Crypto games are revolutionizing the gaming industry, solving long-standing issues with in-game currencies and asset portability. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency now empower developers to incorporate tangible assets into gaming. Ethereum, EOS, and TRON are pioneering platforms in this new era of gaming. We’ve compiled a guide to these platforms and the innovative games they enable, marking a significant shift in how digital assets are utilized in gaming.
What are cryptocurrency games?
Cryptocurrency games, also often called blockchain-based games, signify a new era in the gaming industry. Here, a decentralized system supersedes traditional centralized control. In these games, blockchain technology forms the backbone. It ensures that, instead of one authoritative entity, a distributed computer network validates and logs transactions related to the game.
Ethereum: The ultimate network for blockchain gaming
As of 2024, crypto gaming has significantly evolved, with numerous networks hosting various games. Ethereum, a pioneer in smart contracts, remains a key figure in the industry. Its status as a top cryptocurrency enhances its prominence. Ethereum was the first to embrace decentralized applications (DApps). This includes play-to-earn games, solidifying its role in blockchain gaming.
Despite facing scalability challenges, Ethereum still boasts the largest collection of DApps and blockchain games, surpassing all other networks.
In contrast, networks like Polygon (MATIC) have emerged as crucial facilitators in overcoming these scalability issues. Operating alongside the Ethereum blockchain, Polygon enhances transaction processing, making it faster and more cost-effective. Its adoption in popular blockchain games such as Axie Infinity and The Sandbox highlights this efficiency.
EOS rises as a key player in blockchain gaming
The EOS ecosystem had established itself with several blockchain-powered games, albeit with fewer numbers than Ethereum. The Ultra Blockchain Network, commonly known as Ultra, was also developed atop EOS. Like a blockchain-powered version of Steam, Ultra served as an all-encompassing platform for games, in-game items, contests, tournaments, and more. The Ultra team, previously in 2023, had announced the integration of EOS Nation as a new Block Producer, joining the ranks of established entities like Ubisoft, Bitfinex, EOS Rio, and EOS Seoul.
The advanced capabilities of the EOS blockchain, showcased through such developments, had positioned EOS to soon become a more significant player in the blockchain gaming sector by 2024.
TRON: Gaining ground in blockchain gaming
TRON continued to carve out its niche in the blockchain gaming world, particularly excelling in gambling-related games. Most top DApps on its network were digital games of chance, attracting higher active user counts than many non-gambling games on platforms like Ethereum and EOS.
Like Ethereum, TRON utilized blockchain and peer-to-peer technology, allowing content creators to engage directly with their audience, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Its ecosystem includes a decentralized exchange (DEX), blockchain explorer, wallet, decentralized oracle, and lending platform. Key features that set TRON apart were its fast and cost-efficient transactions, the use of TRC20 tokens, and opportunities for staking.
By 2024, the platform had grown significantly, boasting over 180 million user accounts by August 2023. Hence, TRON’s focus on decentralized finance (DeFi) was poised to influence its market presence further, boosting sales, user engagement, and overall revenue.
The best cryptocurrency games of 2024
Here are some of the best crypto games of 2024 that stand out for their popularity and ambitious scope. This straightforward list features existing and upcoming games poised to attract new audiences to this innovative technology. These games are part of the Ethereum, Tron, or EOS ecosystems:
1. Cryptokitties
CryptoKitties, a trailblazer in crypto gaming, quickly gained fame for its innovative approach. Players actively trade, breed, and battle unique cartoon cats in this game. Each cat represents a non-fungible ERC721 token permanently logged on the blockchain. The game’s 2017 launch saw immense, immediate popularity. It even famously slowed down the entire network at one point. This surge in interest coincided with the cryptocurrency bull run at the time.
2. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained, a collectible card game, mirrors Magic: The Gathering but with a twist. All cards are digital tokens, giving players real ownership of their decks. Each card carries a unique history, and players freely buy, sell, and trade them, much like physical cards. This free-to-play game provides each user with a basic, non-tradable deck. Additional cards are available for purchase from the store or through secondary markets. New card packs are released regularly, allowing players to customize their decks as desired. The game’s creators aim to make Gods Unchained a leading force in introducing blockchain gaming to a broader audience.
3. The Sandbox
Many people are familiar with The Sandbox, which evolved from a 2D pixel-based world creation game on mobile and Windows into a sophisticated 3D environment. This transformation is powered by an ecosystem incorporating ERC20, ERC721, and the innovative ERC1155 tokens.
Imagine a Minecraft-like experience with enhanced creative control, a native currency, and blockchain-powered fungible items. The Sandbox, built on the Ethereum network, represents a virtual world where decentralization and community-driven initiatives are key.
It’s a platform where users can craft, possess, and monetize their gaming experiences. In The Sandbox, players create their digital assets, including virtual land and interactive games, as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). These assets are tradable on the platform’s marketplace, with transactions utilizing the platform’s cryptocurrency, SAND.
4. Decentraland
Released in March 2022, Decentraland quickly gained popularity on iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones, amassing thousands of installations without a marketing budget. By the time Gökberk submitted a proposal to the DAO grants program in July 2022, he had already provided a minimum viable product for user testing for over three months, showcasing his dedication. Typically, grantees pitch an idea to receive a grant before starting their project, but Gökberk’s approach differed.
Importantly, the project focuses on creating a virtual world where users can build, trade, and engage with each other. It leverages ERC20 tokens, named MANA, and non-fungible assets, termed LAND, to encourage creative freedom in this digital space. Through a network of smart contracts, players are empowered to interact, exchange in-game assets, and construct their virtual properties, enriching the user experience.
5. Upland
Upland’s journey began in 2018, inspired by a late-night Monopoly session. The vision was to craft a digital world where properties, represented as NFTs, could be traded using in-game currency or real-world U.S. dollars for those looking to cash in.
Completing collections is one of the most engaging ways to immerse yourself in Upland. These are sets of properties that meet specific criteria or actions. Assembling a collection secures you a one-time UPX bonus and continually boosts the UPX yield of the properties within as long as the collection stays complete. Upland invites you to dive in, collect, and experience the dynamic world of virtual property trading.
6. Mega Dice
This crypto game is part of the gambling scene as a new crypto-centric casino and sportsbook offering a vast selection of gambling games. It is the first licensed crypto casino accessible via the Telegram app, boasting generous bonuses and promotions. The platform ensures swift and smooth crypto transactions. As a casino site, Mega Dice specializes in rapid TRON payments and supports thousands of games, including a comprehensive sportsbook.
With just $1, players can embark on their gaming journey, receiving a 200% matched bonus on their first deposit. The game variety spans from thousands of slots to table games, live dealers, and blockchain-based titles like dice, crash, and keno, all featuring provably fair technology.
The future of web3 and crypto games
Crypto games in the context of blockchain and cryptocurrency have much more to offer and explore. As prominent developers embrace this technology in the coming years, it could dramatically transform gaming. Determining which platform or platforms will power future games remains an exciting prospect. Soon, we may witness a major franchise venture into decentralized assets, fundamentally changing gaming forever. Whether your interest lies in trying Cryptokitties, Decentraland, or Gods Unchained, there’s a crypto game for everyone.
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