The past year has been quite eventful for crypto gaming, featuring several unexpected developments.
At the beginning of the year, who could have predicted that tap-to-earn gaming—a highly simplified version of the play-to-earn concept—would emerge as the leading topic of discussion? And who imagined we would close the year with a significant crypto game gaining traction among mainstream gamers?
This is merely the beginning of the captivating developments we experienced this year. With 2025 approaching, let’s review seven games that truly shaped the crypto gaming landscape over the last year. And stay tuned, as Decrypt’s GG will keep you updated on the next groundbreaking games making a splash in this thrilling domain.
Notcoin
Notcoin may have clearly drawn influence from earlier “clicker” games such as Cookie Clicker, but it certainly sparked the Telegram tap-to-earn phenomenon—and indeed delivered remarkable results.
Screenshots from Notcoin. Image: Notcoin
Billions in cryptocurrency (at NOT’s peak valuation) were ultimately distributed to players, leading to a wave of imitators. However, none managed to replicate the original’s influence, despite some attracting more participants, but that does not lessen Notcoin’s significant contribution.
Off the Grid
It’s no surprise that GG’s selection for the 2024 game of the year appears on this list. When it relates to gameplay, nothing else compares. Off the Grid presents a compelling variation on the familiar battle royale shooter mechanics seen in Apex Legends or Call of Duty Warzone, introducing thrilling elements like cybernetic appendages that offer unique capabilities.
This led to numerous viral moments following the game’s early access launch in October—but what many may not be aware of is that a blockchain underpins the action, with an impending token launch and tradable item NFTs likely to alter the game’s narrative.
Pixels
The social farming game Pixels gained considerable attention after it transitioned to the Ethereum gaming network Ronin in late 2023, but it truly became a standout crypto phenomenon early this year with the launch of its PIXEL token, presenting significant rewards for early adopters.
However, Pixels did not lose momentum after the cryptocurrency rewards were distributed; instead, it has continued to grow and evolve, keeping players engaged as developers investigate spin-off games—such as Pixel Dungeons and an early access Telegram game—along with additional improvements in the pipeline.
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Hamster Kombat
For a brief period this summer, Hamster Kombat turned into one of the most-discussed games globally, as the Telegram tap-to-earn game drew 300 million players in total.
Image: Decrypt
It attracted a significantly broader audience compared to Notcoin with enhanced gameplay features, requiring players to manage their own cryptocurrency exchange. However, numerous players found the airdrop to be lackluster, and a proposed second season of gameplay remains unaccounted for.
Fantasy Top
For approximately two weeks earlier this year, Fantasy Top appeared to be the most exciting element in the crypto space, at least for those engaged on Crypto Twitter. Crafted like an NFT fantasy sports game centered around actual Twitter influencers, Fantasy Top on the Ethereum layer-2 platform Blast was a captivating engagement device for that fleeting moment. Interest diminished relatively swiftly, yet with new funding acquired recently, we are eager to observe whether Fantasy Top can regain its momentum.
Parallel
Parallel was GG’s choice for the premier crypto game of the previous year, yet 2024 marks its significant strides with players. This year, Parallel transitioned to open beta, expanded to a much broader audience through the Epic Games Store, and launched its esports series with a major championship scheduled in Las Vegas for March 2025.
To add to the excitement, renowned F1 driver Fernando Alonso endorsed the title. It remains one of the top-notch blockchain games available, and it seemingly continues to expand.
Crypto: The Game
Crypto: The Game is, in fact, an experience revolving around cryptocurrency, but it’s not strictly a video game—mostly. It’s a multimedia experience inspired by the TV program “Survivor,” merging real-world and online events alongside some video gaming elements, as well as social strategies.
The first two seasons occurred earlier this year and were lauded by numerous players as some of the most enjoyable experiences they’ve ever had in this sector. Following its acquisition by Uniswap Labs, the third season is projected to be larger and improved while maintaining the engaging essence of the original installments.
Edited by Stephen Graves
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