In the evolving landscape of web3 gaming, concerns often arise about the sustainability of token-based reward systems. Critics argue that rewarding players with tokens, such as $PIXEL, could lead to a devaluation of the currency. However, recent developments in Pixels, a popular web3 gaming project, offer a counter-narrative.

The recent "Guild Crop Wars" event, which incorporated $PIXEL tokens as rewards, demonstrated how such systems can be effectively managed. By analyzing the event’s success, it becomes evident that a well-designed game economy and engaging gameplay can maintain or even enhance the value of in-game tokens.

Pixels Cover Banner on X

First, What is 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.

Since its migration from Polygon to Ronin, Pixels has experienced significant growth (notably in SEA and the Philipines - similar to Axie Infinity). The Farm Land NFT sold out in just 21 seconds in January 2022. By November 2023, Pixels surpassed 100,000 daily active wallets (DAW) and continues to expand, boasting over 5 million players worldwide. Earlier this year, Pixels conducted its second Play-to-Airdop campaign, further increasing its popularity.

Pixels Logo and Game Screenshots

Rewarding Gamers with $PIXEL Token

Pixels rewards its players with $PIXEL tokens for completing various tasks. The rewards system is designed to benefit high-level players who have invested significant time and money into the game, while free-to-play users receive fewer rewards. Some top players are capable of earning up to 1,000 $PIXEL tokens per day, though earning these tokens requires the use of in-game coins.

Critics argue that converting coins to $PIXEL tokens could lead to a decrease in the token’s value. However, this perspective may not fully consider the complexities of game economics and player engagement.

Pixels Gameplay

The Fun Factor in Web3 Gaming

The primary focus of any successful game, including web3 games, is to provide an enjoyable experience. Similar to web2 games, web3 games must be engaging to build a community and encourage in-game spending, which helps maintain a balanced economy. For instance, popular casual games like Candy Crush generate revenue by making the game addictive and encouraging players to spend money on in-game items.

Pixels Bule Grumpkin, Scarrot Loaf and More Items

Pixels’ Guild Crop Wars Event

Pixels recently conducted a test event known as "Guild Crop Wars." In this event, players engaged in activities and quests like planting, watering, and harvesting mushrooms, using various in-game items to enhance their performance or disrupt opponents. The event introduced three types of items—Spores, Goo, and Guano—with different tiers, and the top tier items required $PIXEL tokens for purchase.

Pixels Shroomy Spores Station

Event Outcomes and Insights

The Guild Crop Wars event proved successful in multiple ways. The total amount of $PIXEL tokens distributed during the event reached 485,000. Despite this large sum, players spent a total of 524,390 $PIXEL tokens during the event, resulting in a net surplus of nearly 40,000 tokens.

Additionally, players spent 4.3 billion in-game coins, which equates to approximately $91,800 when converted to real currency. This significant expenditure illustrates the players’ engagement and willingness to invest in the game.

Pixels Gameplay

Final Thoughts

In summary, the successful execution of Pixels' "Guild Crop Wars" event underscores the potential for web3 games to maintain a balanced and thriving economy through thoughtful token rewards. By engaging players with enjoyable and competitive gameplay, Pixels not only incentivized participation but also ensured that the $PIXEL token's value remained robust.

The event's impressive results—showing a net surplus of tokens and significant in-game Coin expenditure—demonstrate that a well-designed web3 game can effectively leverage tokenomics to enhance player engagement and sustain economic stability. This example highlights that, when executed effectively, web3 gaming can offer a rewarding and sustainable experience for both players and developers.

Source: HurryNFT