Blockchain games as a source of income: a complete guide to earning in GameFi

Imagine: you play your favorite game, enjoy yourself, and at the same time earn real money. Sounds like a fantasy? No, this is the reality of blockchain technology. GameFi has combined two worlds — entertainment and finance, turning a hobby into a source of income.

What does GameFi actually represent?

GameFi is a combination of the words “game” and “finance.” The core idea is simple: blockchain games allow gamers not just to play, but also to receive cryptocurrency rewards, tokens, and NFTs that have real monetary value.

The key difference from traditional games (Call of Duty, Fortnite, Minecraft) is that you are not just a content consumer. All assets in the game — your character, weapons, virtual land — you fully own. Blockchain guarantees your ownership of these digital assets, and no one can take them away from you, even if something happens to the platform itself.

In classic games, developers earn profits, and players only get emotions. In GameFi, the economy works differently: rewards are distributed between players and developers.

How did the history of GameFi begin?

The first attempts to earn on blockchain started with Bitcoin several years ago but proved ineffective due to high fees and slow transaction processing. Everything changed with the advent of Ethereum — a blockchain with smart contracts that allowed creating full-fledged gaming ecosystems.

2017 was a turning point: the game CryptoKitties exploded in popularity but also overloaded the Ethereum network. It became clear that faster and cheaper solutions were needed.

Alternative blockchains came to the rescue. Solana, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, Harmony, and other platforms offered speed and accessibility that early solutions could not provide. The result? Explosive growth of the industry.

Statistics are impressive: in Q1 2024, the number of active wallets in Web3 games reached 2.1 million, a 59% increase quarter over quarter. Polygon led the ranking thanks to its powerful gaming ecosystem and developer support programs, while Solana and BNB Chain continue to innovate in this space.

How are earning mechanics structured?

Play to Earn model (P2E)

This is the most popular model. You earn by completing gaming tasks: passing levels, participating in battles, breeding virtual creatures (like in Axie Infinity).

Tokens and NFTs received can be used in several ways:

• Selling on cryptocurrency exchanges and NFT platforms
• Trading with other players
• Using in the game itself to upgrade your character

Axie Infinity is a vivid example: players breed and raise Axies, earning SLP tokens that can be converted into real money.

Move to Earn model (M2E)

Earning through physical activity. Stepn rewards players with GMT tokens for running and walking outdoors. Using NFT sneakers, you not only support your health but also earn crypto.

Tap to Earn (T2E)

The simplest model — tap the screen and earn. Notcoin became a hit thanks to its minimal entry barrier: the game is available on any smartphone.

DeFi component: passive income

Many GameFi projects incorporate DeFi mechanics. This means you can earn not only actively but also passively.

How it works:

• Lock your NFTs or cryptocurrency in a smart contract
• Receive interest annually
• Gaming guilds allow renting assets to players without initial capital, with owners earning commissions

This mechanism turns GameFi into a multi-level income source.

Main advantages of GameFi

Real ownership of assets. Unlike traditional games where everything remains on the studio’s servers, here assets are in your wallet. Blockchain creates an immutable ownership registry protected from centralized control.

Low entry threshold. You can start for free or with minimal investments. Compare this to PC games requiring expensive hardware or mobile games with aggressive monetization.

Community manages the game. Users vote on the development of the project, not only developers make decisions. This ensures the game develops in the interests of players.

Monetizing hobbies. Instead of wasting time in vain, you get real income. Passive players from various countries have earned millions playing Axie Infinity.

Step-by-step start in GameFi

1. Create a cryptocurrency wallet — choose one suitable for your game’s blockchain (MetaMask for Ethereum games, for example)

2. Fund your account — some games can be started for free, but for active play, you may need to purchase initial NFTs or tokens

3. Choose a game — start with a project that interests you in terms of gameplay

4. Play and earn — complete tasks, receive rewards, trade assets

5. Optimize your income — use DeFi mechanics for passive earnings

What does the future hold for GameFi?

Analysts predict that GameFi’s share of the gaming market will grow from the current 3% to 10% by the end of 2024. The number of active players could reach 50 million.

Development is supported by:

• Layer 2 solutions (reducing fees and speeding up transactions)
• Integration of artificial intelligence to improve gameplay
• Development of cross-chain ecosystems where assets work across different games

The main challenge is not just using blockchain for marketing purposes but creating truly engaging content. The future of GameFi depends on the quality of games, not just technology.

Why is GameFi gaining popularity?

Web3 game and metaverse projects attracted investments totaling $2.9 billion in 2023. Such a volume of money indicates serious potential.

Reasons for success:

• Transparency of income. You see how much you earn and fully control your assets
• Accessibility. Does not require special equipment or large initial investments
• New economy. GameFi creates a new class of professional players earning a living
• Rapid development. The industry is evolving quickly, with new games and mechanics appearing monthly

Conclusion

GameFi is not just games; it’s an economic revolution in the entertainment industry. Blockchain technology has created conditions where players become economic agents, full owners of their assets, and participants in the ecosystem.

You can start today: set up a wallet, choose a game, and begin earning. The trend for GameFi is not fading — it’s only strengthening.