In recent years, a groundbreaking trend has taken the gaming world by storm: play-to-earn games. These creative games combine the excitement of conventional gameplay with the chance to earn real-world rewards, such as cryptocurrency or NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens).
This modern gaming model has revolutionized not only the way games are played, but also the way gamers perceive and value their gaming achievements. Let’s take a look at the 10 most monetized games of 2024, discovering what makes each one stand out and why they’re making waves in this fast-growing industry.
Axie Infinity is leading the play-to-earn revolution. In this game, you breed, breed, and battle fantasy creatures known as Axies. Developed by Sky Mavis, the game lets you earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP), a cryptocurrency that can be exchanged for real money.
Players can also enter the marketplace, where Axies and in-game resources are bought and sold, creating a prospering in-game economy. Scholarships offered by experienced players allow modern players to start playing without a significant investment, making them accessible to many.
Sandpit allows players to create their own virtual experiences. More than just a game, it’s a platform where you can create, own and monetize your own content using blockchain technology. By creating assets using VoxEdit and exchanging them on the market for SAND, the Sandbox cryptocurrency, players can make significant profits.
The virtual real estate system also allows you to purchase and develop LAND where you can host games or events that can be used by other users, which is another level of potential income.
IN Decentralizedyou’re not just a player — you’re a creator and entrepreneur in a decentralized virtual world. Powered by the Ethereum blockchain, Decentraland lets you buy plots of virtual land using MANA, the game’s cryptocurrency.
You can build anything from art galleries to entire games on your land, and monetize those experiences through ticket sales, advertising, or direct sales of virtual goods. This combination of creativity and economic opportunity makes Decentraland a fascinating space for both gamers and digital entrepreneurs.
Gods set free brings the conventional collectible card game into the blockchain era. Players build decks and compete in tactical battles to earn modern cards and rewards. What sets this game apart is the concept of true ownership: each card is an NFT that can be freely traded or sold on the game’s marketplace.
This means your card collection has real-world value and can be appreciated over time. The game’s strategic depth ensures skill and strategy are rewarded, making it a favorite among competitive players.
Splinterlands is another collectible card game that uses blockchain technology. Players collect cards and operate them to fight in various game modes.
The game offers daily quests and ranked gameplay where you can earn rewards in the form of DEC (Dark Energy Crystals) and other valuable resources.
A unique feature of Splinterlands is the leasing system, where you can rent out your cards to other players, providing you with a steady stream of income without having to actively play.
Illuvium sets modern standards in the play-to-ear space with high-quality graphics and addictive gameplay. This open-world RPG invites players to explore a wealthy and diverse landscape while capturing creatures known as Illuvials.
These creatures can be trained and used in battles, adding a layer of strategy to the game. Illuvium’s economy is based on ILV tokens, which players can earn and stake for rewards, making the game not just a game but a sophisticated investment platform.
Star Atlas offers futuristic space travel, combining exploration, combat, and economic strategy. Players can own ships, engage in space battles, and mine resources, all in a detailed and broad universe.
The game uses a dual token system—ATLAS for transactions and POLIS for management—enabling players to influence game development and political decisions. This deep integration of strategy and economic management makes Star Atlas a elaborate and engaging experience for players who enjoy multi-faceted gameplay.
For those who like a more relaxing gameplay, My neighbor Alicja is a cute simulation game that focuses on building and managing virtual islands. Players can buy land, build houses, and grow crops, earning Alice tokens in the process.
The game encourages social interaction, allowing players to visit other players’ islands and collaborate on projects. The warm art style and casual gameplay make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience, including those modern to play-to-earn games.
CryptoBlades is an RPG game where players fight battles to earn SKILL tokens. The game emphasizes character development and combat strategy. Each character and weapon can be upgraded and replaced, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
By integrating DeFi elements, CryptoBlades allows players to transfer their earnings for additional rewards, combining conventional gaming with newfangled financial mechanisms. This combination makes CryptoBlades a unique and rewarding experience for those who enjoy RPGs and strategic battles.
Alien worlds takes players to the metaworld where they mine Trilium (TLM) and compete for control of various planets. The game combines resource management with management and strategy elements.
Players can stake their TLMs to influence planetary development and politics, creating a energetic and player-driven universe. The ability to own and trade in-game assets as NFTs further increases the economic depth of Alien Worlds, making it a fascinating game for those interested in both gameplay and strategy.
The rise of play-to-ear games has changed gaming by combining entertainment with real financial opportunities. These games provide ways to earn real money through gameplay, whether or not you fight creatures in Axia Infinitycreating virtual worlds in Sandpit AND Decentralizedor exploring space in Star Atlas.
As blockchain technology advances, the number of play-to-earn games will continue to grow, transforming gaming from a mere hobby to a source of financial empowerment. The future of gaming combines fun with economic potential.