Continued Growth in the Play-to-Earn Gaming Sector
In 2025, the play-to-earn (P2E) gaming industry is flourishing, providing gamers with chances to earn rewards while participating in blockchain-based games. Leading titles in this arena include Alien Worlds, Illuvium, Splinterlands, My Neighbor Alice, and Big Time. These games not only deliver thrilling gameplay experiences but also foster an economic environment where players can genuinely possess their rewards.
Alien Worlds: A Heavyweight in P2E Gaming
Among the leaders of the P2E landscape, Alien Worlds distinguishes itself. Set in a sprawling virtual cosmos that encompasses multiple blockchains, this game invites players to explore various planets, mine the cryptocurrency Trillium (TLM), and take part in governance activities. The economic structure of Alien Worlds is driven by NFTs, with each parcel of land, tool, and artifact featuring distinct power levels and characteristics. Players can partake in dynamic missions, enhanced NFT functionalities, and community-governed DAOs, allowing them to influence the game’s direction. The introduction of interplanetary battles and resource competitions keeps players engaged and pushes the limits of what blockchain gaming can achieve.
Illuvium: The First AAA Game in Web3
Illuvium, often dubbed the first AAA title in the Web3 space, presents an open-world RPG and auto battler set in a breathtaking alien realm. Gamers can hunt, capture, and train Illuvials—unique creatures that also serve as rare NFTs. Players can earn ILV tokens through player versus environment (PvE) and player versus player (PvP) combat, mission completions, and staking assets. These tokens are versatile, allowing for governance participation, in-game purchases, and trading Illuvials on the Immutable X marketplace. As of 2025, Illuvium has broadened its gameplay with new regions to explore, additional Illuvials to capture, and an upgraded battle arena system. A mobile version is also forthcoming, poised to attract millions of new players to its vibrant ecosystem.
Splinterlands: A Strategic Trading Card Game
Splinterlands stands out as a renowned P2E trading card game built on the Hive blockchain. Players assemble decks comprising Monster and Summoner cards, each represented as NFTs, to engage in strategic duels against one another. The game’s distinctive battle mechanics, mana limitations, and fluid card synergies create an exhilarating experience. Players can gain SPS (Splintershards) and Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) by participating in battles, tournaments, and ranked leagues. These tokens are not only tradable but also serve governance and staking purposes. Splinterlands continues to evolve through expansions, new splinters, and enhanced guild systems, along with increased cross-chain compatibility.
My Neighbor Alice: A Relaxing Multiplayer Experience
My Neighbor Alice is a fully on-chain multiplayer game developed on Chromia, offering a laid-back gaming experience where players can own virtual land, decorate their surroundings, farm, and engage with neighbors while earning cryptocurrency rewards. Designed to be welcoming for newcomers to Web3 gaming, players can purchase land parcels (NFTs), cultivate crops, raise animals, and trade items with others. Every element in the game, from furniture to flowers, is an NFT that can be sold or personalized. My Neighbor Alice is continuously expanding with features such as NFT lending, seasonal events, and avatar upgrades, demonstrating that P2E gaming can cater to those looking for a more relaxed and creative pastime.
Big Time: A Cooperative Experience with AAA Quality
Big Time, created by a team with a background in popular games like Fortnite and Call of Duty, offers high-quality visuals and fast-paced combat in a cooperative, community-centered environment. Players traverse time and space, battling foes and gathering rare NFT loot. The game presents limitless possibilities filled with challenges and familiar characters. Players can customize their heroes, equip powerful weapons, and explore procedurally generated dungeons with friends. Cosmetic NFTs such as skins, armor, and mounts are freely tradable on its marketplace, while the $TIME token facilitates upgrades, crafting, and special events. Importantly, Big Time does not impose additional costs on players for extra content, making it broadly accessible.
Redefining Gaming in the Web3 Ecosystem
These five games are revolutionizing the concepts of play, earn, and ownership within the Web3 framework. They cultivate communities where players’ expertise is acknowledged, digital assets are genuinely owned, and player input is crucial in shaping the games’ futures. The P2E sector is on an upward trajectory, presenting exciting avenues for players to engage with blockchain-powered games and reap significant rewards.
