But gaming is an industry that is about to get, as Elvis once sang, “all shook up.” Much like Elvis brought R&B music to a whole new audience back in the 1950s, gaming is about to get an influx of brand new gamers – and they are chasing crypto rewards.
What's important to notice is that the crypto-gaming space is DRIVING user behaviour.
That's a leading indicator of where this space is going.
HINT: It's going to explode in 2022.
So with all the new crypto gaming projects being announced, which coins are poised to be the best investments for those that want to get into this space?
AXS: Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity Shard is the governance token for the Axie Infinity Universe. It's seen a deep drop from the recent ATH's.
Axie Infinity is the largest, most popular play-to-earn game, and I expect it to continue leading.
With Axie, players breed, battle and trade cute digital pets called Axies. The game itself doesn't have a cost, but to start playing, you need to buy 3 Axies (which are NFTs) from the Axie Marketplace to create a team.
Axie also introduced the unique concept of scholarships. A scholarship allows the owner of a team of 3 Axies (called the manager) to lend the team to a player who wants to play but has no money to get started with their own team. The scholar then plays the game and the manager splits the profits generated by winning battles with the scholar. This is all done on the Ronin blockchain, which means that it creates a trustless partnership. This setup allows managers to earn money passively without actually playing the game – which arguably has led to the amazing growth that Axie Infinity has seen over the past year.
Some players are earning a full-time income just playing this game on their Android device!
Now there are some problems for the Axie crew, which has been dealing with players giving away wins and a massive decline in the SLP token, which is the main way players earn money with Axie.
I think it's clear that the team is aware of this issue and will be implementing some kind of burn mechanism to get this on track. They are juggling some new developments like Battles V2 (which includes graphics and gameplay changes) and Land which should shake up the Axie gameplay.
Overall, AXS is a great token to own, and one you can stake and currently earn 89% APR.
(Sidenote: with SLP down so low and with the team aware of how important it is to fix, this could be a big mover also.)
SAND: The Sandbox
SAND is a token to watch.
The Sandbox, currently on Alpha on Windows-only is a game that should explode in 2022.
It's similar to Roblox or Minecraft, both of which are wildly popular with pre-teens and teens. Like… massively. They allow you to create worlds that other players can dabble in which are created from blocks.
In this 3D game, players can create their own worlds by buying digital real estate called LAND. And check this out… they can purchase upgrades with the in-game currency, SAND. Players can also develop their world by making mini-world's. (Roblox had a popular world made based on the Squid Game TV show.)
The game is completely decentralized, meaning players are free to do whatever they want inside of it. That's part of what makes games like this so addicting to players.
MANA: Decentraland
MANA is the digital currency of Decentraland. This virtual world is built using the Ethereum blockchain. It's an online virtual reality platform that allows people to explore and use the platform as a platform for creating new multiplayer games.
The easy-to-use builder tool enables users to make or create almost anything in the virtual world. Users can buy, sell, and trade these virtual items on the marketplace. In addition, users can purchase and sell Decentraland virtual land parcels from the marketplace.
It’s no surprise that Decentraland has taken up a top spot among cryptocurrency investors.
THG: Thetan Arena
Thetan Arena is an Esports game based on blockchain technology. Think of Thetan as the play-to-earn version of the highly popular Brawl Stars game. So you have different solo and multi-user battle modes that have different objectives. They are very similar, except that with Thetan, you can actually earn money.
Thetan is also a free-to-play game and available on iOS devices, which has lead to a rapidly exploding userbase.
And while you can play for free, and even earn gTHC in-game. But you need to progress on the Season Objectives to Bronze 1 to cash out.
It's actually one of the most fun play-to-earn games to play, and slightly addictive.
Keep an eye on THG as the play-to-earn trend continues.
Pegaxy Galaxy is a horse racing game that is both futuristic and based on mythology. Pega (the horses) are descendants of the mighty Pegasus. In this game, players will participate in PvP Pegasus races to win VIS (Vigorus) the crypto rewards players earn from this game.
