Nowadays, it is hardly surprising that Play-to-Earn (P2E) mechanics appear in up-to-date projects entering the market. P2E originated from blockchain gaming and the crypto economy, gaining popularity for its ability to allow gamers to make real money by playing video games. This approach has opened up up-to-date opportunities for millions of people around the world, especially in developing countries where video games have become a source of income. However, despite the initial hype, P2E has faced several challenges, including a decline in player interest.
Indeed, P2E focuses primarily on the user’s ability to make money, often neglecting the significant aspect of gameplay. As a result, gameplay in P2E games, based on repetitive actions, turns into routine and kills all the fun.
To regain user interest in blockchain gaming, the P2E concept needed to be rethought. Thus was born the growing trend of play-and-earn (P&E) games. Unlike P2E, it focuses not only on earning money, but also on the quality of gameplay and player engagement. In this model, making money is a pleasant addition rather than the main goal of the game. Players are rewarded for performing various activities in the game, but the main focus remains the game’s mechanics and story. This approach helps retain users longer and creates a healthier gaming economy.
But how did this up-to-date species arise?
The concept of “Play and Earn” was first formulated by: Bao DoanCEO of Pixel Craft Studio and former developer at Sky Mavis, known primarily for the popular game Axie Infinity. At the recently held GM Vietnam 2024 conference, he stated that the principle of “play and earn” is “the next step in the evolution of the gaming economy and the entire industry“
Indeed, P&E appears to offer players a more sustainable and motivating model than its P2E predecessor.
“What’s the point of turning entertainment into work? When creating a game, it’s important to remember what exactly you’re creating and why. And what will your players look for in it?Bao Doan said.
As a key figure in the creation of the “Play and Earn” concept, Bao Doan emphasized the importance of balancing enjoyment with the opportunity to earn. Apparently, his experience at Sky Mavis working on Axie Infinity allowed him to see the weaknesses of projects aimed solely at making money.
Axie Infinity became a symbol of the success of the Play-to-Earn model, but over time the project encountered difficulties. The game’s economy underwent inflation, player interest decreased, which led to the search for new paths in the development of the industry. It was on this wave that Bao Doan proposed the “Play and Earn” concept, which focuses on player entertainment and engagement.
So what is the main advantage of the “Play and Earn” concept?
This seems to lie in its balanced approach to gameplay. Players play primarily for fun, immersing themselves in captivating worlds and developing their characters. However, they can also receive rewards for their achievements, which becomes an additional motivation, not the only goal.
This approach also creates a more sustainable gaming economy. Since earnings are not the main motivator, in-game currency and assets become more stable, avoiding sharp fluctuations and inflation that undermine long-term interest in projects. Developers, in turn, can focus on creating high-quality content that attracts and retains players rather than constantly looking for new monetization methods.
Play and earn is already starting to change the paradigm in the gaming industry. Companies that previously focused solely on the Play-to-Earn model are beginning to adapt their designs by adding elements aimed at improving user experience and engagement. This shift towards a more game-centric and sustainable approach opens up new opportunities for developers and investors, attracting a wider audience.
Thus, Play-and-Earn can rightly be considered the future of the gaming industry, combining the best features of traditional games and innovative blockchain technologies. The concept proposed by Bao Doan has already begun to change the approach to creating and perceiving games, emphasizing fun and involvement, rather than making money at all costs. This genre has every chance to become the basis for new successful projects that will be able to attract millions of players and create a sustainable gaming economy that will benefit both users and developers.
The original article comes from Crypto Insider.
Link to the article: https://cryptoinsider.asia/the-rising-trend-of-play-and-earn-the-next-step-in-the-evolution-of-the-gaming-industry/
