Crypto and Gaming: John Fenga on The Next Frontier for Play-to-Earn Models

The gaming industry is no stranger to innovation, but the rise of blockchain technology is taking it to a whole new level.

Gaming is becoming a platform for more than just entertainment by integrating cryptocurrency and decentralised systems.

Blockchain-based games are introducing play-to-earn (P2E) models, where players can earn real-world income through tokenised rewards and virtual economies.

This revolution changes how games are played and creates economic opportunities for players, developers, and investors.

“Crypto gaming is a game-changer — literally,” John Fenga, founder and CEO of TDCR and a cryptocurrency expert, said.

“It merges the fun of gaming with the economic potential of blockchain, giving players ownership and real-world value from their in-game activities.”

Play-to-earn (P2E) represents a significant shift in the gaming industry. Unlike traditional games, where players invest time and money without tangible returns, P2E games reward players with cryptocurrency or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for their in-game achievements and participation.

These rewards can be traded, sold, or used across different platforms, giving players a sense of ownership and financial gain.

“This model empowers players in a way we’ve never seen before,” Mr Fenga said. “You’re not just playing for fun — you are playing for financial gain, with assets you truly own.”

Blockchain technology underpins this model, providing the transparency, security, and decentralisation needed to create virtual economies that rival those in the real world.

Blockchain is the backbone of the P2E model, offering several key advantages:

True Ownership
In traditional games, players might spend hours earning rare items or skins, only to lose them if the game shuts down. Blockchain solves this by enabling players to own their digital assets as NFTs, which exist independently of the game itself.

Decentralised Economies
Blockchain-based games operate on decentralised platforms, creating virtual economies where players can trade, sell, or monetise in-game assets securely and transparently.

Interoperability
Assets from blockchain games can often be used across different games or platforms, adding long-term value to the player’s investment.

“Blockchain is transforming games into more than just experiences—it’s turning them into ecosystems,” Mr Fenga said.

Several blockchain-based games have already gained significant traction, showcasing the potential of the P2E model:

1. Axie Infinity
   This game became a pioneer of P2E, allowing players to earn cryptocurrency by battling digital creatures. At its peak, Axie Infinity provided a livelihood for players in countries like the Philippines, where the game’s earnings outpaced local wages.

2. The Sandbox
   Combining gaming with the metaverse, The Sandbox allows players to create, own, and monetise virtual experiences. Players can buy land, build assets, and trade NFTs, creating a decentralised virtual world.

3. Gods Unchained
   A trading card game that enables players to truly own their cards as NFTs. These cards can be bought, sold, or traded on secondary markets, giving players real-world value for their efforts.

“These games show that P2E is more than just a trend—it’s a paradigm shift,” Mr Fenga said. “They’re creating opportunities for players to turn their passion into profit.

“Crypto gaming is democratising income generation.

“It’s no longer just professional gamers or streamers who can make a living from games — anyone can.”

Despite its promise, the P2E model faces several challenges:

1. Volatility
   The value of in-game tokens can fluctuate significantly, creating uncertainty for players who depend on them as a source of income.

2. Accessibility
   Some blockchain games require an upfront investment, such as purchasing NFTs, which can exclude players in low-income regions.

3. Regulatory Uncertainty
   The intersection of gaming and cryptocurrency is still a grey area for regulators, raising questions about taxation, asset ownership, and consumer protection.

“The key is finding solutions that balance growth with accessibility and fairness,” Mr Fenga said.