The 2024 NFT Gaming Wave: 10 Pathways from Virtual Assets to Real Earnings

The New Trend in the Gaming Industry: Why NFT Games Suddenly Became the Focus?

With the popularization of blockchain technology, virtual asset ownership has shifted from a dream to reality. Unlike traditional games that store account data solely on servers, NFT games allow players to truly own in-game characters, equipment, and land—assets that can be traded, rented, and even used across different gaming platforms. This shift has attracted two groups: traditional gamers seeking new experiences and investors seeing business opportunities in virtual asset trading.

From Token Dreams to the Dawn of CryptoKitties

The predecessor of NFT games can be traced back to 2012, when developer Yoni Assia introduced the concept of “colored coins” on the Bitcoin blockchain, achieving the first digital asset with unique identifiers. This idea was activated in 2017 by CryptoKitties, the predecessor of Axie Infinity—players could breed, collect, and trade virtual cats, with rare cats fetching sky-high prices. The game’s explosive popularity even caused congestion on the Ethereum network.

What truly changed the market landscape was the emergence of Axie Infinity. Developed by a Vietnamese team, this game popularized the “play-to-earn” model globally, attracting millions of players. Since then, the NFT gaming industry has entered a rapid growth phase.

The Three Core Features of NFT Games

Unique Identity: Each NFT is indivisible and represents a unique in-game asset. No two NFTs are exactly the same, and this scarcity directly determines its market value.

Verifiable Ownership: Each asset has a unique identification code and a complete transaction history recorded on the blockchain. Buyers can trace the asset’s origin precisely, which is highly attractive to collectors.

Cross-Platform Interoperability: The most revolutionary feature is that certain in-game NFTs can be used across multiple platforms and games, greatly enhancing liquidity and appreciation potential.

The Double-Edged Sword of In-Game Assets: Earnings and Risks

Why Players Are Drawn to It: The biggest appeal of NFT games is transforming players from passive consumers into active asset owners. You can directly own and trade rare items within the game, with their value determined by the market. For a saturated traditional gaming market, the ability to earn real income from gameplay is a new attraction. The cross-game compatibility of NFTs further expands their use cases, making virtual assets more like real commodities.

Hidden Traps: However, behind rapid growth lie risks. First, if an NFT game shuts down, its in-game assets will lose liquidity and value—an irreversible loss. Second, a large influx of speculators has entered the field, leading developers to release low-quality games to chase short-term profits. Lastly, NFT values are influenced by multiple factors—game popularity, community activity, rarity, and even crypto market volatility—that can trigger sharp price swings, making investment highly risky.

Top 10 NFT Game Ecosystems Overview

1. Axie Infinity—A Play-to-Earn Textbook

This phenomenon-level project has become synonymous with NFT gaming thanks to its monster breeding and battle system. Players assemble teams of Axies for PvP battles or PvE adventures, starting for free or investing to optimize their lineup. Recently, a mobile version (iOS and Android) was launched, significantly lowering entry barriers. Axie Infinity remains popular due to continuous gameplay improvements and ecosystem expansion.

2. Pixels—Web3 Reimagining of Farming Simulations

Running on the Ronin chain, this farming simulation game has attracted over 900,000 players. Players can farm, complete quests, and craft items. There are two clear ways to earn: renting out NFTs to other players (passive income) and earning $BERRY and $PIXEL tokens through gameplay. The dual-token model makes the economy more flexible. The game has been running on Ronin for over two years, with a relatively mature ecosystem.

3. Shrapnel—AAA-Grade Ambitions in 3D Shooting

A sci-fi first-person shooter aiming to become the first AAA blockchain shooter. Available for free on the Epic Games Store, players can earn NFTs and tokens by completing missions. Player-created content (buildings, maps) are NFTs, increasing engagement beyond traditional FPS. This setup encourages high player participation.

4. Heróis da Mavia—Mobile Revolution in Tower Defense Strategy

A tower defense strategy game similar to Clash of Clans. Players build military bases, recruit troops, and upgrade defenses on virtual islands. Since its launch on January 31, it has surpassed 1 million downloads, demonstrating the strong appeal of this genre of NFT strategy games.

5. Big Time—Multiplayer Adventure in Action RPG

Developed by Big Time Studios (which raised $21 million), this is a completely free multiplayer action RPG. Six distinct classes—Warrior, Mage, Assassin, Healer, Battle Mage, and Tech Blade—allow players to create and trade NFTs and earn $BIGTIME tokens by completing dungeons. The variety of classes ensures different gameplay styles for players.

6. Illuvium—Open World Monster Collection

Since development began in 2020, this is touted as the first “interoperable blockchain game.” Running on Immutable X with extremely low gas fees, it combines auto-battler gameplay with open-world exploration. Players capture creatures called “Illuvials” similar to Pokémon for battles. The main token, $ILV, can be earned through battles or purchased. Although many features are still unrevealed, the game has gained community love for its stunning visuals and unique setting.

7. Life Beyond—Interstellar Adventure in Third-Person MMORPG

Set on the alien planet Dolos, players act as colonists involved in expansion and defense. Four classes with different weapons support solo and team play. The main token is $DOLS, with new quests, levels, and global goals introduced each season. Most assets are NFTs or tokens, with high liquidity. Currently available on PC, with plans to expand to other platforms.

8. Wreck League—Multichain Layout in Fighting Games

Developed by Nway, supported by Animoca and Yuga Labs, this is a fighting game similar to Street Fighter, supporting mobile and PC. It has two versions: a Web3 version requiring NFT Mechs to participate, and a completely free Web2 version with identical features. This dual-version strategy successfully bridges on-chain and off-chain communities, greatly lowering entry barriers for new players.

9. The Beacon—Pixel Aesthetic Social Dungeon

Developed by Treasure DAO (MAGIC), it is the flagship product of Arbitrum’s largest gaming ecosystem. Featuring high-quality pixel art, MMO social elements, and roguelike combat, players must purchase a Founding Character NFT to start. Progressing through levels grants NFTs for costumes, expressions, furniture, etc., all tradable. Frequent tournaments reward NFTs and $MAGIC tokens. Since late 2022, it has been one of the most popular NFT games in the Arbitrum ecosystem.

10. Crazy Defense Heroes—Card and Tower Defense Hybrid

Created by Animoca Brands, this tower defense RPG combines card collection and defensive strategy. Players use tactics and card combinations to defend cities, with stunning visuals and effects. Its innovation lies in blending traditional card games with tower defense mechanics, offering strategy enthusiasts a fresh experience. Available on iOS and Android with minimal initial costs.

Final Thoughts

NFT games represent a paradigm shift in the gaming industry—from one-way entertainment consumption to two-way asset interaction. Blockchain-enabled true ownership, cross-border creativity, and earning potential attract increasing attention.

However, the sector is still in its early stages. Project risks, market volatility, and economic sustainability require time to validate. The key is to distinguish whether you play for the game’s intrinsic fun or purely for investment returns. The former is more likely to generate long-term value, while the latter demands sharp market insight and risk tolerance.

In any case, NFT games have become an influential industry force, and their future warrants ongoing attention.