The fusion of cryptocurrencies and gaming is like a rendezvous between old friends reunited after a long hiatus, embarking on a new adventure together. It’s a meld that not only makes sense but feels almost inevitable in a digital age where boundaries between reality and virtual realms are blurring. As you delve into the gaming landscapes, you often find yourself in economies bustling with digital currencies. Yet, the recent entrant, cryptocurrency, is not just another player in the game; it’s a game-changer, leveling up the playing field to a realm where financial meets the fantastical. The integration of cryptocurrencies is redefining the essence of in-game economies, bringing along a trail of endless possibilities and a few challenges on the horizon. Through this exploration, we will traverse the realms of gaming and cryptocurrency, unveiling how this integration is not merely a trend but a substantial stride towards a new era of digital currency evolution in gaming.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and Gaming
In the realm of digital entertainment, the concept of virtual currency is not a new one. Long before Bitcoin made its entrance into the financial world, digital currencies were already a fundamental part of the gaming ecosystem. Players would earn or purchase in-game currency to acquire items, unlock new levels, or even exchange them for other forms of value within the game or with other players. However, the advent of cryptocurrencies has added a new dimension to the virtual monetary system within gaming environments, providing an opportunity for a more integrated, secure, and transparent financial ecosystem.
Cryptocurrencies, decentralized digital assets based on blockchain technology, offer a myriad of benefits over traditional in-game currencies. Unlike the latter, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks and are not controlled by a central authority like a game developer or publisher. This decentralization offers a level of transparency and security that is not typically associated with in-game currencies.
Furthermore, cryptocurrencies enable the creation of a universal currency that can be used across multiple gaming platforms and even outside the gaming world. This is a significant departure from the traditional in-game currencies, which are usually confined to a single game or gaming platform. The interoperability of cryptocurrencies opens up new possibilities for gamers and developers alike, creating a more integrated and open financial ecosystem within the gaming community.
The integration of cryptocurrencies in gaming also facilitates new models of game monetization. Through blockchain technology, developers can create and manage in-game assets that can be bought, sold, or traded across game environments and players. This not only provides players with ownership of their in-game assets but also creates a new avenue for developers to monetize their games.
Moreover, the incorporation of cryptocurrencies in gaming also has the potential to foster a new community-driven economy. Players can trade, sell, or buy in-game assets with cryptocurrencies, creating a player-driven market that can potentially contribute to the game’s longevity and community engagement.
Despite the potential benefits, the integration of cryptocurrencies in gaming also presents several challenges. For instance, the fluctuating value of cryptocurrencies may affect the in-game economy, and regulatory hurdles could pose significant barriers to adoption.
In summary, the convergence of cryptocurrencies and gaming presents a novel opportunity to enhance the financial systems within the gaming world. While challenges exist, the potential benefits of creating a more open, secure, and integrated financial ecosystem are compelling. This fusion of gaming and cryptocurrencies is poised to take the digital currency integration in gaming to the next level, setting the stage for a new era of gaming economics.
Historical Context of Digital Currencies in Gaming
The evolution of digital currencies within the gaming industry is a fascinating journey that reflects the broader shifts in digital technology and online communities. Initially, the concept of digital currency in gaming was relatively simple and confined within the boundaries of individual games.
In the early days, many online and offline games featured in-game currencies that players could earn through gameplay, purchase with real money, or sometimes win through in-game events. These currencies were used to buy a variety of in-game items such as weapons, armor, accessories, or to unlock new levels and characters. Examples include Gold in “World of Warcraft,” Gil in “Final Fantasy,” and V-Bucks in “Fortnite.” These in-game currencies served as a means to not only enhance the gaming experience but also as a monetization strategy for game developers.
As online gaming communities grew and became more interconnected, the concept of digital currencies started to evolve. Players began trading in-game items and currencies outside the game environments on various online platforms. This external trading highlighted a desire for a more open and interconnected digital economy within the gaming community. However, these early forms of digital currency trading were often unregulated and fraught with issues such as fraud, scams, and lack of transparency.
The advent of social gaming also brought about a new era of digital currency utilization within games. Games on platforms like Facebook introduced a model where players could purchase in-game currency to enhance their gaming experience. This model became a staple in the free-to-play gaming market, opening up new monetization strategies for game developers and platforms.
