NFT Standards that You Can Use for Creating Games

NFT (non-fungible tokens) represents one of the most significant innovations in the blockchain gaming industry, fundamentally reshaping how players perceive and interact with digital ownership. In blockchain-based games, owning an NFT signifies ownership of valuable in-game items such as digital lands, creatures, weapons, armor, magical potions, and character skins. The underlying smart contract mechanism inherent in NFTs empowers players to earn tangible rewards through gameplay. For instance, when a digital creature equipped with a limited-edition skin participates in battle, victorious players can receive additional rewards including in-game tokens or supplementary NFTs.

The blockchain ecosystem encompasses numerous NFT standards applicable to game development. Among these, ERC-721 and ERC-1155 stand out as the most widely utilized NFT standards for gaming environments. Since major blockchain networks maintain Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility, all Ethereum-based NFT standards can be seamlessly deployed across multiple blockchain platforms, attracting hundreds of games across various genres to robust blockchain ecosystems.

ERC-721 - The most common NFT standard that proves the ownership

ERC-721 emerged in 2018 as the solution to overcome the limitations of ERC-20 tokens. While ERC-20 tokens are functionally identical, interchangeable, and unsuitable for proving individual item ownership, ERC-721 tokens are unique and indivisible. This characteristic makes ERC-721 ideal as a certificate of ownership for digital goods or real-world assets produced in limited quantities, which is why game studios predominantly adopt ERC-721 as the standard for proving ownership of in-game items.

Early blockchain games exemplified the successful implementation of ERC-721 as pioneering projects to adopt this NFT standard. In these games, players could own and breed unique digital assets, with each asset represented by an individual ERC-721 token. This approach effectively proved ownership and differentiated each asset from others within the game ecosystem, with each asset commanding a distinct marketplace price based on its unique attributes.

The introduction of ERC-721 catalyzed the integration of NFT technology with gaming, inspiring thousands of developers to create blockchain games, including globally recognized titles in the GameFi space. However, widespread adoption revealed significant limitations. High transaction costs and constrained data storage capacity emerged as primary drawbacks. To address these constraints, developers created advanced NFT standards to enhance utility. The high gas fees particularly impact users minting multiple ERC-721 NFTs simultaneously. In response, developers introduced ERC-721A, an extension of ERC-721 that enables minting multiple NFTs at essentially the same cost as minting a single token.

BEP-721 - The modification of ERC-721

BEP-721 represents a blockchain network's token standard specifically designed for creating non-fungible tokens. Functionally equivalent to ERC-721, each BEP-721 token maintains uniqueness and remains non-interchangeable with other tokens. BEP-721 token transfers require network-native tokens as payment for network gas fees. Multiple platforms within various blockchain ecosystems support BEP-721 token creation, facilitating broader accessibility for game developers. This standard has become instrumental for developers building games on compatible blockchain networks, providing a native NFT alternative while maintaining compatibility with the chain's infrastructure and economic model.

ERC-1155 - Another common NFT standard that minimizes the cost and time of transaction

ERC-1155 was developed by specialized blockchain game solution teams to overcome ERC-721's inherent shortcomings. While each ERC-721 token requires individual smart contracts and separate transactions—potentially resulting in high transaction fees—ERC-1155 enables multiple token types to share a single smart contract. This architectural advantage allows users to transfer hundreds of gaming items in a single transaction, dramatically reducing costs and execution time.

Popular GameFi projects demonstrate the strategic application of ERC-1155. Development teams deployed ERC-1155 for common and uncommon NFTs that typically exist in higher quantities and require frequent transfers. Conversely, rare and legendary NFTs, which are inherently scarce, are represented using ERC-721 tokens. This hybrid approach optimizes both transaction efficiency and asset scarcity management. Additionally, many games utilize ERC-1155 for implementing mystery box mechanisms, where players can purchase and transfer multiple mystery boxes efficiently within a single transaction.

ERC-998 - Transferring multiple ERC-721 and ERC-20 tokens in one transaction

ERC-998 introduces a novel capability enabling ERC-721 tokens to own other ERC-721 tokens and ERC-20 tokens simultaneously. Under this NFT standard, an ERC-998 token functions as a "Parent token" with associated "Child contract addresses" and "Child Tokens." This architecture enables comprehensive asset bundling within single transactions. For example, when purchasing an in-game character using ERC-998, buyers acquire the character alongside all associated wearables, accessories, and in-game tokens as a unified package. Notably, when selling or trading the parent character, all child assets transfer automatically, eliminating the need for separate transactions. Game developers can leverage ERC-998 to create sophisticated mystery boxes containing multiple asset types, enhancing both user experience and transaction efficiency.

BEP129 - A NFT standard created for GameFi specific NFT on blockchain networks

BEP-129 extends ERC-721 functionality by introducing a streamlined data structure specifically designed for storing mutable attributes. This innovation empowers players to dynamically customize their digital assets according to personal preferences. In practice, game characters can modify clothing colors, while NPCs can update their skill sets in real-time. Such customization capabilities significantly enrich the in-game experience and player engagement.

Conventionally, ERC-721 stores metadata externally and references it through URIs, creating potential vulnerability if external servers become inaccessible or fail. BEP-129 addresses this critical limitation by storing metadata directly on-chain, eliminating dependency on external servers. Furthermore, BEP-129 grants verified NFT owners the authority to modify their NFT metadata directly, enhancing both security and autonomy. This on-chain metadata storage approach ensures the permanence and integrity of digital assets, making BEP-129 particularly valuable for GameFi applications requiring reliable, mutable asset attributes.

