Paper Type

Complete

Abstract

Play-to-earn (P2E) games backed by blockchain technology enable players to earn tangible rewards through in-game activities. P2E has emerged as a revolutionary convergence of gaming and decentralized finance that ensures transparency, security, and verifiable ownership, fostering economic empowerment and novel digital interactions. In this paper, we investigate the technological and socio-economic dimensions of P2E by examining popular games (Axie Infinity and Hamster Kombat) and platforms (Sandbox). Through these examinations, we identify four critical challenges faced by the P2E ecosystem, namely community sustainability, player health, affordability, and fair rewards. We further present actionable research opportunities to address these challenges, including the potential to explore solutions based on game theory, mechanism design, and information systems theories. Overall, our findings highlight the transformative potential of P2E games and underscore the unique opportunity for the information systems community to contribute to the evolution of this dynamic digital ecosystem.

Paper Number

1478

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Aug 15th, 12:00 AM

Play-to-Earn Blockchain Games

Play-to-earn (P2E) games backed by blockchain technology enable players to earn tangible rewards through in-game activities. P2E has emerged as a revolutionary convergence of gaming and decentralized finance that ensures transparency, security, and verifiable ownership, fostering economic empowerment and novel digital interactions. In this paper, we investigate the technological and socio-economic dimensions of P2E by examining popular games (Axie Infinity and Hamster Kombat) and platforms (Sandbox). Through these examinations, we identify four critical challenges faced by the P2E ecosystem, namely community sustainability, player health, affordability, and fair rewards. We further present actionable research opportunities to address these challenges, including the potential to explore solutions based on game theory, mechanism design, and information systems theories. Overall, our findings highlight the transformative potential of P2E games and underscore the unique opportunity for the information systems community to contribute to the evolution of this dynamic digital ecosystem.

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