Pegaxy is similar to Axie Infinity in getting started, and you can breed, buy and battle the Pega NFT characters.
Pegaxy is a newcomer in the crypto gaming space – and any players can enter any race for free. The gameplay is very competitive, fun, and the crypto rewards are very lucrative. Players compete against 11 other racers in an attempt to earn a top 3 placement. If you place inside the top 3, the gamer earns $VIS tokens.
Strategy, skill and a good Pega are what's required to place in the top 3.
The VIS token looks like a good investment because this one of the most enjoyable play-to-earn games available right now.
Play-To-Earn Gaming 2022
No doubt, 2022 will be a big year for crypto, and in particular play-to-earn games. Gaming is on the rise, even with older people, and the ability to earn real money, even in small amounts for hobbyists will continue to drive new players from traditional games over to games that they can earn cryptocurrency.
Expect the play-to-earn tokens to be volatile and rewarding – just like a good old game that challenges your nerves and your ability.
If you don't know what a flow state is exactly, I'll get to that… but first a quick rant about games: One of the things I hate when playing a game is the upsells. Ugh. I get enough of that in the digital marketing space.
Sometimes you just want to let loose and play a simple arcade game – without upsells, without having to install another app.
Who else has too many apps already junking up their screen?
It's easy to jump right into a simple arcade game without having to learn 50 new controls, like Red Dead Redemption 2, for example.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Takes hours to learn the basic controls
Remember back to when you were a kid at an arcade? Simple controls. Simple instructions.
A Look Back In Time
I remember my Dad used to take us skiing almost every year, and usually we went drove from Toronto, ON to Mansonville, Quebec where there is a ski resort called Owl's Head. Owl's Head, as I recall, had a restaurant with individually packaged Grissol breadsticks with sesame seeds, which I devoured like crazy, and a little arcade room with a Pinball machine and a couple of arcade games.
So when skiiing was over for the day, the kids could log a couple hours exploring the hotel and hopefully playing a few games in the old arcade room.
Why Arcade Games Are So Universally Appealing
So what makes simple games more fun?
I think it's the simplistic nature. It's you vs a computer using simple controls and trying to complete a task. The reason it's pleasurable is because it locks out the thinking part of your brain. It's like a rest for that part of your brain that gets stuck on work, or things to worry about, or an ever-expanding to-do list.
What is the State of Flow?
When you're playing an arcade game, you're locked in. Your focus is at a peak.
To be honest, that's one of the reasons I love playing soccer also. The focus you need means that everything else melts away. All the problems disappear and you're in the game.
I've known about this concept for over a decade, ever since I read a book that changed my life. The book is called Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, and it's by a brilliant guy called Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Yeah, try saying that correctly the first time.
If you're short on time, here's a quick Ted Talk about Flow:
Now, I'm going to make a jump here and state a theory of mine.
How To Instantly Make Yourself Feel Great
Playing simple arcade-style games puts you in a flow state. If you have enough competence to compete, you can put yourself in a flow state by playing games. And I would further argue that simple games tend to put you in flow better than a bunch of expensive games.
Now, there are some exceptions to that. For example, since playing FIFA 21 is ultra-competitive, it can put you in a state of flow. Also, if the storyline is very compelling, as it is often in the sad tale of Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2, it can put you flow.
Sometimes a really good movie can put you in a state of flow. But if you find yourself pausing and “checking something” while you're watching Netflix, then you ain't in flow yet, honey.
The Apple Secret
It's no doubt that Apple is a smart company. Apple Arcade launched in 2019 with the same goal – to bring you simple, flow-inducing arcade games. It's clear to me that they wanted to give their customers that feeling you can only get from a simple arcade game.
There's really nothing quite like it.
But Apple Arcade is a monthly subscription. And you know what, thousands of people are paying Apple for the joy of playing simple Arcade games. But there is a better way. The site I found has just as many games, but without a monthly subscription. Double-win! Thank me later.
