The gaming industry has rapidly evolved over the past decade, offering not only entertainment but also opportunities to earn money. With the rise of play-to-earn games, blockchain technology, and competitive esports, more gamers than ever are turning their passion into income. Whether you’re a casual player or a professional gamer, there are several ways to make money while playing your favorite games.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best games to earn money from in 2024. From NFT-based games to esports competitions, discover how you can monetize your gaming skills and time.
1. Axie Infinity – Play-to-Earn NFT Game
Axie Infinity is one of the most well-known play-to-earn (P2E) games, leveraging blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Players breed, raise, and battle creatures called Axies, which are represented as NFTs. By winning battles and completing in-game tasks, players earn Smooth Love Potions (SLP), a cryptocurrency that can be exchanged for real money.
To get started, players need to buy or rent Axies, which vary in price depending on their rarity and abilities. Axie Infinity has grown in popularity, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, where players are making a full-time income through the game.
Key Features:
- NFT-based gameplay where Axies can be sold, traded, or rented.
- Earn SLP tokens that can be converted into real money.
- A well-established player base and marketplace.
Best For: Gamers interested in blockchain gaming and NFT collecting, as well as those looking for long-term investments in virtual assets.
2. The Sandbox – Build, Create, and Earn in the Metaverse
The Sandbox is a decentralized virtual world built on blockchain technology where players can create, buy, and sell digital assets and experiences. The game revolves around user-generated content, allowing players to build unique environments, games, and even businesses. Players can also purchase LAND—virtual real estate in the game—and monetize it by renting it out or hosting virtual events.
SAND, the game’s native cryptocurrency, is used for transactions within the ecosystem, and players can earn it by creating content or participating in the game’s economy.
Key Features:
- A thriving metaverse with countless opportunities to earn.
- Sell virtual real estate, creations, or experiences to other players.
- A vibrant marketplace for buying and selling in-game assets.
Best For: Creators and builders who enjoy designing virtual worlds and want to make money in the metaverse.
3. Decentraland – Virtual World with Real Earning Potential
Decentraland is another blockchain-based virtual world where users can create, explore, and trade within a decentralized environment. Similar to The Sandbox, Decentraland allows players to buy virtual land using the cryptocurrency MANA and build anything from businesses to art galleries. Players can also host events and rent out their virtual properties, creating multiple income streams.
The platform also allows players to trade virtual items, such as clothing, art, and other collectibles, all of which are NFTs that can be bought and sold for real money.
Key Features:
- A fully decentralized virtual world driven by player-owned assets.
- Opportunities to buy, develop, and trade virtual land and assets.
- A bustling marketplace for in-game items and collectibles.
Best For: Those looking to invest in the virtual real estate market and build businesses or experiences in the metaverse.
4. Gods Unchained – Play-to-Earn Trading Card Game
Gods Unchained is a free-to-play, play-to-earn trading card game that allows players to collect and trade digital cards on the blockchain. Players can earn $GODS tokens by participating in ranked battles, tournaments, and other in-game events. These tokens can then be used to buy card packs, mint NFTs, or sold for real money.
The game rewards skilled players, as the more competitive you are, the better the rewards. The cards you collect are NFTs, meaning they have real-world value and can be sold on secondary markets.
Key Features:
- Free-to-play with an opportunity to earn NFTs and cryptocurrency.
- Competitive card gameplay with rewards for skilled players.
- A growing marketplace for trading cards.
Best For: Fans of strategy card games who want to earn cryptocurrency by winning battles and collecting valuable NFTs.
5. Zed Run – NFT Horse Racing
Zed Run is a blockchain-based horse racing game that allows players to buy, breed, and race virtual horses, all of which are NFTs. Each horse has unique traits and attributes that influence its performance in races, and players can earn real money by winning races, breeding valuable horses, or selling their horses on the marketplace.
Players can participate in various race events, some of which offer substantial prize pools. As with real horse racing, a significant part of the strategy is knowing when to race, which horses to breed, and how to build a strong stable.
Key Features:
- NFT horse racing with real cash rewards for winning.
- Players can breed and trade horses for profit.
- A dynamic marketplace where horses’ value can appreciate over time.
Best For: Gamers who enjoy strategy and management games, particularly those with an interest in virtual asset ownership and racing.
6. My DeFi Pet – Virtual Pet Game with Play-to-Earn Features
My DeFi Pet is a blockchain-based virtual pet game where players can raise, breed, and battle their pets. The game combines traditional pet-raising mechanics with decentralized finance (DeFi) elements. Players earn rewards by participating in events, completing quests, and battling their pets against other players.
In addition to gameplay, players can also earn through staking their in-game assets or trading their pets, which are represented as NFTs.
Key Features:
- Pet-raising and battling mechanics combined with blockchain technology.
- Earn by staking or participating in play-to-earn events.
- NFT pets can be traded or sold for real money.
Best For: Casual gamers who enjoy pet-raising games with the added bonus of earning cryptocurrency.
7. Fortnite – Earn Through Competitive Play and Streaming
While Fortnite is not a blockchain-based game, it is still one of the best games to earn money from. Fortnite has a thriving competitive esports scene, with tournaments offering millions of dollars in prize money. Professional players can earn money by competing in official tournaments, joining esports organizations, and participating in sponsorship deals.
Additionally, players can earn money through streaming and content creation. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube offer monetization options for popular streamers, and Fortnite’s dedicated fanbase makes it a lucrative game for those who can build a large following.
Key Features:
- A competitive esports environment with large prize pools.
- Opportunities to earn through streaming and creating content.
- Sponsorship and partnership deals for professional players.
Best For: Competitive gamers who excel at battle royale games and those looking to build a following through content creation.
8. Splinterlands – Collectible Card Game with Crypto Rewards
Splinterlands is another play-to-earn trading card game that allows players to earn cryptocurrency and NFTs by battling with collectible cards. The game runs on the Hive blockchain and offers daily quests, ranked play, and tournaments where players can win rewards in the form of DEC tokens, which can be exchanged for real money or used to buy more in-game cards.
The game is free to start, though players may want to buy booster packs to improve their deck and increase their chances of winning battles.
Key Features:
- Free-to-play with play-to-earn mechanics.
- Players can earn and trade NFT cards and DEC tokens.
- Regular tournaments and events with real rewards.
Best For: Fans of strategy games and digital card collecting, especially those interested in blockchain-based gaming.
9. League of Legends – Earn Money Through Esports and Streaming
League of Legends (LoL) is one of the biggest esports titles in the world, offering opportunities for professional gamers to earn millions of dollars. With a thriving competitive scene, LoL offers tournaments like the League of Legends World Championship, where players can win significant cash prizes.
In addition to professional play, League of Legends is a popular game for streaming. Top streamers on platforms like Twitch earn through sponsorships, donations, and ads, making it a great way to monetize your gameplay if you can build an audience.
Key Features:
- High earning potential through professional esports.
- Opportunities to make money via streaming and content creation.
- Frequent tournaments with significant prize pools.
Best For: Competitive gamers looking to break into the esports scene or build a career through content creation.
Conclusion
In 2024, there are more opportunities than ever to earn money from gaming. Whether you’re looking to invest in blockchain-based games like Axie Infinity and The Sandbox or compete in traditional esports titles like Fortnite and League of Legends, the gaming world offers numerous ways to turn your hobby into a source of income.
To maximize your earnings, explore the games that align with your skills and interests. With the right strategy, you can start earning from your gaming sessions today!
