This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/why-crypto-games-fail-but-games-with-crypto-succeed.
Discover why blockchain games succeed when they prioritize gameplay over crypto. Analysis of Off the Grid, Illuvium, and Chainers reveals strategies.
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Traditional "crypto games" fail because they prioritize tokens over fun, but "games with crypto" succeed by making blockchain optional or invisible. Three approaches work: hiding crypto entirely (Off the Grid), building AAA quality first (Illuvium), and removing friction with fun-first design (Chainers). The key challenge remains balancing entertainment value with tokenization without turning games into work. Success requires quality gameplay that can sustain itself independent of token economics.