Betty Nwaogu 
Initially introduced as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain has not only expanded its potential to transform various industries, including gaming, but also disrupted the traditional gaming landscape. By integrating blockchain technology into gaming platforms, developers create a new system offering increased transparency, security, ownership, and unique gameplay possibilities.
This article will delve into seven noteworthy gaming platforms that have embraced the synergy between cryptocurrencies and gaming.
What is Blockchain Gaming?
Blockchain gaming, moreover, combines two distinct sectors: the gaming industry and blockchain technology. In essence, it is the practice of seamlessly adding blockchain technology to video games, thereby enabling users to access new features and content.
Traditionally, a game’s creator or developer exclusively possesses access to and control over the game’s data and assets. However, in blockchain gaming, all of these crucial records and assets undergo management by the distributed ledger.
There are a number of significant benefits to using blockchain technology in the gaming industry. The first considerable change it makes is introducing the idea of “true” ownership of game items.
Players can acquire real-world value and ownership rights to in-game items using non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These unique, verifiable digital assets can be bought, sold, and traded on blockchain-based marketplaces.
The use of a blockchain in gaming also increases safety and transparency. Because of blockchain’s decentralized structure, gamers can have faith that their in-game transactions and actions will be recorded accurately and permanently. Issues like fraud, cheating, and tampering with the game’s code or assets are avoided.
Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) are another way blockchain gaming encourages community involvement and participation. DAOs create a more inclusive and democratic setting since players have a voice in the game’s development and governance.
In summary, blockchain gaming is a game-changing innovation since it enables new forms of interactivity, ownership over virtual possessions, safety precautions, and player participation. It creates a decentralized and thriving environment in the gaming sector by providing new opportunities for game developers, players, and investors.
7 Blockchain-Based Gaming Platforms You Should Know About
Emerging as a game-changing idea, blockchain-based gaming systems have promising prospects for players, programmers, and financiers.
These game platforms which range from player-driven to decentralized virtual worlds, are transforming the video gaming industry, and they also leverage the distributed ledger technology of blockchain to provide players full ownership and control over their virtual possessions.
Without further ado, let’s learn about the top 7 blockchain-based gaming platforms.
- Decentraland
- The Sandbox
- Gala games
- Dapper labs
- Sky Mavis
- Dream Team
- Zed Run
Decentraland
In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz around Decentraland, a blockchain-based game platform. Decentraland was launched in 2017 by a team of outstanding developers with a mission to merge VR and blockchain technology to provide consumers full ownership and management over their digital assets.
Decentraland is an early illustration of how blockchain technology can transform the gaming and virtual reality industries. Investors and players should watch this ground-breaking platform as it shapes the industry’s future.
Games, art galleries, virtual casinos, social centers, and interactive experiences are just some of the user-created materials in Decentraland. Two games that stand out in this genre include “Battle Racers,” a racing game built on the blockchain that lets players race virtual cars on virtual tracks, and “Chainbreakers,” an action-adventure game whose protagonists are based on nonfungible tokens.
Key Features
Decentraland allows you to create your digital reality through features like true ownership of virtual land, customized avatars, and limitless opportunities for social interactions and business.
Here are some of Decentraland’s prominent features:
- Virtual ownership
- Play-to-earn
- Decentralized governance
Virtual Ownership
The idea of virtual property ownership is Decentraland’s main selling point. Using the Ethereum blockchain, users may purchase, sell, and exchange digital plots of land. The result is a booming virtual real estate market in which players fully control their properties.
Play-to-Earn
Unlike traditional gaming platforms, Decentraland allows players to earn cryptocurrency by creating and monetizing their content. This unique “play-to-earn” model has attracted an active community of developers and artists seeking to profit from their virtual creations.
Decentralized Governance
Decentraland operates on a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) model. Community members have voting power to propose and implement changes within the platform, ensuring a fair and democratic decision-making process.
The Sandbox
Popular among players and developers, The Sandbox is a blockchain-based platform for video games. It combines content made by users with distributed ownership.
The Sandbox, released in 2012, is a decentralized virtual environment that uses blockchain technology to let participants create, own, and profit from their games.
The Sandbox houses a variety of games and experiences — games like “VoxEdit,” a voxel-based 3D creation tool that lets artists design and animate characters and assets for their games, “The Sandbox Game Maker,” which gives creators a simple yet powerful platform to bring their gaming ideas to life, and “Battle Royale,” a competitive multiplayer game set in a post-apocalyptic world, are all worth mentioning.
