Blockchain 1 Sep, 2025.
I still remember the day my younger brother told me he made $40 in one afternoon, just by playing a mobile game. At first, I laughed. But when he cashed out those earnings through PayPal, I realized something had changed in the world of gaming.
Playing games wasn’t just a pastime anymore. Play to earn games was turning into a legitimate income streams. Curious, I started digging. And what I found blew my mind: according to a recent report, the global play-to-earn gaming market was valued at over $3.5 billion, with forecasts projecting a steady rise over the next five years.
Suddenly, this wasn’t just a gamer’s fantasy, it was a booming industry. That got me thinking: if people are making money by playing games, who’s behind these platforms? And more importantly, how much does it really cost to build one?
From developer salaries to backend architecture, from secure wallets to anti-cheat systems, I went deep into the real numbers. And if you’re like me, either considering launching a game or just fascinated by how these systems work, this blog is your roadmap.
Let’s break down every detail, right from the feature sets to hiring developers, and explore how trusted names like Cubix are turning bold ideas into profitable, real-world gaming experiences.
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Play-to-Earn Game?
Understanding the Play to Earn Games Model
Play to earn games is the name given to digital games that involve the actual winning of real-world incentives by a player through engaging in game actions. They may be in the form of crypto, cash, NFTs and other forms of digital assets. The more you play, the more you are able to earn.
This trend is of interest to both the recreational gamer and the hardcore gamer who is interested in playing games to win money. In contrast to more conventional video games, where users must spend money to make in-game purchases, the earn-to-play models can promise positive rewards.
Some popular examples include:
- Games that reward you with points convertible into gift cards
- Blockchain games with token-based economies
- Mobile games with cash prize tournaments
Read More: How Do You Make Money in Roblox
Why Are These Games So Popular?
There is an increasing demand to monetize their time online among users. With streaming, digital item sales, and even earning money to play games, human beings are always on the search to find new earning potential.
This need has led to the creation of models of games where people can get rewards depending on their performance, time of gameplay or achievements. The developers can receive returns in the form of ad revenue and user engagements as well as in-game purchases.
Such need has led to the emergence of game models that reward the player on the basis of performance, playtime or achievement. In exchange, developers receive revenues via ad revenues, user engagement and in-app purchasing.
The mutual benefit drives a powerful ecosystem where:
- Players stay longer and engage more
- Developers make more through monetization tools
- Communities grow organically
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Core Features That Define Play-to-Earn Games
Building a successful play to earn game goes far beyond fun graphics or smooth controls. These games need a solid backend and smart systems that handle real money or digital assets. Here are the essential features that drive development complexity and cost:
Secure Wallet Systems
All earn-to-play games require an encrypted digital wallet to hold player earnings, wherever it is in cash, tokens, or crypto assets. Such systems have to be ciphered, easy to use, and interoperable with third-party systems to have secure transactions.
Reward Algorithms
Developers should implement smart algorithms that will monitor the results of players and offer objective and clear rewards. These rules have to be adjusted so that the game is interesting, but not too trivial (or not too difficult) to win.
Creating Profiles and Leveling Systems
Profile system design a set of proficient profile systems that is well-designed; it helps the player to keep sets of achievements under record and thus they feel even when they are growing in their gameplay. Through these systems, developers are able to personalize the experience and tier-up users based on the level of activity.
Real-Time Servers
I have a Multiplayer functionality as an essential part of many games with earning functions. These are demanding games that need heavy-duty real-time servers to synchronise gameplay, manage traffic surges, and provide a perfect gaming experience to millions of users around the globe, particularly during live sports and events.
Anti-Cheat Technology
Real money affects the risk of cheating. An anti-cheat mechanism is important to identify and show bots, hacks, or even unfair play. Such tools are beneficial to both the entire economy of the game and trust among the players, so that nobody starts at an advantageous position.
Read More: How Does the Candy Crush Game App Make Money?
