The crypto world offers some unique opportunities to combine pleasure and profit. One way these two seemingly disparate goals can come together is through the use of NFTs in various types of games. Non-fungible tokens are used in games to facilitate trading between players and associate financial value with in-game items and accomplishments. There are numerous examples of innovative games that let players earn real money if they manage their assets the right way. 

We will present some of the most interesting blockchain-based games that offer a sustainable way to make cash through playing or NFT trading and other activities.

Axie Infinity

By far the most prominent play-to-earn game so far, Axie has a large population of players from around the world and a complex economy with its ups and downs. It’s a simple tactical battler that runs on the Ethereum blockchain and requires players to purchase NFT creatures that can be used to win battles or breed new creatures. By completing certain actions, players can earn a crypto token that can be cashed out. Another way to make money is by breeding new creatures and selling those NFTs to other players. The value of NFTs and the game token can vary, which adds an element of unpredictability and opens space for speculation, albeit with some risk involved.

Sorare

A game themed around sports fits well with the concept of collectibles, which is why Sorare looks very promising in this niche. Similarly to fantasy sports, the game lets players put together a team of real-life players from top soccer leagues, with the condition that each player must be acquired as an NFT card. Some cards are awarded for free, while players can invest money to purchase those of greater rarity and consequently higher value on the marketplace. Strong cards can be put to good use by participating in tournaments and winning prizes, or traded at the peak of their value to recoup the investment depending on the player’s priorities.

God Unchained

This is another game where card trading is a key mechanic, but this time it’s all about mythical beings and incredible powers. Players try to grow their card collection and put together a strong set to win battles with, earning in-game currency and new cards in the process. It takes some time to master the tactical side and build up a decent collection of cards, but the investment of time and money pays off once you level up. One of the good sides of this NFT game is that playing skill affects the earning power, which means it attracts real gamers rather than just investors.

CoinPoker/Coin Casino

For those who like classic casino games, there are plenty of websites that let you win NFTs or bet them against others. Probably the best game of this type is CoinPoker, which allows poker players to anonymously take part in virtual tournaments and win crypto assets. This blockchain game runs with two crypto currencies – USDT which is a stable coin immune to value fluctuations, and its internal CHB coin which is used to award bonuses. Inspired by the success of the poker site, the same company launched its sister CoinCasino platform where you can play thousands of games including casino slots for real money, roulette, bingo, etc.

Alien World

The entire universe is your playground in this complex strategy game. You can colonize new planets, mine them for resources, and take part in space battles, so it takes quite a lot of focus and attention to detail to get good results in Alien World. To accomplish key tasks, you need to acquire NFT tools that represent the primary economic engine in the game. These tools allow you to mine in-game currency, which you need for all upgrades, land purchases, etc. Once the land is developed, it can be sold at a nice profit that can be converted into real money.

Decentraland

In this open-world metaverse game, players can do a lot of different things that revolve around NFTs. They can acquire plots of virtual land and develop their property into a business or even an art gallery. The game merges creativity with profitability in a unique way, as it allows players to sell cosmetic items for avatars or host their own mini games. Like many games of this type, Decentraland uses an in-game currency that is convertible into other crypto coins or cash. Overall, it’s an impressive ecosystem that offers multiple opportunities to cash in on your dedication and creative skill.

Illuvium

If you enjoy playing RPG adventures that let you explore an open-world map, this game could be perfect for you. In Illuvium players can own and capture NFT creatures with lots of unique abilities, which can be combined to form formidable teams. By deploying their creatures strategically in battles against computer or human-controlled opponents, players can earn rewards that allow them to keep growing and customising their teams. Those who want to move up the ladder faster can purchase already developed creatures as NFTs, creating a stable in-game economy. This game is exciting to play, but is considerably more complex than some of the other crypto-gaming options out there.