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Earning by Playing: App Alternatives to Video Games

Autore: Francesco Zinghinì | Data: 28 Novembre 2025

The idea of earning money by playing often brings to mind professional gamers immersed in complex eSports competitions. However, the world of gaming rewards is much broader and more accessible. There’s a universe of mobile applications that allow you to monetize your free time through simple and engaging activities, far from the frenzy of traditional video games. These platforms cater to a wide and diverse audience, offering the chance to earn a little extra income with logic games, quizzes, and digital pastimes that don’t require specialized skills. It’s an opportunity to turn your breaks into earning moments while having fun.

The “Play-to-Earn” (P2E) phenomenon is expanding beyond the blockchain and NFT-based gaming sector. The model has adapted to the casual gaming market, where users are rewarded for their time and attention. In this context, rewards aren’t necessarily cryptocurrencies, but more often gift cards, PayPal credit, or other tangible prizes. This evolution democratizes the concept of earning through play, making it accessible to anyone with a smartphone, regardless of age or profession. It’s a way to add value to activities that many people already do just for fun.

The Play-to-Earn Market: An Analysis of Italy and Europe

The global Play-to-Earn market is booming, with projections indicating significant growth in the coming years. According to some studies, the global P2E NFT market value is set to grow from about $4.5 billion in 2024 to nearly $24 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.93%. Although this data focuses on NFT-based games, it reflects a broader trend that also influences casual gaming apps with rewards. In Europe, the interest is palpable, with a growing number of active users on platforms offering prizes. Italy, with its high smartphone penetration and a culture inclined towards gaming, represents a fertile market for these applications.

The success of these apps is based on a simple business model: companies pay for users’ attention, and gaming platforms act as intermediaries, sharing a portion of their revenue with the players. This system is fueled by advertising, surveys, or the completion of small in-game tasks. In exchange for their time, users accumulate points that can be converted into prizes. It’s a mechanism that attracts a broad audience, from young students looking for a little extra cash to professionals taking advantage of their daily breaks. The key is the simplicity and immediacy of the earnings, however modest.

Types of Apps to Earn Money by Playing

The landscape of apps for earning money by playing is diverse and caters to different tastes and skills. You don’t need to be a video game expert to participate. The main categories include pastimes that stimulate the mind and revive traditional games in a new, digital format.

Logic and Puzzle Games

This category is perfect for those who love to keep their minds sharp. Apps featuring puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, and word games allow you to accumulate points by solving grids and brain teasers. Titles like Solitaire Cash or apps that include various logic mini-games turn a classic pastime into a source of small rewards. The mechanism is usually based on playtime or reaching certain levels, encouraging consistency and commitment. These games are ideal for commutes or short breaks.

Quizzes and Trivia

For general knowledge enthusiasts, quiz and trivia apps are a fun and rewarding option. Platforms like Live Quiz challenge users with multiple-choice questions on various topics, offering prize pools to be split among those who answer all questions correctly. Other apps, like Earning Quiz, offer a huge variety of questions on science, history, art, and more, with the option to challenge friends or other users. These applications not only reward knowledge but also stimulate it, combining learning with earning. Often, to avoid gambling regulations, prizes are awarded in the form of gift cards.

Digital Versions of Card and Board Games

The Mediterranean gaming tradition, rich with card games like Scopa or Briscola, finds new life in the digital world. Several apps offer online versions of these classics, allowing you to challenge other players and, in some cases, participate in tournaments with prizes. International board games like chess or bingo are also available in formats that offer rewards. This fusion of tradition and innovation attracts an audience that may not identify with modern video games but appreciates the familiarity and strategy of classic games, now accessible anywhere via smartphone.

How Earning Models Work

Understanding the reward mechanisms is crucial for navigating the world of Play-to-Earn apps. The models vary, but the common goal is to incentivize user participation. Most apps are based on a system of points or virtual currency that you accumulate by playing. These points can then be converted into real prizes, such as PayPal credit, gift cards for online stores like Amazon, or for services like Just Eat and MediaWorld. The conversion rate is a key element to evaluate: some apps require a lot of time to reach the minimum withdrawal threshold. It’s a transparent model, but one that requires patience and consistency to achieve noticeable results.

Another model, more tied to the Web3 world, involves the use of cryptocurrencies and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Although more common in complex video games, some alternative gaming apps are also starting to integrate these elements. In this case, the rewards are digital tokens that can be traded on dedicated platforms and converted into fiat currency. This approach offers a theoretically higher earning potential but also involves greater risks and requires a basic understanding of the cryptocurrency market. For those interested, you can learn more by consulting a beginner’s guide to NFT games.

Pros and Cons of Gaming Alternatives

The main advantage of these apps is their accessibility. Unlike traditional video games, they don’t require expensive consoles or high-performance PCs: a smartphone is all you need. The barrier to entry is almost nonexistent, and the games offered are often intuitive and suitable for everyone. Furthermore, they offer a form of mental stimulation, especially in the case of puzzles and quizzes, turning free time into a productive activity for both the mind and the wallet. Another plus is the ability to monetize downtime, like waiting for public transport or standing in line, in a simple and fun way.

