The term “metaverse” isn’t as common today as it once was – but are metaverse games undergoing a quiet revolution?
By blending aspects of gaming, social interactions and economic activities, metaverse games continue to offer immersive online experiences – and are pushing the boundaries of what our digital future could be.
Several mainstay metaverse games are still running today, with multiple newcomers looking to innovate in the space and offer all-new experiences – but which of these is best?
Here’s our guide to the five best metaverse games of 2024.
#5 Otherside
- Status: Closed Alpha, Public Beta TBA
- Platform: PC, browser
Developed by Bored Ape Yacht Club creators Yuga Labs, Otherside is one of the most talked-about metaverse games right now.
Mixing traditional MMO elements with blockchain tech in the Bored Ape universe, little is known about what the full version of Otherside will feature at this stage. Only holders of certain Yuga Labs assets – including the Otherdeed Land NFTs – can currently access the title in limited playtest periods.
As a metaverse extension to arguably the most recognisable NFT collection, Otherside has plenty of eyes on it, with many non-Yuga holders keen to experience the title for themselves.
Otherside is intended to be a cornerstone of the future of Yuga Labs – and with its focus on engaging online play and user-driven content, the metaverse could become a de-facto hub for online blockchain-based experiences.
#4 Pudgy World
- Status: Alpha expected in 2024
- Platform: Browser
Developers by Igloo Inc. – the parent company of the Pudgy Penguins NFT collection – Pudgy World aims to bring the collection to life through a vibrant online metaverse game.
A 3D browser-based title, players will explore, interact, and embark on narrative journeys – created by the Igloo team and follow players – allowing Pudgy NFT and plushie owners to use their collectibles as in-game characters.
With Pudgy Penguins continuing to grow in prominence – especially through its US-wide toy distribution and engaging social media profiles – Pudgy World is one of the most hotly anticipated metaverse games right now.
Considering its strong community – both inside and outside of Web3 – Pudgy World has huge potential to bridge the gap between blockchain-based and traditional audiences, and we can’t wait for the doors to open to the masses.
#3 Decentraland
- Status: Launched in 2020
- Platform: PC, browser
Decentraland is an OG metaverse game, where players traverse a world where the land and the experiences around them are owned and developed by the players themselves.
The game utilises its native token, $MANA, for transactions – with players able to earn the currency and purchase virtual real estate to create anything they’d like, from games to galleries to digital houses. It’s an open-world environment that encourages creativity and economic activity, letting users monetize their land in countless ways.
With its array of unique experiences – including high-profile collaborations with the likes of Atari – despite its age, it still has a select group of dedicated players, although controversies in recent years have dwindled its numbers.
As it is playable right now, it has a leg-up on some of the others on this list – but time will tell where the future of Decentraland lays as its competitors start to become publicly available.
#2 Illuvium
- Status: Launched in July 2024
- Platform: PC
Built on Immutable, Illuvium is an engaging, open-world RPG that spans exploration, collection, and battle elements.
Although it has been through several accessible test phases, the metaverse game held its official launch in July 2o24. Players navigate diverse terrains, capture creatures called Illuvials, and manage, train and use them in PVP battles, with $ILV as the game’s native currency.
Utilising Unreal Engine 5, the game is far more visually impressive than the metaverse games behind it on this list – and with a wide variety of gameplay elements, there’s something to satisfy all types of gamers and blockchain enthusiasts
Post-launch, Illuvium is continuing to expand, with new game modes, features and combat mechanics, adding to the feel of an always-online digital world. With these regular updates, Illuvium claims a stake as one of the leading metaverse games in the industry.
#1 The Sandbox
- Status: Launched in 2021, mobile release TBA
- Platform: PC, browser
The term “metaverse game” is synonymous with The Sandbox.
The Sandbox focuses on user-generated content, where players can create, own, and monetize their gaming experiences using a suite of purpose-built tools, with $SAND as its native token.
Alongside user-generated content, The Sandbox has partnered with a long list of mainstream brands, ranging from musicians such as Snoop Dogg, entertainment products like The Walking Dead, and finance giants such as HSBC – all combining to make The Sandbox the closest we have to a “virtual real world” thus far.
The game continues to have a dedicated community to this day, with new games, experiences and products being released on a near-constant basis.
Looking ahead, on top of additional brand partnerships, The Sandbox is committed to securing its future through initiatives like the Creator Fund, and an upcoming mobile release. For us, there’s no doubt that The Sandbox is the best metaverse game of 2024.
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