Gaming has always been shaped by its economic models — from the arcade era’s coin slots to the rise of free-to-play and microtransactions. But in Web3, the rules of monetization are being rewritten.
How do you design a sustainable in-game economy? What works? What doesn’t? And where is the industry headed next?
In the third session of Terraforming Web3: Building Games in a Post-Web2 World, we’re breaking all of this down with insights from top industry experts. “Tokenomics and new models for gaming” explores the economics of game design, how Web3 can shift monetization strategies, and what it takes to build sustainable on-chain economies.
Loot Hero, a Starknet-native, will be joining the discussion to share real-world insights from Web3 gaming’s latest frontiers.
What is tokenomics?
At its core, tokenomics is the economic system that governs digital assets: how they are issued, distributed, and used within an ecosystem. In gaming, this means everything from reward mechanisms to marketplace dynamics, shaping how players interact with in-game economies.
Tokenomics isn’t just a financial layer — it’s a fundamental part of game design. A poorly designed economy can break a game, while a well-structured system can enhance engagement, retention, and long-term sustainability.
Web3 introduces unique challenges, such as preventing hyperinflation, balancing rewards, and ensuring that earning mechanisms don’t cannibalize the player experience.
Traditional monetization models
Historically, games have followed three main revenue models: premium (pay-to-play), free-to-play, and hybrid models.
Premium requires upfront purchases of hardware or software game media, while free-to-play removes these barriers to entry — instead, monetizing games with in-game purchases. Hybrid models combine elements of both, often using battle passes and optional content.
Each approach has trade-offs, with Web3 adding new dimensions to consider.
Non-traditional monetization in web3
Web3 monetization takes a slightly different approach, shifting it toward player-owned economies through tokenomics, asset sales, and play-to-earn (P2E) models. In other words, players can own and trade digital assets. However, to achieve sustainable design, it’s crucial to avoid speculative crashes. This can be done by balancing incentives, supply, and long-term value for lasting Web3 game economies.
In-game monetization strategies
Games generate revenue through virtual goods, currency systems, and DLCs & expansions. In Web3, these models extend to on-chain assets and tokenized economies. A game’s success ultimately depends on ensuring monetization aligns with gameplay, providing real value instead of speculative hype.
Join the webinar
All of this and more will be discussed in the third session of Terraforming Web3.
So, if you're a game developer, founder, or just curious about the future Web3 gaming, this session is your chance to take a deep dive into the future of tokenomics and game economies. Learn from experts, hear real-world insights from Loot Hero, and get the tools to build sustainable, engaging games.
Let’s terraform the gaming economy together.
