Despite being around since 2014, NFTs made it to the headlines sometime in 2021, right around the time the world was engaged in a fight with COVID-19 and was getting used to the new normal. People’s increasing interest in cryptocurrencies suddenly put the spotlight on NFTs and thus began the collaboration between surreal art designs and blockchain-based digital currency. NFTs or Non-Fungible tokens are digital assets that are distinguished by its unique identity codes and metadata.
NFTs are block-chain based like cryptocurrencies, however, unlike bitcoins, they cannot be traded in equal value. Instead, NFTs offer sole ownerships and when the asset is resold, it can be tracked to get a percent of the commission for the original owner. In simple words, you can neither exchange it for a different type of NFT nor can people just make copies of your art and retain/ sell it.
Think of it as an antique collection, or a collection of rare items. There is only one (or few) of its kind, and you are now the owner of it (or one of its rare copies). You can’t exchange a vintage typewriter for a vintage clock because they both have different values. And even if you do, one of the traders will have to be prepared to settle for something slightly less valuable than what he has to offer.
Then it blew up…
When NFTs entered the market, not a lot of people estimated how big this would become. The Bored Ape, for instance, started off as just another design by four friends that worked on blockchain and were testing their designs. In no time it became iconic, and the world saw celebs like Paris Hilton and Jimmy Fallon pay over half a million to join the club of exclusive owners of this NFT. And here we are now, loving it, hating it, having a hard time understanding it, but hesitating to ignore it.
It's getting hard to ignore, because we see the impact it is creating in the market, be it economically, artistically or even to those who know nothing about art but are trading their way into the future. This also bring us to another market, that NFT is helping create value in- the market of gaming.
Why should gamers care?
Gaming has been an industry that is a world of its own. We see grownups spend a great part of their paycheck to get their hands on some of the best games out there and we also see those who make a living out of playing games. Either way there is a huge amount of money that flows in both directions, making gaming a very strong ground for trading assets/ value.
Now how do you think NFTs make their way into the gaming universe? One place your money goes to in any game setting is the add-ons that are available for the players. From loot boxes to skins, gamers invest money to enhance their experience or accelerate their gaming journey.
Earlier if you were lucky enough to buy a limited-time feature then you’re in the club of exclusive ownership of these skins. But with NFTs, players have the option of selling this skin to someone who wants to buy it long after the limited-time offer is over, for a price that they choose. And if we take the time to look in deeper, we’d know that this feature is a game-changer (quite literally) for more than just skins and loot boxes.
What to know before implementing NFTs into your game?
To learn how to implement NFTs in a game, it’s important to learn about the two most popular gaming models that are used by professionals:
Play to Earn (P2E)
In order for the Gameplay to start in a P2E model the NFT needs to be purchased. This game can also evolve to become a promising investment in the future.
Free to Play (F2P)
This is a model that could be suggested to beginners. With no considerable initial costs, the game can be played immediately, with no money paid upfront. But naturally the return on investment on such a model is also lower compared to P2E. Most importantly, NFTs in is this model aren’t considered useful for any further development. So, think of this as practice before you get into the main deal.
What are the most successful NFT games?
One of the best ways to understand how NFTs have changed gaming models and the value they bring, is by grabbing your console or system, warming the couch and playing an NFT implemented game through and through. The experience of gaming will help you see what goes where and the trade option you have, to enhance your gaming experience visually and experientially.
And if you’re about to open another tab to find some games, let us save you the trouble and list some of our top favourites that we’ve enjoyed learning from. Alien Worlds is a blockchain based metaverse that is home to science fiction about aliens on different plants. In this game you can earn cryptocurrency and NFTs by mining in-built features and fighting other players.
Then there is CryptoBlades, which is yet another role-playing game where you can buy weapons to fight and defeat opponents, earning you for every win. We are also big fans of Arc8, a mobile game that helps you earn. Then there is also Splinterlands, a card collecting game, that will help you understand how differently NFTs have been used on all platforms to create an earning opportunity.
So, how do NFT games profit?
Now we’ve spoken plenty about how NFTs can make money, yet you can’t decide how to start. Understandable. For example, knowing vodka is made from potatoes is not enough to actually make vodka, you must have a plan of action. And if you are a gamer looking to implement NFTs and profit from them, here are some ways to do it.
One way would be to add value to an already existing game by introducing NFT into it. Newer and better features mean a greater number of people taking interest in your game. Thus, providing a chance for an already existing game to scale and open up a commercial door for you. Over time with more people downloading your game, you also have AppStore/ Play store earnings in addition to the transaction fees you get when your tokens are transacted through gaming solutions.
Here’s why you should already start developing your NFT Game!!
A source of income
NFTs can be a solid source of passive income if you know how to do it right. Take note of all things that draw the attention of gamers, build a game plan and just go for it!
Creator’s ownership
One thing to know about NFT, is no matter how many people it passes on to it keeps track of the owner and gives the creator a percentage of the transaction. So, if you are mining or breeding NFTs, here’s a way to fund your lifestyle!
Better Value for Artists and their Work
There is no doubt that most artists go unnoticed or have a hard time using their art for monetizing. NFTs fill that gap and gives a creator the power to build a business around their art!
Trading opportunities
NFTs give a secondhand market for games, opening many commercial and trading opportunities.
But here is what you should watch out for!
Just like any other invention in this world, NFT gaming comes with its own dark side. The digital space and the transaction of money attracts many online frauds and cyberattacks, which if you don’t watch out for, could take a toll on your digital wallet. A few months ago, Poly Network was hacked by an anonymous group that stole over $600 million worth of NFT, due to poor smart contract security.
NFTs, other than being inherently volatile, also causes environmental damage that recent studies have proven, could be worse than the damage caused by air travel. But do not let these threaten you. Practice sustainability and be wary of any possible phishing attacks, use trusted Wi-Fi sources and always double-check any party you intend to trade with.
With these in mind, let us know what else would help you understand the implementation of NFTs into gaming. Now go mine away, the future of gaming is here!
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