Crypto is always evolving with new trends constantly emerging. In the crypto space, the Metaverse, NFTS, Play-to-earn and DeFi have been popular trends so far, but recently a new trend has emerged. This new trend, Move-To-Earn or FitFi, combines gaming and physical activity together to allow players to earn tokens when exercising. One Move-to-Earn game that has recently gained popularity in the cryptocurrency world is Step’n. As seen on the Google trends graphs below the words “Stepn” and “move to earn” have been steadily increasing in popularity these past few months.
Dual Token System
Stepn implements a dual token model with Green Satoshi Token (GST) and Green Metaverse Token (GMT). Both tokens can be earned and used in the game but there are stark differences between the two. GST has an unlimited supply and is considered an in-game utility token whose purpose is to be used in the app to improve sneaker features. Whereas GMT is a governance token with a max supply of 6 billion.
NFT Sneakers
In the Step’n app, players can choose between 4 NFT sneakers: walker (1-6 km/hour), jogger (4-10 km/hour), runner (8-20 km/hour) or trainer (1-20 km/hour). Each sneaker has an associated speed limit and players are encouraged to choose a sneaker based on their average speed. Users are able to buy the NFT sneakers in the Step’n app’s marketplace with Solana as currency. In addition, Each sneaker has 4 traits:
- Efficiency: the higher it is the more GST is earned
- Luck: the higher it is the higher the frequency and quality of mystery boxes
- Comfortability: The higher it is the greater GMT earning potential
- Resilience: The higher it is the less costly it is to repair sneakers
Players are then able to win GST (Green Satoshi Token) tokens in the game as they move with an in app GPS tracking their movements in order to prevent cheating.The GST tokens serve several uses in the game, such as repairing sneakers and leveling up sneakers. Players can also trade GST for other tokens like USDC, Solana or Green Metaverse Token (GMT).
Step’n Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle
Obesity is considered an epidemic in the United States due to several factors, such as overindulgence in fast food and a lack of exercise. According to an annual report from Trust For America’s Health, there are 16 states in 2021 that have obesity rates at >35% compared to 12 states in 2019. The report argues that the pandemic resulted in “changes in eating habits, worsened levels of food insecurity, created obstacles to physical activity and heightened stress”. Furthermore, obesity is not only a problem in the U.S, in fact The World Health Organization has claimed that “world wide obesity has tripled since 1975”. An app like Step’n encourages people to go outside and exercise. Because Step’n is a game, it makes exercising fun instead of feeling like a chore. Plus, there is a monetary incentive to Step’n as well. As previously discussed, players earn GST and GMT when playing and can convert those tokens into USDC, trade it for fiat and transfer it to their bank account. Essentially, players make money from just exercising! Overall, Step’n makes it fun and rewarding to exercise. No wonder Step’n currently has 1 million registered users even though the game only was recently launched in December 2021.
In conclusion, Step’n is the first Move-to-earn game to reach this level of success but it is not the only move-to-earn game around. Other notable mentions are Step App/FitFi, Genopets and Wirtual. All three games are based on players earning tokens based on fitness activities. If Step’n and other Move-to-Earn games continue to gain popularity then that would be a positive in combating obesity worldwide. As move-to-earn continues to gain traction, the cryptocurrency community should fully expect more fitness aimed games to be following in Step’n footsteps.