With top players earning income through play-to-earn (P2E) games, content creation, and partnerships, the Web3 gaming industry presents a unique opportunity.
Crypto gaming is quickly evolving from a niche hobby to a viable career path, with top players earning income through play-to-earn (P2E) games, content creation, and partnerships.
In a recent development, Yellow Panther, a leading Web3 gamer, highlighted how crypto gaming can extend beyond playing. At the YGG Play Summit in the Philippines, Panther shared his journey from competing in Axie Infinity tournaments to advising major gaming companies. At just 26, he has managed to combine his passion for gaming with a career in strategy.
“I wasn't the one that thought I would ever be an adviser,” Panther said. However, his deep understanding of gaming trends and markets led him to advisory roles and partnerships. Additionally, Panther creates gaming content for social media, further diversifying his career path. “It's not just playing games; it's business and content creation.”
Despite the opportunities, Panther also acknowledged the challenges in turning gaming into a career. Poorly managed token launches and low-value rewards can leave players feeling disappointed. “You'd rather work a normal Web2 job,” he said, referring to players who might be frustrated by months of grinding for minimal payouts.
As X user @1437MT8 pointed out, Axie Infinity has played a pivotal role in this shift. Many players began their Web3 journeys with Axie, finding purpose and opportunities within its ecosystem. While the game's early economic model had its issues, it has since evolved with sustainable reward systems like the Rice Movement, which encourages daily participation. Initiatives like this showcase how consistent engagement can create meaningful opportunities for dedicated players.
Speaking at the summit, Sascha Darius Mojtahedi, co-founder of the blockchain game Parallel, expressed optimism for the future. He noted that the recent revival in the crypto market could lead to increased adoption of Web3 games. Innovation and creativity are key drivers, especially as regulatory pressures ease.
“This opens opportunities for meaningful economies and experiences,” Mojtahedi said. His upcoming AI-powered game, Parallel Colony, pushes the boundaries by having AI agents play the game instead of users.
Meanwhile, collaborations like the $1 million questing fund from Yield Guild Games (YGG) and Immutable aim to reward players for exploring games. Rewards can include skins, characters, and items, adding another layer of income potential for gamers willing to branch out.
As blockchain games continue to innovate and introduce new reward systems, the prospect of crypto gaming becoming a viable full-time job for more players remains alive. However, for now, only those with a deep understanding of the market, adaptability, and multiple income streams are likely to make it work.