The evolution of video gaming has been thrilling, especially for those who witnessed the early days when it all started with Atari video consoles and today’s exciting intersection of video games and cryptocurrency.
The gaming industry has seen a remarkable evolution over the years, especially with the introduction of blockchain technology. This integration has given rise to a new sub-genre of video games that are played on blockchain networks, offering unique features and possibilities. Among the vast selection of crypto-based games available, here are five of the most popular ones:
1. Axie Infinity: Created by Sky Mavis, a Vietnamese studio, Axie Infinity was officially launched in 2018. Gaining quick popularity in Southeast Asia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Axie Infinity became a primary source of income for many in the region. Known for its play-to-earn model, the game's economy is driven by its native tokens, AXS and SLP, which can be earned, traded, and used within its ecosystem.
2. Gods Unchained: Developed by Immutable, an Australian-based company, Gods Unchained was launched in 2018. It is a free-to-play digital collectible card game that puts emphasis on strategic gameplay and true ownership of in-game assets. Due to its deep strategic elements and high-quality card designs, Gods Unchained is often compared to popular trading card games like Magic: The Gathering. The integration of blockchain ensures that players have full ownership of their digital cards, which can be freely traded or sold on various marketplaces.
3. The Sandbox: Originally a mobile game developed by Pixowl in 2012, The Sandbox was later reimagined and relaunched as a blockchain-based game in 2018 by Animoca Brands. The new version of The Sandbox allows players to create, own, and monetize their gaming experiences within a vast virtual world. The game's voxel-based design provides a highly customizable and interactive environment, fostering creativity and community-driven content. The Sandbox has since become one of the leading metaverse platforms, attracting partnerships with major brands and celebrities.
4. Decentraland: Conceptualized in 2015 by Ari Meilich and Esteban Ordano, Decentraland was officially launched in 2020. It is one of the earliest and most well-known virtual worlds built on blockchain technology. Offering users complete freedom to create and explore, Decentraland is a fully decentralized virtual environment. The platform's governance is handled by a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), giving players a direct voice in the platform’s development and future direction. Decentraland has gained attention for its virtual real estate market, where plots of land have been sold for millions of dollars.
5. Splinterlands: Created by the company Steem Monsters (now Splinterlands Inc.), Splinterlands was launched in 2018. Originally built on the Steem blockchain, it later transitioned to the Hive blockchain to take advantage of its fast and fee-free transactions. Combining the elements of collectible card games with blockchain technology, Splinterlands offers a unique play-to-earn experience. The game has garnered a large and dedicated player base thanks to its strategic depth and active competitive scene. Splinterlands is praised for its accessibility, as it can be played on both desktop and mobile devices.
These top five crypto-based video games demonstrate the innovative ways blockchain technology is being integrated into the gaming industry. From play-to-earn models to true ownership of in-game assets, these games offer unique experiences that go beyond traditional gaming. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, there’s something in the crypto gaming world for everyone.
