Gamification of cryptocurrencies has been around for quite some time, and the first-movers have already cemented this new trend as a growing industry of games, NFTs, and decentralized finance (DeFi). 

Before diving into the world of crypto gaming, it’s essential to grasp the concept and its underlying technology. Crypto games are digital games that leverage blockchain technology to integrate cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into their gameplay. These in-game assets can be traded, sold, or used to earn rewards, adding a layer of real-world value to the gaming experience.

What are crypto games

Since 2021, crypto games have been on the rise, forming a new industry segment, known as GameFi. Crypto games can also be understood as the ancestor of the traditional “pay-to-win” gaming model, tainted with heavy microtransactions, in-game purchase incentives and the lack of true ownership. But what are these novel games and how do they work? 

Play-to-earn gaming platforms are usually developed and launched on Layer 1 blockchain networks like Ethereum, Solana, or BNB Chain. These platforms offer developers software tools to create applications and experiences compatible with cryptocurrencies, functioning on their respective blockchain infrastructures.

Utilizing blockchain technology, game studios can assign unique digital identities to in-game items by tokenizing them. This process enables players to gain legitimate ownership of these digital assets. As owners, they can sell these items within the gaming community, exchange them for other assets linked to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), or convert their earned cryptocurrency into real-world currency.

This new approach towards gaming introduces a significant paradigm shift in the entire industry and despite the numerous challenges, blockchain-powered gaming strives to put players in the forefront. 

Advantages of crypto games

There are several significant novelties crypto games put to the table: 

• Reward models: Most crypto games reward players for their achievements or time spent in the game, either through gaming tokens or in-game NFTs. This way, blockchain game developers show appreciation for the time players spend with their game and build a sense of loyalty to their project. 

• Community Governance: In traditional Web2 games, game development companies control all decisions and directions. In contrast, crypto gaming allows players to have a say in game development through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), where decisions are influenced by player votes, often tied to token holdings. 

• Genuine ownership: In traditional games, purchased assets are stored on centralized servers and confined to the game they’re in. In contrast, crypto game assets are represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on a blockchain, making them authentic, interoperable, and immutable. Owning an NFT means you have full control, including the ability to monetize them on secondary markets.

• Decentralization: Many crypto games are built on decentralized networks, reducing the risk of server downtime and interference from centralized authorities. This can lead to a more stable and fair gaming environment.

• Transparency and Security: The use of blockchain technology ensures transparency in game mechanics and asset ownership, potentially reducing fraud and cheating. Additionally, the cryptographic security of blockchain provides enhanced security for in-game transactions and asset storage.

• Interoperability of Assets: Although still in the crib, some crypto games experiment with the use of assets across different games and platforms, making in-game purchases and time investment more valuable.

Step by step guide how to crypto gaming

1. Acquire a Crypto Wallet 

To store and manage your crypto assets, you’ll need a crypto wallet. Popular options include MetaMask, OKX Wallet, Trust Wallet, and Coinbase Wallet. These wallets allow you to connect to various blockchain networks and interact with decentralized applications (DApps), including crypto games. 

How to set up your crypto wallet

• Choose a Crypto Wallet: Select a wallet that suits your needs, such as Metamask, which can be downloaded as an app or browser extension.

• Install and Set Up Your Wallet: Follow the installation process and set up your account, which typically involves creating a password.

• Generate and Secure Your Seed Phrase: During setup, your wallet will generate a seed phrase. Securely store this phrase by writing it down on paper, saving it on an encrypted thumb drive, or any other secure method. This phrase is crucial for account recovery.

• Consider Advanced Security Options: For added security, explore options like a word-based seed wallet stored in a safe place (e.g., a safety deposit box) or set up a multi-signature (multi-sig) wallet for transactions requiring multiple private keys.

• Add Funds to Your Wallet: Transfer cryptocurrency from a stock trading account or crypto exchange into your wallet. Some wallets also allow direct purchase or swapping of cryptocurrencies.

• Know Your Blockchain Addresses: Your wallet will have unique addresses for each type of cryptocurrency. Use the “Receive” function in your wallet to see and copy your specific blockchain address for receiving funds.

• Understand Private Keys: A private key is used for sending cryptocurrency. Keep your private key secure and use it when making transactions or connecting to services requiring it.

Although it might look discouraging at first, setting up your crypto wallet is not that big deal. However, this traditional concept of crypto gaming onboarding has already been revolutionized by companies such as Immutable, Animoca Brands or QORPO Game Studio, which offer a built-in cryptocurrency wallets, hence users don’t need to integrate 3rd party wallets to interact with their platforms. 