The progression of technology brought about the next significant phase in the evolution of digital currencies in gaming with the introduction of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Unlike traditional in-game currencies, cryptocurrencies offered a decentralized, transparent, and secure way to handle digital transactions within and outside gaming environments.
With blockchain technology, in-game assets and currencies could be tokenized on a blockchain, providing players with true ownership of their in-game items. This was a revolutionary concept that challenged the traditional centralized control of in-game assets by game developers and platforms. Projects like Enjin Coin and platforms like Steam started to explore the integration of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology within the gaming ecosystem.
The historical journey of digital currencies in gaming has been one of evolution and adaptation to new technologies and changing player expectations. The integration of cryptocurrencies represents a significant milestone in this journey, offering a glimpse into a future where digital currencies could provide a seamless bridge between the virtual worlds of gaming and the broader digital economy. This ongoing evolution continues to shape the economic landscape of the gaming industry, pushing the boundaries of digital currency integration towards a more open, secure, and player-centric economy.
The Onset of Cryptocurrencies in Gaming
The advent of cryptocurrencies in the gaming sphere marked a significant paradigm shift, bringing forth a range of new opportunities and challenges for both gamers and developers. This transition wasn’t abrupt but rather a gradual integration that mirrored the increasing acceptance and understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in the broader digital landscape.
One of the initial appeals of cryptocurrencies in gaming was the promise of true ownership of in-game assets. Traditional digital assets within games are typically licensed to the player under strict terms of service, meaning the player doesn’t actually own these assets. However, with blockchain technology, in-game assets could be tokenized and ownership of these tokens could be transferred to players. This meant that for the first time, players could truly own, buy, sell, or trade their in-game assets across game environments and players, sometimes even outside the gaming platform on which they were acquired.
Early adaptations of cryptocurrencies in gaming were seen in projects like HunterCoin. Launched in 2014, HunterCoin is a blockchain-based game where players could mine cryptocurrency by competing against each other in a digital arena. This was one of the first instances where a cryptocurrency was central to the gameplay, showcasing the potential synergy between blockchain technology and gaming.
Moreover, the onset of cryptocurrency integration saw the emergence of platforms like Enjin, which provided tools and infrastructure for game developers to incorporate blockchain and crypto assets into their games. The Enjin platform allowed for the creation, management, and integration of blockchain-based assets in games, providing a gateway for developers to explore the benefits of crypto integration such as enhanced security, new monetization strategies, and true asset ownership.
Around the same period, major gaming platforms and communities started showing interest in cryptocurrency integration. For instance, platforms like Steam initially allowed transactions with Bitcoin, although this feature was later revoked due to market volatility and high transaction fees at the time.
The growth of decentralized applications (dApps) and platforms like Ethereum provided further impetus for the integration of cryptocurrencies in gaming. Games like CryptoKitties became viral sensations, showcasing the potential of blockchain for creating and trading unique, indivisible digital assets. CryptoKitties allowed players to buy, sell, and breed unique digital cats, with each cat being a unique non-fungible token (NFT) on the Ethereum blockchain.
The onset of cryptocurrencies in gaming also brought about discussions and collaborations between game developers, blockchain companies, and the broader gaming community. These discussions were centered around the potential benefits and challenges of crypto integration, such as the potential for new monetization models, enhanced player engagement, but also the technical, legal, and economic challenges that such integration poses.
As cryptocurrencies continue to evolve and become more integrated into the mainstream financial ecosystem, their integration within the gaming industry is likely to deepen. The initial phase of integration has laid a foundation that showcases the potential benefits and the challenges ahead, setting the stage for further exploration and adaptation as both the gaming and blockchain ecosystems evolve.
