If you’ve dabbled in the crypto space and converted some of your hard-earned USD to ETH (Ethereum), you might have wondered what else you can do with it besides holding and trading. Well how about gaming? That’s right, crypto explorer. You can use and grow your well-kept ETH by playing Ethereum-powered games, where digital coins are not just accepted but are an integral part of the experience.
How Ethereum Comes Into Play
Many cryptos are not just standalone currencies; they are part of a technological system that can be applied to many industries and functionalities. For Ethereum, one such industry is the world of gaming.
Ethereum-based games offer a decentralized alternative to traditional games, where in-game assets are confined to the games’ ecosystems. Here, players’ game items are secured on the block chain, which gives them true ownership. This can give a sense of permanence and value, like when acquiring actual real-life properties.
Into the Ethereum Playverse: The Hottest Ethereum-based Games
Axie Infinity
Let’s open the gates with the immensely popular Axie Infinity. It took the gaming world by storm with its unique blend of Pokémon-inspired gameplay, blockchain technology, and rewards that can be converted into real-world value. In Axie Infinity, players can collect, breed, and battle adorable creatures called Axies. But what sets it apart from other collection games is that each Axie is a non-fungible token (NFT) that you own outright.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Axie players can also earn Small Love Potions (SLP) and Axie Infinity Shards (AXS), which can be traded for ETH. So, your in-game efforts can literally impact your crypto wallet, and even your bank account. Imagine converting your USD to ETH and using it to buy an Axie, then earning ETH through gameplay – it’s a loop of fun and profit!
Decentraland
Also built on the Ethereum blockchain, Decentraland is a virtual world where you can build, explore, and trade in a completely decentralized environment. Here, you mainly use MANA (Decentraland’s native token), but many land parcels, avatars, and wearables are traded using ETH.
What Decentraland offers is a truly immersive experience: you can visit art galleries, attend virtual concerts, or even open your own business within the game. The best part is that since it is secured on the Ethereum blockchain you have full ownership of your digital real estate.
Lost Relics
Lost Relics is an action-adventure RPG where you can embark on epic quests, battle monsters, and uncover valuable loot. Thanks to its integration into the Ethereum network, each item you find is an NFT that you truly own, and which you can trade or sell on the blockchain. Imagine diving into a dungeon, defeating a powerful boss, and finding a legendary sword that you can later sell for ETH. It’s basically embarking on a virtual adventure to get digital treasures that you can convert into real world wealth.
A Few More Ethereum-Powered Gems: Honorable Mentions
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Gods Unchained: This is a trading card game that offers true ownership of your cards. Here, strategic gameplay meets blockchain, allowing you to trade and sell cards freely.
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The Sandbox: It is a virtual world where you can create, own, and monetize your gaming experiences. You can use ETH to buy land, build games, and trade assets.
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CryptoKitties: One of the pioneers in the space, CryptoKitties lets you collect and breed virtual cats. Each kitty is unique and owned by you forever, thanks to the Ethereum blockchain.
Why Ethereum in Gaming: More than Just a Game
Ethereum-based games are more than just entertainment; they offer a new form of investment. The items and tokens you earn or buy can appreciate over time, making your gaming experience potentially profitable. Thanks to games like these, gamers are no longer just spending money; now they can also earn and invest through gameplay.
Ownership and Control
True ownership of in-game assets: that is one of the biggest draws of blockchain-powered games. Unlike in traditional games where items can be lost or become obsolete, those based on Ethereum ensure that your assets remain yours, thanks to the blockchain. In some games, they can even be converted into cryptocurrency and eventually, into traditional money.
Transparency and Trust
Blockchain technology inherently provides transparency. Every transaction is recorded and verifiable, thus reducing the risk of fraud. This means a fairer and more trustworthy environment for gamers. You can trade items with confidence, knowing the system is secure and transparent.
Community and Collaboration
Ethereum games often foster strong communities. For instance, Axie Infinity has a robust player community that collaborates, trades, and even competes in tournaments. This sense of community adds a social layer to gaming, making it more engaging and rewarding.
Economic Opportunities
From earning tokens through gameplay to trading valuable NFTs, these games open up new economic opportunities. Gamers can actually make a living by playing games – something that seemed like a dream years before blockchain-powered games came into play. This new model of “play-to-earn” is transforming the gaming landscape.
The integration of Ethereum in gaming is still in its early stages, but the potential is enormous. As more developers and players recognize the benefits of blockchain technology, we can expect a surge in innovative games and applications.
The magic of Ethereum games lies in their ability to create real-world value through virtual interactions. It’s not just about fun; it’s about redefining ownership, value, and the very essence of gaming.
