NFT games allow players to have fun in new worlds and new ways, and you can even make real money by playing.
What you will learn
NFT game developers earn money through fees, primary NFT sales, royalties and other methods.
Players can earn in-game cryptocurrency and NFTs to sell in the secondary marketplace.
Players also can “breed” NFTs that are more valuable than the tokens used to create them.
NFT games work much like traditional online gaming experiences but incorporate asset tokenization. Players can acquire NFT-based collectibles, which might represent characters, weapons, or even virtual goods like real estate. These items are stored in crypto wallets and can often be traded on peer-to-peer marketplaces or secondary trading platforms for digital currency or other assets.
NFT games integrate smart contracts to automate ownership verification and asset transfers. For example, an Ethereum-based game will read a wallet’s contents to confirm whether a player owns a particular NFT, unlocking its use in the game. This allows for seamless integration of player ownership into the gaming ecosystem, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
However, the gaming industry has yet to fully embrace NFTs. Players often react negatively when developers announce plans to add blockchain assets to traditional video games. For example, Ubisoft added game NFTs to Ghost Recon Breakpoint in 2022 but stopped releasing these in-game assets after only four months due to a lackluster response from fans.
The rise of play-to-earn (P2E) games has made virtual economies a focal point of the gaming community. In these games, players earn rewards in the form of digital tokens, cryptocurrencies, or NFTs by completing quests, battling other players, or interacting with the in-game environment.
Some games also allow players to "breed" or create new NFTs. Breeding generally involves collecting two or more NFTs and combining them to create a new one, usually of higher value and with unique characteristics. This introduces game mechanics that incentivize creativity and strategic gameplay.
The world of NFT gaming continues to expand, with many games attracting large audiences and building thriving gaming platforms. In fact, NFT games are the dominant force in web3 activity, outpacing DeFi, NFTs, and social. Here are five of the most popular NFT games:
This play-to-earn game lets players collect, breed, and battle creatures called Axies. Players need a starter team of three Axies, which can be upgraded and traded on the secondary marketplace. Axie Infinity has remained a leading name in NFT gaming, generating about $3.8 million in daily NFT trading volume despite market fluctuations. Players also earn AXS tokens, which can be used for governance or traded for other digital currencies.
This metaverse gaming platform allows users to build, own, and monetize their gaming experiences. Players create in-game assets and games using tools like VoxEdit and can trade their creations as NFTs. The Sandbox consistently interacts with thousands of unique wallets monthly, cementing its position as a hub for virtual economies and creative gaming trends.
A free-to-play trading card game, Gods Unchained appeals to fans of interactive entertainment like Magic: The Gathering. This strategy game gives players 140 free cards when they start. Players then can earn blockchain-based cards as they climb leaderboards, creating opportunities for investment in rare cards. These cards are digital collectibles that can be traded on decentralized marketplaces.
An Ethereum-based RPG, Illuvium features immersive virtual worlds where players capture and train creatures known as Illuvials. These creatures are tokenized as NFTs, allowing for player ownership and trading. The game’s highly detailed environments and augmented reality elements are set to redefine gaming mechanics in the NFT space.
This space exploration game combines NFT technology with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to offer an engaging sci-fi experience. Players can buy and trade spaceships, resources, and land within the game ecosystem. With its focus on intergalactic strategy, Star Atlas is a prime example of how blockchain innovation can merge with interactive experiences.
NFT games generate revenue in several ways, leveraging the unique capabilities of blockchain technology and virtual economies.
Transaction fees. Developers charge fees for every transaction made within the in-game marketplace, such as buying, selling, or trading NFTs or other digital assets. These small percentages can accumulate into substantial earnings, especially in games with high player engagement.
Primary NFT sales. Games sell exclusive assets like characters, weapons, or collectibles directly to players. These digital collectibles are often designed to have limited supply or unique features, increasing their appeal and value.
Royalties on peer-to-peer trades. Through smart contracts, developers earn a percentage from every secondary sale of NFTs on external marketplaces. This ensures continuous revenue from player-to-player trading even after the initial sale.
Premium content and features. Players can buy special skins, powerful abilities, or exclusive items that enhance gameplay or offer cosmetic customization. These microtransactions create a steady revenue stream and help sustain the gaming ecosystem.
In-game economy participation. Many games feature activities like auctions, breeding systems, or staking mechanisms where players can spend or invest tokens. Developers often earn a share from these interactions, further fueling their earnings.
Native token economics. Some games have proprietary cryptocurrencies that players use for transactions. Developers benefit from tokenomics, as token value can increase with greater demand, creating an additional source of income.
These monetization methods not only sustain game development but also contribute to immersive interactive experiences where players feel a greater sense of ownership and involvement in thriving virtual worlds.
Some NFT games like Gods Unchained offer free entry-level NFTs, allowing players to start without an initial investment. However, earning substantial rewards or accessing higher levels often requires buying additional assets or investing time in gameplay.
To jump into NFT gaming and start playing:
Set up a crypto wallet compatible with the game’s blockchain. For example, Axie Infinity interacts with the Ethereum blockchain, whereas you'd need a Binance wallet to play Metaverse Miner.
Research games on reputable gaming platforms to find one you’re interested in.
Learn about in-game requirements, such as specific NFTs or digital tokens, needed to play. For example, some games may require you to own specific NFTs or crypto tokens before playing.
With the rapid growth of decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT marketplaces, NFT games offer exciting opportunities for both casual players and serious investors.
The NFT gaming space continues to evolve, with trends like metaverse integration, enhanced smart contract security, and richer game mechanics driving innovation.
Games are increasingly focusing on player engagement and ensuring digital collectibles retain value across platforms. With the gaming market's growth and increasing adoption of blockchain technology, the future of NFT gaming promises to redefine interactive entertainment.
Hedera is an ideal playground for game developers, thanks to its enhanced security and low, predictable fees. Gamers are less likely to play games on chains with high transaction fees because the costs reduce their play-to-win earnings. Explore the wallets, marketplaces, and NFT projects available for use today on the open-source, public Hedera network.
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