Minting games (bye bye Howey test)
Every time a new blockchain or dApp project launches, there's a minting event. Frequently, this is an ICO or NFT mint where the tokens are minted in exchange for investing some other fungible token. Occasionally, you see a project launch with proof of work mining or a free mint event instead of a straight token sale.
In all of these types of minting events, what you have is a dApp where people compete for a limited number of tokens for a limited amount of time. How competitive you are is almost entirely based on how much money you have (plus timing and a bit of luck). It's a pay to win game without the game. The only reason to play is if you believe in the future value of the token.
Consider on-chain games. Typically, these are dApps where people play for the fun of the game, likely with some rewards. Rewards are mostly fungible tokens that are available in unlimited quantities for an unlimited amount of time. How much you can win is bounded by how much you play (plus timing, luck, and sometimes how much money you have).
See where I'm going with this yet?
There's a distinct opportunity for projects launching tokens to use on-chain games as the mint event competition.
Here's an example:
Imagine you're launching a 10,000 NFT collection of robot pictures, each with uniquely generated art. Normally, you'd sell each of the pictures for a few KOIN each until they're gone.
Instead, you create a 100 player robot battle royale game where the top 10 players in a match win 1-3 NFTs, powerups, free entries into future matchups, etc. Perhaps the NFTs can be used as skins in the game or maybe they offer a competitive advantage with unique stats and abilities. You can use this model with any type of game.
Games work as an alternative to ICOs and NFT mint events. I do think this style of launch is more on brand for NFTs, but it's relevant for new fungible tokens as a way to avoid SEC regulation. You're not selling a security, you're selling power ups and game tickets and giving away your token for free. Just be careful about what promises you make to your players.
-Luke
P.S. The biggest downside is that this method requires more upfront development, but even that is better for investors, allowing you to command a better price for your token.