MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) offer the ultimate multiplayer experience. Popular examples of the best games include World of Warcraft, Runescape, and Elder Scrolls Online.
The key distinction between RPGs and MMORPG genre games lies not in the content but in the multiplayer aspect.
In traditional RPGs, players control their character’s abilities and storyline in a typically single-player environment.
The best MMORPG blockchain based games, however, expand this concept by allowing players’ characters to interact with numerous other players’ characters within a shared, persistent game world in the crypto space. This social interaction and shared universe create a dynamic, ever-evolving gameplay experience for everyone that sets MMORPGs apart from their single-player RPG counterparts.
Blockchain technology enhances MMORPGs by adding tangible value to player activities. Unlike traditional pay-to-consume models, blockchain-based MMORPGs allow players to earn money for their time in the ecosystem.
Most blockchain MMORPGs integrate NFTs and tokens, giving players true ownership of in-game items and rewards for participation.
The MMO genre has evolved significantly over the past 20 years, from shifts in payment models to changes in combat systems. Now, blockchain technology is making its way into MMOs, introducing new features and gameplay mechanics.
Source: Freepik
MMORPGs are a specific type of online role-playing game where multiple players interact in virtual worlds through competitions and teams.
In contrast, MMOs (massively multiplayer online games) can be either single-player or multiplayer, depending on the game’s design.
While MMOs typically focus on combat and questing, MMORPGs emphasize community and social interactions, aligning with key characteristics of Web3. MMORPGs offer a more immersive experience by including various in-game activities such as trade skills, crafting, exploration, and player-versus-player combat to keep gamers engaged.
It’s important to note that while all MMORPGs are considered MMOs, not all MMOs qualify as MMORPGs, highlighting the distinct nature of these game categories.
Source: Freepik
Here are 5 noteworthy play-to-earn games implementing blockchain-based features.
Ember Sword, developed by Bright Star Studios, stands out in the crypto gaming sector by prioritizing “gameplay first” over crypto jargon. This Free-to-Play MMORPG offers the following features:
Ember Sword aims to appeal to regular players by focusing on engaging gameplay while integrating blockchain elements seamlessly.
The project integrates blockchain for cosmetics and land ownership, allowing players full ownership rights and the ability to trade on secondary markets. The game’s first land rush sold out rapidly, indicating strong interest.
This party-game focused MMO allows players to create and play custom levels. Like many MMORPG NFT games, it uses blockchain to tokenize in-game assets, including limited-edition Blankos (digital vinyl figures) and accessories.
The game also remains free to play for those who do not want to participate in the blockchain aspects.
This sci-fi strategy MMO features fleet building and alien combat. While the core game runs without blockchain, its virtual currency (INF) is a crypto-asset usable both in-game and externally. Users can stake it and benefit from yield farming activities.
In-game items are NFTs, allowing for transaction tracking. INF runs on the Liquid Network, a Bitcoin sidechain, and can be earned through gameplay.
War Riders is an MMO where players can earn cryptocurrency while engaging in vehicular combat. Key features include:
Worldwide Webb stands out as a unique crypto MMORPG, describing itself as “an interoperable pixel metaverse.”
This game is deeply rooted in NFT technology, with its primary aim being to integrate various NFTs onto a single platform.
In Worldwide Webb, players must purchase land tokens to participate. Once in the game, they can unleash their creativity by using their NFTs to construct buildings, design avatars, and create pets. This approach offers players unprecedented freedom in shaping their in-game experience and environment.
The game’s distinctive feature is its ability to link together popular NFTs from different sources, allowing for a diverse and player-driven virtual world.
The potential for major MMORPGs to adopt blockchain technology is intriguing. Imagining a game like World of Warcraft incorporating cryptocurrency and becoming one of the cryptogames could revolutionize the gaming experience. However, as with all crypto-related ventures, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and exercise due diligence before investing.
For those who prefer solo play, crypto RPG games might be more appealing. Additionally, crypto breeding games, often featuring Pokemon-style gameplay, offer another alternative in the blockchain gaming space for those who view investing in gaming as a viable option.