Users are encouraged to share their originality and compete for prizes by participating in the platform’s many events and contests.
Key Features
Here are some key features of The Sandbox:
- Interoperability
- Community-driven governance
- Innovative gameplay mechanics
- User-generated content
Interoperability
The Sandbox allows users to interact with each other’s creations seamlessly. By leveraging blockchain technology, players can own and transfer virtual assets, such as in-game items, characters, and virtual land, within The Sandbox ecosystem and across other compatible platforms.
Community-Driven Governance
The Sandbox operates on a community-driven governance model, allowing users to shape the platform’s future. Decisions related to development, partnerships, and content curation are made collectively through community voting.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
The Sandbox stands out for its innovative gameplay mechanics, including the ability to create and monetize user-generated content. Players can create, sell, and trade NFTs representing their virtual assets, enabling them to earn real-world value from their creations.
User-Generated Content
At the heart of The Sandbox is its emphasis on user-generated content. Players can design and customize virtual experiences using the platform’s intuitive and robust creation tools. This fosters a thriving community of content creators, contributing to a diverse and immersive metaverse.
Gala Games
In 2020, Eric Schiermeyer, a co-founder of Zynga and a team of industry veterans with extensive experience in game development and blockchain technology, founded Gala Games, intending to revolutionize the gaming industry by using blockchain technology to create unique and immersive experiences for players.
The network is compatible with Ethereum, Polygon, and the platform’s native blockchain, GalaChain. A multi-chain system guarantees players scalability, interoperability, and cheap transactions.
Gala Games uses blockchain technology to give gamers full ownership and control over their virtual worlds, characters, and assets.
Players can work with programmers hand in hand and have a say in how the game develops. This method gives the players more agency and also promotes a sense of belonging and shared ownership.
Players on this platform can participate in a play-to-earn paradigm that allows them to earn cryptocurrency rewards. Gala Games is well-known for its progressive game design methods, which include giving players agency and creating a dedicated fanbase for their games.
In addition, the popularity of Gala Games can be attributed in part to the significant successes of past events and community-driven initiatives. For instance, “Townstar” in the Gala Games ecosystem became well-liked due to its fun gameplay and clever city-building principles.
Key Features
- Cross-chain functionality
- NFT integration
- Sustainable in-game economies
Cross-Chain Functionality
Gala Games stands out by providing cross-chain compatibility, allowing users to interact with the platform using multiple blockchains. This allows players with different blockchain preferences to participate seamlessly in the Gala Games ecosystem.
NFT Integration
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) play a central role in Gala Games. The platform integrates NFTs to represent unique and rare in-game items, characters, and properties. This ensures true ownership and allows players to buy, sell, and trade digital assets securely and transparently.
Sustainable In-Game Economies
Gala Games prioritizes the establishment of sustainable in-game economies. By leveraging blockchain technology, the platform enables players to participate in play-to-earn models, where their efforts and achievements within the games can be monetized. This creates opportunities for players to earn cryptocurrency or valuable in-game rewards.
Dapper Labs
Since its start, Dapper Labs has been at the forefront of the blockchain gaming platform business. Dapper Labs was founded in 2018 to use blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to develop innovative and exciting experiences.
Dapper Labs developed the ERC-721 standard for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), widely used in blockchain gaming. Characters, goods, and skins are just digital items that can be owned and traded thanks to NFTs.
In addition, Dapper Labs has diversified its offerings with new games and experiences, such as the viral hit “CryptoKitties,” which lets players gather, breed, and trade their virtual cats.
Dapper Labs has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the convergence of blockchain technology and gaming thanks to its NFT standard, Flow blockchain, developer-friendly environment, play-to-earn principles, and flourishing community.
Key Features
Here are features that set Dapper Labs apart:
- NFT ecosystem
- Scalability and user experience
- Licensing and partnerships
- Play-to-earn mechanics
- Community and user engagement
- Developer-friendly environment
NFT Ecosystem
Dapper Labs is renowned for developing the Flow blockchain, which supports the creation and trading of NFTs. This NFT ecosystem allows users to own unique digital assets with verifiable scarcity and ownership, such as collectibles, artwork, and virtual items.
Scalability and User Experience
Dapper Labs addresses the scalability issues that have plagued some blockchain networks. The Flow blockchain is specifically designed to handle high transaction volumes, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience for players and developers.
Licensing and Partnerships
Dapper Labs is a digital collectible platform that allows fans to own and trade NFTs of basketball highlights. It has established notable partnerships with major brands and sports leagues to bring licensed intellectual property to the blockchain gaming space — this includes collaborations with the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the highly successful NBA Top Shot.
