Pixels, a game led by CEO Luke Barwikowski, has introduced several changes aimed at refining its play-to-earn model and making its reward system more intentional. With the recent adoption of the Apptokens protocol by Limit Break, Pixels has taken a significant step towards creating a more sustainable gaming ecosystem. This change is expected to further focus on rewarding active, engaged players rather than encouraging short-term speculators.

Pixels Strategic Updates to Improve Token Utility

About Pixels

Pixels, inspired by Stardew Valley and Runescape, is a blockchain-based farming MMO where players can farm, gather resources, and customize their virtual plots. The game is free to play on PC browsers and operates on the Ronin Network, blending the charm of classic farming games with the innovative capabilities of blockchain technology. During our GAM3 Awards 2024 Pixels' claimed two victories both “Best Casual” and “People’s Choice” awards, adding to its broader popularity within the web3 space.

Shifting Focus Towards Quality Users

Pixels, which reached a peak of over 1 million daily active user wallets (DAUWs) in May 2024, has seen a decline in engagement, with current numbers dropping to below 40,000. Despite this drop, the game has made strategic adjustments to its reward system, shifting focus from the broader metric of daily active accounts (DAA) to a more targeted approach based on quality daily active users (DAU). This shift reflects a broader trend in the web3 gaming space, where developers are prioritizing user engagement and retention over sheer account numbers.

Changes in Reward System and Tokenomics

To align its reward system with these new priorities, Pixels has adjusted its token distribution. Rewards are now directed more towards players who subscribe to the game’s monthly VIP membership. These players also face additional costs when cashing out PIXEL tokens, with fees that are then redistributed to those staking their PIXEL tokens in the game. This modification encourages players to keep their tokens in the system, increasing the overall value within the game.

In addition to these changes, the introduction of staking has added a new layer to the reward system. Players who store their PIXEL tokens in their in-game wallets are automatically soft-staked, allowing them to receive rewards. Players who own virtual land within the game also benefit from an additional staking boost, incentivizing long-term investment in the game’s ecosystem.

Pixels Adopts Limit Break’s Apptokens Protocol

vPIXEL Tokens and Apptokens Protocol

One of the most significant developments for Pixels is its adoption of Limit Break’s Apptokens protocol. This integration introduces the vPIXEL token, a new in-game asset that is backed 1:1 by the PIXEL token. Unlike other tokens, vPIXEL can only be spent or staked, ensuring that it serves a specific utility within the game’s ecosystem.

The vPIXEL token also comes with the benefit of fee-free withdrawals, allowing players to move their tokens without incurring additional costs. Furthermore, vPIXEL can be used across other partnered games, such as Forgotten Runiverse, adding real value to the token and encouraging players to engage with a broader network of games within the ecosystem.

Pixels and The Forgotten Runiverse Announce Partnership

Strategic Move for Long-Term Sustainability

Luke Barwikowski, the CEO of Pixels, has expressed confidence that these changes will help create a more sustainable and rewarding experience for players. By offering players assets that have inherent value and can be used across multiple platforms, Pixels aims to move beyond the speculative nature of web3 gaming and focus on building a stable, engaged user base. In doing so, the game is looking to foster long-term player retention and economic growth within its ecosystem.

For more details about Pixels and its latest developments, players and investors can visit the official Pixels website. This approach reflects a growing understanding within the web3 space that the success of play-to-earn models depends not just on rewarding activity, but on creating a balanced, intentional economy that benefits both the developers and the players in the long run.