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In just a few short years, cryptocurrency has captured our imaginations and changed the way we think and use money. As crypto became more mainstream, game developers began to take it into account, developing games based on blockchain technology.
Although the crypto gaming industry is still in its infancy, it has gained a loyal following. Decentralized gaming promises to give gamers freedom unattainable in traditional gaming ecosystems. Keep reading to find out how crypto games work and what the future holds for this new genre.
What is blockchain?
To understand crypto games, you need to know a bit more about blockchain technology. As the technology that powers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, blockchain is at the heart of crypto games.
Basically, a blockchain is a database shared over a network of computers, functioning as a system to record information. Once a record is added to the chain, it is almost impossible to modify or hack this data making it extremely difficult to cheat the system. Computers connected to the network constantly check that all copies of the database are the same. Crypto games are built on blockchain technology.
What is decentralized play?
As most know, gaming is a centralized activity with everything developed for a game – skins, in-game currency, and assets – confined to the game itself. As a result, the game developers retain ownership of everything and no one can create an alternate version of the game.
The crypto game reverses the existing model, allowing everyone to own a small portion of the game. Imagine owning the in-app purchases you make in a game or transferring winnings or purchases made in one game to another. Crypto games make it all possible, giving digital assets real value.
Unlike traditional games, crypto gambling assets do not live on a centralized server. Instead, you own the items you acquire by playing crypto games, including XP, weapons, and skins. Instead of losing all of your in-game assets when you stop playing a game, you can trade with other players, sell them, or take them with you.
With blockchain games, players and developers are on the same side. No one controls the outcome of the game, and anyone can analyze the code used in most blockchain-based games. This transparency means that if a developer adds an update that the community doesn’t like, the game can be split up and different versions built.
Non-fungible tokens
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent unique assets that exist on the blockchain. An NFT can be an in-game item, rare skin, artwork, or any other electronic item that you can’t substitute for something else. Most NFTs are found on the Ethereum blockchain, but almost all cryptocurrencies are free to implement their own versions of NFT. NFTs aren’t just limited to games and have thousands of uses.
Only one user has an NFT, and they are unique and verifiable. An NFT metadata includes the unique attributes attached to the NFT. As they are only available in limited quantities and cannot be tampered with or altered, they are valuable collectibles. In-game skins, heroes, items, and other assets are all NFTs in the crypto gaming world. You can sell the NFTs you acquire while playing crypto games in digital asset markets.
NFTs are not interchangeable and may have different values. In contrast, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are interchangeable. If we both own Bitcoin, it represents the same asset and has the same value.
Related: What Do You Really Own If You Buy an NFT?
Games built on Blockchain
Crypto games use blockchain technology in one of two ways: either as the basis of an entire game, or solely for its in-game economy. When an entire game is built on a blockchain, every interaction within the game is game is stored and verifiable as new blocks. Other games only use NFTs to represent game assets, allowing players to buy, trade, and sell skins, weapons, pets, and more for real money. All of these games are characterized by their decentralization, especially compared to traditional video games.
How to Start Playing Blockchain Games
You will need to purchase cryptocurrency to start playing crypto games. Most games are built on the Ethereum blockchain, so you will need to purchase Ether to play it. You can convert your fiat currency (government backed currency) to cryptocurrency through a crypto exchange platform. There are many exchanges available, so you’ll want to find one that best meets your needs.
Look for a cryptocurrency exchange that deals in your local currency and uses your preferred payment method. When you have Ether or other cryptocurrency on hand, you will need to store it in a cryptocurrency wallet to keep it safe. Like crypto exchanges, there are many different types of wallets for storing cryptocurrency. Other games allow you to buy tokens using fiat currency, so you can skip trades altogether.
The last step to start playing blockchain games is to choose the game you want to play.
What types of games are available?
Crypto games are still in their infancy, making it difficult to categorize them into defined categories. However, here are a few examples to give you an idea of what is out there.
1. Collectible games
Collectible games are at the center of the blockchain and crypto gaming world. CryptoKitties is the most famous game in this genre. In this game, players train, collect and trade digital animals in a virtual world. It looks like Pokemon, only with CryptoKitties.
2. Role-playing games (RPG)
In these games, players directly control the characters while engaging in real-time combat. The gameplay mirrors hack-and-slash or shooting games. You can earn NFTs and crypto rewards by playing these games. There are few RPG-based blockchain games available.
3. Open World Games
Open-world crypto games are just that: Explorable worlds built with crypto-based assets. In these games you can buy plots of land for real money and customize your land with people, buildings, plants, etc. You can even sell your land to others for real money.
The most popular blockchain games
The catalog of crypto games is growing daily. These games are also more and more advanced. If you want to try your hand at crypto games, here are some of the most popular crypto games you can play right now.
Axie Infinity CryptoKitties The Six Dragons Sandbox MegaCryptoPolis3D What does the future hold for Blockchain gaming?
Crypto gambling is here to stay and could transform the game as we know it. The value of blockchain for gaming lies in the ability to create a micro-economy within a game, allowing players to own and sell in-game assets. As crypto games become more advanced, more and more players will be drawn to the genre. There is a good chance that blockchain and decentralization will be the future of gaming.
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About the author Lynnae Williams (9 published articles)
Lynnae is a freelance writer with a passion for technology. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her playing video games, reading, or planning her next adventure abroad.
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