The metaverse concept was first introduced in fiction by Neal Stephenson and Orson Scott Card. They both gave an idea of computer-generated spaces where the characters were made to spend multiple days. Games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Second life were introduced shortly after. In these games, players had to use virtual materials and build items for their avatars, paving the way for developing the concept of the metaverse.
As we know it now, the metaverse is a virtual space that represents either a real-world space or the digital world. It is a web of 3D virtual worlds and forms a simulated digital environment that is based on the use of virtual and augmented realities, i.e., VR and AR, and blockchain, with concepts of digital media to create rich user interaction in the digital space which mimics the real world.
As the buzz around the metaverse is growing, the popularity of metaverse games based on NFTs and the play-to-earn model is rising. Few characteristics of these metaverse games include:
- The metaverse is a decentralized digital world based on a confluence of blockchain, AR/VR, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other technologies.
- Players can create digital avatars and personalize them. The customization can be done by in-game add-ons which can be bought as NFTs.
- A multi-user persistent universe carries on even when a player takes off their headsets.
- A metaverse attempts to assimilate various experiences — physical and digital — into a single environment.
- NFTs define the ownership of assets and transfer of value
- Players can monetize their gameplay and earn rewards as they play.
Top Metaverse Games
The Sandbox
Source: https://www.animocabrands.com/the-sandbox-partners-with-coincheck
The Sandbox has gained immense popularity as a metaverse virtual world and a blockchain game. It possesses about 7% of the market share of the metaverse games.
The Sandbox provides a virtual environment based on the Ethereum blockchain which one can create and own. It allows its users to create, purchase, sell and trade their digital assets. It offers its players complete control over the in-game experience and the opportunity to monetize their gaming experience with its cryptocurrency, SAND. The Sandbox token (SAND) lays the foundation for monetizing in-game assets.
Illuvium (ILV)
Source: https://cryptogames3d.com/games/illuvium/
Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Illuvium offers an open-world role-playing environment where the players can explore the world, go for quests, or build an army of Illuvials. Illuvials are powerful creatures that the players can use in fights. With each fight you win, these get stronger and can be bought, sold, and traded as NFTs.
The stronger and rarer the Illuvial, the higher the price it can fetch! The game has elaborate visuals and various features aimed at satisfying both gaming and DeFi fans. Illuvium is set to launch by the end of 2022 and has already attracted a lot of investors.
Axie Infinity (AXS)
Axie Infinity is a metaverse blockchain game widely popular amongst the masses. People play Axie Infinity for NFTs, further traded for higher payouts.
The fundamentals of the game are based on Pokemon. Here, each digital collectable is a unique item with unique characteristics. One can compete with other ‘Axies’ to gain experience and goodies.
Decentraland (MANA)
Source: https://everipedia.org/wiki/lang_en/decentraland
Ari Meilich and Esteban Ordano introduced Decentraland to the masses in 2020. MANA is the native currency of this platform. Players can create avatars, buy outfits and acquire land or real estate in this digital space consisting of more than 90,000 land parcels. The players can earn by setting up exhibits to auction digital art, organizing concerts, selling tickets, etc.
As a landowner, players can rent lots measuring 16 virtual square meters and players can build houses, hotels, parks, cinemas, casinos and a lot more. MetaMask is one of the most popular digital wallets used on this platform.
Bloktopia (BLOK)
Source : https://www.xrtoday.com/vr/what-is-bloktopia/
Built on and by the Polygon network, Bloktopia is a creative metaphor project. It stands across the sky of the Cryptosphere and has a height of 21 stories, to pay recognition to 21 million bitcoins, making it the tallest building in the metaverse. The players of the game hold BLOK tokens, play games, and are called Bloktopians. The game aims at bringing users together into one immersive and engaging metaverse experience.
Bloktopians can earn revenue by owning real estate, advertising revenue, playing games, building networks, and many other features. Bloktopia leverages the technology of the world’s most advanced real-time 3D Creation Engine to create stunning visuals and a top-notch user experience.
As tech giants and big brands have begun to recognize the potential of the expanding metaverse, the existing ecosphere is set to grow further, and as such, the use cases of digital assets like NFTs are bound to increase. The ever-growing gaming arena will continue to attract players from all across the globe, and the switch of the world to the metaverse will make it a hotspot for gaming.
For investing in these metaverse games, one first needs to purchase their native token or governance token. You can buy these tokens and all other metaverse cryptocurrencies from Giottus, in an easy and hassle-free manner. Download the Giottus app and start investing in the potential of gaming and metaverse cryptos today!