So, if you feel stressed, or bothered, or can't get that massive list of things you need to do out of your head, and you need some quick relief. Try playing an arcade game. You'd thank me, but you'd be in a state of flow and you wouldn't even be thinking about me anymore!
Remember when you insisted that spending more time playing video games makes you lazy? Well, there is a new comeback for that. According to researchers from Queen Mary University of London and University College London, certain games can stimulate the growth of neurons and connectivity in the brain region, enhancing spatial orientation, retention, memory, strategic planning, and fine motor skills. This is significantly more advanced in the right hippocampus and right prefrontal cortex. So, you may just reconsider going for that Madalin stunt cars 3 after all because here are some ways it can help boost your brainpower:
Gaming can help boost your brainpower
Improved Memory
Scientists have found that certain games enhance retention, improving memory. Games create visual images that represent the information you should remember in mind. This helps jump-start your memory and ability to recall. Through stories that link unrelated words, video games improve visualization and association, which will enhance recall cues. When visualization is integrated with the association, the memory becomes more meaningful, and things become more memorable than before. Games are good at enhancing a better memory.
Makes your Brain Younger
It is well known that physical exercise keeps the body stronger, healthier, and younger. Now, researchers have found that mental exercise keeps the brain in a better position to fight aging. Games often start at more manageable levels and gradually become more complicated and harder to tackle. As you increase your skills, you find that more advanced levels are much easier, enabling you to increase the challenge level on your way up. This stimulates your brain and makes it younger than non-gamers.
Various brain games boost your brain and cognitive function to keep you sharper.
Improved Concentration
People who play many games can multitask, perform cognitive activities like rotating things in their minds, concentrate more, and retain information compared to people who do not. It is proven that our brain predicts what’s next, whether it’s a conversation or exercise. And the brain also builds models of the real-world to sharpen prediction skills. Better models lead to better performance, and scientists suggest that gaming enhance and refine such models.
According to research by Harvard University, playing games enhance concentration, especially as you age. Even though games cannot prevent dementia, they help improve some skills that promote overall mental health. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
An article published by PubMed Central revealed that playing video games can drastically reduce stress. Video games reduce and relieve pain when the player’s mental focus is shifted on the game they are playing. Taking care of the brain should not be a chore. Instead, you can turn to many fun, enjoyable, and pastime ways to exercise your mind and improve your brainpower. It doesn’t matter which game you want to play; feel free to dive into something that engages your brain. No matter your age or preference, there is always a game to improve your memory, concentration, and overall brain power.
Remember, you are likely to stick to more enjoyable activities, so take your time and figure out the best game for you.
Matt Hoffer is a crypto enthusiast and gamer. When he's not de-constructing the blockchain, you can find him chilling with some lemonade in the shade or playing a round of golf.
If you’ve been furloughed, have lost your job, are a student or just a brilliant gamer and would like how to make money with online games (who wouldn’t?), then it can be done, and you can have some fun doing it. It’s not just working from home or working remotely that has become increasingly popular, but making money from playing online games is a real thing, and while you’re not going to be making a fortune overnight, with time, you really can make some decent money by playing online games. So let’s have a look at the best ones and how you can make money:
Old School RuneScape
Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) and is one of the most popular franchises of online games ever. Set in the fantasy world of Gielinor, players can interact with each other, as well as objects and many areas of the game, and can basically do what they like from training a Skill, fighting monsters, or taking part in a quest. Now for the money part, players can make money by selling items, gold, or accounts. You can buy OSRS gold, or you can sell for real money if you can find a buyer. If you’re a really good player, you can also make money from Youtube by either making tutorial videos or simply uploading videos of you playing the game; you’d be surprised how many people will watch.
Swagbucks
What started as an online rewards program that gave members rewards for using the Swagbucks search engine is now a ‘Get Paid To’ (GPT) site where you can earn money for the things that you are already doing online, such as playing games. By playing games, you can earn “Swagbucks,” which can then be redeemed for Amazon gift cards, coupon codes, and other prizes, or you can also ask them to convert the game credits into cash, which can be transferred to your PayPal account.
