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Writer's pictureLuc Muhizi

Play-to-Earn in DeFi: How Gaming and Finance Collide

Updated: Dec 1, 2023



In my last post, "The Changing Tides of the Gaming Industry: From Complete Packages to Freemium Nightmares," I analyzed the shift in video game monetization from one-time purchases of complete games to a profit-focused freemium model with in-game purchases and microtransactions, along with the resulting challenges for both gamers and developers.


When Gaming Transcends Entertainment: Continuing from where we left off, I now pose the question: Can gaming be more than just a pastime? What if the countless hours spent in digital worlds could turn into more than just in-game achievements? In this post, we will look into how gaming has transformed into a fertile ground where fun meets finance in the dynamic world of DeFi.


Decoding DeFi: A Primer: DeFi is a term for a range of applications, platforms, and protocols that aim to provide financial services without traditional intermediaries, censorship, or a central governing authority. This is all made possible by blockchain technology, which facilitates peer-to-peer transactions that are not only transparent and secure but also easily verifiable.


The P2E Phenomenon: One of the most interesting developments within DeFi is the rise of play-to-earn (P2E) games. These games not only provide the entertainment and engagement we've come to expect from traditional gaming but also offer players the chance to earn tangible rewards in the form of cryptocurrencies or non-fungible tokens (NFTs), potentially turning leisure into a profitable venture.


How Do You Turn Play into Pay?


Let's break it down:


NFT Collectibles: NFTs are unique digital assets that represent ownership and scarcity of items, such as characters, weapons, lands, or artworks. NFTs can be bought, sold, or traded on various marketplaces, such as OpenSea or Rarible. Some popular games that use NFTs include Axie Infinity, CryptoKitties, and Decentraland.


Imagine playing a game where you acquire a digital sword, not just any sword, but a one-of-a-kind artifact. This sword is an NFT that you could sell in a bustling digital marketplace for real cryptocurrency. It's like finding a rare comic book in your attic and discovering it's a collector's dream.


Asset Loans: Some games allow players to lend or borrow digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies or stablecoins, and earn interest or obtain loans using collateral. This can help players increase their liquidity, leverage, or yield. Some platforms that support lending and borrowing assets include Aave, Compound, and MakerDAO.


Picture a scenario where your digital treasures can be collateral for a loan. Yes, the gold coins you've amassed could help you borrow funds to level up your game or even venture into new gaming realms. You're essentially becoming your own bank.


Liquidity Provider: Some games allow players to provide liquidity for digital assets on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and earn fees or rewards from the platform. This can help players contribute to the ecosystem, diversify their portfolio, or access new opportunities. Some platforms that support providing liquidity for assets include Uniswap, SushiSwap, Curve, and Balancer.

Ever wanted to be more than a player? Some games let you become an investor, providing resources for other gamers' transactions and earning a cut of the action. It's like owning a piece of the casino in a virtual Las Vegas.


Yield Farming: Farming with assets: Some games allow players to use their digital assets to participate in various yield farming opportunities across DeFi. Yield farming is the practice of earning passive income by providing liquidity or capital to various DeFi protocols. Players can deposit their funds into pools or vaults and receive tokens or fees from the protocol. Some platforms that support farming with assets include Yearn.finance, Harvest Finance, PancakeSwap, and Badger DAO.


Imagine planting seeds in your digital farm and reaping tokens as your harvest. By staking your in-game wealth, you can earn a passive income. You both play and grow an investment portfolio.


Benefits and Challenges of P2E

The benefits are many and include:


  1. Entertainment Plus: P2E games can be fun and engaging, providing both the adrenaline rush of gaming and the gratification of earning.

  2. Financial Empowerment: These games could be the side hustle you never knew you needed, offering a pathway to monetize your skills, time, or assets.

  3. Financial Inclusion: P2E games can also provide access for players who face barriers or limitations in the traditional financial system.

  4. Innovation Incubator: P2E serves as a sandbox for groundbreaking ideas, breeding new markets and possibilities for the adventurous.

Yet, where there's reward, there's risk:


  1. Volatility: Digital assets are subject to price fluctuations, which can affect the returns and value of players' earnings. Players should monitor the market movements and adjust their positions accordingly.

  2. Complexity: DeFi protocols may have complex mechanisms or formulas that determine their functionality and performance. Players should understand how the protocols work and what factors influence their outcomes.

  3. Security: DeFi protocols rely on smart contracts, which may have bugs or vulnerabilities that can compromise the funds or data of players. Players should check the security and audit status of the protocols before using them.

  4. High Cost: Earning can come with a price, from transaction fees to the initial investment. Weighing the potential gain against the outlay is the name of the game.

The Bottom Line

The fusion of gaming and DeFi is reshaping how we play and also redefining what it means to earn. It's a brave new world out there, filled with virtual dragons hoarding real treasures and digital landscapes yielding tangible rewards. So, ready your avatars and steady your investments; the game is on.



About the Author

Luc Muhizi, a writer and financial analyst, simplifies Decentralized Finance for all. He guides beginners and experts through this evolving sector. He is also the Chief Tech Director at HAZEYouth, a nonprofit that champions youth empowerment, encourages creative thinking, and lifelong learning to unlock young people's potential.

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1 Comment


nsabimana canisius
nsabimana canisius
Nov 09, 2023

Keep on with the good work.

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