In 1994, Tetris was the earliest known mobile game. Since then, the introduction of cryptocurrency games has altered the playing field. Players can now earn in-game tokens, create NFTs, and exchange them for real-life money. In this guide, we’ll cover all there is to know about play-to-earn crypto games and reveal the best Android crypto games.
What is a P2E Game?
Play2earn games, otherwise referred to as blockchain games, are built with blockchain technology and offer players the opportunity to earn a potential income. Players earn tokens or digital assets by completing in-game activities.
At any given moment, players can sell their digital in-game assets for the game’s native currency, thus generating real monetary value and revenue through playing games.
What Makes Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies in Games Unique?
In conventional online games, players purchase and unlock items in the game with fiat currency. However, these games are centralized, which means that players may have access to the collectable items in the game, but they never have ownership of their items, and they can’t be used outside of the game.
On the contrary, P2E games are decentralized and allow players to own a portion of the game. In P2E games, the in-game tokens players earn and collect have real-life value. These tokens can also be used to create and upgrade non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
In Axie Infinity, the best play2earn game, players purchase in-game characters and upgrade them. Players can then sell their characters to other players in exchange for the game's native token.
Gamers can also compete against other players and earn the game's native tokens. Players can then exchange the native token for other cryptocurrencies and convert it into fiat currency. So basically, gamers play games with crypto and have the opportunity to earn an income.
How NFTs Play A Role In P2E Games?
NFT stands for Non-Fungible Tokens, in other words unique tokens that exists on a blockchain are not fungible. These tokens have distinct attributes that make them unique enough to not be exchanged between each other.
NFTs have completely revolutionized the digital art and gaming industry, and because of them, many artists can now make a living from their art. Player’s on the other hand, can now have physical ownership of their in-game collectable NFTs.
Blockchain technology makes it possible for every player to have ownership of their digital assets in a game. But what makes certain NFTs more valuable than others?
Factors That Determine the Value of P2E NFT?
Non-Fungible Tokens have fetched astronomical prices in the last decade, some have sold for 500 ETH, while others are sold for 0.001 ETH. But what’s the difference? To answer the million dollar question, we’ve listed some of the factors that determine the value of a NFT below:
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Rarity: Rarity is a crucial factor in determining the value of an NFT. The scarcer an NFT is, the more valuable it becomes. Some Collectors and investors are often willing to pay a premium for exclusive and limited-edition NFTs.
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Previous Owners: The price of a NFT is significantly impacted if a celebrity or well-known gamer has previously owned the item. For example, if a card was used by a professional gamer to win a special tournament, the card will command a higher price.
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Historical Significance: NFTs that hold historical significance, such as being the first of their kind or associated with a significant event, often attract higher valuations due to their cultural importance. For example, ‘Genesis’ the first cryptokitty sold for 246 ETH.
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Scarcity within Collections: NFTs that are particularly scarce within a collection or series can gain added value as collectors seek to complete their sets. NFT’s with scarcer features will fetch more interest from potential buyers.
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Interoperability: NFTs that can be used across multiple gaming platforms will command a higher selling price, due to their interoperability.
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Demand and Hype: The market demand and the level of hype surrounding an NFT’s game will increase the price. Popular games attract more player’s making items more sort after and valuable.
Highest Paying Play2Earn Games
There are hundreds of play2earn games available on the web or that are downloadable through your app store, however, not all of them are worthwhile. The earning potential of these games is limitless. So to make things easier, We’ve compiled a list of the highest-paying and best mobile play2earn games. Here’s our pick:
God’s Unchained
God’s Unchained is a strategic NFT card game that plays off the strengths and weaknesses of mythical gods. The NFT-based game is free and players receive 85 complimentary cards available at the start. Every ‘god’ card a player acquires is an NFT, which they can sell through the games marketplace. The value of each card is dependent on its rarity. Some cards have fetched incredible prices of late. God’s Unchained in-game token, $GODS, is high value and priced at $0.3 per token.
Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity is probably the most popular play2earn crypto game of the century. The game is centered around collecting, breeding, and trading pet monsters called Axies. To start, you’ll need to purchase three Axie monsters from the game’s marketplace. Axies go for anywhere from 0.1ETH up to 100 ETH, and players can earn anywhere from $8 - $40 a day.
