Do you know that talk that the metaverse is dead? Well, metaverse games are very much alive, just in a different way than many people expected. After all the initial hype, what remains are real experiences that blend gameplay, on-chain economy, and community.

The landscape has changed a lot. While some projects have disappeared, others have solidified their position, and new ones are emerging with creative proposals. Decentraland and The Sandbox continue to be references, but Otherside, Pudgy World, and Illuvium show that there’s still room for innovation in this segment.

Let’s start with The Sandbox — it’s practically synonymous with metaverse games now. Its focus on user-generated content and partnerships with traditional brands have cemented its position as one of the biggest names in the industry. It’s the kind of project that proved the concept works when executed well.

Decentraland remains a classic. Players can own virtual land, create their experiences, and use $MANA for transactions. It may seem simple, but it’s exactly this freedom that keeps the community engaged.

Now, Illuvium arrived in July 2024 with a different approach — an open-world RPG where you capture creatures called (Illuvials) for PVP battles, with $ILV as the native token. This more traditional gameplay mechanic combined with blockchain attracted an audience looking for more action in metaverse games.

Otherside, created by the same team behind Bored Ape Yacht Club, brings MMO elements with blockchain technology. Currently, access is restricted to Yuga Labs asset holders, but the idea of blending multiplayer RPG with Web3 is interesting. It’s an example of how NFT creators are expanding into more immersive experiences.

And there’s Pudgy World, which decided to animate the Pudgy Penguins collection with a browser-based 3D game. The idea is simple but effective — your NFTs become characters you control in the game. This kind of integration makes sense in modern metaverse games.

The key point is that these metaverse games are no longer just about pure speculation. They’re focusing on real experiences, genuine engagement, and utility. Those expecting a return to 2021 will be disappointed, but those wanting to explore what truly works in this space will find plenty of interesting things happening.