Play-to-Earn Mechanics
Dapper Labs has embraced the play-to-earn model, enabling gamers to monetize their time and skills. Players can now earn valuable in-game assets or cryptocurrencies by participating in blockchain games built on the Dapper Labs platform. This innovative approach aligns incentives between developers and players, creating an ecosystem where gaming becomes a viable source of income.
Community and User Engagement
Dapper Labs actively engages with its community, fostering a vibrant and supportive environment. The platform continuously encourages user feedback, suggestions, and collaborations to improve its offerings.
Through community-driven events, tournaments, and incentives, Dapper Labs ensures players are integral to the gaming experience.
Developer-Friendly Environment
Dapper Labs provides a developer-friendly ecosystem, empowering creators to build their blockchain-based games and experiences.
With comprehensive developer documentation, software development kits (SDKs), and smart contract templates, Dapper Labs simplifies creating decentralized games. This open environment fosters innovation and encourages developers to explore new possibilities within the blockchain gaming space.
Sky Mavis
Sky Mavis, by all accounts, is the pioneering blockchain-based gaming platform. It is a Vietnam-based blockchain-powered video gaming platform.
The company developed and created Axie Infinity, a popular blockchain-based game that blends elements of Pokémon and Tamagotchi.
Sky Mavis’s Axie Infinity, one of the first and most popular blockchain games, has seen massive success, rising to the top of the industry in terms of both player count and valuation. Axie Infinity has consistently had the highest number of players for a long time and is currently ranked among the top five NFT games.
Players are tasked with developing and nurturing creatures called “Axies” throughout the game. Once a person’s Axie has fully evolved, they can use it in combat against another player. If you don’t want to duel, you can always unload your Axie.
Selling Axies is one way to get actual income on the site. The Play2Earn concept of cryptocurrency is intrinsically linked to the game’s sales on the site.
Key Features
From seamless integration of blockchain technology to immersive gameplay and a vibrant community, Sky Mavis takes gaming to uncharted territories. Discover the key features and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure with Sky Mavis.
- Play-to-earn model
- Blockchain technology
- Community-driven economy
- NFT-based gameplay
- Virtual land and governance
- Competitive play and eSports
Play-to-Earn Model
Axie Infinity introduced a play-to-earn model, enabling players to earn cryptocurrency by actively participating in the game. Players can acquire, breed, and raise digital creatures known as Axies, which can be sold or traded to other players for cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH).
Blockchain Technology
Sky Mavis utilizes blockchain technology, primarily the Ethereum blockchain, to provide transparency, security, and true ownership of in-game assets. Each Axie and item in Axie Infinity is represented by a non-fungible token (NFT), giving players complete ownership and control over their digital assets.
Community-Driven Economy
Axie Infinity boasts a vibrant and engaged community. Players can participate in a decentralized marketplace to buy, sell, and trade Axies and other in-game items.
The community actively contributes to the game’s development and governance through proposals and voting via the Axie Governance system.
NFT-Based Gameplay
Axies in Axie Infinity are not just collectibles; they are also playable characters. Each Axie possesses unique traits, abilities, and battle mechanics, providing an interactive and strategic gameplay experience.
Axies can be bred to create offspring with a combination of their parent’s traits, resulting in a wide variety of Axie types and strategies.
Virtual Land and Governance
Sky Mavis has plans to expand the Axie Infinity metaverse by introducing virtual lands. These lands will enable players to construct and customize their own in-game experiences, fostering creativity, social interaction, and potential revenue generation.
The governance aspect empowers the community to participate in the decision-making process for the development and future direction of the game.
Competitive Play and eSports
Sky Mavis actively promotes the competitive aspect of Axie Infinity by organizing tournaments and leagues. These events offer players opportunities to showcase their skills and compete for prizes, further enhancing engagement and building a competitive gaming ecosystem.
DreamTeam
DreamTeam is an open, decentralized gaming network for eSports events, team administration, and player trade that runs on the Ethereum blockchain. It seeks to transform the gaming industry by connecting players, developers, and tournament organizers.
This blockchain-based game platform provides users with tools for creating and maintaining football squads and accumulating contracts. The DreamTeam token is introduced on the platform to facilitate payments between users and teams.
Key Features of Dream Team
- eSports tournaments
- Team management
- Player trading
- Skill and reputation system
- Token economy
- Decentralized governance
- Security and transparency
eSports Tournaments
DreamTeam allows users to participate in eSports tournaments across different games and compete for rewards. The platform provides a seamless tournament experience with features like matchmaking, leaderboards, and live streaming integration.