However, it’s important to be realistic about the disadvantages. The earnings are generally modest and cannot replace a salary. The time required to accumulate a significant amount can be substantial. A real risk is fraudulent apps, which promise easy money but never pay out the rewards. That’s why it’s crucial to choose apps with good reviews and a solid reputation. Finally, you have to consider privacy: these apps collect usage data, and it’s wise to read the terms of service carefully. To learn how to distinguish reputable platforms, a guide to spotting fake reviews can be helpful.

Combining Tradition and Innovation in a Mediterranean Context

Mediterranean culture, and Italian culture in particular, is deeply tied to a social life that is also expressed through games. Card games, bocce, and board games have always been a social glue that unites generations. Digital innovation hasn’t erased this tradition but has transformed it, offering new ways to enjoy it. Apps that digitally recreate games like Scopa, Briscola, or Burraco are a perfect example. They keep the tradition alive by adapting it to the rhythms and tools of modern life. This fusion allows you to play with friends from a distance or find opponents at any time, preserving the social value of gaming.

This synthesis of past and future meets a specific cultural need. Gaming is seen not just as competition, but as a moment of leisure and interaction. Apps that reward skill in logic or general knowledge games fit perfectly into this context. They value intellectual and cultural skills, combining the pleasure of a mental challenge with the possibility of a small profit. Technological innovation, therefore, doesn’t oppose tradition but enriches it, creating a bridge between how past generations socialized and the opportunities offered by the digital world.

Tips for Getting Started Safely

Venturing into the world of apps for earning money by playing can be a positive experience, as long as you follow a few simple safety rules. First and foremost, it’s essential to check the application’s reputation. Reading reviews on stores like Google Play and the App Store is a good starting point, but it’s even better to consult independent sites like Trustpilot. An app with thousands of positive reviews and a long history of payouts is generally a good sign. Conversely, promises of exorbitant earnings and few reviews should raise a red flag.

Another crucial aspect is managing your data and understanding the rules. Before you start, it’s good practice to carefully read the terms and conditions, especially the sections on payments and privacy. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s advisable to consult a guide on how to interpret the terms and conditions of P2E apps. Furthermore, it’s important to be aware of the tax implications: depending on the amount and nature of the earnings, you may need to declare them. A tax guide on app earnings can clear up many doubts. Finally, you need to be aware of the sometimes fine line between prize-based gaming and gambling, a sensitive topic in Italy.

Conclusions

Apps for earning money by playing represent an interesting and accessible alternative to traditional video games, opening the door to monetizing free time for a broad, non-specialized audience. Through quizzes, puzzles, and digital versions of classic games, these platforms combine entertainment and mental stimulation with small financial rewards. Although they don’t constitute a stable source of income, they offer a pleasant way to earn a little extra, turning breaks into concrete opportunities. The market, continuously growing in both Italy and Europe, shows a clear interest in this model that blends innovation and, in some cases, the revival of gaming traditions.

However, it’s essential to approach this world with awareness and caution. The earnings require time and consistency, and it’s crucial to know how to protect yourself from fraudulent apps and safeguard your personal data. By choosing reliable platforms and maintaining realistic expectations, anyone can try to earn money by playing for free. Ultimately, these apps don’t promise wealth, but they offer a smart way to add value to an activity—gaming—that is already part of our daily lives, making it a little more rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really possible to earn money by playing with apps?

Yes, it’s possible to earn small amounts of money, gift cards, or other prizes by using apps that reward you for the time spent playing. These applications, often free, allow you to accumulate points or virtual currency by playing quizzes, puzzles, logic games, and more, which can then be converted into real rewards. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations: this isn’t a way to get rich, but rather a system to earn a little extra or treat yourself to something small by taking advantage of breaks during the day.

How much can you realistically earn with these apps?

The earnings are generally modest and variable. Some users report earning around $15 per month in gift cards or cash prizes, but the amounts depend heavily on the time dedicated, the type of app, and the availability of offers. There are cases of users who claim to have earned hundreds of dollars in a few months, but these situations require constant effort and the use of multiple apps simultaneously. In general, it’s more realistic to view these apps as a way to get small rewards, like a gift card or paying for a small expense, rather than a stable source of income.

What kind of games are these, besides the usual video games?

The selection is very diverse and differs from traditional video games that require specific gamer skills. Many apps offer alternatives like logic games, quizzes, crosswords, solitaire, bingo, and puzzles. There are also platforms that offer rewards for testing new games, answering surveys, or completing other small online tasks. Additionally, some apps allow you to earn not only by playing but also through other actions like walking, listening to music, or watching video ads.

Are these apps safe, or is there a risk of scams?

As in any online sector, there are both reliable apps and scam attempts. It’s crucial to be cautious and recognize the warning signs. A good starting point is to stick to authorized platforms and apps with good reviews on official stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. It’s important to be wary of those who promise easy and exorbitant earnings. Legitimate apps don’t guarantee wealth, just small rewards. For added security, it’s advisable to always verify that money transactions are handled through secure channels and that user data is protected.

In Italy, do earnings from these apps need to be declared to the tax authorities?

Yes, in Italy, winnings and prizes from online games constitute ‘miscellaneous income’ and are subject to taxation. However, the declaration method changes depending on the platform. If the app or site acts as a tax withholding agent authorized by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), the tax is withheld at the source, and the prize received is already net of taxes; in this case, the player does not need to declare anything. If, however, the earnings come from foreign platforms not authorized in Italy, the winner is required to include the full amount in their tax return and subject it to taxation.