Move-to-Earn vs Play-to-Earn: Which is Better for Startups?

The worlds of gaming and cryptocurrency have merged in the past few years. This has given rise to two innovative models: Move-to-Earn and Play-to-Earn.

On the one side we have Move-to-Earn (M2E), in which users earn for moving their bodies, like walking, running, and cycling. On the other side is the Play-to-Earn (P2E) model, in which users are paid for playing games.

But the question that arises here is: which model wins?

In a continuous debate between Move to Earn vs Play to Earn, it becomes difficult for startups to choose between one business model. Is it the same for you too?

To help you out, we have curated a complete blog on M2E vs P2E. This will help you weigh their pros and cons such that you can pick the best model for your startup business.

Without further delay, let’s begin with the blog!

What Is Move-to-Earn (M2E)?

Move-to-Earn (M2E) is a fitness-focused business model where users earn real-world value, usually in cryptocurrency or tokens, by performing physical activities like walking, running, cycling, or completing workouts. Instead of just tracking steps or calories, M2E platforms reward movement and help users turn everyday exercise into great profits.

Typical M2E mechanics include:

• Activity tracking: Steps, distance, or workouts recorded via smartphones or wearables.
• Token rewards: Users earn crypto, points, or NFTs based on their activity.
• Wearable integration: Smartwatches, fitness bands, or apps sync data to verify activity and trigger rewards.

Popular examples of M2E apps include Sweatcoin, which converts steps into digital currency, and Step App, which combines fitness tracking with gamified rewards.

Why Do Startups Prefer the Move-to-Earn Business Model?

Here are the main advantages of move-to-earn for startups:

Taps Into the Booming Fitness Market

The global fitness app market is growing rapidly, projected to reach USD 120.37 billion by 2030 as people increasingly embrace health and wellness. M2E allows startups to ride this wave while adding the incentive of earning, which attracts users who might not engage with traditional fitness apps.

Encourages Habitual Engagement

By rewarding users for daily movement, M2E apps create sticky habits. Users open the app, track activity, and earn tokens repeatedly. This is a powerful way to increase retention compared to one-off purchases or standard fitness apps.

Gamification Meets Motivation

M2E combines fitness with game-like incentives, which include leaderboards, achievements, and token rewards. This keeps users motivated while providing a platform for community building, challenges, and social engagement.

Multiple Revenue Streams

Startups can monetize M2E platforms in several ways. This includes transaction fees on token usage or NFT trading, premium subscriptions for advanced features, and sponsorships and partnerships with health brands.

What Is Play-to-Earn (P2E)?

Play-to-Earn (P2E) is an innovative gaming model that allows players to earn real-world value, typically in the form of cryptocurrency or NFTs. They earn for their in-game time and achievements. Instead of just playing for fun, gamers play to profit.

Play-to-earn crypto games let players complete quests, win battles, collect rare items, and breed characters that can be traded as NFTs. Players have the opportunity to earn native tokens that can be exchanged for cryptocurrency or sold on external marketplaces.

Axie Infinity was one of the first major successes in the field. It’s basically a game inspired by Pokémon, where you can breed, battle, and trade these little digital creatures called Axies. In 2021, Axie Infinity generated over $1.3 billion in revenue and created a whole economy based on its token system.

It was a big deal that really brought P2E into the spotlight for startups all over the world.

Why Do Startups Prefer the Play-to-Earn Business Model?

Here are some benefits of play-to-earn for startups that make it a profitable model in 2025:

Huge & Ready-Made Market

In 2023, the global gaming market was valued at about USD 281.77 billion, and it’s projected to hit USD 665.77 billion by 2030. There are millions of active players around the globe, making gaming more popular than ever! That means P2E startups can tap into an existing audience that already spends time and money in virtual worlds.

Built-In Monetization Through Tokenomics

Unlike traditional games that rely on ads or one-time purchases, P2E models can monetize through native tokens, NFT trading, and in-game economies. Every item, battle, or quest can generate value, not just for players, but for the startup via transaction fees, token appreciation, or marketplace revenue.

Community-Led Growth

P2E ecosystems thrive on active and invested players who double as promoters. Users with financial stakes in a game’s success are more likely to recruit others and grow the community. It is a form of organic marketing that most startups dream of.

Investor Attraction and Hype Potential

Blockchain gaming still holds strong investor appeal. Venture capitalists see P2E startups as a key part of Web3 consumer adoption, making fundraising easier than for traditional gaming.

