons, and fight monsters to earn valuable loot in the form of NFTs. The game is designed for mobile devices and places a strong emphasis on guild gameplay, which fosters the building of strong communities.
7. Big Time (BIGTIME)
A dynamic, multiplayer action RPG with a Free-to-Play model. In Big Time, you travel through time with a team of friends, fighting in diverse historical and futuristic locations. The game has achieved success by eliminating the entry barrier—everyone can play for free, and earning is based on acquiring and trading rare cosmetic items (NFTs).
8. Parallel (PRIME)
A sci-fi trading card game that has won acclaim for its tactical depth and fantastic artistic design. Players build decks representing one of five human factions and battle for control of Earth. True ownership of cards as NFTs and a thriving secondary market have attracted many fans of the TCG genre looking for an alternative to traditional titles.
What’s Next for GameFi?
The future looks strong. Reports from DappRadar and Blockchain Game Alliance show that over $1 billion was invested in blockchain games in 2022 — and the momentum hasn’t slowed down.
Even traditional gaming companies like Blizzard and Atari are exploring Web3 opportunities. Meanwhile, flagship projects like Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Axie Infinity have reached multi-million dollar valuations.
With over 3 billion gamers worldwide, many of whom would love to earn from their skills and time, GameFi has a massive potential user base.
Summary
GameFi is more than just a trend — it’s a shift in how people see gaming. For the first time, players can truly own their progress, earn real rewards, and participate in decentralized economies.
As metaverse adoption grows and blockchain tech becomes more user-friendly, expect more projects to appear — blending gaming, investing, and social connection in ways we’ve never seen before.
