Move-to-Earn: A Step in the Right Direction
The latest trend in blockchain gaming takes gamers off the couch and into the real world
Since the advent of blockchain gaming and following its development in to the GameFi space as we know it today, the major focus has been around projects incentivising users to play their games with monetary rewards. This opportunity is no bad thing, and in fact given the timing of it’s explosion coinciding with disastrous real-world events causing global job losses in the millions and financial turmoil for many, the play-to-earn revolution has undoubtedly helped huge numbers create earning opportunities and fight their way through this trying period.
A few short years ago, although no one really made the connection at the time, we saw the first example of move-to-earn with the global sensation, Pokemon Go launched in July 2016. There were no monetary rewards available; instead the game implemented AR technology to create a world filled with Pokemon and other in-game related items to collect around the globe in different locations.
Around the time of the Pokemon Go boom, there was a lot happening in the world of crypto and blockchain, but the space from then to now is almost incomparable. Bitcoin was hovering around the $600 to $700 mark, Ethereum was garnering a lot of attention but was still very much a baby, having launched just a year earlier, and banks were only just starting to take note of distributed ledgers and decentralisation. The big point to note here is, while the blockchain space was developing and gaining attention of some huge sectors, there was no sign of the web3 space we see today.
Is Move-to-Earn Really a Gaming Genre?
There is no argument around the play-to-earn sector of web3, with clear development in terms of gameplay from the primitive but popular Crypto Kitties beginning, through to the likes of Delysium, SIDUS Heroes and many other groundbreaking titles appearing in the space today.
Move-to-earn, however, is a little different. While there are clear aspects of gamification in terms of in-app challenges, contests and activities, the premise itself has much less focus on gaming and much more focus on movement and exercise.
If we ask the question “are these games?” about fitness apps like Strava, Nike Run Club and many more, I think the answer would be a resounding no. The differentiator with move-to-earn apps is the integration of blockchain technology, rich and rapidly developing social features, and in-app upgrade options much like skins and equipment in traditional games, whether by hitting goals or through in-app purchases.
A Positive Step for GameFi
As has always been the case, when technological development is in the right hands, it is utilised for the betterment of society. You may have a different opinion, but for me, move-to-earn is a shining example of exactly this. We have GPS movement tracking software, we have blockchain technology and we have gaming development, all coming together in (almost) perfect harmony to create this whole new genre to incentivise exercise, healthy living and more active lifestyles.
The thought process taken here at Kikit in terms of development is very much future based, in the sense that while we are still in the very early days of the move-to-earn development leaving us restricted in terms of technological capabilities, this will inevitably change. It is one of the greatest attributes of the human mind that when we are faced with resistance, obstacles or limitations, there will always be those that set about overcoming these obstacles and stretch the boundaries to previously unimaginable levels.
The fact this new gamified experience is garnering so much attention and still growing in spite of the current state of the crypto landscape does shine a light on one negative point though, and that is the fact that there is a portion of the population who either need or want financial incentives in order to get off the couch! I’d personally like to gloss over that part though, because, even if people do need that little extra incentive, at least it is happening!
Finishing off on an incredibly positive note — this is only the beginning. We are currently at the birth of move-to-earn, and as is always the case, the development that is sure to come on this new frontier, better tech and more engaging apps will surely mean higher user numbers and user frequency. Move-to-earn is here to stay, and it’s getting stronger!
About Kikit
Kikit is the latest in move-to-earn, incentivising, capturing and rewarding real-world movement, encouraging users to live active and healthy lifestyles.
Bringing together a seamless combination of the latest fitness, gaming, social and tech trends to create the ultimate, immersive, move-to-earn gaming experience. Powered by Web3, using cutting-edge blockchain technology and Kikit’s token economy.
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