Diving into the World of Crypto Gaming: Personal Experiment as a Seasoned Noob

Crypto gaming has opened up a world where entertainment meets tangible rewards. At least this is the pill that the industry has been feeding us to swallow from its first inception. As we have already explored the basic terms of Blockchain, Crypto and NFTs, let us zoom in towards specific niche in Blockchain world and dive into the space of Crypto gaming. From humble beginnings to the intricate world of NFTs and blockchain, I must say it is intriguing to have the thought of owning the item that you have grind in games and even able to sell it or keep it as your own. The hardship that you have to endure and the time spent playing the game would be worth it and not left in vein as it can be considered as proof-of-work. However, if you expect that this could be a gateway to the riches, you might have to hold your horses as it may not be as easy as it seems. Let me share my personal journey through various games that has been nothing short of thrilling with its pros and cons along with its ups and down. With just a short glimpse into my experiences, here is a few takes rom a seasoned noob perspective for few Blockchain Games:

Mir4: The Long-Haul Commitment

Background:

Let's start with one of the longest game that I have played which is Mir4. I've played and grinded this Korean based game for quite some time for more than three (3) years that I think perhaps I'm not looking for any profit gain with it and just have fun instead. Mir4 is an MMORPG that offers players a vast world to explore, complete with combat, crafting, and trading. The background story is more like a K-drama tale that features a cursed princess "Cheonpa" that needs to be saved from an evil tyrant that only wants more powers. Of course you are playing as the hero/heroin character that must save her and the kingdom (Truth be told I haven't get to finish the game as I've only reached level 90 in this game). It features many boss raids based on your levels and thrilling storyline. You may cooperate with your clan to battle against Clan Challenges each week! There are total of six class type of characters you may choose which include Warrior, Lancer, Taoist, Sorcerer, Darkist and Arbalist that you may try and enjoy upon!

Gameplay:

The gameplay mechanics are not that complicated as you are only required to play the game at a minimal control with many of the powers and attacks are automated. Then again, if you are seeking for a challenging gameplay with a fast and precision control, perhaps you might not enjoy this game as much its other peers. For those who are looking for a casual and laid back gaming, this should be put in your wishlist. You may grind loots passively in the game through automated features (The character automatically mines/ proceed in finishing mission) and do other stuff while leaving it, or you may play it actively and enjoy the game. You might need to focus a bit if you are playing against other character and the boss raid as you will need to do a precise evasion when their attack is coming. Overall, its a good game with enjoyable experience.

Tokenomics:

Players can earn in-game currency and eventually convert their characters and items into NFTs. The game resource that you can mine is called darksteel and it can be exchanged to an in-game currency called Draco. Then players can exchange the in game currency through their digital wallet (Play Wallet). It is quite fascinating as players are able to mine the resources in certain area.  However, too many players and too many bots & bugs have caused inflation and impact the gameplay experience. Mir4 has been the longest game I've played. Surely, despite the challenges of inflation and persistent bugs, the game’s deep mechanics and immersive world have kept me engaged. While I haven’t managed to turn my efforts into an NFT yet, the journey has been rewarding in its own right. Worth to note that the developer stricts the criteria of changing your character into NFT. So bare in mind that your grinding goals right now might won't be the end point of achieving it.

Night Crows: The Awaited NFT Transformation 

https://www.nightcrows.com/en 

Background:

Night Crows is a blockchain-based MMORPG where players can create and train characters, engage in various quests, and prepare them to be turned into NFTs. The game developer is the same developer of Mir4 which is a Korean-based company called Wemade. The game features rich lore and engaging gameplay mechanics, with the potential for players to monetise their progress. This is one of the pioneer Web 3.0 game that uses the latest technology in game development which is Unreal Engine 5. The graphics of the game is insanely terrific

Gameplay:

With medieval background and western folklore storyline, the game is indeed has been a mix of anticipation and excitement. if you are into idle games with minimal gameplay and game mechanics, then this is the game for you. Personally, I had played this game and wanting to just grind and mint token along the way. The gameplay itself has been engaging with quite impressive main story with the additional side quests. You may play it in idle mode and let it grind while you are doing other stuff, or you may play the story, fight the bosses through the scheduled boss raids and play with your clan. There are many type of classes available for you to play such as Warrior, Swordsman, Hunter or a Witch. Of course each class has their own strength and weaknesses.

Tokenomics:

This is actually a unique game where you can mint many different token instead of just one crypto token. It has 7 types of Multi-Utility Tokens with the main token called Crow can only be minted when the price reaches $0.75. This is a stabilizing mechanism to maintain the value of the token. The circulation of these tokens are through minting, trading and burning process. Based on experience, it is actually quite hard to mint the token as the price rarely reaches $0.75 and usually lingers around 0.740 - 0.749. When it do reaches 0.75, the server will go haywire with problem and errors in minting etc. I guess this is due to too many people tries to mint at the same time causing the server to be heavy. This is where it becomes challenges to the developers to overcome the issues as there are only small windows for players to mint their token. I'll still play it anyway.

