In-game items vs. NFTs – what are the differences?

Ever since online multiplayer games have existed, users have been offered small items that either make a purely cosmetic difference, like outfits, or provide an actual advantage in the game, like certain weapons or equipment. Previously, publishers offered these items for sale on their own marketplace, and users bought them with real money, but then continued to store them on the respective game server – a huge market that brings in billions for game developers and publishers every year.

The big disadvantage: If the game is discontinued and the servers are shut down, the item also loses its value – it becomes superfluous and can no longer be used, because they continue to belong to the providers and not to the players.

However, if these items are offered in games based on the NFT principle, players gain sole control over this item after purchase. They can use it, perhaps even transfer it to other game worlds or sell it for real money or cryptocurrencies, even if the original game no longer exists.

NFTs make items unique and tamper-proof – and could have an immense impact on games culture as a result. Already, more and more games are emerging that are based on blockchain technologies and offer their players NFTs that represent real value, motivating even more users to enter this new gaming world – instead of spending money, players would invest it. A tantalizing vision of the future that is getting closer and closer.