TDLR

Move-to-Earn (M2E) is a new way of earning money online. It’s based on the web3 concept and focuses on various fitness challenges and sports activities. In this model, you can earn crypto rewards simply by doing your fitness routine.

Move-to-Earn (M2E) is similar to Play-to-Earn (P2E), but you get rewarded for physical exercises like jogging, running, and walking. On the other hand, Play-to-Earn rewards you for winning battles, reaching higher levels, and exploring virtual worlds.

Our top Move-to-Earn games:

1. Dustland
2. Sweatcoin
3. STEPN
4. Step App
5. Genopets

Where did Move-To-Earn come from?

Incentives have long been used to motivate people to engage in physical activity and live healthier lives. Companies and health insurance providers have long rewarded staff members and clients who regularly participate in physical activity. They provide coupons, deals, and other perks to encourage and reward their efforts.

However, Move-to-Earn (M2E) games combine artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cryptocurrency technology to enhance the experience. It is a fantastic approach to improving physical fitness while also generating income.

Curious to learn more? This article explores what move-to-earn games are, how you can earn cryptocurrency through Move-to-Earn, the differences between Move-to-Earn and Play-to-Earn, and the leading Move-to-Earn games you can leverage in the industry.

What is Move-to-Earn (M2E)

M2E apps allow users to earn cryptocurrency rewards by engaging in fitness and sports activities. These apps follow a similar business model to Play-to-Earn (P2E) web3 apps, where participants are rewarded for their efforts and skills.

However, M2E differs from P2E as it requires users to be physically active and participate in exercises and sports activities. Today, many M2E apps use decentralized finance (DeFi) features to reward participants. They achieve this using various smartphone sensors, such as GPS, accelerometer, magnetometer, proximity sensor, and gyroscope.

The M2E Concept

An M2E app functions as a fitness app or tracker on a mobile device, keeping track of the user’s physical activity. The idea behind move-to-earn is straightforward: users receive rewards for being physically active and exercising.

In practice, Move-to-earn platforms use a combination of GPS, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), blockchain, and GameFi technologies. Overall, these technologies help track people’s movements and reward them.

Many then use these rewards to purchase in-game items or upgrade their non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which assist users in advancing to higher membership levels.

Move-to-earn apps usually create cryptocurrency tokens on blockchains like Ethereum, Avalanche, or Solana. For instance, apps like STEPN have dual-token economic models. In this case, users use one token for in-app activities and another for participating in governance.

Users can convert their move-to-earn crypto rewards into real money by exchanging them for other cryptocurrencies. They also have the option of withdrawing fiat currency from exchanges. This allows users to convert their earned rewards into usable cash if they choose to do so

Users can earn money or more cryptocurrency and NFT assets through staking, trading, and minting. Move-to-earn apps incorporating GameFi often offer staking options, allowing users to earn rewards by locking their cryptocurrencies or NFTs to the blockchain and receiving rewards in return.

Dual Benefits of Move-to-Earn (M2E) to fitness enthusiasts

Irrespective of whether you consider yourself a fitness enthusiast or not, embracing move-to-earn games guarantees dual benefits for all. These innovative games provide a unique opportunity to reap the rewards while improving your fitness levels.

1. Fitness

M2E encourages individuals to embrace an active lifestyle by incorporating exercise into daily routines while using fitness gear. Whether walking, running, cycling, or engaging in other physical activities, M2E empowers fitness enthusiasts to earn rewards for their efforts.

Imagine being rewarded for the steps you take or the calories you burn. With M2E, fitness is no longer just a personal journey but a catalyst for personal growth and financial gain.

2. Income

Speaking of financial gain, this is where the second benefit of M2E shines brightly. By participating in M2E programs or platforms, fitness enthusiasts can monetize their dedication to physical well-being.

Even if you’re not particularly passionate about fitness, M2E games offer a compelling incentive to get moving. The allure of earning rewards and unlocking achievements can ignite a spark of enthusiasm.

