Play-and-Earn Explained: How Circle of Games Avoids the P2E Trap
If you’ve been around Web3 gaming long enough, you’ve probably heard this promise: “Play games, earn crypto.”
At first, it sounded revolutionary. But fast forward a few years, and many Play-to-Earn (P2E) games ended the same way — empty servers, collapsing token prices, and players who never actually enjoyed the game.
That’s where a new model starts to matter: Play-and-Earn. And one project that represents this shift quite well is Circle of Games (COG).
What Is Play-to-Earn?
Play-to-Earn is a gaming model where the main motivation for playing is earning tokens or NFTs.
In most P2E games, players log in daily not because the game is fun, but because they feel obligated to grind for rewards.
Over time, the game turns into work. And once the rewards drop, players leave.
Why Play-to-Earn Usually Fails
The biggest problem with Play-to-Earn is incentives. If earning is the only reason people play, then selling becomes inevitable.
This leads to:
- Constant token dumping
- Short-term players
- Unsustainable economies
Fun becomes optional — and that’s a fatal mistake for any game.
What Is Play-and-Earn?
Play-and-Earn changes the order. Instead of earning first, it focuses on playing first.
The idea is simple: people should enjoy the game even without rewards.
Earning becomes a bonus, not the main objective.
Why Fun-First Is More Sustainable
Games that are genuinely fun don’t need incentives to survive. Rewards only enhance the experience.
Fun-first games naturally create:
- Longer retention
- Healthier token usage
- More organic communities
This is why Play-and-Earn is gaining more attention among Web3 builders.
Circle of Games as a Real Case Study
Circle of Games focuses on casual games people already understand: chess, pool, ludo, and similar formats.
Instead of forcing Web3 mechanics upfront, COG lets players enjoy the game first.
Only after engagement does earning start to matter. That’s a clear example of Play-and-Earn done right.
Download Circle of Games
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FAQ
Is Circle of Games Play-to-Earn?
No. It follows a Play-and-Earn approach where fun comes first.
Does Play-and-Earn mean fewer rewards?
Not necessarily. Rewards exist, but they don’t dominate gameplay.
Why is Play-and-Earn better long-term?
Because players stay for enjoyment, not just incentives.
Is Circle of Games beginner-friendly?
Yes. It uses familiar casual games, making onboarding easier.
Up next:
How Rewards and Staking Work in Circle of Games (Without Breaking the Economy)
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