The Development Team You’ll Need
It does not take a single person to make a play to earn game come into being. It needs a well-coordinated staff of competent individuals who are to bring their expertise to the board. Having the right people in the right places can make or break your project, whether it is testing a mobile MVP or a large-scale blockchain-integrated idea.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential team members you’ll need:
Game Designers
These are the creative minds behind the core mechanics of your game design. They design the reward systems, player journeys, level dynamics, and how users make money by playing games in a way that feels fun and fair.
Developers
Full-stack, backend, and frontend developers will bring the game to life. They’re responsible for coding everything from gameplay logic to wallet integration, smart contracts (if needed), and APIs that connect your game to other platforms or services.
UI/UX Designers
A smooth, engaging user experience is key. These designers focus on making your game intuitive, beautiful, and easy to navigate, especially on mobile devices where most play to earn games are played.
QA Testers
Quality assurance testers ensure your game runs smoothly. They identify bugs, test performance under stress, and make sure the earning model doesn’t get exploited. They’re also responsible for playtesting features before launch.
Blockchain Experts
In cases where NFTs, tokens, or crypto wallets are a part of your game, you will be required to hire developers who are well-versed in blockchain architecture, security, and smart contracts.
Project Managers
These are the cement that is keeping the whole team together. They organise sprints, schedule timelines, facilitate cross-departmental communication, and keep the project scope and budget. A lot of indie initiatives can begin lean, with 6 to 10 members of the team.
Most indie projects can start lean, with a team of 6 to 10 people. But for more advanced titles with multiplayer, 3D character and environment elements, or crypto rewards, expect to need a team of 20–50 people. AAA-level games? They may involve 50+ experts working across regions, each specializing in game engine optimization, animation, network management, and beyond.
A great idea alone won’t cut it. You need a well-rounded team to bring your play to earn game to life and scale it to success.
Read More: Types of Gamers – Find Out Your Gaming Style
So, What’s the Cost of Building One?
The development of play to earn games varies with numerous factors, such as game complexity, platform selection, the number of features, and audience. The development of a basic prototype is not as costly as an entire blockchain-based system.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical cost ranges based on development scope:
1. MVP or Prototype Game
Estimated Cost: $30,000 – $60,000
This is the minimum viable version of your game. It includes core gameplay mechanics, basic wallet or reward system integration, and a simple user interface. It’s ideal for testing the waters and validating your play to earn games concept in the market.
- Basic level progression
- Essential game mechanics
- Simple earning or payout feature
- Minimal design with functional UI
It won’t be flashy, but it’ll prove your idea can attract users who want to make money by playing games.
2. Mid-Tier Game with Real-Time Features
Estimated Cost: $80,000 – $150,000
At this level, you’re building a more complete experience. These games are designed for wider audiences and include social, competitive, and user-retention features.
- Real-time multiplayer or PvP
- Leaderboards and tournaments
- In-game chat or voice features
- Improved UI/UX
- Referral and reward invite systems
These games can support hundreds or thousands of players and often see faster growth due to better engagement. The added features make it easier to monetize and build a loyal community of users who not only play, but make money by playing games and invite others to do the same.
3. Full-Scale Game with Blockchain & Global User Base
Estimated Cost: $200,000 – $500,000+
This is the top-tier, full-fledged version with all the bells and whistles. These games are often launched by companies with large budgets and a long-term vision.
- Custom blockchain integration
- NFT minting and trading marketplace
- Global cloud server support
- Advanced anti-cheat systems
- Live events, dynamic story updates
- Dedicated support and community moderation tools
The aim here is to create a global digital economy inside your game. You’ll attract serious players, content creators, and crypto investors, all looking to play to earn games and build value over time.
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Make a Video Game?