Move-to-earn apps offer a fantastic opportunity to make extra income while physically active. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone. You can earn even more tokens or money while caring for your fitness. It’s truly remarkable. If you haven’t already, try a move-to-earn game to enjoy the benefits of earning extra income while staying fit.

Earning Crypto with Move-to-Earn

M2E apps provide a secondary market where players can sell their NFTs or cryptocurrency rewards to convert in-game items into real money. This allows them to generate some real-life income. These are some of the common methods through which you can earn money with move-to-earn.

Earning through Exercising

The majority of M2E platforms revolve around physical movement and engaging in regular physical exercises. The concept is simple: when you move and engage in activities like running or jogging, you earn in-game digital assets as rewards. The heart of earning in the M2E model lies in activities like running in playgrounds, streets, and forests.

Earning through Trading

Additionally, many web3 fitness apps offer incentives to users in the form of special in-game currencies or assets. Users can then convert these in-game currencies into other cryptocurrencies or use them to acquire items online.

As in-game cryptocurrency items and NFTs play a significant role in Move-to-Earn platforms, there is a thriving market for them on secondary marketplaces such as OpenSea and LooksRare. These platforms provide opportunities for users to buy and sell these digital assets, further enhancing the value and trading possibilities within the M2E crypto ecosystem.

Minting 

Minting typically refers to creating or generating new tokens within a game’s ecosystem. Apps like STEPN and Step App allow participants to mint special in-game non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with unique digital assets. Unlike mining, once minted, users can use these NFTs to enhance their gameplay experience or trade it off.

Staking for Rewards

Since these platforms utilize GameFi mechanics, many offer reliable staking features. For example, Step App has implemented a concept known as perpetual staking, allowing users to stake their assets once and continue earning rewards indefinitely. Similarly, STEPN users can stake their Sneaker NFTs and move to earn game rewards accordingly.

Move-To-Earn vs. Play-To-Earn

Play to Earn (P2E) and Move to Earn (M2E) are two innovative concepts that have gained significant attention in blockchain-based gaming technologies and digital economies. While both approaches provide avenues for users to earn rewards, their fundamental mechanisms and user engagement differ.

Play-to-Earn games revolve around playing games to earn digital assets or cryptocurrencies. These games typically employ non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or in-game items that can be bought, sold, or traded in decentralized marketplaces.

Players earn incentives to invest time and effort into these games, as their skill, achievements, and participation translate into tangible rewards. P2E has garnered immense popularity due to its potential for transforming gaming into a viable source of passive income for individuals.

On the other hand, the Move-to-Earn app introduces a more physically active approach. This concept involves leveraging emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) to reward users for their physical movements and activities.

Fitness applications and immersive experiences track users’ exercises, outdoor exploration, or even completing specific tasks, converting them into valuable tokens or rewards. M2E combines the elements of physical well-being and digital financial incentives, appealing to individuals seeking to monetize their active lifestyle.

While play-to-earn games focus on gaming skills and virtual asset acquisition, M2E emphasizes real-world actions and physical exertion. Both concepts tap into the growing interest in decentralized economies and offer unique opportunities for users to buy in-game items and earn value through engagement.

The rise of P2E and M2E showcases the increasing convergence of digital technology and financial opportunities in the crypto world.

Top 5 Move-to-Earn Apps To Invest in 2024

Below is a list of the top 5 move to earn games:

1. Dustland

Among the many companies that developed move-to-earn games, Dustland took a unique approach by infusing an engaging story into their game. The game’s narrative unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth has been devastated, leaving only the Dustlands behind. Pirates inhabit these deserted towns.

Your objective is to gather resources, seek out fellow survivors, and embark on a journey to uncover the secrets hidden within the Dustlands. This storyline adds depth and excitement to the gameplay experience.

The harder you push yourself in real-world physical workouts, the greater the rewards you can earn within the game. Strive to complete as many missions as possible to unlock better rewards for completing workouts. These rewards are determined by the distance you cover rather than your in-game performance. In addition to tokens, you can earn valuable NFTs as rewards for your efforts.

