The New Era of Web3 Games: From Concept Hype to Truly Fun Experiences

With the continuous advancement of technology, Web3 games are gradually maturing. After years of exploration and trial and error, a number of truly interesting and sustainable blockchain games have finally been presented to players. Whether you are interested in the concept of the metaverse, wish to acquire digital assets through gaming, or simply pursue an immersive experience, the current Web3 gaming ecosystem can meet your needs.

This article will introduce you to the most noteworthy Web3 games currently, covering various types and platforms. From NFT-based racing games to fantasy RPGs, and immersive building and social games, we will explore their highlights, shortcomings, and future development directions one by one.

Play-to-Own: A New Paradigm for Web3 Games

The new generation of Web3 games is abandoning the shortsighted design of "play-to-earn" in favor of a more sustainable "Play-to-Own" model. These blockchain-based games no longer rely on highly volatile tokens to reward players but instead allow players to truly "own" the content they earn through NFTs and digital assets that have real value and functionality, all within an immersive gaming experience.

The following are two representative Play-to-Own games:

FIFA Rivals

FIFA Rivals cleverly integrates Web3 mechanisms into sports games, allowing players to hardly feel the presence of blockchain. The game allows for the collection of digital player cards, participation in real-time events, and the formation of exclusive lineups. All players and items exist in the form of NFTs, ensuring true ownership of assets for players.

The biggest highlight of this game is that it does not deliberately promote its blockchain elements. Players can enjoy the game without needing a wallet or knowledge of cryptocurrency, but all progress and assets will be recorded on the chain, eliminating reliance on centralized accounts. Although it is still in the early stages and some features have yet to be launched, FIFA Rivals provides a promising blueprint for a player-centric game economy.

Exiled Racers

Exiled Racers is a high-paced browser racing game that emphasizes an intense competitive experience and a strong community atmosphere. In the newly launched Ghost Riders league, players can participate in dynamically changing weekly tournaments, where tracks and rules are adjusted in real-time, ensuring the freshness of the game.

A major feature of this game is its low threshold and high returns. Players do not need a wallet, nor do they need to download anything; they can simply register to start competing. Each week, the system randomly allocates a set of racing props, and players have five opportunities to be listed officially. The higher the score, the greater the chance of winning. For players willing to participate deeply, they can connect their wallets and use their own NFT gear to compete, accumulate prizes, and retain ownership across different seasons.

Exiled Racers showcases the perfect fusion of Play-to-Own and Play-to-Earn: it offers substantial rewards without setting overly high barriers to entry. Its fast pace and enjoyable experience fully embody the spirit of Web3, yet it doesn't feel forced.

Play-to-Earn games that balance entertainment and earnings

Although the Play-to-Own model is more sustainable, there are still some Play-to-Earn games that successfully achieve a balance between "making money" and "fun." These games distribute rewards through competition or skill advancement, rather than being purely speculative games.

Gods Unchained

Gods Unchained is a strategy card battle game where each card exists in the form of NFTs. The game has a fast pace and gameplay similar to Hearthstone, supporting true asset ownership. Although trading cards and earning ranking rewards require connecting a wallet, the in-game guidance and tutorials for beginners are very comprehensive. With its multi-layered game mechanics and excellent playability, Gods Unchained is one of the few P2E projects that always prioritizes "gameplay."

Aurory

Aurory is an ever-expanding Web3 gaming ecosystem, with its core game being "Seekers of Tokane." This free JRPG allows players to explore procedurally generated maps, collect and train Nefties companions, and engage in turn-based battles. All game assets are NFTs that can be used across different platforms. Aurory employs a hybrid on-chain and off-chain asset management approach, and while it integrates Play-to-Own elements, its structured reward mechanisms and token system still secure its place in the P2E space.

Latest developments in metaverse gaming

Open-world, user-generated content metaverse games have always been iconic projects in Web3. These games emphasize community, creativity, and virtual social interaction, rather than just leveling up and fighting monsters. They showcase the immense potential of digital asset ownership and user-driven economies.

The Sandbox

As a pioneer in the metaverse field, The Sandbox has attracted a large number of artists, brands, and players. The game offers powerful creation tools, but new users may need some time to get started. Its biggest highlight is the rich brand collaborations, with the Jurassic World themed island launched in 2025 featuring over 40 mini-games and dinosaur conservation experiences. Past partners also include many well-known brands and artists.

Decentraland

As one of the earliest blockchain gaming platforms, Decentraland has laid the basic framework for the metaverse. Players can build games, hold events, and collaboratively create a virtual world with the community. Although the graphics and interaction experience seem somewhat outdated, its decentralization and user governance mechanisms still hold benchmark significance. In recent years, Decentraland has continuously hosted large events such as virtual fashion weeks, attracting participation from many well-known brands and artists.

Otherside

Otherside is an in-development metaverse project that combines elements of storytelling, exploration, and digital identity. Currently, it is only open to specific NFT holders and has not yet fully launched, but there have been live demonstrations. This project attempts to "bring to life" static, high-priced NFTs, allowing them to become controllable game characters, thereby giving new value and meaning to NFTs.

Other Web3 games worth paying attention to

In addition to the mainstream types mentioned above, the Web3 gaming ecosystem also includes many works that are difficult to categorize but equally exciting. From card battles and farm simulations to social stories and lightweight mini-games, these games showcase the diversity of Web3, being both fun and possessing asset properties.

Pixels

Pixels is a casual farming and social MMO game where players can complete quests, craft items, and explore a colorful world. The game can be played without a wallet, and after connecting a wallet, players can own NFTs of characters and items, earning real-value items within the game. This game is particularly suitable for Web3 newcomers, although some players may find the game loop somewhat repetitive.

Shrapnel

Shrapnel is a tactical shooting "extraction-type" game created by members of multiple AAA game development teams. Players can obtain skins, equipment, and other assets through combat, collection, and extraction. The game supports wallet-less play on mainstream gaming platforms, and after connecting a wallet, players can engage in item minting and trading. Although it is still in the early stages of development, Shrapnel plans to link the revenue mechanism to player performance and item rarity, aiming to create a major title that combines deep gameplay with asset value.

The Future of Web3 Games: From Hype to Real Gaming Experience

Looking back at the development of Web3 games, it is not difficult to find that many projects have fallen into the misconception of "tokens before games." Under the dominance of a speculative mindset, the gaming experience is often lackluster. However, the works that truly stand out always prioritize "fun" and treat blockchain elements as an embellishment rather than a core selling point.

In the future, an increasing number of high-quality Web3 games will focus on providing an excellent gaming experience, ensuring players' ownership of digital assets, and building sustainable reward systems. These games will allow players to choose whether to participate in asset monetization, placing greater emphasis on the creation of long-term value rather than short-term speculation. Only in this way can Web3 games truly go mainstream and attract more attention and participation from traditional gamers.