
"Move to Earn (M2E)" refers to Web3 applications and services that enable users to earn cryptocurrency or tokens by engaging in physical exercise and movement. This innovative model combines NFT technology, DeFi (Decentralized Finance), blockchain infrastructure, and gamification elements to incentivize users' physical activities and promote healthier lifestyles.
Ecosystem NFT Purchase: Most M2E platforms require users to purchase NFTs within the ecosystem (such as in-game sneakers) before they can start earning tokens. Some platforms also offer limited free features for non-NFT holders to lower the entry barrier.
Activity Tracking: M2E applications utilize smartphone sensors to track users' movement data. While walking and running are the most common tracked activities, different platforms may support various types of physical activities depending on their specific design and target audience.
Reward System: Users' physical activities are converted into token rewards. These tokens can be used to purchase in-app items, upgrade NFT assets, or exchanged on other platforms. This direct economic reward for real-world physical activities represents a major innovation in the fitness and blockchain space.
Physical Activity and Reward Connection: Unlike other "X-to-Earn" models (such as Play-to-Earn or Learn-to-Earn), M2E specifically rewards actual physical activities, actively promoting users' healthy lifestyles and creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both individual health and economic incentives.
The earliest example of Move to Earn can be traced back to Lympo, which has been offering LYM tokens as rewards for healthy lifestyles for several years. However, the M2E model gained significant attention and rapid growth starting in 2022. By 2023, platforms adopting this model have matured considerably, with strengthened tokenomics (token economics) and enhanced branding strategies.
STEPN stands as a representative application in this space, acquiring over 550,000 users within just six months of its release, with more than 420,000 sneaker NFTs minted on the platform. This explosive growth demonstrates the market's strong appetite for combining fitness with blockchain technology.
| Game Name | Token Name | Key Features | Launch Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEPN GO | GMT, GST, GGT | Leading Move to Earn game. Earn tokens through physical exercise. | December 2021 |
| Sweatcoin | SWEAT | Accumulate points based on step count, exchangeable for products and services. | 2018 |
| Step App | FITFI | Fusion of fitness and cryptocurrency in Move to Earn. Acquire tokens through exercise records. | April 2022 |
| Genopets | GENE | Move to Earn game combining pet raising and battle elements. | November 2021 |
| Digital Fitness | DEFIT | Earn tokens through various sports and fitness activities. | 2021 |
STEPN GO was announced in May 2024 by Find Satoshi Lab, the development team behind the original "STEPN" application. This Move to Earn app allows users to equip NFT sneakers and earn tokens and new NFTs by walking or jogging. The platform offers a unique gaming experience where users can simultaneously maintain their health and generate income. However, as of September 2024, the main version has not yet launched, with the beta version continuing to be provided, meaning that features and specifications of the official version may be subject to change.
STEPN GO operates with three types of tokens, each serving distinct roles within the ecosystem:
GMT (Green Metaverse Token): A governance token that enables holders to participate in voting and community decision-making within the platform, giving users a voice in the project's future direction.
GST (Green Satoshi Token): An in-app reward token used for upgrading sneakers and purchasing items, serving as the primary currency for daily transactions and improvements.
GGT (Green Game Token): Required for minting (creating new NFT sneakers) and other advanced in-game functions, acting as a premium currency for high-level activities.
One of STEPN GO's attractive features is the variety of NFT sneakers available to suit different activity levels. From "Walker" for casual walkers, "Jogger" for moderate joggers, to "Runner" for serious runners, the platform offers diverse options tailored to various lifestyles and fitness levels.
New Features and Enhancements
PvP Elements: Players compete against each other in ranking formats, with top performers earning GMT token rewards, adding a competitive dimension to the fitness experience.
New Energy System: Energy is acquired by burning sneaker NFTs. Daily energy usage has limits, which can be expanded through burning, creating a strategic element to gameplay.
Enhanced Social Features: Chat functions, 3D avatar creation, and map-based player displays enable user interaction and community building within the app.
"Haus System" for User Promotion: Sneaker lending and gifting features make it easier for new users without NFTs to participate, lowering the entry barrier and expanding the user base.
Gameplay and Earning Methods
Earn through walking or running while enjoying the added competitive element of PvP, diversifying earning opportunities beyond simple movement tracking.
Sneakers have four status attributes that affect earning methods:
App Download and Account Creation
Wallet Setup
Preparing NFT Sneakers
Understanding the Energy System
Sneaker Minting (Creating New Sneakers)
Tips for Earning: Effective earning strategies include upgrading sneakers and selecting optimal running or walking routes. Additionally, participating in community events and challenges operated by the DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) can provide additional reward opportunities and enhance community engagement.
Sweatcoin is a "Move to Earn" app that rewards users for exercising. By walking or exercising, users accumulate Sweatcoin (SWC), an in-app currency. SWC can be exchanged for gift cards and products, as well as the cryptocurrency "SWEAT," which can be traded on international exchanges. In July 2022, Sweatcoin raised $13 million in funding and tokenized SWEAT on the NEAR blockchain. The platform is free to start and doesn't require NFT purchases, making it accessible for beginners. With over 120 million users, the app offers numerous products and services from in-app partners.
App Download: Install the Sweatcoin application on your smartphone from the app store.
Account Creation: Sign up using your Apple ID or Google Play ID and connect with your smartphone's healthcare app for automatic step tracking.