Team Management
Users can create and manage their eSports teams on DreamTeam. The platform offers tools for team recruitment, player scouting, and roster management.
Team owners can also utilize smart contracts to handle player contracts and prize distributions.
Player Trading
DreamTeam enables trading in-game assets and player contracts using blockchain technology. Gamers can buy, sell, and trade virtual items securely, eliminating the risk of fraud or loss.
This gaming platform utilizes smart contracts to ensure transparent and verifiable transactions.
Skill and Reputation System
DreamTeam implements a skill and reputation system that evaluates the performance and behavior of players. This system helps in matchmaking, ensuring fair and balanced gameplay experiences.
Additionally, DreamTeam allows players to showcase their skills and attract potential sponsors or teams.
Token Economy
DreamTeam operates on its native cryptocurrency called DreamToken (DTT). Users can earn DTT by participating in tournaments, achieving milestones, and contributing to the platform’s ecosystem.
The token on this platform can be used for in-game purchases, trading, and staking to gain additional benefits.
Decentralized Governance
DreamTeam employs a decentralized governance model, allowing token holders to participate in decision-making. Users can propose and vote on platform upgrades, changes, and additions, ensuring community involvement and transparency.
Security and Transparency
As a blockchain-based platform, DreamTeam provides enhanced security and transparency. The use of smart contracts ensures that transactions and agreements are executed automatically and without the need for intermediaries.
Furthermore, all transactions and activities on the platform are recorded on the blockchain, providing an immutable and auditable history.
Zed Run
Although not widely known, Zed Run is a top-tier blockchain gaming platform. It’s a new gaming experience incorporating virtual horse racing elements with blockchain technology.
Zed Run, released at the beginning of 2019, has quickly become a favorite among blockchain and video game fans. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Ethereum blockchain enable users to purchase, breed, race, and exchange digital racehorses.
The Zed Run platform is among the most intuitive and engaging. Playing on its platform also guarantees you’ll win some cryptocurrency.
Key Features of Zed Run
Zed Run is redefining the rules of gameplay. Let’s discover the key features that make Zed Run an unparalleled experience:
- NFT racehorses
- Breeding system
- Virtual racing
- Play-to-earn mechanism
- Transparency and decentralization
- Limited supply and rarity
- Community and social interaction
NFT Racehorses
Zed Run’s primary feature is creating and owning unique digital racehorses as NFTs. Each horse is represented by a distinct token on the Ethereum blockchain, giving players true ownership and control over their in-game assets.
These NFT racehorses have varying traits, including bloodline, genotype, coat color, and racing performance, making each horse a valuable and unique entity.
Breeding System
Zed Run incorporates a sophisticated breeding system that allows players to breed their horses with others, creating offspring with a blend of genetic traits from both parents. The breeding process is governed by smart contracts and blockchain technology, ensuring that the characteristics of the new horse are recorded transparently and immutably.
Virtual Racing
Players can enter their NFT racehorses into virtual races on a digital race track. An algorithm based on the horse’s performance attributes, genetics, and the jockey’s skill level determines the outcome of each race.
Visually simulated races allow spectators to watch and bet on the races, adding an element of excitement and competitiveness to the gameplay.
Play-to-Earn Mechanism
Zed Run offers a “play-to-earn” model, enabling players to earn cryptocurrency rewards through successful racing, breeding, and trading activities. As players accumulate victories and create high-performing bloodlines, the value of their NFT racehorses may increase, allowing them to profit from their in-game assets.
Transparency and Decentralization
The platform operates on the Ethereum blockchain, ensuring transparency and decentralization in the ownership and trading of NFT racehorses. The blockchain records all transactions and data related to the horses, making it publicly verifiable and secure.
Limited Supply and Rarity
The NFT racehorses on Zed Run are limited in supply, with different rarity levels based on their traits and bloodlines, like traditional collectibles. Rarity is a significant factor in determining the value and desirability of each horse, encouraging strategic gameplay and asset management.
Community and Social Interaction
Zed Run fosters a vibrant community of players and horse enthusiasts. Players can interact with each other, form partnerships, share strategies, and participate in community events, making the gaming experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Conclusion
The top seven blockchain-based gaming platforms mentioned in this article are Decentraland, The Sandbox, Gala Games, Dapper Labs, Sky Mavis, Dream Team, and Zed Run. You need to constantly keep up with the evolving trends these platforms present.