Case Studies of Cryptocurrencies in Gaming
The fusion of cryptocurrencies and gaming is a burgeoning frontier with several notable projects illustrating the potential and challenges of this integration. Here are a couple of case studies that shed light on the tangible impact and the innovative applications of cryptocurrencies within the gaming industry:
1. Enjin:
Enjin is a prominent player in the blockchain gaming sector, providing a platform and ecosystem for creating, managing, and trading blockchain-based gaming assets. Enjin’s platform allows game developers to tokenize in-game assets on the Ethereum blockchain, giving players true ownership of their items. One notable game that utilizes Enjin’s platform is “Lost Relics,” an action-adventure RPG that features blockchain-based assets which players can buy, sell, or trade across a marketplace. This integration enhances the gaming experience by offering real value for in-game achievements and fostering a player-driven economy.
2. Decentraland:
Decentraland is a virtual reality platform powered by the Ethereum blockchain, where players can buy, sell, and build upon parcels of land. In Decentraland, the in-game currency called MANA, a cryptocurrency, allows players to purchase land and other assets within the game. The platform empowers players to create, experience, and monetize their content and applications. Through the integration of cryptocurrency, Decentraland offers a decentralized economy where players have tangible stakes and the ability to monetize their contributions to the virtual world.
3. The Sandbox:
The Sandbox is another virtual world that empowers players, creators, and developers to own and monetize their gaming experiences using blockchain technology. The in-game currency, SAND, is utilized for transactions within the game, allowing players to own, buy, and sell tokenized gaming assets. The Sandbox provides a space where players have control over their gaming assets and can create and monetize gaming experiences in a player-driven economy.
4. Axie Infinity:
Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game where players can earn cryptocurrency by participating in battles, collecting, and raising fantasy creatures called Axies. Players can earn the in-game currency, Small Love Potion (SLP), which can be used to breed new Axies or traded on cryptocurrency exchanges. Axie Infinity showcases a unique model of play-to-earn, where players can potentially earn a living through gameplay.
These case studies illustrate the diverse ways in which cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are being integrated into the gaming industry. From providing true ownership of in-game assets to creating entirely decentralized virtual worlds, these projects are at the forefront of a novel gaming economy. They reflect the potential of a more open, player-centric, and financially integrated gaming ecosystem.
Moreover, the success and challenges faced by these projects provide invaluable insights and lessons for the broader gaming and blockchain communities. They serve as real-world tests of the various benefits and challenges associated with integrating cryptocurrencies in gaming, contributing to the ongoing discourse and development in this exciting interdisciplinary frontier. Each of these projects, with their unique approaches and communities, contribute to the broader understanding and appreciation of the potential that lies at the intersection of gaming and blockchain technology.
Blockchain Technology in Gaming
Blockchain technology, originally developed as the backbone of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, has found a compelling use case in the gaming industry. It offers a range of solutions that address longstanding issues in gaming, such as asset ownership, security, and transparency. Here’s a closer look at how blockchain technology is transforming the gaming landscape:
1. True Ownership of In-game Assets:
One of the fundamental benefits of blockchain technology in gaming is the ability to provide true ownership of in-game assets to players. Traditional gaming ecosystems often grant players a license to use in-game items, but the assets remain under the control of game developers or publishers. With blockchain, in-game assets can be tokenized, and players receive unique, verifiable tokens representing their ownership. This tokenization ensures that players have real ownership and control over their digital items.
2. Interoperability and Cross-game Trading:
Blockchain technology introduces interoperability between different games and gaming platforms. Assets tokenized on a blockchain can be traded or used across various games, allowing players to carry their items and achievements from one game to another. This cross-game compatibility creates a more cohesive and interconnected gaming ecosystem, enhancing the overall player experience.
3. Enhanced Security:
Blockchain’s security features make it highly resilient to hacking and fraud. Transactions recorded on a blockchain are immutable and transparent, reducing the risk of unauthorized alterations. This heightened security is particularly valuable in gaming, where in-game assets and currencies are susceptible to theft and fraud.
4. Transparent Transactions:
Blockchain ensures transparency in all transactions. Every action, trade, or transfer of in-game assets is recorded on a public ledger, making it easy to verify and trace ownership. This transparency can prevent disputes and fraud, creating a fairer gaming environment.
5. Player-driven Economies:
Blockchain technology empowers players to participate in player-driven economies. They can buy, sell, or trade in-game assets with other players, often without the need for intermediaries. This decentralization allows players to control the value and scarcity of in-game items, fostering dynamic and self-regulated economies within games.
