The rise of blockchain technology has led to a paradigm shift in the gaming industry. Non-Fungible Tokens(NFTs) and cryptocurrencies allow for Play-to-Earn mechanics that let players earn revenue through in-game activity, turning the traditional Pay-to-Play model on its head. The King is dead, long live the King!

Play-to-Earn games are one type of blockchain game in which players earn unique NFTs through in-game advancement. In blockchain gaming, players have complete control over their digital assets. In traditional games, the player may lose access to their collectible items if the server is shut down. However, blockchain gaming allows gamers to trade their items, sell them, or potentially use them across different games.

The Play-to-Earn industry is on the rise. According to Forbes, Play-to-Earn games are generating billions of dollars through transactions involving NFTs. Popular games such as Axie Infinity, owned by the Vietnam based company Sky Mavis, boast 2.5 million daily active users. Axie was the first Ethereum based NFT game to reach 1 billion USD in sales last August. The major game studio Ubisoft also incorporated NFTs in its latest release, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon.

With the introduction out of the way, here are the top Play-to-Earn games to look out for in 2022.

Apeiron

A cross between god-game simulations and card-based Action Roleplaying Games (ARPGs), Apeiron has many perks that put it high on the list. Inspired by classic god games such as Populous, Black and White, and Spore, the game incorporates a dynamic alignment system that allows players to choose what kind of god they wish to be in what they describe as a “mystical and variegated universe”.

One strength of the game is in its tri-token structure. Many popular NFT games have two tokens; one that serves as an in-game currency and a limited Proof of Stake governance token that acts as a company share. Apeiron introduces a third form of currency to promote high-level gameplay. The third currency rewards team play and Guild level competitions, staving off deflation with seasonal large-scale events and allowing for a dynamic economy in the late game stage.

Another strength is the game’s integration into the NFT Metaverse. Apeiron has sights set to an integrated virtual world where players will be able to use their assets from other web3 projects in Apeiron. Lastly, Many popular games require the purchase of NFTs to enter the game, whereas Apeiron will be introducing a new Free-to-Play, Play-to-Earn ethos that allows for new players to join free of cost and earn their way through the game. With its solid fundamentals, forward vision, and flashy design, Apeiron has earned its spot on this list.

Cradles: Origin of Species

Promising to disrupt the entire blockchain gaming world, Cradles: Origin of Species is a virtual reality game that allows the player to immerse themselves, take the form of any species, and explore their vast virtual world. In addition to roleplaying features, the game allows the player to build an entropy-increasing world. Players must ensure the normal operation of the whole world ecosystem and urban area or they risk chaos and disorder. Comprised of a Main city and Adventure zone, the game promises unsurpassed freedom and creativity. The player travels between zones and through time to gain, trade and craft items to advance their character and their city. You can also be a dinosaur – a key reason why it’s made its spot on this list.

BlockLords

This grand strategy game set in medieval Europe allows players to create heroes, amass an army, and conquer the metaverse. Through trade, conquest, and earning taxes on sales, gamers can create in-game, player-run governments. The limited number of cities on the map ensures fierce competition among players. The game’s grand strategy outlook and stark medieval vibes earn it a definite spot on this list.

Metasoccer

 This game combines the lucrative worlds of video games, soccer, and sports betting to create an intriguing entry into the blockchain gaming industry. It allows two different roles for the player: owner, and manager, each with unique gameplay mechanics. It also allows players multiple paths for generating revenue. Including finishing the season on top, selling players, renting your stadium, betting, and of course, winning matches. With its popular subject matter, sleek design, and myriad avenues for earning crypto, Metasoccer is sure to make an exciting debut into the metaverse in 2022.

Blast Royale

This game pits players against one another in a survival-style match in which players fight using pre-selected equipment. The equipment is in the form of NFTs and is essential to determining the success of a player within a match. Blast Royale includes billions of pieces of unique equipment that players can deploy, all of which affect the performance and character of players. Players can create new equipment through two equipment pieces, repair equipment, earn experience for their equipment and upgrade equipment. Blast Royale’s metaverse allows for an infinite number of possibilities, and we are all in.