Questa è una versione PDF del contenuto. Per la versione completa e aggiornata, visita:
Verrai reindirizzato automaticamente...
The world of gaming is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by a wave of innovation that merges entertainment, finance, and technology. The Play-to-Earn (P2E) model, which allows players to earn real rewards by playing, is at the heart of this revolution. Far from being a passing phenomenon, P2E is evolving, integrating with two of the most disruptive technologies of our time: the Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This convergence promises to create new digital economies and redefine the very concept of gaming, with significant implications for the European market and, in particular, for Italy, where culture and creativity can play a key role.
After the initial excitement and a subsequent stabilization phase, the Play-to-Earn sector is showing signs of newfound maturity. Developers have learned from past mistakes, now focusing on creating more engaging gaming experiences and sustainable economic models. It’s no longer just about earning, but about participating in rich and interactive digital ecosystems. In this context, Italy and the European market face a unique opportunity: to lead the next phase of this evolution, leveraging their cultural heritage and capacity for innovation.
The gaming market in Italy is a solid and growing sector, with revenue reaching 2.2 billion euros and a user base of 14.2 million. Within this landscape, the Play-to-Earn model is gaining ground, although its adoption is still in an early phase. According to data from the second quarter of 2025, P2E apps in Italy show a dynamic trend, with peaks in downloads and a growing number of active users, signaling concrete interest from the public. This interest is not limited to just earning money but reflects a broader shift in entertainment habits, where gaming is becoming an increasingly central and social activity.
At the European level, the situation is similar, with growing attention towards GameFi (Game Finance) models. Regulation plays a crucial role in this scenario. The European Union, with the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation, is creating a regulatory framework for crypto-assets that aims to balance innovation, consumer protection, and market stability. This regulation, which will come into full effect by the end of 2024, will provide greater clarity and security for both developers and players, potentially accelerating the large-scale adoption of P2E. A regulated environment could reduce the risks of fraud and encourage the creation of more solid and transparent projects.
The Metaverse represents the natural evolution of online gaming, transforming it from a simple pastime into an immersive and persistent experience. It is not a single virtual world, but a universe of interconnected platforms where users can socialize, work, and, of course, play. For young players, the Metaverse is already a preferred reality over the physical world for many social activities. In Italy, although only a small percentage of people have had direct experiences in the Metaverse, curiosity is high, and gaming is the main gateway. 71% of those who have connected did so to play.
Platforms like The Sandbox and Decentraland are pioneering examples of how gaming is merging with digital ownership. In these worlds, players can own virtual land, create their own games and assets in the form of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and monetize their creations. The Sandbox’s SAND token, for example, is not just an in-game currency but also a governance tool that allows holders to participate in decisions about the platform’s development. This economic dimension, combined with an increasingly rich gaming experience, is attracting the interest of brands and creators, turning the Metaverse into a new, vibrant market. For those who want to learn the basics, there are comprehensive guides on how to earn with NFT games that can be a great starting point.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming a fundamental driving force in the evolution of Play-to-Earn games. Its applications go far beyond simple automation, promising to create dynamic, personalized, and intelligent gaming experiences. One of the most interesting applications is the creation of dynamic Non-Player Characters (NPCs) capable of evolving and reacting based on players’ actions. This makes game worlds more alive and unpredictable, increasing engagement and replayability.
AI can also be used to balance game economies, a critical aspect for the sustainability of P2E models. Through data analysis, algorithms can adjust the distribution of rewards, prevent token inflation, and ensure the game remains fair and fun for everyone. Furthermore, generative AI opens new frontiers for creativity, allowing players to create unique assets and content within the game. This combination of personalization, balanced economies, and unlimited creativity is what will make future P2E games not just a source of income, but deeply rewarding experiences. The integration of these technologies can also make apps to earn by playing for free more accessible, expanding the user base.
In an increasingly standardized digital world, Mediterranean culture, and Italian culture in particular, can offer a unique competitive advantage. Our rich historical, artistic, and cultural heritage can become the basis for creating original and meaningful gaming experiences. Imagine virtual worlds that recreate ancient Roman cities, adventures based on Greek myths, or games that celebrate Italian culinary and artisanal traditions. This approach would not only differentiate products on the global market but also create a bridge between generations, bringing young people closer to cultural heritage in an interactive and fun way.
