So I’ve been through the headlines, the bag promises, the hype. Play-to-Earn (P2E) NFT games are being touted as the next big thing for Africa, a way to leapfrog traditional economic models and empower communities. We hear success stories about people making good wages to take care of their families. They can afford school fees and even start small businesses, all thanks to gaming. Awe/Wonder! Let’s slow down for a minute to consider that rush. Is this the moment of a true economic revolution? Or is this simply another example of the West’s tech bros shipping their get-rich-quick schemes, now with the cover of digital philanthropy?

I'm not saying there aren't success stories. I’ve met farmers in rural Kenya who are increasing their income through Axie Infinity. They’re breeding and battling digital monsters in this fun new game! For them, it isn’t just an opportunity, but rather a lifeline, an opportunity to break the chains of generational poverty. That's powerful. It appeals to our natural longing for joy/humor, for a life that includes more joy, a way to earn a living that’s more, um, enjoyable.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: these success stories often overshadow the inherent risks. We’re dealing with volatile crypto markets, new blockchain technology, and the very real potential for exploitation. Are we really setting people up for success in greener jobs? Or are we just preparing them to be the next generation of pawns in a global digital coin-op?

One of the biggest issues is accessibility. Of course, smartphones are more prevalent than ever across the continent, but consistent internet access is still a major barrier for many. How are you going to participate in a P2E ecosystem if you can’t reliably access the internet? It is an Injustice/Unfairness!

Accessibility vs. Digital Divide

Honestly, these games can be a little overwhelming. Interacting with crypto wallets, going across multiple NFT marketplaces ensures the process requires elevated digital literacy skills. You have to be prepared to balance both captivating an audience and a fast-changing game’s landscape. Are we providing them with the appropriate training and support, tools, and resources? Or are we throwing them into the deep end and hoping they learn to swim on their own?

Consider this: the average African gamer might be more familiar with playing FIFA on a PlayStation than navigating a decentralized exchange. Let’s figure out how to build more culturally relevant P2E models. They should be user friendly, kayak-friendly, and available to anyone, regardless of their technical experience.

Here's where my contrarian side kicks in. The catch here is that most P2E games are actually constructed on highly unsustainable economic models. The latter depend on a never-ending stream of fresh players to pump up the worth of in-game assets. What happens when the hype dies down? What occurs when the market for Axies or Realm of Alurya treasure runs out? Then people are stuck with worthless NFTs and no money in their wallets. Anxiety/Fear!

Sustainable Income Or Digital Wage Slavery?

We’ve heard this song before from other “disruptive” technologies. Think back to the first days of microfinance, when it was the silver bullet against poverty. While it has brought relief to some, it has forced millions into debt traps and exploitation. We should do our best to learn from these historical missteps, and not make the same mistakes again with P2E games.

Additionally, are we not just reproducing a different kind of digital wage slavery? Are we really demanding individuals pump dozens of hours into these titles for a mere fraction of what they’re worth, simply to get by? Is this truly the economic empowerment we’re working towards?

So, what's the solution? In fact, I’m convinced that P2E games will be one of the beneficial things that propel Africa forward. We need to be careful not to overhype them and focus on creating them ethically and responsibly.

  • The Promise: Potential for income generation, especially in areas with high unemployment.
  • The Reality: Volatility of crypto assets, risk of scams, and potential for exploitation.

Ethical P2E: A Call to Action

The promise of P2E games in Africa depends on whether we can get past the hype. To really unlock this potential, we need to build sustainable, ethical, and accessible models. We need to be careful to make sure that these games don’t turn into yet another bubble. Let’s unlock their tremendous potential to become powerful systems of economic empowerment and social change. It's time to ask, can we build a future where technology truly serves Africa, or will we let it be another tool of exploitation? The choice, as always, is ours. Surprise/Curiosity!

Here's what needs to happen:

  1. Focus on Sustainability: Developers need to create games with long-term economic models that don't rely on constant growth. Think about games like Treeverse, where you can plant NFTs and yield sellable fruits, or My Neighbor Alice, where you can buy land and build.
  2. Prioritize Accessibility: We need games that are easy to understand and play, even for those with limited technical skills and intermittent internet access.
  3. Invest in Education: Governments and NGOs need to provide training and support to help people navigate the complex world of crypto and NFTs.
  4. Promote Community Ownership: P2E projects should be designed to benefit the communities they operate in, not just the developers and investors.
  5. Demand Transparency and Accountability: We need greater transparency in the P2E gaming industry to prevent scams and protect vulnerable players.

Ultimately, the success of P2E games in Africa will depend on our ability to move beyond the hype and focus on creating sustainable, ethical, and accessible models. We need to ensure that these games are not just another bubble waiting to burst, but a genuine tool for economic empowerment and social change. It's time to ask, can we build a future where technology truly serves Africa, or will we let it be another tool of exploitation? The choice, as always, is ours. Surprise/Curiosity!