Exploring Different Types of Blockchain Games 2024
Blockchain games let players own in-game items, earn money, and enjoy secure, transparent gaming.
In this article, we look at different blockchain game types that use this technology to improve the gaming experience.
Table of content
What are Blockchain Game Types?
There are different types of Blockchain gaming for players to enjoy.
NFT Games
NFT games use cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as the foundation for their gameplay. The most popular NFT games involve collecting virtual land and building items on it that are also NFTs.
Some games let players combine multiple NFTs to create unique new ones. With the rise of composable NFTs, developers can design even more complex and engaging gameplay experiences.
One early and popular example is CryptoKitties, where players buy, breed, and sell digital cats with unique traits. Each cat is represented by an NFT, and its value can change based on market demand.
Axie Infinity is also a popular play-to-earn game where players collect, breed, and battle adorable creatures called Axies. Each Axie is a unique NFT, and players can earn rewards when playing the game and even sell their Axies on the open market.
DeFi Games
DeFi games are built on decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols or allow players to interact with DeFi through a gamified experience. These games enable users to earn high yields by providing liquidity to the network and staking their cryptocurrencies.
One popular DeFi game is Pool Party, where users join prize pools and win rewards based on their contributions. The game uses a prize savings model, where users put in money to gain entry into a prize pool, which then pays out rewards. These rewards are random, so a player may or may not receive a big return, but there is a guarantee to get the entry fee back.
Casino Games
Blockchain technology can change how online casinos work by ensuring that games are fair. It does this by keeping a public record of all the game results and money movements. The impact of blockchain technology in gaming provides transparency and security.
This means players can trust the casino more. Also, using cryptocurrencies can make putting money in and taking money out quick and safe.
For example, in Decentraland, there's a place called “ICE Poker” where you can play poker games. You bet using MANA, the platform's currency.
Metaverse Games
The metaverse in gaming refers to a virtual universe where players interact with each other and explore digital environments in real-time. This interconnected digital space includes various virtual worlds, gaming landscapes, and experiences.
In the metaverse, players can create personalized avatars, participate in social interactions, attend events, and engage in various activities. Unlike traditional games, metaverse gaming platforms offer a persistent and ever-evolving online environment that goes beyond the boundaries of individual games.
The Sandbox is a popular metaverse game where players can buy and own virtual land. They can then customize their land, create games and experiences, and even generate revenue by charging other players for access.
AAA Web3 Games
AAA Web3 games are large, complex games that use blockchain technology to provide players with true ownership and interoperability of in-game items. These games offer an immersive experience like never before.
Most AAA Web3 games include many interactive elements within the metaverse and are compatible with AR/VR. They are optimized for low latency and increased responsiveness.
Two popular AAA Web3 games are Alien Worlds on Ethereum and Star Atlas on Solana.
Farming Games
Farming games are new blockchain game types focused on gathering resources, growing crops, and raising animals. These games use blockchain tokens to track ownership and create in-game markets where players can buy and sell items.
One example is DeFi Land, where users own virtual land and build farms on it. Players can harvest crops, raise animals, and produce goods. The goal of DeFi Land is to gamify all aspects of decentralized finance.
Strategy and Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
Blockchain games in the strategy and RPG genres blend traditional gaming with strategic foresight. These games incorporate typical role-playing elements such as character progression, missions, and conflicts, while also offering opportunities to earn in-game currency based on your success.
Games like League of Kingdoms and BLOCKLORDS provide diverse strategic gameplay, including construction, conquest, PvE resource extraction, and PvP battles.
Axie Infinity exemplifies this model, too, where earning tokens through gameplay is essential. It sets an intriguing precedent for combining in-game achievements with real monetary rewards.
Crypto Game Types In The Future
The future of blockchain gaming promises to bring even more innovative and diverse types of crypto games.
AI-Driven Crypto Games
Imagine games with non-playable characters (NPCs) and game environments powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI-driven elements create dynamic and adaptive gaming experiences. NPCs and environments can learn from player behavior and evolve, offering personalized and unpredictable gameplay.
In a future blockchain RPG, NPCs might adapt their dialogue and actions based on past interactions. If you frequently help a certain faction, NPCs might offer you better deals or unique quests. Meanwhile, the game world could change dynamically, with towns expanding, new areas opening up, and environments reacting to in-game events and player choices.
Cross-Platform Crypto Games
Future crypto games could offer seamless integration across multiple platforms, including consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and VR/AR systems. This would allow players to maintain a consistent gaming experience and carry their in-game assets and progress across different devices.
For example, you could start a quest on your home console, continue it on your mobile device during your commute, and complete it using a VR headset for an immersive finale. Your in-game assets and progress would seamlessly transfer between all these devices.
Narrative-Driven Crypto Games
Narrative-driven crypto games could combine rich storytelling with blockchain technology, allowing players to own and trade unique story elements, characters, and plot twists. These games would offer deep, engaging narratives where player choices can significantly impact the storyline and outcome.
Imagine a fantasy RPG where your character's backstory, key plot decisions, and rare story artifacts are all NFTs. You could trade a unique plot twist or a pivotal character with another player, directly influencing the direction of their game's story.
AR/VR Crypto Games
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) blockchain game type could offer highly immersive experiences, where players interact with blockchain assets in a three-dimensional space. These games would blend the physical and digital worlds, creating new possibilities for gameplay and asset interaction.
Final Thoughts on Blockchain Game Types
Learning the basics of blockchain technology can help to understand the different blockchain gaming types. From NFT games like CryptoKitties and Axie Infinity to DeFi games such as Pool Party, each type offers unique gameplay and economic models, so it's always worth trying.
FAQ About Blockchain Game Types
What are blockchain game types?
There are NFT games, casino games, metaverse games, and Web3 games, each offering unique gameplay and benefits.
Is blockchain gaming secure?
Yes, blockchain gaming is more secure due to its decentralized nature, making hacking and altering game data much more challenging.
What are metaverse games?
Metaverse games are expansive virtual worlds that use blockchain technology to allow players to own land, items, and businesses as NFTs. These games create immersive environments where players can interact, trade, and build within the virtual world.
What is a play-to-earn game?
Play-to-earn games allow players to earn cryptocurrency or tokens by completing tasks, winning battles, or achieving milestones within the game. These earned tokens can often be traded for real-world value.
What blockchain game type is the most popular?
The most popular blockchain game type currently is play-to-earn (P2E) games. Popular examples include Axie Infinity and Splinterlands