What are blockchain-powered games?

While blockchain has a variety of applications, gaming is definitely one of the most popular use cases. Blockchain-based video games offer the fun of traditional gaming, while incorporating tokenization and the blockchain to tap into the benefits of web3.

Games built on blockchain networks integrate self-custodial wallets such as Coinbase Wallet. Players  use their self-custodial wallet to ‘sign in’, enabling them to collect the fungible and non-fungible tokens that the game might use. Fungible tokens are typically rewarded to players for engagement and/or achievement, coining the term ‘play-to-earn’ gaming. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are typically used to represent in-game items. Unlike traditional gaming, which uses centralized servers to store information such as gaming profiles, web3 games give players the ability to take true ownership of their gaming accomplishments and in-game content. 

An important distinction between blockchain-powered games and traditional games is that players can monetize their in-game content by trading what they earn while playing. Using decentralized exchanges, players can swap fungible tokens earned while gaming for other cryptocurrencies, such as ETH or USDC. They can also sell their gaming NFTs through various NFT marketplaces. Blockchain-based gaming makes all of this possible, as players are no longer confined to centralized servers that contain their gaming achievements, and can access a wide range of applications allowing them to monetize their experience.

While some games are initially ‘free-to-play’, players generally will need to fund their wallet with the native token of the game’s blockchain in order to cover gas fees and other costs required to get started. For example, if you want to play a game built on the Solana blockchain, you would need SOL tokens in your wallet. This means that prior to playing, it is important to fund your wallet, which you can do by using Coinbase Pay to transfer  tokens from your Coinbase account to your wallet address, or buy more tokens with fiat and deposit them directly into your Coinbase Wallet.

Popular Games

Pixels

Pixels is an open-world NFT farm game characterized by its nostalgic, pixelated art style. Initially launched on Polygon, Pixels migrated to the Ronin network in 2023, seeking to take advantage of Ronin's tailored infrastructure for gaming applications. In Pixels, players can cultivate their virtual farms, collect rare NFTs, and participate in various in-game activities, fostering a vibrant community of players and collectors within the Ronin ecosystem.

Bigtime

Bigtime is a dynamic and fast-paced RPG that sets itself apart in the realm of online gaming by offering players an exhilarating adventure filled with multiplayer excitement. With its immersive gameplay mechanics and captivating storyline, Bigtime captivates players and keeps them engaged for hours on end. Whether battling fierce enemies, embarking on epic quests, or teaming up with friends to conquer challenging dungeons, Bigtime offers endless opportunities for adventure and excitement in a virtual world brimming with possibilities.

Sipher

Sipher is a role-playing game (RPG) built on the Ethereum blockchain, combining elements of strategy, exploration, and combat in the popular MOBA genre. With its immersive gameplay mechanics and captivating storyline, Sipher transports players to a rich and vibrant world teeming with mythical creatures, ancient artifacts, and legendary heroes. As they embark on their quest for glory, players must navigate treacherous dungeons, engage in fierce battles, and forge alliances with other players to emerge victorious in the ongoing struggle between light and darkness.

Gods Unchained

Gods Unchained is a Play-to-Earn gaming platform that harnesses the power of Ethereum technology to offer players a thrilling gaming experience coupled with the opportunity to earn real rewards. In Gods Unchained, players collect and trade digital cards representing powerful gods, mythical creatures, and legendary artifacts, which they can then use to build custom decks and compete against other players in strategic card battles. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and vibrant community, Gods Unchained has emerged as a leading player in the rapidly growing Play-to-Earn gaming space, attracting players from around the world seeking both entertainment and financial opportunity.

Nyan Heroes

Nyan Heroes is a cutting-edge GameFi phenomenon that immerses players in an exhilarating shooter-style battle featuring adorable Nyan heroes. With its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant graphics, and intuitive controls, Nyan Heroes offers players an immersive gaming experience unlike any other. As they navigate through colorful landscapes, dodge enemy attacks, and unleash powerful abilities, players must rely on quick reflexes and strategic thinking to emerge victorious in action-packed battles. With its Play-to-Earn mechanics and vibrant community, Nyan Heroes has quickly become a favorite among gamers seeking both entertainment and financial rewards in the rapidly evolving world of blockchain gaming.

Coinbase and web3 gaming

Gaming as a use case for web3 is rapidly growing as demonstrated by the increase in on-chain gaming activity. Since we are still early in the development of web3 gaming, make sure to keep up with Coinbase’s newly featured games. The Coinbase Wallet team is hard at work, partnering with game developers to add support for Coinbase Wallet, with new integrations launching on a daily basis. Coinbase supports users and developers alike - through the industry’s most trusted centralized exchange, paired with a self-custodial wallet widely integrated by decentralized applications - providing an unparalleled user experience.