Splinterlands
- Free to try
- Complete daily quests
- Earn crypto & trade card NFTs
- Runs on HIVE blockchain
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NFT Gaming
What is NFT Gaming? Learn how NFTs allow players to own part of the gaming ecosystem.
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While the traditional gaming system primarily benefits developers, a new breed of blockchain-based decentralized gaming applications allows users to capture and own part of the gaming ecosystem. The development of blockchain-based games is predominantly driven by one sector: NFTs.
By utilizing NFTs and blockchain technology, game developers can create games where users can contribute and take part in an on-chain monetary ecosystem. By incorporating NFTs, players are able to sell in-game characters or accessories and even generate passive income through play-to-earn models.
NFT gaming can go by many names: DeFi gaming, blockchain gaming, crypto gaming and so on. No matter what the term, what sets NFT games apart is that they’re built on blockchain technology.
What is an NFT game?
An NFT game is built on blockchain technology, and the items, characters and loot may all be NFTs.
Since these games are built on a blockchain, NFT games allow for decentralized gaming platforms that allow player asset ownership. Players can own and trade in-game characters or accessories and utilize in-game cryptocurrencies. All transactions are recorded on the blockchain. This drives a transparent gaming economy for everyone.
NFT games are usually accessed via a web browser, very similar to other decentralized applications (dApps). The games are composed of a series of developer-created smart contracts that define the rules of NFTs used within the game. Once a user connects to a cryptocurrency wallet, they’re free to begin playing with their NFT characters.
How do NFT games differ from regular games?
Traditional gaming is usually broken down into mobile, console and PC categories. Each requires players to invest in expensive gaming equipment and pay for the titles they want. This means that for the majority of regular games, monetary value is only flowing in one direction — to the developers.
NFT games allow for a much more expansive monetary system, with value flowing to developers, to players and between players.
Perhaps the biggest difference between traditional gamers and some blockchain games is the motivation behind playing: NFT gaming can offer players the opportunity to earn.
Many play-to-earn NFT games allow players to sell their NFT assets (rare items, skins, weapons, etc.), earn crypto rewards for completing challenges, rent out their assets and more.
How to get started with NFT gaming
Getting started with an NFT game requires a few things: a game, a cryptocurrency wallet and some cryptocurrencies. Here are the basic steps:
- Get a crypto wallet. To buy cryptocurrency, store NFTs and in some cases create an account with a game, you need a wallet. There are software wallets that are convenient browser extensions and often required by NFT games. The crypto wallet allows for in-game transactions, and hold your digital assets. Examples of crypto wallets include MetaMask, Portis and Fortmatic. Check out our ultimate cryptocurrency wallet guide for more information.
- Get the crypto or NFTs required. Get the cryptocurrencies or NFTs required to play your game of choice. If you need to buy some cryptocurrencies, such as ETH, head over to a cryptocurrency exchange. Once you have cryptocurrency, check out key NFT marketplaces to acquire some in-game NFTs and get started.
- Wide range of exchangeable currencies
- User friendly
- Newcomer incentives
- Insurance on currency balances up to $250k
- Balances can earn interest
- High fees on mobile app
- Missing some notable top 20 currencies
- No linked debit cards available
- Pick a game. There are tons of play-to-earn and blockchain games to choose from. Although this category of gaming is new, there are already collection games, monster battlers, trading card games, life simulators and more.
Compatible exchange: Gemini Cryptocurrency Exchange
$0
Minimum Deposit
Minimum Deposit
106
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies
8
Fiat Currencies
Fiat Currencies
Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange with a simple UI that's user-friendly and accommodating to newcomers and experienced traders.
Gemini's strongest point is its Gemini Earn program, which allows users to earn up to 7.4% interest on specified cryptocurrency balances.
Gemini has a wide selection of cryptos available for exchange on the platform. However, some notable entries from the top 20 by market cap are missing, such as Cardano and Solana.
| Deposit Methods | Bank transfer (ACH) Debit card Wire transfer |
|---|---|
| Deposit Fees | Cryptocurrency: None Wire transfer: None Bank transfer (ACH): None, bank fees may apply Debit card transfer: 3.49% |
| Withdrawal Fees | Cryptocurrency: None for first 10 withdrawals of each month Other: None for first 10 withdrawals of each month |
| Trading Fees | Order amount below USD 200: USD 0.99 - USD 2.99 Order amount over USD 200: 1.49% Convenience fee: 0.50% |
Popular play-to-earn titles
You may choose a game that offers the best gameplay, or one with the most play-to-earn tactics. Some popular titles include:
- Axie Infinity. Axie Infinity is a Pokémon-inspired digital world where users collect, train and battle creatures called Axies. Each Axie is represented by an NFT, with each creature exhibiting unique aesthetic and battle characteristics. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, users can earn Small Love Potions (SLPs) and Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) from gameplay as well as trade Axies with other players.
- Gods Unchained. Gods Unchained is a strategy game based on tradable NFT cards. Players must strategically build a card deck to battle other players and win rewards. By winning battles, a player earns Flux, which can subsequently be used to power up NFT cards or exchanged for cash.
- Zed Run. A horse racing-inspired digital game that allows all players to own a racehorse. Each horse is represented by an NFT that holds unique characteristics that either enhance or lessen its ability to win horse races. Horse races take place every day with US dollar prize money up for grabs. Racehorse owners can also collaborate and breed to create new horses.
- Sorare. A winner among soccer fans, Sorare is a fantasy soccer game that allows users to manage a virtual team. The team is composed of individual players, which are each represented by an NFT. Players can earn ETH by participating in tournaments.
See our full A to Z list of 50+ play-to-earn game guides
Compare marketplaces to buy and sell game NFTs
How to make money with NFT gaming
There are two broad ways to make money with NFT games. The first is through a play-to-earn model. The second is by collecting in-game NFTs to sell or rent for a profit. While there are some games that focus on either play-to-earn or in-game NFT models, the majority utilize a combination of both to offer the best experience for players.
As simple and enjoyable as it is to earn money from playing games, players can also lose money. NFTs fluctuate in value depending on the market at the time. The same is also true for any in-game tokens — there’s no guarantee that any given NFT game cryptocurrency or digital asset is going to appreciate. Earning money from NFT games remains speculative. Only invest what you’re willing to lose.
What blockchain games should I play?
We recommended choosing a genre first, then funneling down from there. Genres include:
- Real estate mogul simulators
- Monster battlers
- Trading card games
- Creation games
- Racing games
- Battle royales
Once you’ve chosen a genre, look through the games and choose one that suits your playstyle. Some are passive, point-and-clicks, while others are skill-based. After that, research the play-to-earn tactics of the game to determine if it’s worth your time.
Browse through our list of crypto games to read guides and reviews. There are also metaverse projects to check out for earning opportunities.
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