How guilds are democratizing access to expensive game assets
How guilds are democratizing access to expensive game assets
by Maximilian 04:05pm Jan 20, 2025

The emergence of blockchain-based Play-to-Earn (P2E) games has opened up new financial opportunities for players across the globe. However, one of the significant challenges of entering this space is the high cost of acquiring in-game assets, such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), rare items, or characters, which are often required to participate in and earn from these games. For many players, particularly in emerging markets, this upfront investment can be prohibitively expensive.
Gaming guilds, such as Yield Guild Games (YGG), have emerged as a solution to this problem by democratizing access to these expensive assets, enabling a broader range of players to participate in P2E games without needing substantial upfront capital. Here’s how guilds are making that possible:
1. Asset Pooling and Resource Sharing
Gaming guilds pool together financial resources, assets, and capital to create a shared pool of valuable in-game assets. These assets often include rare characters, land, NFTs, or special tokens that are essential for succeeding in many P2E games. By aggregating resources, guilds can purchase high-value assets that would otherwise be out of reach for individual players, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.
Once the assets are acquired, guilds can rent them out to individual players—referred to as “scholars”—who may not have the capital to purchase the assets themselves. This arrangement allows players to participate in the game without needing to own the required in-game items, as they can use the assets provided by the guild in exchange for a share of their in-game earnings.
For example, in a popular blockchain game like Axie Infinity, players need to own at least three Axies (digital pets) to start earning rewards. These Axies can be expensive, often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A gaming guild like YGG can acquire Axies in bulk and then lease them to players who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them, allowing these players to earn while still sharing a portion of the rewards with the guild.
2. Lowering the Barriers to Entry
By offering rental options for expensive in-game assets, gaming guilds lower the barriers to entry for players in emerging markets. In regions like Southeast Asia, where many players have limited financial resources, the chance to participate in P2E games without needing a large initial investment is transformative. It allows players from lower-income backgrounds to engage with blockchain gaming and earn cryptocurrency or tokens that can be converted into real-world money.
For many players, the ability to rent NFTs and other in-game assets is a way to break into the blockchain gaming ecosystem without taking on financial risk. These players, or "scholars," can earn rewards by playing games with the rented assets, which are then split between the player and the guild, based on pre-arranged terms. In this model, the guilds act as both financial backers and mentors, offering players the resources they need while also ensuring fair revenue-sharing.
3. Facilitating Wealth Distribution and Shared Earnings
Gaming guilds also facilitate a more equitable wealth distribution model within the P2E space. Without guilds, players with limited resources would be at a significant disadvantage, unable to participate in games with expensive upfront costs. Guilds allow wealth to be distributed across a larger group of players through shared earnings, where both the guild and individual players benefit from the rewards generated by in-game activities.
This shared earnings model is often structured as a revenue split between the guild and the player. For example, if a scholar is renting assets from a guild, they may keep a percentage of the rewards they earn (e.g., 60%) while the guild retains the remainder (e.g., 40%). This incentivizes both the guild and the player to perform well in the game, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement. Scholars get the opportunity to earn from their gameplay, while guilds generate revenue from their assets and investments.
4. Expanding the Talent Pool and Increasing Game Participation
By providing access to expensive in-game assets, guilds create opportunities for a larger and more diverse group of players to participate in blockchain games. This expansion leads to a more vibrant gaming ecosystem and drives further adoption of blockchain technology. For instance, players from developing economies like the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, where P2E gaming has gained significant traction, are able to enter these games and compete alongside players from wealthier regions.
In this way, guilds not only democratize access to expensive game assets but also contribute to the growth of the gaming community and the global blockchain gaming ecosystem. The more players that participate, the more dynamic and engaging the games become, increasing their appeal to both players and developers.
5. Education and Mentorship
Guilds like YGG also provide players with guidance, mentorship, and education on how to maximize their earning potential in P2E games. Many new players may be unfamiliar with the nuances of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, or the gameplay mechanics of P2E games. Guilds offer resources and training to help players understand how to succeed in these environments, ensuring that even those without prior knowledge or experience can perform well and earn rewards.
Guilds may provide educational materials, organize community events, or connect new players with experienced mentors to help them improve their skills. This mentoring is a crucial aspect of ensuring that scholars not only have access to valuable assets but also the knowledge and support necessary to use them effectively.
6. Access to Rare and High-Value Assets
In many P2E games, some in-game assets are much more valuable than others, often because they are rare, limited edition, or have unique properties that give players an advantage in the game. For example, certain rare NFTs or in-game characters can appreciate significantly in value over time. These assets are often priced out of reach for many players, particularly those in lower-income areas.
Guilds are able to purchase these rare assets by pooling the financial resources of their members. By doing so, they can offer players access to assets that might otherwise be unattainable. In some cases, guilds even allow players to participate in high-stakes games or tournaments that require ownership of rare assets, further increasing the potential for earning rewards.
Conclusion
Gaming guilds are playing a pivotal role in democratizing access to expensive game assets in the Play-to-Earn ecosystem. By pooling resources, sharing valuable in-game items, and offering rental models, guilds like Yield Guild Games (YGG) have lowered the barriers to entry for players in emerging markets, allowing individuals with limited financial resources to participate and earn in blockchain games.
Guilds not only provide financial access but also offer mentorship, educational resources, and a sense of community that empowers players to maximize their potential. Through these efforts, gaming guilds are transforming P2E games into a more inclusive and equitable space, helping to spread the benefits of blockchain gaming to a global audience. As the P2E ecosystem continues to grow, guilds will likely remain at the forefront of this shift, further democratizing access and fostering the next generation of blockchain gamers.
