Top 5 Play-to-Earn Games 2024: Earn Crypto by Playing These Games

Play-to-earn (P2E) games allow gamers to own in-game items and earn cryptocurrencies that can be transferred outside the game. When Axie Infinity – one of the most popular P2E games – was at its peak, gamers in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries were earning a full salary playing this play-to-earn game, making it easier to support their families in the midst of a pandemic. Since 2021, the play-to-earn sector has cooled along with the crypto market as a whole, but on the cusp of a likely new bull market, blockchain games are also evolving at an accelerated pace, bringing new players onto the scene. So, which games hold the most promise in 2024?

Play-to-Earn Games

In traditional video games, in-game items are usually stored in closed data networks. They are considered the property of the game developers, and each reward is useless outside of the game. Play-to-earn games, however, allow players to own items within games (enabled by NFT technology) and to earn cryptocurrency.

Of course, people have been earning money by playing video games for years through methods such as gold farming and unregulated in-game item trading. However, the rise of blockchain and NFT technology has revolutionized this concept. NFTs are unique digital tokens that establish ownership over digital content, such as artwork or music. They enable players to own in-game assets, such as virtual clothing or land, in the gaming sector. This contrasts with traditional games, where in-game items are limited to the game’s servers and are owned by the game developers. NFTs allow players actually to own the digital items they purchase and have the freedom to trade them outside the game platform, an option not available in conventional games.

These in-game NFTs can be exchanged and sold for real currency on the various NFT marketplaces, thus gaining value due to their limited availability. In standard games, the motivation to play is primarily for enjoyment. The financial gain is limited to professional esports athletes or popular streamers. By contrast, blockchain games allow all players to earn real money. Blockchain technology enables global transactions. It allows players from any location or environment to transfer value and potentially earn cryptocurrencies by playing games.

How Do Play-to-Earn Games Work?

GameFi, a 300 Billion Industry

The online games industry, worth more than 300 billion dollars, has grown rapidly, overtaking the music and film industries. It has welcomed more than 500 million new players in the last three years, and participation in online games is growing steadily. This surge in popularity, partly caused by an international curfew during the pandemic, has led to a significant revenue increase. The global number of gamers has consequently risen to 1.5 billion.

What blockchain games bring to the table:

• Ownership of Digital Assets: Through blockchain technology, players have actual ownership over in-game assets (such as characters, equipment, land, etc.). These assets are often represented as NFTs, making them unique and tradable.

• Economic Incentives: Players can earn cryptocurrency or NFT tokens by playing the game. Also by completing tasks, winning battles, or trading in-game assets. This creates a direct economic incentive to play.

• Decentralization: Unlike traditional games, play-to-earn (P2E) games are often decentralized, meaning they are not controlled by a single entity. This can lead to a more democratic and transparent development and management of games.

• Interoperability: Due to the common underlying blockchain infrastructure, assets from one game can sometimes be used or traded in another game.

OK, enough chitchat, let’s get down to what you came for – the list of the top P2E games for 2024:

1. Nakamoto Games

The first choice is not surprising, as it is now considered the hottest P2E platform in the crypto world. Founded in December 2020 by Chawalit Rugsasri, Nakamoto Games offers an environment where you can play and earn in over 200 games with its collection of hypertime games. The platform operates on the Polygon network and includes both its own creations, such as Night Warriors and Spooky games, as well as games from external developers. So, it provides players with a variety of options. Some games on the platform have tournaments where players can win prizes. In addition, independent game developers can upload their games to Nakamoto to earn royalties every time their games are played.

The platform frequently releases new games to monetize, providing players with a constant flow of fresh options while maintaining a dynamic and exciting gaming environment. In addition to its own releases, Nakamoto Games encourages third-party developers to integrate their games using the platform’s SDK. It further increases the variety of games available. With the successful launch of the main network, Nakamoto Games has gained more than 200,000 registered players, marking a significant milestone in its growth and reach in the gaming community.

Why is Nakamoto Games a good choice?