6. New Monetization Models:
Blockchain opens up new monetization models for both game developers and players. Developers can tokenize in-game assets and sell them directly to players through blockchain-based marketplaces. Players, in turn, can participate in these markets, potentially earning real-world value through their in-game activities.
7. Ownership of Digital Collectibles:
Blockchain technology has given rise to the concept of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are unique digital assets that can represent various forms of ownership. In gaming, NFTs are used to create and trade unique digital collectibles, skins, and other items. These digital collectibles have intrinsic value, as they are rare and can be owned by players as unique tokens on the blockchain.
8. Play-to-earn Models:
Certain blockchain-based games have introduced play-to-earn models, where players can earn cryptocurrency or in-game tokens by participating in the game. These rewards can be substantial, allowing some players to generate income by playing games.
9. Regulatory Compliance:
Blockchain technology can assist in regulatory compliance by providing a transparent and immutable record of transactions and ownership. This can be essential in regions with strict regulations on virtual assets and in-game transactions.
The integration of blockchain technology in gaming represents a significant leap forward in the industry’s evolution. It addresses long-standing issues related to ownership, security, and monetization while introducing new and innovative gameplay models. However, it’s important to note that blockchain gaming is still in its early stages, and challenges like scalability, user adoption, and regulatory hurdles need to be overcome. Nevertheless, the potential for a more open, secure, and player-centric gaming ecosystem makes blockchain technology a promising addition to the world of gaming. As the technology continues to mature and developers explore new possibilities, blockchain is poised to play an increasingly central role in shaping the future of gaming.
Legal and Ethical Implications of Cryptocurrency Integration in Gaming
The integration of cryptocurrencies into gaming represents an exciting frontier, but it also brings forth a host of legal and ethical considerations. As the gaming industry evolves in response to blockchain technology, it is crucial to examine the potential challenges and opportunities that emerge in this rapidly evolving landscape.
1. Regulatory Complexity:
Legal Challenge: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is still evolving in many countries. As a result, game developers and players may encounter complex and sometimes contradictory regulations. This can lead to legal challenges, particularly for cross-border transactions and global gaming communities.
Ethical Consideration: Developers and players must navigate these regulatory complexities responsibly. Ethical considerations include staying informed about local laws, adhering to regulatory compliance, and advocating for transparent and responsible gaming practices.
2. Security and Privacy Concerns:
Legal Challenge: Security breaches and data privacy violations can have severe legal repercussions. In-game wallets and transactions require robust security measures to protect players’ personal and financial information.
Ethical Consideration: Game developers have an ethical obligation to prioritize player privacy and data security. Transparent privacy policies, secure platforms, and responsible handling of user data are essential ethical practices.
3. Player Scams and Fraud:
Legal Challenge: Cryptocurrencies can be susceptible to scams and fraudulent schemes. Ponzi schemes, phishing attacks, and fake gaming assets can lead to legal disputes and financial losses for players.
Ethical Consideration: Game developers and communities should collaborate to educate players about potential scams and fraudulent activities. Ethical responsibility includes fostering a safe gaming environment and reporting suspicious activities.
4. Player-to-Player Transactions:
Legal Challenge: Player-driven economies and transactions raise questions about legal ownership and contractual agreements. Disputes can arise over trades, purchases, and sales of in-game assets.
Ethical Consideration: Developers can establish clear terms of service and dispute resolution mechanisms. Ethical conduct entails promoting fairness and transparency in player-to-player transactions.
5. In-game Economies and Speculation:
Legal Challenge: The introduction of cryptocurrencies can lead to in-game asset speculation and market manipulation, which may draw the attention of financial regulators.
Ethical Consideration: Developers should maintain a balanced in-game economy and avoid excessive speculation. Ethical responsibility includes ensuring that gameplay remains accessible and enjoyable for all players.
6. Taxation and Reporting:
Legal Challenge: Tax authorities are increasingly focusing on cryptocurrency transactions, including those within games. Players may need to report gains, and developers may face tax-related obligations.
Ethical Consideration: Ethical gaming practices involve encouraging tax compliance and financial transparency. Players and developers should be aware of their tax responsibilities and seek professional advice when necessary.