DeFi Kingdoms
DeFi Kingdoms is a fantasy RPG game with collectible NFTs and retro art. In this game, you’ll explore a pixelated world as the commander of a legion of heroes. The game’s initial investment is around $100, and a standard hero costs between $10 - $20. Sell or hire out your heroes to other players through the in-game marketplace in exchange for Jewel. You can potentially earn between $5 - $10 daily.
Cryptokitties
Cryptokitties was one of the first play2earn games, which started the gaming revolution. This Ethereum NFT-based game is centered around collecting, breeding, and selling NFT cats. To get started, you’ll need to purchase a Cryptokitty from the marketplace, they sell anywhere from 0.001 ETH up to 500 ETH. An initial investment of 1 ETH can easily be doubled, the rarer the breed the higher the return on investment.
Valhalla
Valhalla is a strategic play2earn metaverse game where players battle monsters and explore expansive worlds. There are two ways to earn tokens in the game. Firstly, you’ll need to battle monsters in the open world for rewards. Secondly, the game is NFT-based with an in-game marketplace, which allows you to buy, sell, and trade items. The game’s NFTs are priced at around 3 ETH, with a high return on a player’s initial investment.
Benefits of Play2Earn Games
Besides the potential to earn a passive income, playing with cryptocurrency is far more rewarding than conventional gaming. If you’re deciding on whether to make the switch, here are some advantages that play2earn crypto games hold over traditional online games.
Anonymity
Conventional online games often require players to provide invasive and personal credentials like credit card details or verification documents. Unknowingly, players put themselves at risk of identity theft. Unlike conventional games, P2E crypto games are less worried about who’s playing and typically only require a player's email address, thus allowing them to remain anonymous.
Accessibility
Crypto games are available throughout the world and are easily accessible. Anyone with an internet connection and a crypto wallet can play the latest blockchain-based games. The anonymity feature of these games means that even players from crypto-prohibited countries have access.
Earning Potential
In the crypto gaming arena, players earn real-life money for their in-game achievements. This monetized form of gaming allows players to financially benefit from their gaming hours and earn rewards.
New Trend in Gaming
Play2earn games have laid the foundation for new trends in the gaming arena, and increasing the gaming scope for future projects. These games have created a new dimesion for gamers and goes beyond gaming.
Ownership of Digital Assets
Unlike conventional games, play-to-earn games allow players to have ownership of their non-fungible tokens. Every NFT is unique and can’t be replicated, this adds value to in-game rewards and tokens.
Increased Community Support
Once a player engages in a game, the last thing the platform want’s is for the gamer to lose interest and stop playing. Play2earn games increase a player’s engagement levels for extended periods of time, which ultimately increases the community support of the project.
Interoperability
There are thousands of conventional online games for players to choose from, and each one requires a new profile. On the contrary, crypto games are interoperable, meaning players can access different games with one account and use the same digital token.
The Disadvantages of Play2Earn Games
Play2earn games are still in the early phase of adoption and are far from perfect. In this light, there are still some kinks that need to be ironed out. Here are some of the disadvantages of play2earn games:
Limited Selection of Quality Games
While there is a huge selection of crypto casino games, crypto P2E models are still new to the world of blockchain gaming. As a result of being the new kid on the block, there is a limited selection of quality P2E games available. However, new games are constantly being released and the industry is developing at a rapid pace.
Crypto Security Risk
Blockchain games are some of the safest and most encrypted games for players to use. Despite this, any platform that holds crypto tokens is susceptible to attack from malicious actors. Cryptocurrencies' anonymity factors make it hard for players and platforms to trace stolen funds.
High Initial Investment
One of the biggest flaws of P2E model games is the high initial investment players are required to make. Many play2earn games require players to purchase an NFT before they can even start playing. Some games restrict players from advancing to higher levels unless they’ve invested funds.
Technical Accessibility
Setting up a crypto wallet and buying crypto for the first time can be a challenging task for new players. Although cryptocurrency has been around for over a decade, the technical aspects of using it pose a possible disadvantage.
