Launchpads are one of the main venues where new play to earn tokens are sold. A launchpad is where an IGO or an Initial Decentralized Offering (IDO) will be held.
The launchpad startup solves the problem of aggregating and vetting token sales. Some launchpads will also perform some form of buyer whitelisting and screening. The chief idea of a launchpad is that it will also work as an exclusive club.
Some launchpads will first distribute their native token and encourage long-term holding. Participation in new sales will depend on how much of the native token is held or staked.
Know Your Blockchain: Launchpads Targeting Alternative Networks
Launchpads will organize their projects based on an underlying blockchain. Perhaps the most prominent one is Binance Launchpad, but there are other smaller aggregators that endorse smaller token sales not vetted or carried out with the oversight and selection of Binance, Inc.
For those smaller projects, BSCPad is the go-to venue. Owning the native BSCPAD token allows for a predetermined right to buy newly launched projects.
Solanium is the Solana-based launchpad, with its native SLIM token. Some game token sales also use SOL, the chief asset of the Solana network.
CardStarter on Cardano is utilizing the network’s recent capacity to host smart contracts. CardStarter claims to be an insured startup accelerator, minimizing losses from risky projects. CardStarter requires a minimum of 100 staked CARD to participate, with 1,500 CARD giving automated airdrops from each IDO.
TRONPad hosts TRON network projects with no exclusivity on the type of project. Native launchpad networks have also opened on Terra protocol (TerraPad), though this launchpad is less complete.
Other launchpads offer multi-chain tokens, spanning Ethereum, Polygon, BSC and other networks. It is not necessary for the launchpad and the token to share a network, as sometimes Ethereum-based projects use BSC launchpads.
Top launchpads dedicated to play to earn games include:
Are Launchpads Risky
Launchpads hold risk in two major ways. One way is through the token sales. Play to earn game projects may not deliver the game, or have the team disappear with the IGO proceeds soon after the sale.
Launchpads also often perform NFT collection sales, which may not lead to the desired earnings.
The other risk for launchpads are the myriads of new platforms appearing each day. For those interested in play to earn tokens, the best approach is to stick to some of the well-developed markets.
New launchpads are risky, because there is no way to vet if they will host the best games and projects. Additionally, some new small launchpads require subscribers to hold a significant amount of tokens, especially for higher tiers. New launchpads and new IGOs hold double the price risk, with additional risk of loss based on smart contracts.
Is it a Red Flag for a Game to Use a Launchpad
For some games, using a very obscure launchpad may be a red flag. Because of the high supply of new token sales, not all IGOs and IDOs fulfill their potential and find favorable listings.
Most new tokens will be listed on decentralized exchanges, where it would be almost impossible to afford a good exchange rate. A small-scale IGO on an obscure launchpad may be a red flag for some games.
IGOs and IDOs often have a smaller fundraising target compared to the period of large-scale token sales in 2017 and 2018. Most projects aim for sales under $1M, or for limited NFT mints, and offer a limited amount of tokens, thus decreasing the risk for individual investors.
