The evolution of video gaming has been thrilling, especially for those who witnessed the early days when it all started with Atari video consoles and today’s exciting intersection of video games and cryptocurrency. As a new sub-genre, there are a lot of questions going around the gaming community, such as which blockchain games to play, how they work, game mechanics, which blockchain networks are used, and so on. That’s why we will go through the five most popular crypto-based video games in more detail to see if one fits your lifestyle.
Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity was created by Sky Mavis, a Vietnamese studio, and was officially launched in 2018. The game quickly gained popularity, especially in Southeast Asia, where it became a primary source of income for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its play-to-earn model revolutionized the gaming industry, allowing players to earn real income through gameplay. The game’s economy is driven by its native tokens, AXS and SLP, which can be earned, traded, and used within its ecosystem.
- Blockchain Network: Axie Infinity operates on the Ethereum blockchain, utilizing both Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) and Smooth Love Potions (SLP) as its native cryptocurrencies.
- Game Graphics: The game features charming, cartoonish graphics reminiscent of Pokémon. The main characters, the Axies, are designed with a variety of cute and quirky features, making them visually appealing to a broad audience.
- Rewards: Players earn SLP tokens through gameplay, which can be traded on various cryptocurrency exchanges. To learn which exchange supports and trades this token and is available in your region, you can check this informative guide. Additionally, AXS tokens can be earned and staked for further rewards. The play-to-earn model has made Axie Infinity particularly popular in regions where traditional employment opportunities are limited.
- Other Specifics: Axie Infinity allows players to breed, battle, and trade Axes. Each Axe is an NFT, ensuring unique ownership and the ability to trade them on the marketplace. The game also features land plots in the Axes’ homeland, Lunacia, which players can buy, sell, and develop.
Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained was developed by Immutable, an Australian-based company, and launched in 2018. It is a free-to-play digital collectible card game emphasizing strategic gameplay and true ownership of in-game assets. Due to its deep strategic elements and high-quality card designs, Gods Unchained is often compared to popular trading card games like Magic: The Gathering. The integration of blockchain technology ensures that players have full ownership of their digital cards, which can be freely traded or sold on various marketplaces.
- Blockchain Network: Gods Unchained is built on the Ethereum blockchain and utilizes Immutable X for its transactions, ensuring gas-free trading of NFTs.
- Game Graphics: The game boasts high-quality, detailed artwork for its cards, each depicting mythical gods, creatures, and spells. The visual style is rich and immersive, drawing players into its fantasy world.
- Rewards: Players can earn $GODS tokens through daily play and weekend-ranked tournaments. These tokens can be traded for other cryptocurrencies or used to purchase in-game items. Additionally, players can earn NFT cards sold on marketplaces like TokenTrove.
- Other Specifics: Gods Unchained offers a strategic trading card game experience where players build decks and compete in battles. The game emphasizes true ownership of in-game assets, allowing players to trade, sell, and use their cards freely.
The Sandbox
The Sandbox was originally a mobile game developed by Pixowl in 2012, but it was reimagined and relaunched as a blockchain-based game in 2018 by Animoca Brands. The new version of The Sandbox allows players to create, own, and monetize their gaming experiences within a vast virtual world. The game’s voxel-based design provides a highly customizable and interactive environment, fostering creativity and community-driven content. The Sandbox has since become one of the leading metaverse platforms, attracting partnerships with major brands and celebrities.
- Blockchain Network: The Sandbox operates on the Ethereum blockchain, using the SAND token as its primary currency.
- Game Graphics: The Sandbox features voxel-based graphics, similar to Minecraft, allowing for a highly customizable and creative environment. Players can design and build their own worlds, characters, and items.
- Rewards: Players can earn SAND tokens through various activities, including creating and selling NFTs, participating in events, and staking. The game also offers LAND parcels that players can buy, develop, and monetize.
- Other Specifics: The Sandbox is a virtual metaverse where players can create, own, and monetize their gaming experiences. It offers a robust set of tools for game creation, including the Game Maker and VoxEdit, enabling users to craft unique experiences and assets.
Decentraland
Decentraland was conceptualized in 2015 by Ari Meilich and Esteban Ordano and officially launched in 2020. It is one of the earliest and most well-known virtual worlds built on blockchain technology. Decentraland offers users complete freedom to create and explore a fully decentralized virtual environment. The platform’s governance is handled by a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), giving players a direct voice in the platform’s development and future direction. Decentraland has gained attention for its virtual real estate market, where plots of land have been sold for millions of dollars.
- Blockchain Network: Decentraland is built on the Ethereum blockchain and uses the MANA token for transactions.
- Game Graphics: Decentraland features 3D graphics that create an immersive virtual world. The visuals are designed to support a wide range of user-generated content, from simple structures to complex interactive experiences.
- Rewards: Players can earn MANA tokens by participating in various activities, such as creating and selling virtual real estate, wearables, and other digital assets. The platform also supports events and experiences that can generate revenue for creators.
- Other Specifics: Decentraland is a decentralized virtual world where users can explore, create, and trade. It offers a wide range of experiences, from social events and games to virtual real estate development. The platform is governed by a DAO, allowing users to vote on key decisions.
Splinterlands
Splinterlands was created by the company Steem Monsters (now Splinterlands Inc.) and launched in 2018. Originally built on the Steem blockchain, it later transitioned to the Hive blockchain to take advantage of its fast and fee-free transactions. Splinterlands combines the elements of collectible card games with blockchain technology, offering a unique play-to-earn experience. The game has garnered a large and dedicated player base thanks to its strategic depth and active competitive scene. Splinterlands is praised for its accessibility, as it can be played on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Blockchain Network: Splinterlands operates on the Hive blockchain, ensuring fast and secure transactions.
- Game Graphics: The game features detailed, fantasy-themed artwork for its cards, each representing different characters, spells, and abilities. The graphics are designed to enhance the strategic gameplay experience.
- Rewards: Players can earn Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) and Splintershards (SPS) by winning battles and completing quests. These tokens can be traded or used to purchase in-game items. The game also supports staking and liquidity pool rewards.
- Other Specifics: Splinterlands is a digital collectible card game where players build decks and compete in battles. Each card is an NFT, ensuring true ownership and the ability to trade on the marketplace. The game is known for its fast-paced, strategic gameplay and active community.
Conclusion
These top five crypto-based video games showcase the innovative ways blockchain technology is being integrated into the gaming industry. From play-to-earn models to true ownership of in-game assets, these games offer unique experiences that go beyond traditional gaming. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, there’s something in the crypto gaming world for everyone.