ERC-4610 - Allowing players to borrow their NFTs from other players while earning rewards

ERC-4610 represents a specialized liquidity protocol for gaming NFT assets, enabling non-custodial lending mechanisms. This NFT standard facilitates non-custodial, non-collateralized, on-chain borrowing and lending of in-game NFTs, fundamentally transforming how players monetize idle assets. ERC-4610 decentralizes play-to-earn scholarship programs by standardizing yield generation processes directly into NFT protocols.

Under ERC-4610, asset owners can delegate their NFTs to other players to generate earnings without relinquishing ownership or risking asset loss. For illustration, a player possessing a powerful magical wand can lend it directly to another player, earning rewards whenever the borrower employs the wand to win battles. Critically, delegators retain no transfer permissions; their authority extends only to operational capabilities determined by the application or game design. When asset transfers occur, only the original owner or authorized parties can execute such transactions, maintaining robust asset security. This structure preserves owner rights while enabling profitable asset delegation, creating a secondary economy around NFT utility.

EIP-3754 - Strengthening the right of players who own an NFT

EIP-3754 establishes a framework specifically designed to enhance and clarify the rights of NFT owners. The standard grants owners explicit rights—though not obligations—to purchase additional ERC-721 tokens, facilitating the development of on-chain subscription business models. This enhanced rights framework improves conceptual clarity surrounding NFT ownership, ensuring that owner privileges are unambiguously defined and technically enforceable within smart contracts.

Practical applications include enabling players to secure exclusive purchasing rights for limited-edition game items or granting membership benefits that provide recurring access to premium in-game content. By standardizing these rights mechanisms within NFT standards, developers can create more sophisticated economic models that reward long-term player engagement and asset ownership.

EIP-1948 - Scaling data storage of an NFT

EIP-1948 extends ERC-721 by introducing support for mutable, dynamic data storage within NFTs. Unlike standard ERC-721, which permits data entry exclusively during the minting phase with no subsequent modifications, EIP-1948 incorporates a 32-byte data field supplemented by write functions enabling owners to update information continuously. This capability transforms static NFTs into dynamic digital assets that evolve with gameplay and player customization.

GameFi applications benefit substantially from this NFT standard's flexibility. For instance, players can customize creature appearances based on breeding results or in-game achievements. Similarly, weapon NFTs can evolve in appearance or effectiveness as players apply upgrades or modifications. This dynamic nature increases player engagement by creating persistent records of character development and personal customization within the blockchain, making each NFT genuinely unique throughout its lifecycle.

EIP-2615 - Allows players to rent out game items in games

EIP-2615 proposes an extension to ERC-721 incorporating rental and mortgage functionality, enabling game developers to integrate these features through a backward-compatible implementation. A distinguishing characteristic of EIP-2615 is the conceptual separation between ownership and usage rights—the entity possessing operational authority over an asset is the user (tenant), not necessarily the owner.

This NFT standard unlocks diverse economic opportunities within games. Players can generate passive income by renting NFTs to other players, while borrowers gain temporary access to premium items without substantial capital investment. Additionally, players can collateralize NFTs to secure loans, creating a decentralized lending ecosystem. Practical applications extend beyond gaming to encompass virtual items, physical assets, intellectual property rights, and DAO membership tokens, making EIP-2615 a versatile standard for creating dynamic rental economies within blockchain-based platforms.

EIP-2981 - A mechanism to robust the NFT game marketplace

EIP-2981 establishes mechanisms enabling smart contracts to signal royalty amounts to NFT creators or rights holders each time an NFT transfers or resells. This NFT standard proves instrumental for NFT marketplaces committed to supporting ongoing artist funding and creator compensation. Critically, royalty payments remain voluntary, positioning EIP-2981 as a signaling standard rather than an enforcement mechanism.

Consider a hypothetical scenario where gaming platforms integrate NFT technology: by adopting EIP-2981, players could sell in-game creations on marketplaces while receiving royalty compensation each time their creations resell. This incentive structure dramatically motivates players to invest creativity and effort into producing exceptional in-game items. Game developers similarly benefit through continuous revenue streams from secondary market activity, aligning creator interests with player enjoyment and long-term ecosystem sustainability.

Conclusion

The GameFi ecosystem, while continuing to evolve, has demonstrated remarkable growth and innovation through diverse NFT standards. ERC-721 and ERC-1155 establish the foundational framework for most blockchain games, while specialized standards including ERC-998, BEP-129, ERC-4610, and others address specific use cases and limitations. These NFT standards collectively enable sophisticated gaming mechanics including asset customization, efficient transfers, rental economies, and creator compensation.

The future of NFT standards in blockchain gaming will likely converge toward unified cross-chain protocols, simplified user interfaces, and enhanced on-chain data storage capabilities. As these technologies mature and address current limitations, blockchain games will achieve greater accessibility, enabling broader adoption and creating genuinely immersive virtual worlds. The evolution of NFT standards represents not merely technical advancement but a fundamental paradigm shift in digital ownership, economic participation, and creative expression within gaming ecosystems.

FAQ

What are NFT standards?

NFT standards are technical frameworks defining how NFTs operate on blockchains. ERC-721 is the primary Ethereum standard, while ERC-1155 supports multiple token types. They ensure interoperability, security, and consistent functionality across platforms.

What are the ERC standards for NFT?

ERC-721 is the primary standard for unique NFTs, ERC-1155 enables multiple token types in one contract, and ERC-2981 adds royalty distribution functionality.

What does NFT stand for exactly?

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token. It represents a unique, irreplaceable digital asset that cannot be exchanged with another identical item. NFTs are used to establish ownership of digital content like art, collectibles, and media.

What is ERC-20 and ERC-721 standards?

ERC-20 is a standard for fungible tokens, enabling interchangeable digital assets like cryptocurrencies. ERC-721 is a standard for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), creating unique, indivisible digital items. Both are Ethereum token standards serving different purposes.