The Move-to-Earn (M2E) model, popularized by STEPN, has taken the crypto space by storm, combining physical activity with blockchain rewards. The idea is simple: users earn tokens for walking, running, or exercising, providing both fitness incentives and financial rewards. While STEPN remains one of the biggest players in this space, new projects are emerging, building on the same concept but offering their own unique twists.
So, what’s next for the M2E sector, and which projects are worth watching as they evolve beyond STEPN?
STEPN: The Foundation of Move-to-Earn
Before diving into what's next, it’s important to understand what made STEPN successful. Launched in 2021, STEPN allowed users to earn GST and GMT tokens by tracking their steps with NFTs in the form of sneakers. By gamifying fitness, STEPN attracted a huge community, but the rewards model relied heavily on new users purchasing NFT sneakers, which raised questions about sustainability.
While STEPN continues to operate and update its platform, the inflation of tokens and reliance on constant new user onboarding have caused many to wonder about the long-term viability of its economic model. Despite these concerns, STEPN set the groundwork for future M2E projects by demonstrating that users are willing to combine physical activity with financial incentives.
1. Sweatcoin 🏃♂️💸
One of the leading M2E projects to follow STEPN is Sweatcoin. Unlike STEPN, Sweatcoin started as a fitness app in the traditional Web2 world and later pivoted to Web3 by launching its own cryptocurrency, SWEAT. The key difference here is that Sweatcoin is free to use—users don’t need to buy NFTs or hold tokens to participate.
Sweatcoin tracks users' steps and rewards them with SWEAT tokens, which can be redeemed for goods or services or traded on crypto exchanges. The app boasts millions of active users globally, making it one of the most popular fitness apps in the world.
Looking ahead, Sweatcoin’s mass adoption model could drive the project further as it integrates more DeFi features and dApps. If it can manage token inflation and keep users engaged, SWEAT could be one of the stronger M2E tokens on the market.
2. Genopets 🐾
Genopets is an M2E project with a unique twist—it blends Move-to-Earn with Play-to-Earn (P2E) and NFT gaming. Users raise and evolve their own digital pets (Genopets) by walking and exercising. The more active the user, the stronger their Genopet becomes, and this progress can be monetized through in-game rewards and NFTs.
Genopets stands out by combining fitness with strategy and gaming mechanics. Users must think about how to evolve and strengthen their pets, adding a layer of engagement beyond just walking. The project’s focus on gamification and the broader GameFi sector makes it more sustainable, as users are drawn in by the fun, not just the financial rewards.
The future of Genopets looks promising as it taps into the growing demand for NFT-based games. If Genopets can maintain its balance between gameplay and fitness incentives, it has the potential to build a dedicated community and attract more players into the M2E world.
3. Step App 👟
Step App is another strong contender in the M2E space, and it's built on Avalanche, a fast and scalable blockchain. Much like STEPN, Step App allows users to earn tokens through physical activity while using NFT sneakers. The platform’s native token, FITFI, powers the ecosystem and offers staking rewards and governance features.
What makes Step App unique is its emphasis on competition and community building. The app features fitness challenges and competitions, allowing users to race against friends or participate in global events. This community-driven approach enhances user engagement and makes the app more than just a fitness tracker.
The future of Step App depends largely on how it can differentiate itself from STEPN and attract new users. If Step App can continue building a strong community and integrate more DeFi and social features, it could carve out a niche for itself in the M2E space.
Sustainability and Challenges Ahead
While the M2E model has clear appeal, especially as more people look for ways to combine fitness and financial incentives, it faces several challenges moving forward. One of the biggest concerns is the sustainability of token rewards. Projects like STEPN rely on users buying NFT sneakers or other assets, but without a strong secondary use for the tokens, there is a risk of token inflation.
Additionally, many of these projects are still dependent on crypto market conditions. If the market dips, token prices drop, making the financial rewards less attractive to users. This is why projects like Sweatcoin, which doesn’t rely heavily on upfront investments, might be better positioned for long-term success.
The key for M2E projects moving forward will be to build strong ecosystems that go beyond token rewards. Whether through community engagement, gaming elements, or partnerships with brands, the most successful platforms will be those that create lasting value beyond just paying users to walk.
Conclusion
Move-to-Earn projects like STEPN, Sweatcoin, Genopets, and Step App have shown that the concept of earning rewards for physical activity can capture users’ interest. As the space evolves, these projects will need to focus on sustainability, community building, and innovative features to keep users engaged long-term.
💬 What’s your experience with Move-to-Earn platforms? Do you think this model will continue to grow? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
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