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The idea of turning a passion into a source of income is a dream for many. Today, thanks to the evolution of blockchain technology, this dream is becoming more and more a reality for video game enthusiasts. The Play-to-Earn (P2E) model is revolutionizing the industry, allowing players to earn real-value rewards simply by playing. This phenomenon is no longer a niche for a few cryptocurrency experts, but a rapidly expanding market that attracts a diverse audience, from students to professionals looking for extra income. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how play-to-earn apps work, their impact on the Italian and European markets, and how to take your first steps into this fascinating world that combines digital innovation with the traditional passion for gaming.
The concept of earning while playing is not entirely new; practices like “gold farming” have existed for years in online games. However, the introduction of blockchain and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) has changed the game. Now, the items, characters, and currencies earned are no longer confined within a single video game but become digital assets owned by the player, freely tradable on external markets. This guide will take you on a journey to discover a universe where fun and economic opportunities meet, offering a detailed analysis of the market, risks, and strategies to maximize your earnings.
Play-to-Earn, or P2E, is a business model for video games that rewards players with digital assets that have real-world value. Unlike traditional games, where in-game purchases remain the property of the developer, P2E is based on blockchain technology to grant players full ownership of the items they collect. These items, often in the form of NFTs, can be characters, weapons, virtual lands, or other accessories. Their uniqueness and ownership are immutably recorded on a distributed ledger, allowing players to sell or trade them on dedicated marketplaces in exchange for cryptocurrencies, which can then be converted into traditional currency like the Euro.
This economic model transforms the time and skill invested in the game into a tangible earning opportunity. The sector, also known as GameFi (a blend of Game and Finance), is growing rapidly, with a global market value that, according to some estimates, could reach nearly $9 billion by 2028. The underlying idea is simple: the more you play, the more you have the chance to earn. This economic incentive is attracting millions of users, creating new virtual economies and redefining the relationship between players and developers.
To start earning with Play-to-Earn apps, a few fundamental steps are necessary. The first is to create a cryptocurrency wallet (crypto wallet), such as MetaMask or Trust Wallet. This digital wallet is essential for securely storing the NFTs and cryptocurrencies you will earn while playing and for interacting with blockchain-based applications. Once the wallet is set up, you will need to connect it to your chosen game. This process replaces the traditional registration with a username and password, ensuring decentralized and secure access.
Earnings within P2E games can occur in several ways: by completing missions, winning battles against other players (PvP), breeding virtual creatures, or collecting rare items. These activities reward the user with the game’s native tokens or with NFTs. The tokens can be used to purchase upgrades or traded on cryptocurrency exchanges, while NFTs can be sold on dedicated marketplaces like OpenSea. It is important to note that some games require an initial investment to purchase the first characters or items needed to start playing and earning.
The Play-to-Earn market is also showing significant growth in Europe and Italy. Although North America currently holds the largest market share, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a crucial hub, with very high adoption among gamers. In Italy, data from Sensor Tower for the second quarter of 2025 shows a dynamic landscape, with apps like Richie Games and Prizes by GAMEE recording thousands of downloads and weekly active users. This indicates a growing interest from the Italian public, attracted by the possibility of monetizing their free time.
The Mediterranean culture, with its strong social and community component, pairs well with the dynamics of many P2E games, which often rely on guilds and player collaborations. This trend represents a bridge between the tradition of gaming as a social activity and the innovation brought by the blockchain. However, the European market is also mindful of regulatory aspects. The European Union is moving to create a clear regulatory framework with the MiCA Regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets), which aims to protect consumers and ensure market stability. This focus on regulation could make the European market safer and more mature in the long run.
The P2E world is vast and constantly evolving, with thousands of games available on different blockchains. Navigating it can be difficult, but some projects stand out for their popularity, economic sustainability, and gameplay quality. Choosing the right game depends on your interests and risk appetite.
In this category, Gods Unchained is one of the most well-known names. It is a free-to-play collectible card game where each card is an NFT owned by the player. Similar to famous titles like Hearthstone, it allows you to earn new cards and the game’s token ($GODS) by winning matches. Another giant in the sector is Axie Infinity, which paved the way for the P2E model. Players breed, battle, and trade creatures called Axies, earning tokens through victories. Although it previously required a significant initial investment, new modes have made it more accessible.
The concept of the metaverse is closely linked to Play-to-Earn. Platforms like The Sandbox and Decentraland offer virtual worlds where users can buy land (LAND) as NFTs, build interactive experiences, and monetize them. In The Sandbox, players can create their own games and digital assets, earning the SAND token. Decentraland, built on the Ethereum blockchain, operates as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) where holders of the MANA token can vote on the game world’s policies. These projects represent the most ambitious frontier of P2E, aiming to create complex and persistent digital economies. To learn more, you can consult our guide on the future of Play-to-Earn and the metaverse.
