Key Takeaways
- Ethereum pioneered the NFT and smart contract standards that drive today’s Web3 games.
- Games like Axie Infinity, Sorare, and The Sandbox redefined asset ownership and engagement.
- Newer titles like Pirate Nation push boundaries with fully on-chain, gasless gameplay.
As Ethereum celebrates its 10th anniversary, its influence on blockchain-based gaming cannot be overstated. From launching the first non-fungible token (NFT) standards to supporting groundbreaking decentralized virtual economies, Ethereum has been a foundational pillar for Web3 gaming.
Below, we spotlight four games that exemplify Ethereum’s impact and continue to shape the decentralized gaming frontier.
Axie Infinity: The Pioneer of Play-to-Earn
Axie Infinity remains a flagship example of how Ethereum-powered games can blend nostalgia with innovation. Inspired by CryptoKitties and built by Sky Mavis, Axie launched in 2019 and quickly evolved into a global phenomenon.
- Over 625,000 daily active users in 2025
- More than 1.2 billion lifetime transactions
- Migrated to Ronin, an Ethereum-compatible sidechain
Axie popularized the “play-to-earn” model, allowing players in emerging economies to earn real income by breeding, battling, and trading NFT creatures. Its growing ecosystem includes the upcoming MMORPG Atia’s Legacy, token staking, and land-based gameplay.
Also read: Why Bryan Kohberger Left a Witness Alive in Idaho Murders: Prosecutor Shares Theory
The Sandbox: Building a Metaverse on Ethereum
Originally a mobile game, The Sandbox transformed into a leading metaverse after its Ethereum integration. With backing from Animoca Brands, the game now empowers creators to develop, own, and monetize digital worlds.
- Over 1,000 user-generated experiences
- Collaborations with IPs like Snoop Dogg, Atari, and more
- Land, avatars, and items all represented as NFTs
The Sandbox utilizes a decentralized governance model and no-code tools, offering players full creative freedom while embodying the open spirit of Web3.
Sorare: Fantasy Sports Meets NFT Ownership
Sorare brings fantasy sports into the blockchain era, using Ethereum NFTs to give players actual ownership of licensed digital trading cards tied to real-world athletes.
- Nearly $1 billion in total NFT card sales
- $250,000+ in daily average trading volume
- Supports football, NBA, and MLB fantasy competitions
With tournament-based gameplay and strong player retention, Sorare showcases Ethereum’s potential in turning fandom into functional digital assets.
Pirate Nation: Fully On-Chain, Fully Free
Debuting in 2023, Pirate Nation is among the first fully on-chain Web3 games that requires no gas fees or crypto wallet to begin playing.
- Averages 10,000+ daily active users
- Free-to-play with email-based onboarding
- All assets (items, pirates, ships) are tokenized NFTs
Blending casual gameplay with deep on-chain mechanics, Pirate Nation exemplifies the next evolution of accessible and user-friendly Ethereum gaming.
Conclusion: Ethereum’s Gaming Legacy Is Just Beginning
From Axie Infinity’s economic empowerment to The Sandbox’s creator-led metaverse, Ethereum has laid the foundation for an entire genre. As it enters its second decade, the network continues to enable decentralized, player-owned, and richly interactive gaming experiences.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
