The Play-to-Earn (P2E) model has gained significant attention in recent years, with players earning substantial income through participating in blockchain-based games. While the P2E ecosystem is still relatively young, several notable examples highlight how players can potentially earn significant amounts by engaging in these games. These players often earn income through in-game rewards, trading NFTs, and participating in various blockchain-based activities.

Here are a few real-life examples of players who have earned significant income through P2E games:

1. Axie Infinity – The “Philippine Axie Revolution”

Game Overview:
Axie Infinity is one of the most well-known and successful P2E games, where players collect, breed, and battle fantasy creatures called "Axies." Players earn in-game tokens, such as Smooth Love Potion (SLP) and Axie Infinity Shards (AXS), which can be sold on various cryptocurrency exchanges.

Real-Life Example:

• Jose (Axe Infinity Player): One of the most famous success stories from Axie    Infinity comes from the Philippines. A player named Jose, along with several other players, turned to Axie Infinity during the COVID-19 pandemic to supplement their income. Some of these players, who operated multiple accounts and teams of Axies, were earning over $1,000 per month, a significant amount in a country where the average monthly salary is much lower.

• The “Scholarship” System: In Axie Infinity, many players (known as "managers") provide their Axies to less experienced players (called "scholars") in exchange for a share of the rewards earned. These scholars could earn hundreds of dollars per month by participating, allowing people in low-income countries, particularly in    Southeast Asia, to gain a significant income through gaming.

2. Decentraland – Virtual Real Estate Profits

Game Overview:
Decentraland is a virtual world where players can buy, sell, and build on parcels of virtual land using MANA, the native cryptocurrency. Players can monetize their land by building virtual experiences, hosting events, or selling their properties to other players.

Real-Life Example:

• Virtual Real Estate Investors: One prominent example of earning significant income through Decentraland comes from virtual real estate investors. For    instance, in 2021, a virtual real estate investor named Tokens.com purchased a property in Decentraland for $2.43 million, which was the highest price for virtual land at the time. The investor then planned to monetize the property by hosting events, renting out the space, and possibly reselling it for a profit.

• The "Metaverse" Trend: With the rising interest in the Metaverse, several players have made a fortune by investing in digital real estate. Some players have been able to resell properties in Decentraland for massive profits. One notable case involved a player who bought a plot of land in Decentraland for $900 in 2018 and resold it for $1.5 million in 2021.

3. The Sandbox – Earning Through NFT Creations and Virtual Land

Game Overview:
The Sandbox is a virtual world where players can create, buy, and sell NFTs, as well as monetize their content and creations. Players can also buy virtual land, build on it, and host experiences. The game uses SAND, its native token, to facilitate transactions.

Real-Life Example:

• Metaverse Builders: In The Sandbox, creators can design and sell in-game assets, such as virtual clothing, buildings, and experiences. Some of the top creators in the game have earned significant amounts of income through the sale of their NFTs and the monetization of their creations. For example, The Sandbox’s creator, Sebastien Borget, has discussed how artists and designers within the game can earn substantial income by designing and selling virtual items as NFTs.

• Land Sales: In one notable case, a digital artist created a collection of assets    within The Sandbox and earned over $1.5 million in revenue from the sale of his virtual art. Additionally, virtual land sales in The Sandbox have reached millions of dollars, with plots of land being sold for up to $4 million.

4. Gods Unchained – Trading Cards and Earning Through Play

Game Overview:
Gods Unchained is a blockchain-based card game similar to Magic: The Gathering and Hearthstone. Players can earn GODS tokens and trade unique, collectible cards as NFTs. Cards that are in high demand can be sold for significant amounts on secondary markets.

Real-Life Example:

• Top Player Earnings: Players in Gods Unchained have earned significant sums by  trading rare cards and participating in ranked competitions. Some players have earned thousands of dollars by selling high-value cards. One player reported making over $50,000 from the sale of rare cards alone, while others consistently make between $1,000 and $5,000 per month by trading cards and competing in tournaments.

• Card Sales: In 2021, a player sold a rare card in Gods Unchained for $500, which is a relatively modest amount compared to some other P2E games. However, top  players have consistently earned large amounts from selling rare assets on the game’s marketplace.

5. Sorare – Fantasy Football and NFT Trading

Game Overview:
Sorare is a blockchain-based fantasy football game where players collect and trade NFTs representing real-life football players. Players can earn rewards through gameplay, such as earning cryptocurrency or NFTs, by forming teams and competing in tournaments.

Real-Life Example:

• Profitable NFT Trading: Sorare has been particularly profitable for individuals who specialize in collecting and trading rare player cards. For example, in 2021, a player purchased a limited edition Cristiano Ronaldo card for around €100,000 and later sold it for €250,000. These kinds of high-value transactions are becoming more common as the popularity of Sorare continues to grow, especially among soccer fans.

• Top Earners: Some of the top Sorare players have earned substantial amounts through trading, with some making over €1 million in profits by buying, selling,    and collecting NFTs of high-profile football players.

Conclusion

The P2E space has created significant opportunities for players to earn substantial income, especially for those who are early adopters or highly skilled in their respective games. Many players, especially in countries with lower income levels, have turned P2E games into a viable source of income by focusing on strategies like trading NFTs, staking tokens, and participating in high-value in-game activities.