“Blockchain gaming” and “crypto gaming” came first and second, respectively. Recently, the concept of “play-to-earn” has grown in acceptance. Depending on the context, the word “blockchain” is used differently, and throughout time, more or less appropriate synonyms have been adopted to describe this flourishing gaming business.

The differences between blockchain technology and crypto gaming are described here, even though these definitions will probably evolve.

Blockchain gaming and crypto gaming are two related concepts that combine elements of gaming and cryptocurrency technology.

Blockchain gaming refers to the integration of blockchain technology into the gaming industry. Blockchain, the decentralized and transparent ledger technology, is used to provide a secure and transparent environment for in-game assets and transactions. It allows players to have true ownership and control over their virtual items, as well as enables developers to create decentralized game economies.

In blockchain games, in-game assets are represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or digital tokens that are unique and can be bought, sold, and traded on the blockchain. These assets can include virtual items, characters, skins, and more. Blockchain technology ensures the scarcity, provenance, and authenticity of these assets, as well as enables players to trade them on decentralized marketplaces.

Crypto gaming, on the other hand, refers to the integration of cryptocurrencies and tokens within traditional video games. It involves the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment, rewards, or as a utility token within the game ecosystem. Crypto gaming often utilizes blockchain technology for secure and transparent transactions.

For example, some games may have their own native cryptocurrency or token that players can earn or purchase. These tokens can be used to buy in-game items, unlock additional content, or participate in special events. Crypto gaming allows players to have more control over their in-game assets and provides opportunities for earning real-world value through trading or selling digital items.

Both blockchain gaming and crypto gaming aim to provide players with increased ownership, transparency, and value in the virtual gaming world. They offer new possibilities for player-driven economies, cross-game interoperability, and unique gaming experiences.

Without mentioning financial assets, the term “blockchain gaming” promotes blockchain technology. The inherent blockchain concepts of decentralization, actual ownership, and censorship resistance are therefore promoted and presented as the sole option.

Total decentralization is a huge technological challenge due to several implementation-related worries, including:

Does the immutability of the game’s rules require that they be stored on the blockchain? Will each computer ever be able to provide enough resources to run a full MMORPG, or will a central server still be required to generate the graphics?

What does interoperability mean in a metaverse?

Decentralization is the main objective of “blockchain gaming.” For blockchain purists, getting this degree fulfills a development dream! There aren’t any games like this at the moment. However, some individuals are working to create ones. We can talk about Decentraland and games like Chainbreakers and Battle Racers built on it.

I know everyone is dunking on FB->Meta (and it is well deserved), but tbh I am excited that a major tech co is going all-in on “the metaverse”. One key thing I’ll be tracking is what role the Web will play in this. Zuck claims to want interoperability, but what will that mean?

— Richard MacManus (@ricmac) October 28, 2021

Decentraland is possibly one of the most decentralized projects to date. The LANDs metadata is maintained on Ethereum thanks to NFT, and all of the graphics are hosted on 13 servers worldwide that are overseen by small DAOs. If one server is down, players can still access the game by connecting to another. Although Decentraland is not a video game, it is a great example of how decentralized design may be achieved without just relying on a blockchain.

Also Read: Top 4 Blockchain Gaming Projects On Solana

The word “crypto gaming” refers to a game that awards prizes in crypto or NFT.

Games were known as “crypto” use cryptocurrency as the game’s medium of exchange. As a result, this coin will be used for rewards and gameplay.

Players that win these games are paid either in NFT or cryptocurrencies. Your skills and time invested in the game will determine your chances of winning. The gameplay and designs of the games offered have significantly altered, even though some of them at first resembled the Flash games from the 2000s.

A crypto gaming business includes The Satoshis’ Games studio. They created several cryptocurrency games, including Lightnite, a Fortnite-like title that used the Lightning Network to award players with Bitcoin dust. Elixir, a single application that integrates the NFT marketplace and app store, provides access to additional games developed by Satoshis’ Games.

Numerous phrases for varying (de)centralization stages

Even though blockchain and cryptocurrency gaming are two distinct concepts with separate names, they are commonly conflated. But one encourages decentralization, whilst the other emphasizes the advantages of playing. As a result, the terms “crypto gaming” and “blockchain gaming” have become popular marketing buzzwords. Depending on how it has been built, the game’s setting will be more or less decentralized.