Scalable Global Model

Since P2E is based on decentralized networks, startups can start scaling up globally right from the beginning. Building a play-to-earn game from scratch can help reach players from the Philippines to the U.S. without regional restrictions. The crypto infrastructure removes friction in payments, rewards, and ownership.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Move-to-Earn vs Play-to-Earn for Startups

Now, let’s have a look at the Move-to-Earn vs Play-to-Earn comparison in a tabular format!

Feature	Play-to-Earn (P2E)	Move-to-Earn (M2E)
Core Concept	Players earn rewards by completing in-game tasks, battles, or missions.	Users earn tokens or rewards by being physically active, like walking, running, cycling, etc.
Primary Motivation	Entertainment, gaming achievements, and digital asset ownership.	Health, fitness, and lifestyle improvement with financial incentives.
Target Audience	Gamers, NFT collectors, crypto enthusiasts.	Fitness lovers, casual users, wellness-focused individuals.
User Engagement	Driven by gameplay, storylines, and competition.	Driven by real-world activity tracking and daily movement.
Technology Used	Game engines, blockchain integration, NFTs, and tokenomics.	Fitness trackers, GPS, blockchain, and mobile apps.
Earning Mechanism	Earn tokens or NFTs through gaming success or in-game economy.	Earn tokens based on steps, distance, or calories burned.
Community Building	Strong gaming communities and guild systems.	Fitness communities, challenges, and social leaderboards.
Best For	Startups targeting gaming markets and metaverse experiences.	Startups focusing on health-tech, wellness, and lifestyle innovation.

Which Model is Better for Startups: Move-to-Earn or Play-to-Earn?

When it comes to choosing between Move-to-Earn (M2E) and Play-to-Earn (P2E), there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both models shine in their own way, and it depends on what your startup wants to achieve.

• If your focus is on health, lifestyle, and real-world engagement, Move-to-Earn is a fantastic choice. The future of move-to-earn is even more promising. It connects with users beyond the screen and encourages better habits while offering tangible rewards. Fitness and wellness startups can use M2E to tap into the growing health market and keep users motivated and active.
• On the other hand, play-to-earn continues to dominate the gaming and entertainment scene. It is perfect for startups aiming to build immersive worlds, thriving communities, and sustainable digital economies. With NFTs and metaverse integration, P2E opens the door to massive engagement and long-term monetization potential.

Wrapping Up

So, that brings us to the end of this blog!

At the end of the day, both Move-to-Earn and Play-to-Earn have their own magic. The former gets people moving, the other keeps them glued to the screen.

The “better” choice really depends on what kind of experience you want to build and who you want to reach. Startups that mix creativity, engagement, and real rewards are the ones that stand out.

And if you are thinking, “How do I even start?” That’s where Technoloader comes in. We can help you bring your move-to-earn or play-to-earn idea to life without the headache.

FAQs

What is Move-to-Earn vs. Play-to-Earn?

Move-to-Earn (M2E) is all about rewarding you for getting active, like walking, running, or biking. On the other hand, Play-to-Earn (P2E) lets you earn tokens or NFTs just by playing games. Both models combine blockchain technology with engagement.

Can a startup succeed with Move-to-Earn?

Absolutely! The move-to-earn model is booming as people become more health-conscious. Startups can succeed by offering unique incentives, smooth app functionality, and strong community features that keep users motivated to stay active.

Is play-to-earn still profitable in 2025?

Yes! In 2025, successful P2E projects focus on sustainable economies, enjoyable gameplay, and long-term engagement instead of quick profits. Startups that strike the right balance between fun and rewards can still thrive in this space.

Which model has lower barriers to entry for startups?

Generally, Move-to-Earn has a slightly lower entry barrier since it can start with a simple mobile app and basic blockchain integration. Play-to-earn often requires more investment in game design, assets, and token ecosystems.

How do you retain users in move-to-earn apps?

Consistency and motivation are key. Startups considering to develop move-to-earn apps can retain users by integrating challenges, leaderboards, social sharing, and tiered rewards. Adding real-world partnerships with fitness brands or local events can also keep the community engaged.

What are the main risks of play-to-earn startups?

The biggest risks include token inflation, unsustainable economies, and declining user interest if the gameplay isn’t engaging. To avoid these pitfalls, startups need to prioritize fun, balance tokenomics carefully, and continuously refresh game content.