There are two main monetization models in blockchain gaming: play-and-own games and play-to-earn games. In play-to-earn games, players can earn rewards such as cryptocurrency tokens, virtual land, avatar items, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by completing activities or stages in the game. These rewards can be imported into the virtual world and redeemed on different platforms, according to the game’s policies. Play-to-own games, on the other hand, allow players to own digital assets with real value that can be sold on the secondary market. Examples of play-to-own games include Plutonians, an MMORPG that enables players to acquire, exchange, and own in-game goods, and Monkey League, an eSports game that allows players to develop, play, fight, and earn. The main difference between play-to-own and play-to-earn games is the way in which players can acquire in-game items or assets. In play-to-own games, players typically purchase these items using real money, while in play-to-earn games, players can earn them by playing the game.
There are several key differences between play-to-earn and play-to-own games. In terms of their impact on the gaming industry, play-to-earn games tend to have stronger and more vibrant communities, as players can team up to complete quests and missions and divide prizes. In contrast, the play-to-own model is more focused on single-player development and enhancing assets by completing game objectives. In terms of asset usage, play-to-earn games place more emphasis on earning virtual money that can be used to make real-world purchases, while play-to-own games focus more on earning money to upgrade digital assets. In terms of leisure value, play-to-earn games may have reduced enjoyment due to their focus on earning mechanics, while play-to-own games may have higher enjoyment due to their emphasis on more engaging gameplay.
There are several reasons why play-to-earn (P2E) games have gained a lot of hype in the gaming industry. First, players typically pay money in exchange for a positive gaming experience, which can lead to an increase in currency. This includes the entry fee for skill-based events such as e-sports. Second, game developers and creators benefit from a profitable source of income from advertising money. Third, P2E games have introduced a new generation of non-fungible token (NFT) collectors, who can be a reliable source of income for the game. These collectors may include game enthusiasts, sports fans, speculators, traders, and others. Fourth, P2E games focus on “earning,” which means that the gameplay experience may not be the main objective and the developer may not prioritize improving it. However, a good gaming experience is important for the long-term viability of the ecosystem. Finally, P2E games use various value distribution channels such as token staking, burning, and altering earning ratios to regulate the supply of cryptocurrencies, which helps maintain token values and reduce inflation.
Play-and-own games come in many different forms, from console games to PC games to mobile games. Some popular examples include:
- Console games: These are games that are played on dedicated gaming consoles, such as the Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch. Console games can be purchased as physical copies or as digital downloads, and they can be played alone or with others through online multiplayer modes.
- PC games: These are games that are played on a personal computer, either through a dedicated gaming platform (such as Steam) or through a browser. PC games can be purchased as physical copies or as digital downloads, and they can be played alone or with others through online multiplayer modes.
- Mobile games: These are games that are played on a smartphone or tablet. Mobile games can be downloaded for free or for a fee from app stores, and they can be played alone or with others through online multiplayer modes.
There are also many other types of play to own games, such as tabletop games, card games, and sports games, to name a few.
In the context of video games, “play” typically refers to actively engaging with and experiencing a game, either alone or with others. This can involve progressing through the game’s story or objectives, exploring its virtual world, or competing against other players.
“Own” games typically refer to games that a person has purchased or otherwise acquired and can play at any time. This may include physical copies of games on a gaming console or PC, or digital copies of games that are downloaded and stored on a device. Some games may also be available to play through subscription services, in which case the person would not own a copy of the game but would have access to play it as long as they are subscribed to the service.
It’s difficult to say which specific titles are considered “play and own” games, as this can vary based on the platform and the way the game is made available to players. Some examples of popular play to own games across a variety of platforms include:
- Console games:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch)
- Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox, PlayStation, PC)
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (PlayStation 4)
- PC games:
- Mobile games:
- Candy Crush (iOS, Android)
- Pokémon Go (iOS, Android)
- Clash of Clans (iOS, Android)
This is just a small selection of the many play and own games that are available. There are many other games available on various platforms, and new titles are released all the time.
Play to own games and crypto games are similar in that they are both types of games that can be played on a computer or other device. However, they differ in some key ways:
- Play and own games: These are games that a person has purchased or otherwise acquired and can play at any time. This may include physical copies of games on a gaming console or PC, or digital copies of games that are downloaded and stored on a device. Some games may also be available to play through subscription services, in which case the person would not own a copy of the game but would have access to play it as long as they are subscribed to the service.
- Crypto games: These are games that use blockchain technology and cryptocurrency as a key part of their gameplay mechanics. In many cases, these games allow players to earn, trade, and use cryptocurrency within the game, and they may also offer the ability to buy in-game items or other assets using cryptocurrency. Some crypto games are played through dedicated platforms or marketplaces, while others are available as standalone games.
So while both play to own games and crypto games can be played on a computer or other device, the key difference is that crypto games involve the use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency in their gameplay.
Play-and-own games and play-to-earn games are two different types of games that differ in the way that players can acquire and use in-game items or assets.
- Play-and-own games: These are games that a person has purchased or otherwise acquired and can play at any time. This may include physical copies of games on a gaming console or PC, or digital copies of games that are downloaded and stored on a device. Some games may also be available to play through subscription services, in which case the person would not own a copy of the game but would have access to play it as long as they are subscribed to the service. In play-and-own games, players typically purchase in-game items or assets using real money, and they own these items outright.
- Play-to-earn games: These are games that offer players the ability to earn in-game items or assets by playing the game. In some cases, these items may have real-world value and can be traded or sold on external markets. Play-to-earn games may also offer the ability to purchase in-game items using real money, but the main focus is on earning items through gameplay.
So the main difference between play-and-own games and play-to-earn games is the way that players can acquire in-game items or assets. In play-and-own games, players typically purchase these items using real money, while in play-to-earn games, players can earn them by playing the game.
