Crypto: The Game
Cryptocurrency-themed game
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Crypto: The Game is a browser-based interactive survival game that combines blockchain mechanics with multiplayer elimination challenges.[1]
Description
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]
History
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]