Pixels: A Farming Simulation Game with Rollercoaster of Token Value

https://play.pixels.xyz/ 

Background:

Pixels is a play-to-earn game where players complete missions and tasks to earn tokens. It is a simple web browser-based game that requires no installation to your device. You may play it using your phone, nor your PCs. It is an open-world gameplay where players can explore a vast world, farm crops, raised animals as well engaging in various activities other than completing its mission. Of course the game involves strategic gameplay, where you need to balance completing missions and withdrawing earned tokens. This Blockchain game is currently powered by Ronin Network

Gameplay:

This game combines elements of farming, exploration and creation where players can play it casually. You can play it individually, or you may gang up with guild and play together with your friends/. Pixels focus on community building where players may collaborate or compete with one another. You may also play it individually where you focus on completing the task given in the game. Its more like a mission-like task. Your experience and trust score will increase as you play daily and completing the available tasks. The game is accessible through PC and mobile as you can just use your browser in your device to play the game.

Tokenomics:

So how is the Tokenomics of this game? Well basically, there is a premium in-game currency in the game called $PIXEL. The currency is used to buy items, upgrades, and cosmetic enhancements that are outside of the core gameplay loop of Pixels and it’s much harder to come by. If you every played a game called Clash of Clans, the $PIXEL has similar traits to GEMS. Throughout playing this game, it is not a necessity for players to own the token to progress in the game - but if they'll have better bragging rights with a real value to it. As of my personal take and experience, Back when i started playing the game it had high value of $0.5 to $0.7. However, as time flies along with a rollercoaster ride of value on Bitcoin, the value currently plummets and hovers around $0.17-0.20. Earning the token is not that complex, withdrawing it is. To withdraw the token that you have earned, you'll have to build up trust score amounting to 1500 to be able to get your earnings to your digital wallet (which you may use Ronin Wallet). You'll have to play throughout the game of completing mission, and even might have to purchase their VIP slot to earn more trust score. Now that is the challenge.

Crypto Gunship Conflict: The Modest Earnings

https://cryptoconflict.joycity.com/en 

Background:

Crypto Gunship Conflict is another integration of mobile and PC game that combines traditional strategic gameplay with blockchain rewards. This game is made by Joycity and is one of Wemade network system. It is build and officially published since 2022 and available to be downloaded in Google Playstore, Apple app store and even a PC Windows version. It doesn't requires high spec of device to play the game and can be considered as casual "Build and Upgrade" gameplay mechanism with an added resources called Titanium that can be minted into a crypto token (Millico).

Gameplay:

Throughout the game players can strategize in building their own Headquarters, military force in a deserted island, pilot gunships, engage in battles, and commits with clan to fight against Armada. The game focusses in building your warships, troops and upgrading your headquarters. You may then collect resources in the seas surrounding you, mining it in your own territory or you may engage in battle with enemy fleets. You may opt to play PVE and PVP, though you might have to be careful as you may have struck by lightning if you wrongly attacked other player that is backed with a bigger clan forces.

Tokenomics:

In this game, players are able to earn small amounts of cryptocurrency through their in-game achievements. Players are able to mine in game resources (Titanium) and convert it to crypto tokem (Millico). The Titanium is a resources that is used to upgrade tower and build fleets To be frank, In Crypto Gunship Conflict, my earnings have been modest, around $1.00. While it’s not a significant amount, the fun of playing and the possibility of growth keep me coming back and play it daily. Perhaps I love seeing my supplies, tower level grows and engaging with fleets battle against the armada or even another clan.

Nine Chronicles: The Decent Payout

https://nine-chronicles.com/

Background:

Nine Chronicles is one of the pioneer blockchain based game developed by Planetarium Labs where players can mine, craft and battle to earn its native currency, NCG. It is an idle MMORPG, open-source with an exciting storyline as cat warrior that travels into nine different realms and region. Every action that is made in the game is through decentralised blockchain process. It is a game without servers, governed by its players, and supported by a complex economy driven by supply and demand.

Gameplay:

This game is an idle MMORPG game that can be played casually where players main task is to upgrade its character through crafting better equipment, weapons, aura accessories and food through time and levelling up throughout each boss level. Players may participate into Arena and fight against other players throughout the game. Players may choose to play PVP or PVE, and engage in buying and selling equipment through their in-game shop to enhance the capability of their character.

 

Tokenomics:

There are several ways players can earn in this game. By playing this game daily doing its Arena nor adventure campaign, players are able to claim their daily NCG token. The value of the claims differs according to the level of the character that has been developed by the player. The NCG token can be used to purchase weapons and equipment in the game to upgrade the player's character. By completing mission and level, players are able to claim NCG as well as means of reward in achieving certain levels. Players may also participate in arena and earn NCG when they reach certain ranks! Its a simple game with various method to earn. A true definition of hustle and earn, players can also stake their earnings and gain in-game resources that can be use to further solidify their in game character. 

Conclusion

Navigating the world of crypto gaming is a unique adventure filled with both rewards and challenges. From earning real-world value to experiencing the thrills and setbacks of NFTs and blockchain, my journey is an evolving story. As I continue to explore and grow within this space, I’m excited to share more insights, strategies, and personal tales. Stay tuned for more updates on my crypto gaming adventures!