Dustland introduces DOSE tokens, serving two purposes: platform governance and user rewards. As you progress through the levels, you’ll encounter increasingly challenging and rewarding gameplay experiences.

By accumulating DOSE tokens, you can unlock various in-game items, enhance your avatar, and access additional features. With Dustland, you can improve your physical health while accumulating wealth through this exciting M2E game.

2. StepN

STEPN is one of the earliest and most widely recognized mobile games based on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) running on the Solana blockchain network. Users with STEPN can earn tokens by engaging in outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, or running, all while equipped with an “NFT sneaker.”

This Game-Fi application was created to inspire millions of individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, introducing them to the Web3 era and contributing to the pursuit of carbon neutrality.

The STEPN ecosystem operates a dual token system. The first one is the Green Satoshi Token (GST), the game’s utility token with an unlimited supply. There’s also the Green Metaverse Token (GMT), which functions as the governance token and is limited to 6 billion tokens. The GMT token holds primary importance within the network.

3. Sweatcoin

Originally, Sweatcoin started as a straightforward fitness-tracking app designed to assist users in monitoring their walking, jogging, or running goals. The app utilized a reward points system based on a virtual currency called Sweatcoins.

Users could redeem their accumulated Sweatcoins for rewards from partner companies like Headspace and Audible. Alternatively, they could choose to donate their Sweatcoins to different charitable organizations.

However, in April 2022, the Sweatcoin App announced that it would launch its cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology. The newly introduced blockchain network, Sweat Economy, operates on the Ethereum (ETH) and Near Protocol (NEAR) blockchains.

The purpose of this blockchain network is to reward users who join the platform and actively pursue and achieve their fitness goals.

The company behind the platform aimed to revolutionize people’s mindsets. The goal was to shift their perception of physical activity from being seen as a chore to considering it as an activity that holds value and contributes to their overall health.

4. Genopets

If you enjoy playing Pokemon Go, you might find Genopets quite fascinating. In this game, you are responsible for nurturing and developing your digital pet. As you move around in various real-world locations, your digital pet will grow stronger and more competent. You can earn crypto based on your achievements and progress within the game by completing weekly and monthly challenges.

One great aspect of Genopets is that it stands out as the first move-to-earn game that doesn’t require any upfront investment. You can personalize your Genopet NFT according to your preferences and accumulate experience points (XP) based on your daily steps. This allows you to progress and enhance your Genopet without spending money initially.

The Genopets platform introduces two tokens to its ecosystem. The GENE native token is employed for the platform’s utility token governance, enabling users to participate in decision-making. On the other hand, the KL native token rewards users, providing them with incentives and benefits. Genopets is free to play; you can even mint NFTs within the game. Users can sell these NFTs, offering opportunities to trade various in-game items such as crystals and habitats.

5. Step App

Step App is another M2E project within the Metaverse developed on the Avalanche blockchain network. The platform aims to motivate individuals to engage in physical activities by providing economic incentives such as earning cryptocurrencies. It achieves this by combining fitness, gamification, and augmented reality (AR) elements, creating an immersive and rewarding experience for users.

Step App utilizes a variety of assets, including NFTs and cryptocurrencies, to establish an ecosystem that financially rewards individuals for adopting a healthier lifestyle. The platform incentivizes users to engage in physical activities by combining these different types of assets. It promotes the overall well-being of its participants.

Final Thoughts

Move-to-Earn games motivate people to break free from sedentary lifestyles and earn cryptocurrency rewards by engaging in physical activities. Among the best five M2E cryptocurrencies are STEPN, Sweatcoin, Step App, Genopets, and the Dustland. These platforms offer a range of high-quality sports-based ability tests.

Regardless of your location or the type of training equipment you have, you can use your smartphone to join in physical activities and be rewarded with crypto tokens.