Top game for crypto fans
While cryptocurrency is primarily focused on decentralizing finance, many entertainment-based offshoots are emerging that instead focus on leisure. For example, when CryptoKitties launched in 2017, blockchain developers at Dapper Labs were looking to build a recreational platform. CryptoKitties, based on raising and trading virtual cats, marked the beginning of NFT and blockchain-based gaming.
The idea has since proved incredibly popular. While NFTs have streamlined virtual collections, from the NBA’s Top Shot Marketplace to independent art projects, there is a growing emphasis on NFT-based games. Some, like Silk’s Horseracing (covered below), combine elements of gaming with collectibles. Others, like online slots that focus on crypto, are more casual and designed for finance-first players.
If you’re looking for a game that will spark your interest in crypto, keep reading for five suggestions available in 2022.
Online slots (browser or mobile)
As one of the most popular genres of casino gaming, top platforms offer online slots for players of all kinds. Along with multiple ways to win, players are looking for themes and characters that interest them. Fantasy, sci-fi, action-adventure and mythology are some of the best choices.
However, crypto and finance enthusiasts can also find titles that touch their interests. Empire Reels, for example, covers NYC topics that include the Wall Street boom of the 1920s. Meanwhile, Sweep the nation takes players back to the time of the founding fathers – including Alexander Hamilton.
Silks Horseracing (mobile)
Hosted on Ethereum’s blockchain at OpenSea, Silk’s horse racing is quickly becoming one of the hottest games in the crypto world. The game is simple: combine the excitement and intrigue of horse racing with NFT trading. Players breed and train crypto horses, similar to the early days of CryptoKitties.
But from there, they can earn crypto rewards with Silks’ in-game currency, $STT. In other words, if their virtual horse wins races, players actually earn $STT. In addition, developers partnered with Kentucky’s Circle 8 Ranch, a thoroughbred horse training facility. Down to the DNA of thoroughbreds in the game, Silk’s horse racing offers a truly unique and realistic horse racing betting and trading game.
Financial Football (browser or mobile)
Back in 2018, the NFL developed its Financial football games on Unreal Engine. While it doesn’t run on the blockchain or help players earn real crypto, it’s a fantastic crossover between sports simulation and financial management – one that crypto users would love to see adapted to blockchain.
Equal football manager, Financial football helps young adults learn the basics of financial planning—all through the framework of managing NFL teams and players. While the game focuses on education, it doesn’t feel shoehorned or pedantic. So far, most blockchain games have focused on in-game tokens and collectibles, but a sports-management crossover could soon be in the works from Hive or Solana.
Axie Infinity (mobile)
From a business and financial perspective, Axie Infinity would not be considered a success. The game runs on AXS, which has regressed since the company boomed last November. Meanwhile, publications such as Bloomberg have also taken a hard line against Axie Infinity’s model. However, there is one thing that all crypto game fans should know: it is still popular for players.
The game allows users to collect, craft, and battle small creatures modeled after the axolotl. It allows players to earn AXS when they usually use their axes, which has kept many players coming back even after crashing AXS. The Ethereum-based strategy game still has around 500,000 active monthly users, according to ActivePlayer.
Light Nite X (mobile)
Inspired by popular video games such as Fortnite, this game closely mimics the multiplayer Battle Royales popular in eSports. But, Lite Nite X takes this in a whole new direction. For every kill a player logs, they earn a Bitcoin reward – but every time they are killed, they lose those same rewards. So the better the player, the more they earn.