For those who want to start without investing money, there are several options. Many apps offer rewards for simple tasks, such as completing surveys or trying new games. Even some more structured P2E games offer free modes to get started. For example, Gods Unchained allows you to build a competitive deck without buying cards. These apps are an excellent starting point for familiarizing yourself with P2E mechanics and accumulating your first earnings without financial risk. If you want to find out which are the most reliable, read our article on free apps that really pay you to play.
The world of Play-to-Earn is full of opportunities, but it is not without risks. The volatility of cryptocurrencies is the first factor to consider: the value of earned tokens and NFTs can fluctuate dramatically in short periods. Another significant risk is scams, known as “scams” or “rug pulls,” where developers abandon a project after collecting investors’ funds. It is therefore crucial to do thorough research before investing time and money in a game, verifying the credibility of the development team, the soundness of the project, and the community’s involvement.
Despite the risks, the opportunities remain immense. P2E offers true digital ownership of game assets, a revolutionary concept compared to the traditional model. This not only allows you to monetize your playtime but also creates new professions and income streams, especially in an era of increasing digitalization. A cautious and informed approach is the key to successfully navigating this sector. For a guide on how to evaluate investments in this field, you can read our in-depth article on how to distinguish valid NFT games from scams.
Earning with Play-to-Earn apps inevitably raises tax questions. In Italy, the regulation on crypto-assets was clarified with the 2023 Budget Law and subsequent circulars from the Italian Revenue Agency. Capital gains from the conversion of crypto-assets into fiat currency (like the Euro) are considered “miscellaneous income” and are subject to a 26% tax. However, this tax only applies if the capital gains realized in a fiscal year exceed the threshold of 2,000 euros.
It is important to note that simply holding cryptocurrencies or exchanging between different crypto-assets (that are not E-Money Tokens) does not, in principle, generate a taxable event. Taxation is triggered at the moment of “monetization.” Furthermore, it is mandatory to report the possession of crypto-assets in your tax return, within the RW form, regardless of their value. Capital losses can be deducted from capital gains, reducing the overall tax burden. Given the complexity of the matter, it is always advisable to consult an expert accountant for proper tax management.
Play-to-Earn represents one of the most fascinating evolutions in the video game industry, a bridge between entertainment and finance that opens up unprecedented scenarios. The ability to earn by playing is no longer a fantasy, but a concrete reality supported by innovative technologies like blockchain and NFTs. The market, in full global expansion and with growing interest in Italy, offers significant opportunities for players, developers, and investors. 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for the consolidation of this model, with increasingly mature projects and a more solid technological infrastructure.
However, it is essential to approach this world with awareness. Market volatility, the risk of scams, and the complexity of tax issues require caution, research, and continuous learning. The future of P2E will depend on its ability to offer fun and sustainable gaming experiences, where earning is a consequence and not the sole driver. For those willing to get informed and proceed with prudence, play-to-earn apps can transform a simple passion into a digital adventure full of satisfaction, not just economic.
Earnings from play-to-earn apps vary enormously, and there is no fixed amount. They can range from a few cents to more significant sums, but it is unrealistic to expect to replace a salary, especially at the beginning. Profits depend on factors such as the chosen game, the time dedicated, the player’s skill, and, above all, the volatility of the cryptocurrency and NFT market. Some players in developing countries have managed to generate an income comparable to a salary, but this requires constant commitment and a deep understanding of the game. It is essential to consider the earnings as an extra and not as a primary and stable source of income.
Yes, there are play-to-earn games that allow you to start for free, often called ‘free-to-play.’ These games provide basic characters or assets to start playing and accumulating your first rewards. However, it is important to note that many of the most profitable games require an initial investment to purchase NFTs (characters, items, land) necessary to participate or to maximize earnings. The no-investment approach is a great way to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics and the blockchain ecosystem before deciding whether to invest your own capital.
Yes, proceeds from play-to-earn activities, which manifest as cryptocurrencies or NFTs, are considered income and must be declared. In Italy, capital gains generated from the sale of crypto-assets are classified as ‘miscellaneous income’ and are subject to a 26% tax if they exceed the threshold of 2,000 euros per year. It is also mandatory to fill out the RW form of the Modello Redditi for tax monitoring of foreign assets. Given the complexity and continuous evolution of the legislation, it is strongly recommended to consult an accountant or tax advisor for proper management of tax obligations.
Reliability in the play-to-earn world depends on several factors: the strength of the development team, the transparency of the project, the size and activity of the community, and the game’s internal economy. Games like Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and Gods Unchained are often cited as established examples, as they have been around longer and have very large communities. However, the market is constantly evolving. To evaluate a new game, it is advisable to research the whitepaper, check who the developers and partners are, and read reviews and discussions on official channels like Discord or Telegram before investing time or money.
The main risk is market volatility: the value of earned cryptocurrencies and NFTs can plummet rapidly, wiping out profits. Another significant risk is related to security; the sector attracts malicious actors, so you must be careful of scams and phishing attacks, always protecting your digital wallet. There is also a risk related to the game itself: if the game loses popularity, the value of its internal assets will decrease accordingly. Finally, many games require an initial investment which, like any investment, carries the risk of total loss of capital.