7. Age Verification and Compliance:
Legal Challenge: Cryptocurrency integration may require age verification and compliance with regulations related to online gambling. Failure to adhere to these laws can result in legal consequences.
Ethical Consideration: Ethical considerations include ensuring that age verification processes are robust and that games are appropriately labeled and marketed to specific age groups.
8. Environmental Impact:
Legal Challenge: The energy-intensive process of cryptocurrency mining has raised environmental concerns. Some regions have imposed regulations on energy consumption related to mining.
Ethical Consideration: Ethical developers and players should consider the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining and seek eco-friendly alternatives or support sustainable practices.
9. Access and Inclusivity:
Legal Challenge: Cryptocurrency integration may inadvertently exclude players who lack access to cryptocurrencies or the technical know-how to use them.
Ethical Consideration: Ethical game development involves ensuring that gameplay and benefits are accessible to all players, regardless of their cryptocurrency expertise.
10. Intellectual Property and Copyright:
Legal Challenge: Ownership and transfer of digital assets via blockchain can raise intellectual property and copyright issues, especially when real-world brands or assets are integrated into games.
Ethical Consideration: Ethical practices include respecting intellectual property rights, obtaining necessary permissions, and acknowledging the rights of content creators and copyright holders.
11. Addiction and Responsible Gaming:
Legal Challenge: The potential for players to earn real-world value through cryptocurrency integration can lead to addictive behaviors. Legal and ethical considerations involve promoting responsible gaming practices and offering support for players facing addiction issues.
Ethical Consideration: Ethical game development prioritizes the well-being of players. Implementing responsible gaming features and resources is essential to maintaining ethical standards.
In conclusion, the integration of cryptocurrencies into gaming is a transformative development that brings both opportunities and challenges. Addressing the legal and ethical implications requires collaboration among game developers, players, regulatory bodies, and the broader gaming community. By adhering to ethical principles, promoting responsible gaming, and navigating legal complexities responsibly, the gaming industry can harness the potential of cryptocurrency integration while mitigating its associated risks.
Community and Ecosystem Development in Cryptocurrency-Integrated Gaming
The successful integration of cryptocurrencies into gaming extends beyond technical implementation; it involves nurturing a thriving community and ecosystem. Building and sustaining such a community is essential for the long-term success of cryptocurrency-integrated games. Here, we explore the significance of community and ecosystem development, the strategies involved, and the ethical considerations that developers must uphold.
1. Fostering Community Engagement:
Importance: Community engagement is vital for creating a vibrant gaming ecosystem. Players who feel involved and valued are more likely to stay engaged with a game and contribute to its growth.
Strategies: Developers can foster engagement through regular communication with the community, addressing player feedback, and involving players in decision-making processes. Creating official forums, social media groups, and Discord channels can provide spaces for players to connect, share experiences, and offer suggestions.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical game development entails treating all players with respect and fairness, regardless of their level of engagement. Developers should avoid favoritism and ensure that community feedback is considered impartially.
2. Player-driven Economies:
Importance: In cryptocurrency-integrated games, player-driven economies can enhance the overall experience. Allowing players to trade, buy, and sell in-game assets empowers them and adds depth to the gaming ecosystem.
Strategies: Developers can support player-driven economies by providing secure marketplaces, implementing clear rules for transactions, and ensuring transparency in asset ownership. They can also avoid introducing excessive monetization practices that disrupt the economy.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical game development involves maintaining fairness and preventing manipulation within player-driven economies. Developers should take action against fraudulent activities and ensure that all players have a level playing field.
3. Transparency and Trust:
Importance: Trust is essential in a cryptocurrency-integrated gaming ecosystem. Players need to trust that their assets are secure, and transactions are transparent.
Strategies: Developers can build trust by providing transparent information about the blockchain technology used, implementing strong security measures, and regularly updating the community on the status of the game and its ecosystem.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical responsibility includes being honest with players about the risks and benefits of cryptocurrency integration. Developers should not mislead players about the nature of blockchain technology or the potential for financial gain.
4. Education and Onboarding:
Importance: Cryptocurrency-integrated games may attract players who are new to blockchain technology. Proper education and onboarding are essential to ensure that players understand how to use cryptocurrencies within the game.
