The world of video games is evolving rapidly, and with the arrival of blockchain technology, a new format has taken the stage — Play-to-Earn (P2E) games. Unlike traditional games, where all achievements remain within the virtual world, P2E projects allow players to gain real financial benefits for the time they spend playing. But is everything as bright as it seems at first glance? Let’s explore the pros and cons of P2E games.
What Are P2E Games?
P2E (Play-to-Earn) games let users earn tokens, NFTs, or other digital assets that have value outside the game itself. These assets can be sold on crypto exchanges, used within the game ecosystem, or exchanged for real money.
Players can also use in-game items to “level up” their characters, enhance their abilities, and reach greater achievements. Some P2E games can indeed provide decent earnings if players know and apply profitable strategies. Let’s take a look at the main advantages of such games.
Pros of P2E Games
1. Earning Potential
The main advantage is the ability to generate real income. In some developing countries, players see such games as an alternative to traditional jobs. In developed countries, people use P2E for extra earnings as well as entertainment and small payouts.
2. Full Control Over Assets
Players own their items, characters, and currency in the form of NFTs or tokens. This means assets can be transferred, sold, or even used in other games and platforms.
3. A New Economy for Gamers and Developers
Entire in-game economies emerge where players’ work, effort, and time are valued. Developers earn not only from sales but also from player activity, motivating them to keep improving the product.
4. Transparency Through Blockchain
Smart contracts and blockchain ensure fair rewards, verifiable ownership, and transparent transactions — especially important in multiplayer environments.
Cons of P2E Games
1. High Entry Barriers
Some games require upfront investments. For example, to start in Axie Infinity, players once had to purchase several NFT creatures, costing hundreds of dollars.
2. Financial Risks
Prices of in-game tokens and items are highly volatile. What’s worth $100 today may be worth nothing tomorrow. Many players have lost money due to token price drops or declining project interest.
3. Often Lower Gameplay Quality
Many P2E games are built with a focus on tokenomics rather than gameplay, which means they can get boring quickly and struggle to compete with AAA titles.
4. Dependence on the Ecosystem
If developers stop supporting a game or the project’s token loses value, all earnings could vanish. Centralization in some projects also undermines the promised decentralization.
5. Regulatory Risks
P2E projects attract regulatory attention. In some countries, they may be classified as gambling or investment products, leading to legal challenges.
Conclusion: To Play or Not to Play
P2E is an interesting hybrid of entertainment and economy, opening new opportunities for gamers and investors. However, these games require a cautious, well-calculated approach. Not every game will turn into a “gold mine,” and participation demands an understanding of the risks and a thoughtful investment mindset.