2. Purchase Cryptocurrency 

Cryptocurrency is the fuel that powers crypto games. Not seldom, you’ll need to purchase the specific cryptocurrency required for the game you want to play. Popular cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken allow you to buy cryptocurrency using fiat currencies like USD or EUR for smoother onboarding.

Currently, there are many free-to-play crypto games, which don’t require any initial investment in crypto nor any other real-world currency. Splinterlands, Blankos, Sandbox or Citizen Conflict are great examples of games you can start playing for free. 

3. Choose a Crypto Game 

With a growing number of crypto games available, it’s crucial to select one that aligns with your interests and gaming preferences. Research different genres, gameplay mechanics, and earning potential to find a game that suits your style. Just keep in mind that many crypto games are currently under development or operate in early stage releases. If you are interested in such a game, you’ll need to be ready for minor bugs or technical inconveniences. 

4. Create an Account and Connect Your Wallet 

Once you’ve chosen a game, create an account on the game’s platform. Most crypto games require you to connect your crypto wallet to access your in-game assets and make transactions. The process is typically straightforward and involves following the game’s instructions.

On the other hand, some innovative platforms such as QORPO WORLD makes things simpler with web2 signup methods. Players can register using their Google account, popular social media profiles or their email address. 

5. Start Playing and Earning

Now the fun begins! Dive into the world of your chosen crypto game, explore its mechanics, and start earning rewards. Depending on the game, you can earn cryptocurrency, NFTs, or other valuable in-game assets. Just remember, despite the tempting promises of quick rewards, the actual gameplay and the entertainment is what really matters in gaming. The reward models should be taken only as a cherry on top. 

A new approach and ‘web2.5 games’

Recently, there has been a significant shift in the web3 space, with pioneers focusing on making it more user-friendly. Companies like GALA Games and QORPO Game Studio are at the forefront of this change, developing platforms that merge web2 ease of use with web3 features. These platforms offer straightforward web2-style sign-ups and come equipped with integrated cryptocurrency wallets, complemented by intuitive, drag-and-drop marketplaces. Hence, newcomers can skip most of the steps above.

Additionally, the emergence of “web2.5 games” marks another stride towards accessibility in crypto-integrated gaming. These games are designed for conventional web2 users, eliminating the need for direct engagement with web3 components. Despite this, they still fully support all the cryptocurrency functionalities found in typical crypto games, providing a seamless blend of both worlds.

Where to find Crypto Games

Looking for a suitable crypto game that fits your preferences might occur as a tricky task for many traditional gamers. In web2, major game distribution platforms such as Steam and Epic Store have filled the shoes of go-to places for every gaming enthusiast. This is not the case in the world of crypto gaming. There’s number of platforms which seek to become the Steam of web3, yet none is getting close to being one. The research process is thus more tedious. 

• Dedicated Gaming Platforms: One of the first places to take a look at are platforms aggregating web3 games, such as MetaPro, Earn Alliance, Magic Store or QORPO WORLD. Their advantage arises from user-friendly interface, community reviews, curated game categories, and high security standards.

• Web3 Gaming Publishers: Although none of them is nearly as big as Steam, web3 gaming has attracted a vast network of gaming publishers, such as Owned.gg, Polkastarter, Gam3 GG or Elixir Games. 

• Social Media: Another great source of crypto games research is social media, yet traditional platforms such as Facebook or Instagram will be of little use. Since Meta platforms frown upon web3 games with their regulatory cryptocurrency policies, crypto gaming enthusiasts found home elsewhere. X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Telegram and Discord currently serve as the biggest hubs for crypto gamers. 

• DappRadar: Once you go web3, you definitely don’t want to miss DappRadar, a website that tracks the popularity of decentralized applications (DApps), including crypto games. You can use DappRadar to filter games by genre, platform, and blockchain. 

Before you jump in: precautions and DYOR

Do your own research (DYOR) should always be the core principle when entering any crypto-related project. Before diving into a crypto game, thorough research is essential. Investigate the game’s background, its development team’s track record, and the vibrancy of its player community. This step helps gauge the game’s credibility and potential longevity.

Start your crypto gaming journey with a small investment. This cautious approach allows you to understand the game’s dynamics without significant financial risk. It’s a practical way to learn the ropes of the game’s economy.

Engaging with the game’s community is crucial. Join online forums and social media groups related to the game to gain insights from experienced players and stay updated on the latest news and strategies. To avoid fraudulent pitfalls, always make sure that you join official chat groups and social networks via games’ or developers’ official websites. 

Above all, remember to enjoy the gaming experience. While the financial aspect of crypto gaming is significant, the primary aim should be fun and engagement in the game’s virtual world. Balancing financial goals with the enjoyment of gameplay is key to a rewarding experience in crypto gaming.