Don’t Forget the Ongoing Costs
Launching your game is just the beginning. Maintaining it requires ongoing financial and technical commitment:
- Server Maintenance: $1,000–$5,000/month, depending on traffic and region
- Regular Updates & Patches: To keep gameplay fresh and fix bugs
- Security Audits: Especially important if you’re using blockchain or fiat currency
- Marketing & Community Management: Building a loyal base through campaigns, influencers, and Discord support
- App Store Fees and Payment Gateway Costs: A portion of all in-game purchases goes to platforms like Google Play or Apple
So yes, the initial cost can be steep but it’s a strategic investment. If done right, your game could pay for itself and more. Players are eager to make money by playing games, and your platform could be the one that makes that possible, sustainably and at scale.
Read More: How Much Money Has Minecraft Made?
What Increases Game Development Costs?
Certain factors directly influence how much money you’ll spend building an earn-to-play game:
- Platform Choice: Developing for both Android and iOS doubles your work
- Custom Earning System: Unique algorithms take longer to test and build
- Graphics Quality: 3D models and animations significantly raise costs
- Live Events & Multiplayer: Real-time gameplay requires expensive servers
- Compliance: Games involving real rewards need to meet legal and financial laws
At Cubix, we believe in creating games that not only entertain but also empower players to earn while having fun.
– Salman Lakhani, CEO at Cubix
How Developers Make Money from These Games
Game creators don’t just invest in tech for fun, they expect returns. And the business model behind play to earn games supports long-term revenue.
Here’s How Developers Make Money by Playing Games (Indirectly):
- Ad Revenue: From banners, interstitials, and rewarded videos
- In-App Purchases: Skins, boosters, level-ups
- Token Economies: Earn fees when players trade tokens or NFTs
- Tournaments and Leaderboards: Paid entry competitions
- Sponsorships and Partnerships: With payment gateways, crypto firms, or brands
With a strong user base, even free players generate revenue through ad impressions and referrals.
Read More: Video Game Testing Explained – From Bugs to Blockbusters
Scaling and Managing Game Servers
Running an earn-to-play game at scale means handling real-time transactions, data sync, and multiplayer sessions across geographies.
This means developers need to:
- Use cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure
- Maintain uptime close to 99.9%
- Protect player data and wallets with encryption
- Optimize server performance under heavy loads
Each of these requires ongoing investment and skilled DevOps engineers.
Security and Compliance Are Non-Negotiable
Because play to earn games involves money, security and legal compliance are critical.
- User KYC may be required
- Anti-fraud measures prevent exploitation
- GDPR or local laws must be followed
- Secure APIs ensure safe data exchange
Skipping these steps can lead to penalties or bans from app stores.
How Much Can You Earn from Launching These Games?
While the upfront cost may be high, the earning potential is just as significant.
Let’s say you have 100,000 users:
- 10% make in-app purchases = $10,000/month
- 50% watch ads daily = $5,000/month
- Tournament fees and token trading = $15,000/month
- Sponsored deals = $5,000/month
That’s a potential of $30,000–$50,000/month in revenue.
With the right strategy, you can easily make money by playing games or building them for .
Read More: How to Become a Game Tester With No Experience
Conclusion
To make an earn to play game is not a small venture. It is not only a great idea; it requires good planning, a productive group of developers, clever monetization options, and a considerable amount of investment. However, when it is done properly, it can be a game changer both to the company that develops it and gamers across the globe who are keen to make more money through playing games.
The problem is simply, how to build a secure, scalable and fun game. Whether it is crypto wallets or smart contracts, the leaderboards or the anti-cheat systems, all are interconnected and interacting, providing the desired and trusted gaming experience.
That’s where Cubix comes in. Having several years of experience in developing the most innovative mobile development, blockchain, and web games, Cubix is a very suitable partner to develop custom play to earn games. We can assist you at every stage of the development, including idea development and user interface and user experience design, programming and quality assurance, as well as maintenance, even after you launch your game.
Our work is not to construct games only. We construct ecosystems that reward and enable you to develop a viable revenue stream. In case you are ready to enter the gaming market and to help players all over the world to make money playing games, we are going to bring your idea to life.
Become a partner with Cubix and start to build smarter.
Shoaib Abdul Ghaffar
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