The blockchain gaming industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with market size poised to reach $65.7 billion by 2027. Driving this growth is the increased adoption of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the unique capabilities of blockchain technology. In 2017, CryptoKitties was a groundbreaking game that helped kickstart the blockchain gaming industry. The game gained a massive following and is considered the game that helped bring blockchain technology gaming into the mainstream.
These days, blockchain gaming has transformed into play-to-earn (P2E) models, player ownership of in-game assets, and the interoperability of these assets that allow players to use them across multiple games and platforms.
PlayDoge
PlayDoge is a mobile-based P2P game that combines elements of the classic Tamagotchi virtual pet with the Doge meme. The popular game allows players to care for the digital Doge pet by feeding, training, and entertaining it. The game features retro 8-bit graphics and side-scrolling adventures.
PlayDoge allows players to earn their native $PLAY tokens, simply by maintaining the health of their virtual pet and mastering the mini-games within the app. Top players on the leaderboard based on XP earned from tending to the pet and completing levels, will receive additional $PLAY tokens and exclusive rewards. The $PLAY tokens are currently in their presale phases and have already raised millions, with plans to launch on Google Play and the Apple App after the presale concludes.
Slots
Since the launch of CryptoKitties, blockchain gaming and the adoption of cryptocurrencies expanded into crypto casino gaming, with games like blackjack and slots generating billions in revenue annually. In the U.S. alone, online slots generated $4.07 billion in April 2024. Crypto gambling is expected to increase in popularity, with popular sites like MegaDice slots leading the way with unique offerings and convenient play. Although slots isn’t one particular game, it would be impossible to leave it off this list given the huge revenue generated from the hundreds of slot games available online.
eTukTuk
eTukTuk is an AI-powered P2E game based on the mobile game called Crazy Tuk Tuk Taxi. The blockchain game, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, allows players to navigate the vibrant streets of Sri Lanka as virtual tuk-tuk drivers, picking up and dropping off passengers, and competing in races to earn $TUK tokens. This token serves as the in-game currency, allowing players to buy, upgrade their tuk-tuks, and access exclusive content.
The game is integrated with the Binance Smart Chain, suggesting the token could be listed on major exchanges like Binance. The goal of eTukTuk is to encourage eco-friendly city transportation using AI technology. Players can support the crypto game’s mission and contribute to a greener future. The unique setting of the game, its in-game rewards, and its accessibility sets eTukTuk apart from most P2E models.
Axie Infinity
Like CryptoKitties, Axie Infinity is one of the pioneering blockchain games where players can collect, breed, raise, and battle fantasy creatures called Axies. The fantasy creatures are represented by NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain. These creatures can battle non-player characters and other players for the game’s native token Smooth Love Potion (SLP).
The popularity of Axie Infinity comes down to its robust in-game economy, where players can sell, trade, and buy player-owned assets on an open market. The Axie Infinity Shard (AXS) token serves as the game’s decentralized token, in which players are allowed to vote on key decisions and the future direction of the project. This decentralized governance is the reason behind its success as the most popular blockchain game, with more than 2 million active users.
The Sandbox
The Sandbox is a virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain, where players can create, play, collect, and trade game experiences using the in-game token SAND. The aim of the game is for players to create their own 3D assets, games, and experiences using VoxEdit and GameMaker. Like Axie Infinity, this game interoperability allows ASSETS and Lands across multiple platforms, including the metaverse.
The aim of the game is to monetize your 3D creation and virtual experience while earning tokens. The Sandbox is very similar to games like Roblox and Minecraft, allowing players to build their own virtual 3D spaces. The game has gained massive mainstream popularity and recognition and is considered one of the first Web3 games.
Guild of Guardians
Guild of Guardians is a multiplayer, fantasy, action role-playing game where players build their dream team of Guardians and compete in a guild to earn rewards. The game was one of the first to integrate blockchain technology allowing players to truly own their in-game assets as NFTs or “Radiant Assets” as it is known in the game. Players can seamlessly trade, buy, and sell their NFTs within the game’s secure and transparent ecosystem.
The game features a wide range of Guardians to choose from, where players battle against a corrupt threat of the Dread. What makes this game so unique in the blockchain gaming space is that each Guardian can be transformed into tradable NFTs using the in-game enlightenment and ascension system.
Blockchain technology is continuously being updated and further developed. The games listed above, along with some games found at online casinos, use blockchain technology to enhance the user experience. As time moves on, we can expect to see a growing number of blockchain games.