Strategies: Developers can provide educational resources, tutorials, and guides to help players navigate cryptocurrency integration. They can also create user-friendly interfaces that simplify the process of buying, selling, and trading in-game assets.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical game development includes ensuring that players have access to comprehensive information about cryptocurrency usage and its implications. Developers should avoid creating barriers to entry for players who are unfamiliar with blockchain technology.
5. Preventing Exploitation and Addiction:
Importance: The potential for players to earn real-world value through cryptocurrency integration can lead to addictive behaviors. Developers have a responsibility to promote responsible gaming practices.
Strategies: Developers can implement features such as daily limits on transactions, reminders for breaks, and access to resources for players facing addiction issues. They should also discourage excessive speculation and focus on gameplay.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical game development prioritizes the well-being of players over profits. Developers should take measures to prevent player exploitation, address addiction, and promote a healthy gaming environment.
6. Fair Reward Systems:
Importance: In cryptocurrency-integrated games, reward systems must be fair and balanced. Players should feel that their efforts are adequately rewarded.
Strategies: Developers can implement reward structures that align with player contributions, skill, and effort. Avoiding pay-to-win mechanics and maintaining a balanced in-game economy is crucial.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical game development involves ensuring that rewards are distributed fairly and that players are not unfairly disadvantaged due to their financial capacity.
7. Community Governance:
Importance: In some cryptocurrency-integrated ecosystems, community governance allows players to participate in decision-making processes, such as protocol upgrades or asset changes.
Strategies: Developers can create governance models that involve players in key decisions. This could include voting mechanisms or community proposals for changes to the ecosystem.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical responsibility includes ensuring that community governance is transparent, free from manipulation, and truly representative of the player base.
8. Environmental Impact:
Importance: Cryptocurrency mining, especially in proof-of-work systems, can have a significant environmental impact due to energy consumption.
Strategies: Developers can opt for environmentally friendly blockchain technologies or consider alternative consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake. They can also raise awareness about the environmental implications of gaming.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical game development involves promoting sustainable practices and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with cryptocurrency integration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of cryptocurrencies into gaming represents a dynamic and transformative shift in the gaming industry. It offers numerous benefits, including true asset ownership, enhanced security, and innovative monetization models. However, this evolution also comes with a set of challenges, including regulatory complexities and ethical considerations. Developers and players alike must navigate these complexities responsibly to create a gaming ecosystem that is transparent, secure, and inclusive, while promoting responsible gaming practices and safeguarding player well-being.
FAQs
1. Can I use cryptocurrencies in any game?
Cryptocurrencies are primarily integrated into blockchain-based games or games that have explicitly adopted cryptocurrency systems. While the trend is growing, not all games support cryptocurrencies. Be sure to check if a game you’re interested in offers cryptocurrency integration.
2. How do I ensure the security of my in-game assets in cryptocurrencies-integrated game?
To secure your in-game assets, use reputable wallets and follow best practices for online security. Ensure that the game and its associated platforms have strong security measures in place. Be cautious of phishing attempts and only use official channels for transactions.
3. Are there age restrictions for using cryptocurrencies in games?
Age restrictions may vary depending on the game and regional regulations. Some cryptocurrency-integrated games may require age verification due to the potential financial implications. Always check the game’s terms of service and ensure compliance with local laws.
4. Can I make a living by playing cryptocurrency-integrated games?
While some players have earned income through cryptocurrency-integrated games, it’s not guaranteed, and it often requires significant time and skill investment. These games should be seen as a form of entertainment rather than a reliable source of income.
5. How can I get involved in the governance of a cryptocurrency-integrated gaming ecosystem?
To participate in the governance of a cryptocurrency-integrated gaming ecosystem, look for information within the game or ecosystem’s official channels. This may include voting mechanisms or community proposals. Be sure to understand the governance rules and actively engage with the community for a chance to have your voice heard.
6. Are there any tax implications associated with using cryptocurrencies in gaming?
Yes, there can be tax implications when using cryptocurrencies in gaming, such as capital gains tax on profits from buying and selling in-game assets. Tax laws vary by country, so it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or authority to understand and comply with your local tax obligations related to cryptocurrency use in games.
