| Crypto: The Game | |
|---|---|
| Publisher(s) | Uniswap |
| Writer(s) |
|
| Platform(s) | Browser-based |
| Release | January 2024 |
Crypto: The Game is a browser-based interactive survival game that combines blockchain mechanics with multiplayer elimination challenges. [1]
Players pay an entry fee of 0.1 ETH (approximately $200) and are placed into one of ten tribes. Each day, tribes compete in browser-based minigames including Flappy Bird -style arcade games, digital scavenger hunts, and logic puzzles. The losing tribes must vote to eliminate players. [1] Midway through the season, the tribes merge and players compete individually. A jury of eliminated contestants selects the winner at the end. [2]
The game has been compared to reality competition shows such as Survivor , Squid Game , and The Traitors, and to The Hunger Games . [1] [3] In an interview, Abruscato said the founders "all loved Survivor growing up or we're Survivor super fans." [4]
Crypto: The Game was created by Dylan Abruscato, Tyler Cagle, and Bryan Lee, and launched in January 2024 with 410 players paying a cryptocurrency entry fee. [3]
The second season, "Anon Island", premiered in April 2024, adding NFT-based anonymous entries and a prize pool of 80 ETH (approximately $140,000 at the time). [5] Crypto: The Game partnered with Adidas, which created co-branded tracksuits for contestants. Axios reported that the partnership had "little fanfare" on Adidas' part. [6] Cryptocurrency companies Uniswap, Lens, Wormhole, POAP, and Safe sponsored in-game challenges. [5] In June 2024, Uniswap acquired the project in a deal involving cash, tokens, and equity. The second season was sold out in 13 minutes. [3] [6] The third season, "Resurrection Island", debuted in March 2025 with 716 players. It introduced a twist that allowed eliminated contestants to return through special challenges. [7] Across all three seasons, the format remained largely consistent, with daily challenges, nightly eliminations, and a final jury vote to determine the winner. [7]
A Wired reporter embedded anonymously in Season 3 and described the experience as socially complex and time-intensive. [1] Crypto: The Game was submitted for consideration at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Emerging Media Program category. [8] [2] Variety included it in its preview coverage as one of the standout entries in the emerging media category. [9]