Italy has already shown it can excel in the video game industry, with development studios that stand out for creativity and technical expertise, such as Stormind Games in Sicily or Novis Games in Turin, which focuses on accessibility. The challenge is to combine this skill with the new opportunities offered by P2E, the Metaverse, and AI. A “Mediterranean model of innovation” could focus not only on economic aspects but also on social and environmental ones, creating games that are fun, profitable, and culturally enriching. This balance between valuing tradition and pushing for technological innovation is the key to positioning Italy as a leader in this new chapter of the digital revolution. The opportunities are not limited to complex games but can also extend to gaming apps for Android and other mobile platforms.
Approaching the world of Play-to-Earn requires an honest analysis of its pros and cons. The most obvious advantage is the ability to earn by playing, turning a hobby into a potential source of income. This model also offers true ownership of digital assets through NFTs, giving players a level of control and value that is missing in traditional games. Furthermore, integration with the Metaverse creates vibrant digital economies and new opportunities for socialization and creativity.
However, the disadvantages should not be ignored. The volatility of cryptocurrencies, which are the foundation of many P2E games, represents a significant financial risk. The value of earned assets can fluctuate dramatically. Additionally, the market is still young and populated by many low-quality projects or outright scams. It is crucial to do your research and distinguish games with sustainable economies from those based on pure speculation. Finally, the barrier to entry can be high: some games require an initial investment to purchase NFTs and start playing, an aspect to consider carefully before diving into this world. A careful reading of the terms of service, as explained in this guide on the terms and conditions of P2E apps, is always recommended.
The future of Play-to-Earn is shaping up to be a complex and fascinating ecosystem, where the Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence are no longer just buzzwords, but the pillars of a new digital economy. The shift from a purely speculative model to one based on game quality and economic sustainability is already underway. For Italy and Europe, this is an opportunity not to be missed. The combination of creativity, cultural heritage, and technological expertise can generate unique gaming experiences capable of competing globally. European regulation, while presenting challenges, will provide a framework of greater stability and trust, essential for mass adoption. The journey has just begun, but the direction is clear: gaming will no longer be just a game, but a universe of opportunity, work, and social interaction.
‘Play-to-Earn’ (P2E) is a gaming model where players can earn rewards with real-world value, such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs, simply by playing. Unlike traditional games where value remains within the game, P2E allows you to freely own and trade the digital assets you earn. With the integration of the Metaverse, these games will transform into persistent, interconnected virtual worlds, where experiences will be more immersive. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will further revolutionize the sector by creating more realistic non-player characters (NPCs), personalized and dynamic gaming experiences that adapt to the player’s style, making everything less repetitive and more engaging.
Yes, it is possible to earn money by playing online in Italy, but it is not a path without risks or guarantees of success. Platforms like Axie Infinity or The Sandbox have allowed many users to generate income, but the earnings are rarely stellar and require time, strategy, and sometimes an initial investment. The main risks include the volatility of cryptocurrencies, which can wipe out the value of earnings, and the presence of scams or unsound projects. It is essential to do your research, choose reputable platforms, and not invest more than you are willing to lose, treating this activity more as a hobby with potential rewards than as a stable job.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to become a fundamental pillar in the future of Play-to-Earn. AI will not just improve graphics, but will make game worlds more alive and intelligent. It will be used to create non-player characters (NPCs) with complex and unpredictable behaviors, generate ever-new and personalized missions and content for each player, and dynamically balance the internal economy of games to prevent inflation and ensure the sustainability of the ‘play-to-earn’ model. This will make experiences less repetitive and more based on skill and strategy, increasing engagement and fun.
Europe is moving to create a clear regulatory framework for crypto-assets with the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation, which will come into full effect between 2024 and 2025. This aims to protect investors, ensure transparency, and prevent fraud, creating a more stable environment for the growth of Play-to-Earn projects. In Italy, interest in the Metaverse and gaming is high, especially among young people, although practical adoption is still limited. Events and initiatives, such as the Metaverse Generation Summit in Milan, demonstrate the country’s desire not to be left behind and to seize the business opportunities related to these new immersive technologies.
Not always. There are different models for accessing Play-to-Earn games. Some, like Axie Infinity in its early phase, required the purchase of NFTs to start, involving an entry cost that could be significant. However, to overcome this barrier, many new games offer ‘Free-to-Play’ (F2P) modes, where you can start playing for free and earn your first rewards without investing money. In other cases, there are ‘scholarship’ mechanisms, where NFT owners ‘lend’ them to new players in exchange for a percentage of future earnings. The industry trend is shifting towards more accessible models to attract a broader user base.