A New Era of Web3 Games: From Hype to Truly Fun

With the continuous development of Web3 technology, blockchain games are entering a brand new stage. After years of exploration and trial and error, a number of truly interesting and innovative game projects are beginning to emerge. Whether you are interested in metaverse games, play-to-earn models, or immersive gaming experiences, this article will present the most noteworthy Web3 games currently.

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

The new generation of Web3 games is abandoning the short-sighted design of "play-to-earn" and embracing a more sustainable "Play-to-Own" model. These games no longer rely on volatile token rewards, 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.

FIFA Rivals

This sports game cleverly integrates Web3 mechanics, making players barely feel the presence of blockchain. The game allows for the collection of digital player cards, participation in live events, and the formation of exclusive lineups, with all players and items existing as NFTs. It is worth mentioning that the game does not deliberately promote its blockchain elements, and can be enjoyed without any knowledge of wallets or cryptocurrency, but players' progress and assets are securely recorded on the chain.

Exiled Racers

This is a high-paced browser racing game that emphasizes competitiveness and community interaction. In the latest Ghost Riders league, players can participate in weekly dynamic tournaments without needing to register a wallet to start racing. If they choose to connect a wallet, they can also use their own NFT gear to compete, accumulate rewards, and retain ownership across different seasons. The game is fast-paced and offers a thrilling experience, serving as an excellent example of the fusion between Play-to-Own and traditional gaming models.

Balancing Fun and Earnings in Play-to-Earn Games

Although the Play-to-Own model is more sustainable, there are still some Play-to-Earn games that have successfully found a balance between "making money" and "fun". These games distribute rewards through competition or skill advancement, no longer being purely speculative.

Gods Unchained

This is a strategy card battle game, with each card existing in the form of NFTs. The game has a fast pace and diverse gameplay, with a comprehensive tutorial for beginners, making it easy to get started even if you are not familiar with blockchain. It is one of the few P2E projects that prioritize "gameplay," winning players' favor with its multi-layered mechanisms and high playability.

Aurory

Aurory is an expanding Web3 gaming ecosystem, with its core game "Seekers of Tokane" being a free JRPG. Players can explore procedurally generated maps, collect and train magical pets, and engage in turn-based combat. The game employs a hybrid on-chain and off-chain asset management system, and although it incorporates Play-to-Own elements, its structured reward mechanisms and token system give it a place in the P2E space.

Latest Developments in Metaverse Gaming

Open world, user-generated content metaverse games have always been iconic projects of Web3. These games emphasize community building, creative expression, and virtual socializing, showcasing the potential of digital asset ownership and user-driven economies.

The Sandbox

As a veteran project in the metaverse, The Sandbox has gathered a large number of artists, brands, and players. In 2025, the platform launched a Jurassic World-themed island, which includes over 40 mini-games and dinosaur conservation experiences. In the past, it has also collaborated with several well-known brands and artists to create a rich variety of virtual experiences.

Decentraland

As one of the earliest blockchain gaming platforms, Decentraland laid the groundwork for the metaverse. Players can build games, host events, and collaboratively construct a virtual world with the community. Although it appears somewhat outdated in terms of visuals and interactions, its decentralized and user governance mechanisms remain benchmark-worthy. The platform regularly hosts large-scale events such as virtual fashion weeks, attracting numerous well-known brands to participate.

Otherside

This is a metaverse project under construction, integrating elements such as narrative, exploration, and digital identity. Although it is currently open only to specific NFT holders, it has already demonstrated the potential to transform high-value NFTs from static collectibles into controllable characters.

Other Web3 Games Worth Noting

In addition to the mainstream types mentioned above, the Web3 gaming sector has many innovative attempts, ranging from casual farming simulations to massively multiplayer online shooting games, showcasing the diversity of Web3 games.

Pixels

This is a casual farming and social MMO game where players can complete tasks, craft items, and explore a colorful world. The game can be started without a wallet, and after connecting a wallet, players can gain NFT ownership of characters and items. It is suitable for Web3 beginners, but some players may find the game loop somewhat repetitive.

Shrapnel

A tactical shooting game developed by an AAA game team, supporting players to fight, collect, and evacuate, with assets such as skins and equipment. It is currently still in early development, planning to link the revenue mechanism with player performance and item rarity, aiming to create a major work that coexists with deep gameplay and asset value.

Conclusion

Web3 games are moving from mere hype towards genuine playability. Those projects that stand out prioritize "fun," while blockchain elements are an added bonus. An increasing number of excellent Web3 games are focusing on how to provide a true gaming experience, digital ownership, and sustainable reward systems, allowing players to choose whether to participate in monetization, with a priority on long-term value rather than short-term speculation. This shift signifies that the Web3 gaming industry is heading towards a more mature and sustainable future.