• Offers more than 200 different play-to-earn games
• Focused on attracting both players and game developers
• The original NAKA token has become a very popular investment in the crypto space
• Offers players the opportunity to earn cryptocurrencies for their gaming skills and dedication
• In November 2023, they partnered with the Telegram

Native token: NAKA

Where can I buy NAKA?

NAKA is currently only available on KuCoin from the major crypto exchanges but can also be exchanged on the decentralized exchange (DEX) Uniswap.

2. Axie Infinity

Now to the most popular game of 2021. In the bull run of 2021, Axie Infinity became the most important blockchain game and peaked on the market, with daily sales reaching several million dollars and individual “Axie” characters selling for thousands of dollars. This game focuses on the breeding, collecting and adventuring of adorable creatures called Axies in the world of Lunacia. Axie Infinity’s future vision goes beyond a card game; it aims to develop a metaverse where Axies can own and create land, trade for in-game items, and even sacrifice themselves for upgrades.

The Sky Mavis team behind the game Axie Infinity has successfully built a global community with millions of players, significantly impacting third-world countries. In these regions, the game was a tool for economic upliftment, as investors sponsored the participation and battles of local players. The game was supported by major corporations such as Ubisoft and Samsung. To address high transaction fees on the Ethereum blockchain, Sky Mavis developed a sidechain called Ronin. This innovation allowed users to trade and sell in-game assets with zero fees for many daily transactions, thereby increasing market liquidity. Axie Infinity has set a precedent in the industry and continues to evolve with new features, such as mechanisms for burning Axies to acquire in-game items.

Why is Axie Infinity a good choice?

• Axie Infinity has created a large and active community around the world, which not only increases interest in the game but also drives a strong in-game economy.
• The most popular blockchain game in 2021
• The Sky Mavis development team is known for its continuous efforts to improve the game
• The game offers a variety of modes and activities, from axe farming to combat and exploration

Native tokens: AXS in SLP (a token in the game used to breed Axies)

Where can I buy AXS?

AXS is available on all major crypto exchanges, such as Binance, KuCoin, or Coinbase, but it can also be exchanged on the decentralized exchange (DEX) Uniswap or Pancakeswap.

3. Vulcan Forged

This is a multi-faceted project, including a game studio, NFT marketplace, DEX, and dapps incubator, and it has created a thriving community of over 100,000 users. Its flagship game, VulcanVerse, is a AAA fantasy MMORPG with elements of Greco-Roman mythology. Players explore four unique regions, each with its own aesthetic and opportunities. These regions have different narratives, quests, and plots. Key games in this ecosystem include VulcanVerse, Berserk, and Forge Arena, each offering unique gameplay experiences. VulcanVerse, for instance, is a flagship metaverse and MMORPG, allowing players to create quests, battle, and own digital assets as NFTs. Berserk, a card strategy game, and Forge Arena, a fantasy fighter auto-battler, leverage blockchain technology in engaging ways.

The platform operates on the Elysium blockchain and utilizes a dual-token structure: PYR and LAVA. PYR serves as a governance and utility token across the Vulcan Forged ecosystem, including in-game purchases, staking, and dApp creation. On the other hand, LAVA is the play-to-earn token rewarded to players for engaging with the games. This dual-token system offers a dynamic and incentivized gaming experience.

Why is Vulcan Forged a good choice?

• One of the most popular P2E games of the new generation
• Vulkan Forged’s home-grown cryptocurrency, PYR, is used to fund market transactions
• The project supports the staking of cryptocurrencies

Native tokens: PYR in LAVA (in-game token)

Where can I buy PYR?

PYR is available on all major crypto exchanges, such as Binance, KuCoin, or Coinbase, but it can also be exchanged on the decentralized exchange (DEX) Uniswap or Pancakeswap.

4. Gods Unchained

This is a pioneering Web3 online card game that is significantly better than traditional card games such as Hearthstone and Magic. It allows players to truly own their in-game assets as NFTs, allowing them to sell cards for real money instead of settling for a minimal return. As a free-to-play card game, Gods Unchained emphasizes strategic duel play, using fantasy-themed cards to create a dynamic and competitive experience. The game is developed by a team led by Nick Clay, formerly the Director of Magic The Gathering Arena.

