The world of gaming has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with advancements in technology and the rise of cryptocurrency opening up new avenues for gamers to earn money while playing. Play-to-earn games, as they are known, have become increasingly popular, attracting the attention of long-term investors, traders, and global brands alike.
These online games leverage the power of Web3, blurring the lines between physical and virtual and enabling players to earn real money digitally, through various means such as selling virtual assets or completing in-game challenges.
The growing interest in cryptocurrency and everything tied to the digital landscape has fueled the exponential growth of these games in recent times. In fact, a recent study by Cryptogambling.tv, using data from Google Keyword Planner, revealed the top 10 most Googled play-to-earn crypto games, highlighting the tremendous popularity and potential of this emerging sector.
From Axie Infinity to Voxies, these games are not only changing the gaming industry but also disrupting traditional financial systems, enabling people to earn money in ways that were once unimaginable.
Most Googled play-to-earn crypto games based on monthly search volume from the last 12 months
| Game Title | Device | Blockchain | Average Monthly Search Volume (Past 12 Months) |
| Axie Infinity | Android, IOS, Windows | Ethereum, Ronin | 535,202 |
| SecondLive | Android, Windows, Mac, | Binance, Solana | 496,313 |
| Stepn | Android, IOS | Binance, Solana | 478,794 |
| Decentraland | Web Browser | Ethereum | 382,000 |
| Rollercoin | Web Browser | Ethereum, Polygon, Binance, Solana, Bitcoin, Other | 320,129 |
| The Sandbox | Android, IOS, Windows | Ethereum, Polygon | 193,072 |
| Illuvium | Windows, Mac | Ethereum, Immutable-X | 67,372 |
| Gods Unchained | Windows, Mac | Ethereum, Immutable-X | 57,846 |
| Alien Worlds | Android, Web Browser, IOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, PlayStation | Ethereum, Binance, WAX | 43,079 |
| Voxies | Android, Web Browser, IOS, Windows | Ethereum | 7,035 |
1. Axie Infinity
Taking first place is Axie Infinity, with an estimated average of 535,202 searches per month. The Vietnam-based studio Sky Mavis developed the online video game, which is playable on Android, IOS, and Windows. It was launched in 2018 and revolves around a virtual universe where players can train pet creatures called “Axies”. Axie owners spend time training their pets to increase their value over time, then sell them any time to other online players for Ethereum.
2. SecondLive
Second on the list is virtual metaverse SecondLive, with a 496,313 average monthly search volume. The Windows, Mac, and Android-compatible game allows users to create their avatars and roam around an open virtual space where they can build their lifestyle of choice. Users can buy and sell items within the game’s online marketplace using BNB (Binance Coin), which can be traded for other fiat currencies.
3. Stepn
Ranking in third place is Stepn, a move-to-earn mobile game where users can earn cryptocurrency by walking, jogging, or running, promoting a healthy lifestyle while also earning money. The Web3 app boasts an estimated average search volume of 478,794 on Google over the past 12 months.
4. Decantraland
Virtual reality platform Decantraland is in fourth place with 382,000 average monthly Google searches. The web browser-based VR platform allows users to interact with various online games and activities and, more notably, buy virtual land using the in-game currency MANA. The game is powered by the Ethereum blockchain and uses the native MANA token, which can be traded for US dollars and other fiat currencies.
5. RollerCoin
RollerCoin is an online crypto mining game where users compete against friends to earn Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum. It has ranked fifth with a monthly average search volume of 320,129 on Google over the past 12 months.
6. The Sandbox
Placing in sixth with 193,072 monthly searches on Google over the last year is The Sandbox, an Ethereum-powered game. The playable metaverse was launched in 2012 by mobile game development brand Pixowl allows its users to purchase virtual land and customize it with fun games and experiences. The community marketplace enables users to trade in-game assets using The Sandbox’s native currency, SAND, which can be exchanged directly for fiat currencies.
7. Illuvium
Illuvium has placed seventh on the list of most popular play-to-earn online games according to Google, boasting 67,372 average monthly searches. The role-playing sci-fi adventure game allows players to earn the in-game ILV token through various methods, such as capturing and selling the Illuvial creatures on the Illuvidex marketplace.
8. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained has ranked in eighth position with 57,846 average monthly searches on Google. It is a free-to-play online trading card game in which you can partake in battles using fantasy cards. Players can trade and purchase cards using the native GODS token tradable for real-world currency.
9. Alien Worlds
Alien Worlds is landing in ninth place with 43,079 average monthly searches on Google. It is a virtual sci-fi game where players can explore space with other players and complete missions to collect Trillium (TLM).
10. Voxies
Finally, Voxies has taken the final position among the list of most Googled online games to earn cryptocurrency with 7,035 average monthly searches. The 2000s-inspired tactical RPG game allows players to compete with others in various challenges and quests to accumulate the game currency VOXELS and other tradable assets via the marketplace.
A spokesperson from Cryptogambling.tv, commented:
“Axie Infinity’s colorful theme and multi-platform compatibility have undeniably contributed to its popularity over the last few years. The game features cute digital creatures that can be trained and used for battle like those games on the retro gaming consoles. The only difference now is that you can earn money by playing it from your mobile device.”
The power of cryptocurrency has truly impacted the financial technology industry, and it is now impacting the gaming industry. People can now not only game for the joy of the experience, but to earn money for themselves.”
Overall, the rise of play-to-earn crypto games is revolutionizing the gaming industry and providing new opportunities for people to earn money in the digital landscape. With the power of Web3 blurring the lines between physical and virtual, we can expect to see even more innovative and engaging games emerge in the future, providing gamers with exciting experiences and the potential to earn cryptocurrency. As always, it’s important to approach these games with caution and to do your research before investing time and money into them. Nonetheless, the growing popularity of play-to-earn games is undeniable and is likely to continue its upward trajectory in the years to come.
If you have a favorite play-to-earn game that we haven’t mentioned, feel free to share it with us via email or on our social media platforms. We would love to hear your thoughts!
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