In this post I’ll be taking a deep dive (Q&A style) into Blockchain Games.
The list of Q&A is kind of long so first comes the list of questions that I have prepared the answers to:
- What are blockchain games?
- Which blockchains are used?
- What do I need to start playing?
- What kinds of games are there? (Examples included)
- Can I play on my phone?
- Can I make money playing blockchain games?
1. What Are Blockchain Games?
Blockchain games are online games that incorporate blockchain into game dynamics. There are many ways this can be done, but a common way is to connect in-game assets to a public blockchain.
This means that although the game is hosted on servers owned by the game developers, the assets (items, loot, etc) earned by players are owned by the players.
By storing in-game asset data on the decentralized blockchain, they exist outside the game itself. This means you could use the same asset across multiple games!
2. Which Blockchains Are Used?
The vast majority of blockchain games use the Ethereum blockchain. These games interface with the blockchain using smart contracts.
Ethereum is an open-source and programmable blockchain that has its own native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH).
3. What do I need to start playing?
If you want to start playing blockchain games the first thing you need is a compatible wallet to store in-game assets. Most games will not let you start playing without this set up.
Some games will specify a wallet, while others interface with common wallets like Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, etc.
The next thing you need is some ETH in the wallet. Although some games will allow you to play for free, the majority will eventually require in-game purchases to advance in the game. Also any transactions on Ethereum incur transaction fees (aka Gas) so you need a balance to start from.
4. What kinds of games are there? (Examples included!)
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There are all kinds of game genres, from trading card games to first person shooters. The blockchain game category is still expanding.
Here are some examples of popular blockchain games and their genres:
- Splinterlands - Trading Card Game
- Gods Unchained - Trading Card Game
- Lost Relics - Action Adventure RPG
- Axie Infinity - RPG (Pokémon-like)
- Ethermon - RPG (Pokémon-like)
- My Crypto Heroes - RPG
- The Sandbox - Sandbox
- The Six Dragons - Open World RPG
- Age of Rust - First Person Shooter
5. Can I play on my phone?
Some blockchain games can be played on android and iOS, but not all. Also gameplay may not be as enjoyable on mobile as opposed to desktop.
If the game can be played on your phone you will need to download a decentralized application browser like Coinbase Wallet, Trust, Cipher, etc.
6. Can I make money playing blockchain games?
While there are opportunities to turn a profit while playing some blockchain games, it’s likely not a fortune-maker.
Often being an early player of a game will improve your chances of acquiring cryptocurrency rewards and freebies; however, some games suffer from a pay-to-win problem that requires upfront investment to turn a potential profit.
Leave a comment with your experience earning while playing!
And that’s it!
If you find this post informative please give it a like and if I left anything out please post it in the comments!