Exercise and Earn: Simply carry your smartphone while walking, and steps are automatically counted, accumulating SWC. Exchange SWC for products and services within the app, or connect the Sweat Wallet app to convert to SWEAT tokens.
Earning Methods and Features: Besides walking, SWC can be earned through friend referrals and watching advertisements, providing multiple earning streams. Additionally, SWEAT can be staked in "Growth Jars" within the Sweat Wallet to earn rewards based on interest rates. The platform offers various functions beyond step counting to maximize SWEAT acquisition.
Step App is a "FitFi (Fitness Finance)" application that combines fitness with cryptocurrency, allowing users to earn FITFI tokens through exercise as a Move to Earn app. The main currency within the app is FITFI, functioning as a governance token. Users can not only earn tokens by walking or running but also improve exercise efficiency with NFT sneakers and headsets, or compete with other users in tournaments for additional rewards.
Obtain the App: Download the application from your device's app store.
Token Purchase: FITFI tokens can be purchased on major exchanges and leading trading platforms that support the token.
Wallet Selection: Storage in secure hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor is recommended for optimal security of your digital assets.
Exercise and Earn: Perform walking or running activities in the app to acquire FITFI and KCAL tokens. Trade sneakers on the NFT marketplace to monetize your assets and maximize earnings.
Step App represents a new style of health application where users earn tokens while exercising, combining fitness goals with financial incentives.
Genopets is a "Move to Earn" game where players raise digital pets linked to real-world exercise while earning rewards. Players customize their Genopets and develop them through battles and exploration. Real-world step counts are converted into in-game energy, which can be used for pet evolution and PvP battles. The game utilizes NFTs for Genopet breeding and trading, with players earning "KI" tokens as rewards. Operating on the Solana blockchain, the platform is designed to promote healthy lifestyles through engaging gameplay mechanics.
Obtain the App: Download the Genopets application to begin your journey.
Genopet Creation: Start by hatching a Genopet egg to birth your digital companion.
Acquire Energy Through Activity: Real exercise (such as step counts) is converted into in-game energy, which can be utilized for pet evolution and PvP battles.
Battles and Item Collection: Battle other players in PvP to acquire KI tokens and items to strengthen your Genopet and enhance its capabilities.
This innovative Move to Earn game transforms real exercise into gameplay, offering rewards through pet raising and battles in a revolutionary style.
According to a 2013 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, monetary rewards of $2 to $46 per week promoted fitness participation for approximately six months. Another study demonstrated that even small rewards of 1/1000 cent per step effectively increased physical activity. Furthermore, research published in Nature showed that small-scale monetary rewards for exercise enhance people's motivation to exercise.
The Move to Earn fitness app market was valued at approximately $391.7 million in 2021, with continued expansion expected. In recent years, the M2E market continues to grow, with smartphone proliferation and increasing demand for wearable devices driving further market expansion. In particular, innovations in 5G technology, AI, and AR are enriching the fitness experience and amplifying needs for home workouts and personalized training programs.
Move to Earn games represent a new form of entertainment where you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle while earning rewards. However, each game has unique features and reward systems, with different initial investment requirements and supported activities.
For example, STEPN GO requires purchasing NFT sneakers to earn through running or walking, while Sweatcoin is free to start and allows point accumulation based on step counts. If you enjoy pet raising, Genopets might be ideal, while those with a competitive spirit might prefer Step App. It's important to choose based on your interests and lifestyle. Find the Move to Earn game that suits you best and enjoy gaining both health and income while having fun in this innovative ecosystem.
STEPN GO is a move-to-earn game where users earn GGT tokens by walking, running, or jogging. Players purchase or rent NFT sneakers to start earning. The game features a daily earning cap, token burning mechanism for sustainability, and a rental system allowing shoe owners to generate passive income. Higher level shoes and attributes increase earning potential.
Connect a Solana or BNB Chain wallet to begin. Purchase NFT sneakers from the marketplace to start earning. Initial investment is minimal, typically ranging from a few dollars to hundreds depending on your sneaker choice and earning goals.
Earned tokens can be withdrawn to your crypto wallet and traded on cryptocurrency exchanges. You can convert them to other cryptocurrencies or fiat currency. Some games also support direct NFT marketplace transactions for in-game assets.
STEPN GO rewards users for real-world physical activity and movement tracking. Axie Infinity and Splinterlands are NFT-based battle games focused on creature trading and strategic combat. STEPN GO emphasizes fitness integration, while others prioritize gameplay mechanics and NFT economics.
Move to Earn games involve cryptocurrency price volatility risks. Token value fluctuations can reduce earnings significantly. Understand game mechanics thoroughly, monitor market conditions, and only invest what you can afford to lose. Research project credibility before participating.
STEPN GO does not require purchasing NFT sneakers to start. Through the Haus system, players can participate for free. However, to own sneakers, the minimum cost is approximately 8,000 USD.
Maximize earnings by owning NFT sneakers, completing daily activities consistently, trading in-game items strategically, and staking tokens for passive rewards. Participate in competitive challenges and leverage multiple platforms like StepN and Sweat Economy for diversified income streams.
Move to Earn games show strong potential with evolving gameplay beyond simple mechanics. Market growth driven by user engagement, content depth, and ecosystem integration. Success depends on sustainable tokenomics and continuous innovation to maintain long-term viability.











