Are Blockchain Games Safe?

Over the years blockchain technology has disrupted the global industry in many ways, with the financial sector was being one of them. The gaming industry has also started incorporating blockchain technology, and companies are now designing their games around it.

Whether you are learning how to play Jetx or are looking to earn from a variety of crypto games, the question of how safe these blockchain games are remains. Lets take an extensive look at these new type of games, and see just how safe they are to play.

How secure is blockchain technology for gaming?

To answer this question it is important to understand how blockchain technology works. Simply put, blockchain technology refers to a worldwide interconnected network of computer systems designed to create and distribute transactions.

These systems are made up of blocks — each with its own record of transactions — which are connected to form something similar to a ledger. This ledger is stored in nodes, which are simply the different networks of computers.

Each block has its own cryptographic fingerprint — also known as hash — and every time a transaction is recorded on the blockchain, validators are required to check if the transaction in question is correct.

This means that everyone on the network has to agree on the shared history, and that any alteration will require the creation of a new fingerprint. In fact, some dApps are taking an extra step to create anti-scam tools to protect users.

Where do dapps come in gaming?

Decentralized applications (dapps) are programs that exist within a blockchain. Dapps have significant use in gaming as they enable developers to distribute in-game items amongst players, and also help them determine the rules of the blockchain game.

Gaming tokens are cryptocurrencies used in a game to buy various items that are used within its world. You can use tokens to buy costumes, weapons, cosmetics, and build your character or avatar. Players earn these tokens by completing various tasks or quests in-game, and they can also be bought or exchanged with other users. Some tokens, such as NFTs, can actually be used outside the game and be traded similarly to cryptocurrencies, which is quite different from traditional games where items exist only inside the game.

Some of the most popular digital assets used in games include:

• Decentraland (MANA)
• Axie Infinity (AXS)
• Sandbox (SAND)
• Enjin Coin (ENJ)
• Magic (MAGIC)

Play to Earn games

Play-to-Earn (P2E) blockchain games allow players to earn cryptocurrency, and other in-game items and tokens, as they play. In other words, the more someone plays, the more they can accumulate these rewards, which can then be kept or traded both inside and outside the game.

Many users are still skeptical of P2E games, and view them in a negative light, mainly due to them being relatively new. Although these type of platforms are known to have scammers looking for a quick buck, they still allow users to earn while playing their favorite game.

How to protect yourself when gaming

Although blockchain is one of the most secure technologies out there, malicious entities can still find a way to take advantage of everyday users, and some safety measures are required in order to keep your assets safe.

One of the basics is to always remember the importance of keeping your personal information — such as names and emails — safe, as it can allow hackers to gain access to your account.

Malicious entities can also try and gain access to your information by disguising themselves as a legitimate gaming website, which is also known as phishing. Always check carefully any links that you receive online, and verify they are correct before interacting with them, and never log-in to your crypto account using such external links. No matter how enticing a game may look, never click on a link until you are 100 percent sure the game is legitimate.

Some games offer you the option of using two-factor authentication, which enables the game to send you a verification code — either by email or your smartphone — which is then needed in order to gain access to your account. Although this log-in process is longer, it adds an extra layer of protection, and is a great way to keep yourself safe.

Whenever you are not interacting with the game, it is a smart idea to monitor your account regularly in order to easily notice when there are discrepancies. Alerts can also be set up as to let you know when there are deposits or withdrawals made on your account.

In summary

If you are intrigued by blockchain gaming and the P2E model, it is important to remember that while blockchain technology is safe, there will always be scam projects out there. Although you will have to sieve through the legitimate and scam projects, remember that safety starts with you, and it is up to you to ensure your protection online.