Games galore in the metaverse

The metaverse, briefly explained

The metaverse is a virtual online space where people can meet, socialise, play games and buy things. Though it’s often referred to in the singular, there actually isn’t just one metaverse, but many metaverses created by different groups, brands and companies. 

The best way to think of the metaverse is as a kind of 3D computer game. Usually metaverses are experienced through virtual reality headsets, which give users that immersive feeling, but a lot of metaverses can also be viewed and experienced via smart phones, internet browsers or gaming consoles.

Still not sure what to expect from this virtual space? Check out our post on what the metaverse is.

Why is gaming so big in the metaverse?

Gaming is currently the biggest thing happening in the entertainment space, and it’s only going to get bigger: it’s expected that the number of gamers worldwide will grow to 3.3 billion by 2024. It’s no wonder then that gaming is also what’s attracting people to the metaverse. When Microsoft announced its purchase of gaming giant Activision Blizzard in January 2022, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella correctly assessed that gaming “will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms.”

In many ways, the metaverse is built on the foundation of games like Fortnite and Minecraft. These games have found international success because they offer more than just gameplay - they’re also a space where people can interact and connect. Gaming has evolved to become a true social experience, where people forge friendships and build communities while connecting over mutual interests. This “hanging out, having fun” spirit is what the metaverse is trying to capture, and it’s why tech giants like Meta and Microsoft are betting on gaming to bring active, loyal users to their metaverses and to give them credibility. 

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in metaverse gaming

Getting people to game in the metaverse should be a relatively easy win, since the process is pretty much just like playing regular video or computer games. Wearing a VR headset also adds an extra immersive layer to the experience. 

Many of the game-play elements are the same: Players can still make in-game purchases that will enhance their game, like clothes, weapons, props, real estate and vehicles. The popularity of NFTs will be one crucial difference. Some have predicted that NFTs, which includes more than just artwork, will become the new universal store of value in metaverse gaming, giving real-world value and ownership to digital assets.

What is play-to-earn (P2E)?

Many metaverse games have a play-to-earn (P2E) model, which is basically a financial incentive to play games. Players can earn rewards that have real world value, like cryptocurrencies, by unlocking levels, completing tasks or by contributing to the development of the metaverse space.

What are popular metaverse games?

The metaverse offers games galore, so there’s definitely something for every taste. From fantasy worlds to classic recroom activities, check out some of these popular metaverse games.

Roblox

With over 164 million monthly active players and collaborations with celebrities and brands like Karlie Kloss, Nike and Gucci, Roblox is one of the biggest players in the metaverse gaming space. Players can create their own games using Roblox Studio, which can be played by other players. Roblox’s most popular games have over 10 million monthly active players each and at least 20 games have been played more than 1 billion times. Customising the block-shaped avatars with branded outfits and hosting virtual events like concerts, award shows, and easter egg hunts are other big draws to the platform, which caters primarily to kids and young adults. 

Roblox is also an active player in the high-fashion game. For more, read our post on fashion in the metaverse.

RecRoom

It’s like the rec room in your childhood home, except for online and with even more game options: RecRoom is a free metaverse game that cross-plays on everything from smartphones to VR headsets. There are millions of player-created rooms to choose from, where you can hang out and play classics like laser tag, bowling, paintball and the super popular 3D charades. Players can also try their hand at the Maker Pen, a tool used to create things from scratch, from puppies to helicopters.

Axie Infinity

If it’s 90s nostalgia you’re after, then consider checking out Axie Infinity, which is inspired by games like Pokémon and Tamagotchi. Players are able to raise, breed, and battle cute creatures called Axies, which they can collect as pets and customise to their liking. Players can also buy, sell, and trade other resources that they earn in the game. Axie Infinity has nearly 3 million active daily players and is ranked as one of the top DApps on the Ethereum platform. Soon Axie Infinity will be expanding into new verticals, like selling metaverse land and real estate in its marketplace.

Community contribution is the lifeblood of the Axie Infinity ecosystem.

Today, thousands of community members are putting their energy into making Axie a welcoming, inviting, content-rich place for people worldwide!

🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/x6JmgtQFnc

— Axie Infinity🦇🔊 #AxieOrigins (@AxieInfinity) August 18, 2022

The Sandbox

Born out of a smartphone game in 2012, the Sandbox is a decentralised metaverse gaming platform running on the Ethereum blockchain. Players can purchase land as an NFT and populate it with games and assets bought from the Sandbox marketplace. Next to the many gaming experiences, the Sandbox also gives players the opportunity to create their own items, from chickens and dragons to paintings, clothes and weapons, which they can then use in gameplay. Players can also personalise their avatars with custom wearables like sneakers, clothes and even faces.

Disclaimer

This article does not constitute investment advice, nor is it an offer or invitation to purchase any digital assets.

This article is for general purposes of information only and no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of this article or opinions contained herein.

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