Play Rummy
If you like playing rummy and want to make money, then give this a try. You can play Rummy online on your laptop or desktop or download the app for your phone, and if you win, you’ll get easy payouts and 24/7 support.
Become an Online Games Tester
Many gamers earn money by becoming a videogame tester. You will have to work directly with game producers and try out beta versions of the games. If you’re good, you could earn money for your gaming skills.
Play Solitaire Cube
If you spent your childhood playing Solitaire on your family PC, then this could be a way of making all those hours worth something. You can now use the platform Skillz to compete with players around the world, and you can win cash prizes from playing in tournaments.
Register with Paid Game Player
Paid Game Player gives you the opportunity to access over 600 different games. You have to be at least 18 years old to register and start earning money, but the games include an online casino, puzzle games, and arcade games, to name a few.
Matt Hoffer is a crypto enthusiast and gamer. When he's not de-constructing the blockchain, you can find him chilling with some lemonade in the shade or playing a round of golf.
This video shows you the best and quickest way to complete the Bundesliga Milestone player in FIFA 20.
Of the 18 teams in the Bundesliga, you need to score two goals in wins in Rivals for each team (with only one counting per game) in order to complete that team.
The 3 recently promoted teams require 2 goals but do not require the win in Rivals.
This system shows you how to get the Belgium CDM from FC Koln, Birger Verstraete in the most efficient way possible.
Birger Verstraete Belgian CDM
Verstraete has been upgraded from 74 to a massive 86 OVR and looks like a solid CDM to rival Axel Witsel in the middle of the park in the Bundesliga. For a free player, this objective is well worth completing.
Here's a list of teams that require goals in two wins to complete the Verstraete Milestone Objective:
Bayern Munich
Borussia Dortmund
RB Leipzig
Bayer Leverkusen
Borussia Monchengladbach
VFL Wolfsburg
Eintract Frankfurt
Werder Bremen
1899 Hoffenheim
Fortuna Dusseldorf
Hertha BSC
Mainz 05
SC Freiburg
Schalke 04
FC Augsburg
Here's a list of teams that only require two goals in as many matches:
FC Koln
Paderborn
Union Berlin
NOTE: Milestone Objectives span season,s so you don't need to complete him by the end of the current season. However, look to get Attackers or strong Midfielders on your team before prices start to rise in the market.
Players from Paderborn, Union Berlin, and Fortuna Dusseldorf are particularly expensive. So keep an eye out for deals.
This post is how to get Alassane Plea, the Bundesliga striker available as an OVR 86 Headliners card for free via objectives. It is a sick card, and it's actually not that difficult to achieve.
I knocked off the through-balls and headers on Word-Class/Legendary difficulty while doing the Icon Swaps Single Player Objectives at the same time.
How To Get Alassane Plea Headliners (86 OVR) Fastest Method for FIFA 20
Get Alassane Plea from the Bundesliga Borussia Mönchengladbach M'Gladbach for free during the FIFA 20 Headliners Promotion. Starting now.
This post will help with the Plea objective in FIFA – so you can get the Alassane Plea Headliners cards for you Fifa 20 FUT team.
Objective 1: Assist 5 goals using Through Ball (Y) in Squad Battles min. Professional difficulty
Objective 2: Score 2 Headers in Squad Battles min. Semi-Professional difficulty
Objective 3: Score using Bundesliga and Ligue Un players in 4 separate Rivals wins.
Objective 4: Score at least 2 goals using French players in 4 separate Rivals matches.
As mentioned in the video, here are some players that are good at heading:
Sergio Ramos
Bas Dost
Olivier Giroud (who is also French and will help with the 2 goals from French players in Rivals mode objective.)
Edison Cavani (who is in Ligue Un for the time being as he might move to Athletico Madrid in Spain. He is good for the Rivals objective scoring with a Ligue Un player and a Bundesliga player in a Rivals win.)