Types of Play2Earn Crypto Games
Play2earn crypto games may be new to the gaming industry, however, there’s something for everyone. To mention a few, the genres of these games include:
How to Choose a Play2Earn Game
There are a lot of play2earn game out there, however, not all of them are worth spending countless hours playing. When selecting a play2earn game there are a few things one needs to consider before the games can begin. Here’s how we generally decide on whether a crypto game is worth our while:
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Accessibility: Accessibility is one of the most essential features of a play2earn game. Blockchain-based games are available on most gaming platforms, however some games are strictly for web3. Always check if the game is available for your device.
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Conversion into fiat: Most P2Es are built on recognizable blockchains; however, converting in-game items is not always that simple. So make sure to use P2E games with an intergrated marketplace for an easier conversion process.
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Initial Investment: Most play2earn games are free-to-play or offer a free demo mode. However, if you’re interested in earning some serious crypto, you will need to invest in P2E games. So make sure to select a play2earn game that matches your budget.
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Potential Earnings: Play2earn games have the potential to earn big revenue for dedicated players; however, not every game is lucrative.
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Native Tokens: Every crypto game uses a native token; naturally, some tokens have a higher value than others. Search for play2earn games with a reliable and valuable native token for the highest revenue.
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Reputation: There have been a few scammer and fraudulent P2E gaming projects developed in the past. Reputation is everything, always read comments from the gaming community to avoid being scammed.
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Rewards: Play2earn games offer different in-game rewards. It may be worthwhile to investigate the rewards on offer for each game.
Best Android P2E Games
Play2Earn games are some of the latest crypto gaming trends. These games allow players to earn a potential income through their Android devices. Here are some of the best Android play2earn crypto games:
League of Kingdoms
League of Kingdoms is one of the first blockchain-based massively multiplayer online (MMO) games. This MMO game is based on strategy, forming alliances, building kingdoms, and battling for control. In the game, you earn DAI rewards by owning NFT land and adopting Dragons will reward you with DST. Sell and trade your NFT land through the League of Kingdoms marketplace to monetize your in-game progress.
Splinterlands
Splinterlands is a PvP trading card game where players earn cards by participating in daily quests and competing in battle mode to unlock new creatures. Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) is Splinterlands native digital currency. A player’s earning potential is determined by their success at card tournaments. Additionally, players can sell their NFT cards on the Splinterlands marketplace.
Meta Apes
Meta Apes is a strategy game where players have ownership of NFT Meta Apes. Each Meta Ape has upgradable abilities and characteristics. To start off, you have to purchase NFT Meta Ape heroes through the Galler NFT marketplace. NFT Meta Ape heroes generate SHELL, have enhanced abilities, and distinct cosmetics that give them value.
Best iOS P2E Games
Play2earn games are compatible with several operating systems including iOS devices. These games allow users to earn crypto while playing games on their mobile devices. Here are some of the best iOS crypto games:
Wreck League
Wreck League is a combat game where players build mechs and engage in PvP combat against each other. Players construct mechs using NFT-minted parts, each mech must have ten customizable NFT-minted parts, which players purchase in boxes from the Wreck League allowlist. Owners of mechs can then sell and trade parts or mechs for profits.
Reward Hunters
Reward Hunters is a battle royale-styled play2earn game set in medieval times. Players can either participate in a PvP mode or the last man standing (8V8) battle royale. To start earning, you’ll need to purchase some RHT, the game's native digital currency. Players that have purchased RHT will be eligible to receive BNB rewards.
Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds is an NFT game where you compete for governance and travel throughout the metaverse searching for Trillium (TLM). Players compete in activities and missions in space to mine Trillium, the game's native currency. Trillium can then be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies through all major crypto exchanges.
Future of Play2Earn Crypto Games
Looking ahead, the future of play2earn gaming is promising. The advancement in technologies, the adoption of digital assets and Bitcoin’s price increase only spell good things for crypto enthusiasts.
The thought of being able to have ownership of an NFT in a virtual game is slowly catching on. Player’s adoption and engagement in P2E games are set to increase. While a new predict-to-earn model game is on the horizon (GBTC), there seems to only be one clear winner.
Cryptocurrency regulatory issues are taking a turn for the better, and much can be said about its scalability being addressed. The inevitable future of crypto games is brimming with potential growth and exciting prospects for the latest project. However, crypto’s price volatility remains a thorn in the adoption of play2earn games.
