Is using stablecoins as a universal currency in games or the metaverse better than using game companies' proprietary 'gold coins'?

Is Using Stablecoins as Universal Currency Better Than Company-Created "Gold Coins" in Games or the Metaverse?

Hey, I've been gaming and dabbling in crypto for years, and I've followed the metaverse space closely. Simply put, there's no absolute right or wrong answer here—it depends. But overall, I think using stablecoins (like USDT, which is pegged to the US dollar) as a universal currency has some real advantages over game companies creating their own "gold coins," especially if you want tighter integration between virtual worlds and the real economy. Let me break down my thoughts step by step, using plain language.

First, the Benefits of Stablecoins

Stablecoins are essentially cryptocurrencies, but unlike Bitcoin with its wild price swings, they aim to maintain a stable value (e.g., 1 USDT ≈ 1 USD). This makes them more reliable in games or the metaverse:

More stable value, harder to manipulate: Game companies have full control over their proprietary coins. For example, you might grind to earn 1,000 gold coins, only for the company to devalue them in an update or shut down the server—poof, your money’s gone. Stablecoins? Pegged to real dollars, their value doesn’t change arbitrarily. Coins you earn can be cashed out for real money.
Cross-game/platform usability: Imagine earning stablecoins in Game A and using them directly in Game B or the metaverse—or even withdrawing to your bank account. That’s way better than company coins, which usually can’t be used outside their own ecosystem. Take Decentraland: it uses stablecoins for buying land and trading items, making it feel like real-world commerce.
Authentic economic feel: With stablecoins, players can genuinely "earn money." Selling virtual items nets you real cash for coffee, not fake coins. This attracts more players and boosts the virtual economy. Company coins, meanwhile, can only be exchanged for in-game items and are worthless IRL.
Decentralization and fairness: Built on blockchain, stablecoins ensure transparent transactions, reducing the risk of shady company practices. Player-to-player transfers are also faster, bypassing corporate approval.

But They’re Not Perfect—Here’s the Catch

Of course, stablecoins aren’t a magic solution. They have downsides, especially for casual players:

Still some risk: Despite the "stable" label, if their pegged assets falter (e.g., if USDT’s backing company collapses), their value can fluctuate. Company coins, while fully controlled by the game, at least stay "safe" within the game’s closed system.
Higher entry barrier: Using stablecoins requires understanding wallets, blockchain, etc. Newbies might find this daunting, plus there’s the fear of hackers. Company coins? Simple—earned and spent in-game with zero friction.
Regulatory and legal hurdles: Some countries tightly regulate crypto. Using stablecoins could mean tax or compliance issues. Game-owned coins avoid this; companies easily control economic balance (e.g., preventing inflation).
Companies might resist: For studios, proprietary coins are cash cows (e.g., selling coin packs). With stablecoins, they lose control—players can move value freely, potentially destabilizing the in-game economy.

Overall? Stablecoins Feel More Future-Proof

Personally, I think stablecoins are clearly superior for expansive ecosystems like the metaverse. They make virtual worlds feel more real, give players tangible incentives, and enable cross-platform value flow. Imagine if Roblox or Fortnite used stablecoins—players could spend earnings anywhere. Awesome, right? But for smaller games or closed systems, company coins are simpler and safer, avoiding external risks.

Ultimately, it depends on your goals. If you’re a casual player, proprietary coins are fine. But if you’re serious about investing or "living" in the metaverse, stablecoins are a major upgrade. What do you think? Got specific game examples? Let’s discuss.