Play to Build: First Blockchain Game Where Players Create Real-World Infrastructure

In a pioneering move blending gaming, blockchain, and real-world impact, Japanese tech studio NeoForma Labs has launched BuildQuest, the first "Play-to-Build" blockchain game where player achievements directly fund real-world infrastructure projects.

Unlike traditional play-to-earn games where tokens have limited utility, BuildQuest ties in-game resource collection and city-building milestones to smart contracts that unlock micro-funding for physical projects — including solar farms, clean water wells, and public schools in underdeveloped regions.

How It Works:

• Players build virtual cities and complete quests tied to sustainability goals (e.g., build a solar plant, clean a river).

• Achievements are validated on the blockchain and trigger automatic crypto donations from corporate sponsors and DAOs.

• Donations fund verified NGOs and contractors working on equivalent real-world projects, tracked transparently on-chain.

Early Success:

Already, the beta season of BuildQuest has funded:

• 4 solar installations in Kenya.

• 2 community tech hubs in rural India.

• 1 freshwater project in Brazil.

Over $2.3 million in crypto donations have been deployed — directly powered by gamers.

"Gamers no longer just escape reality — they upgrade it," said Aiko Tanaka, CEO of NeoForma Labs.