One thing I’ve noticed when trying to explain Splinterlands to new players random people is that their eyes often glaze over when the conversation turns to tokens.
Not because the economy is bad — in fact, it’s one of the most interesting parts of the ecosystem — but because too many currencies appear too early in the explanation.
After thinking about it for a while, I believe the solution might simply be how we frame the economy for new players.
Instead of introducing every token immediately, we could present the ecosystem around three core currencies.
When a new player joins Splinterlands, the economy could be explained through three main tokens:
A simple fiat gateway.
Credits allow new players to enter the game easily using traditional payment methods. They can purchase packs, cards, and other items without needing to understand cryptocurrency immediately.
GLINT is the gameplay reward currency.
Players earn GLINT by battling, completing quests, and progressing through the game. It can be used to obtain in-game items and reward cards, many of which are soulbound unless unlocked with a scroll.
This token reinforces gameplay progression and engagement.
SPS is the dominant ecosystem token.
It powers governance, staking, and deeper participation in the Splinterlands ecosystem. Players can acquire SPS through gameplay, in-game purchases, or external crypto markets.
Holding SPS allows players to become long-term participants in the game's development and economy.
In areas like LAND & GUILDS there is a requirement to have DEC.
However, a new Player does not have an option to earn DEC in game.
Why not provide an equivalent option to STAKE SPS? Even with a SPS discount.
By allowing SPS to buy packs, stake on Land, or purchase anything within the game, this causes SPS to be more than a Governance token - it becomes a breathing token to be used in many different ways.
*I have more to say about SPS but it is beyond this article.
Tokens like:
Dark Energy Crystals (DEC)
Splinterlands Voucher Token
remain parts of the ecosystem and continue to serve long-time players and existing systems.
However, they don’t necessarily need to be part of the initial explanation for new players.
They can be introduced later as players become more familiar with the game and its economy.
DEC is pretty much replaced by GLINT for the ingame store. For a new player it causes them to ask the question of "Why?" when seeing items priced in DEC - perhaps, it needs to be slowly removed to a Legacy token.
VOUCHERS were a stop gap measure to try to offset the issue of DEC while still rewarding Players.
Yet, it has created its own inflation issues and isn't being utilised fully as first envisioned.
We have the Exclusive Store which again creates unnecessary complexity and confusion to new players.
Also, the features of Vouchers to use for pack discounts, VIP access to early pack release, and all the other previous dreams of Voucher use, seem less important these days.
Maybe it is time to retire Vouchers slowly and redraw/reflect/debate a more logical process?
*This is beyond this article
Simplifying the explanation of the economy could help:
reduce confusion for new players
improve onboarding
keep the focus on gameplay
make the ecosystem easier to explain
When explaining the game to friends or potential players, the conversation becomes much easier when it’s framed this way.
Instead of listing many tokens, the economy can be described very simply:
Credits help you start playing.
GLINT rewards you for playing.
SPS powers the ecosystem.
That single explanation communicates the core structure of the ingame economy.
This idea doesn’t remove or replace any existing tokens (although we need to review how we do things). The goal is simply to make the player experience easier to understand when someone first encounters Splinterlands.
Once players are engaged and enjoying the game, they will naturally discover the deeper layers of the ecosystem.
And that depth is one of the things that makes Splinterlands so unique.