There are several different ways to earn money in Gods Unchained. You can sell the cards you collect in the in-game marketplace. The price depends on the type of card that was previously covered. Gods Unchained also has its own token called GODS. You can earn this token by completing matches and stacking. If you don’t have enough time to grind this game, you can buy this token through exchanges such as Coinbase. You can also bet on the in-game currency.

In terms of accessibility, Gods Unchained is currently available for Windows and macOS. Prospective players should ensure that their systems meet the minimum requirements for a smooth gaming experience.

Why is Gods Unchained a good choice?

• Collect and exchange digital cards representing gods and mythical creatures
• Create powerful decks tailored to your strategic play style
• Participate in competitive matches with other players
• Earn Flux tokens by winning matches and completing quests
• Exchange Flux tokens for real currency or new cards

Native token: GODS

Where can I buy GODS?

GODS is available on all major crypto exchanges, such as Binance or KuCoin, but can also be exchanged on the decentralized exchange (DEX) Uniswap or Pancakeswap.

5. Illuvium

This is a blockchain-based game. It has been gaining attention in the gaming community for its unique blend of 3D open-world exploration, creature collection, and auto-battler combat. Developed by the Warwick brothers, Kieran and Aaron Warwick, the idea for “Illuvium” was inspired by Kieran’s exposure to the play-to-earn ecosystem of Axie Infinity. The Illuvium DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization comprising ILV token holders, oversees the game’s development. This governance model involves community representatives voting on proposals, ensuring a collaborative approach to the game’s evolution.

Players can explore a vast landscape of alien creatures called ‘Illuvials.’ The game employs a combination of action and turn-based gameplay, requiring strategic thinking and quick reflexes. Illuvials are the central creatures of the game, similar to Pokémon, and can evolve through various stages, gaining new abilities. There are over 100 Illuvials, each with unique attributes based on their class (such as Fighter, Guardian, Rogue, Psion, and Empath) and affinity (like Air, Earth, Nature, Fire, and Water)​. Players face challenges in building their teams due to the complexity and diversity of available Illuvials. The team builder interface, while solid, presents a steep learning curve for newcomers, making initial gameplay potentially overwhelming​. The game features various items like weapons, armor, and shards that aid in capturing and enhancing Illuvials. These items, like most in-game NFTs, can be traded on the IlluviDEX.

Why is Illuvium a good choice?

• The game combines 3D exploration with auto-battler combat, offering a unique gaming experience
• The game features a variety of Illuvials, each with unique abilities and characteristics, adding depth and strategy to the gameplay
• Players can earn tokens through gameplay, providing an incentive to play and engage with the game’s ecosystem

Native token: ILV

Where can I buy ILV?

ILV is available on all major crypto exchanges, such as Binance or KuCoin, but can also be exchanged on the decentralized exchange (DEX) Uniswap or Pancakeswap.

Conclusion

The play-to-earn games landscape for 2024 foresees an interesting mix of fun and potentially profitable games. As of 2024, our top five P2E games—Nakamoto Games, Axie Infinity, Vulcan Forged, Gods Unchained, and Illuvium—have not only demonstrated the potential for players to earn real money through gaming but have also highlighted the diverse applications of blockchain technology in the gaming industry. These games are not just redefining the concept of ownership in the digital realm through the use of NFTs and cryptocurrency. They are also reshaping the economic model of gaming.

Players now have the unprecedented ability to earn, trade, and invest through in-game activities. This shift has opened up new avenues for gamers. Especially in developing countries, to achieve financial gains by leveraging their gaming skills and strategies. Furthermore, incorporating blockchain technology has introduced decentralization and transparency into the gaming sector. This has facilitated a more equitable and player-centric gaming ecosystem. Now, players have a say in the development and governance of the games they play.

Add to this the interesting fact that crypto analysts are putting the P2E sector as one of the main narratives of the coming bull run, and the future for these plays seems quite bright. Happy gaming!

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