These are just some quick thoughts. I reserve the right to change my mind if someone gives an argument worthy of helping me make the change.
I think that it might be better to say that games on the Steem blockchain provide an opportunity to potentially earn rewards. Some people might consider that an investment. Some people might consider it income.
For example:
- If I complete my Steem Monsters daily quest then I get reward cards. I have earned something for my time and effort (however small or large the reward may be). For me this is more like income. If I take those cards and sell them immediately, I will receive Steem or SBD.
- If I go on the Steem Monsters market place and buy a low priced card with the intentional of selling it at a higher price, I could see that as investing. I make a strategic decision while being willing to wait for a specified amount of time, and then I will sell what I had previously purchased.
Are the digital assets on Steem a version of digital commodities? Honestly, it is still really hard to say, because we are redefining and/or creating new assets/exchanges of value that are not yet mainstream.
That is just my two sense worth. This is a great question that we may not know the answer to until after we have missed the opportunity.
so with steemmonsters, you get cards, which is ownership so in that way it ticks the box for investment. you can play with your cards for a long time right, so it also ticks the box of longer term, although tournaments are time bound right. I guess with steemmonsters there is some cross over from that view point
So you can earn from daily quests and you can earn based on season rewards. Seasons normally last 2 weeks. I have never entered a tournament, but I have earned rewards in the other 2 ways.
but what are you earning? steem or cards?
You earn cards, but those cards can be sold for Steem or SBD (depending on how the buyer chooses to make the purchase).
Cards are giving as a reward (for daily quests and season rewards) because they can be used to level up. It is part of the mechanics of the game.
If people win a tournament, then other prizes are available (Steem and SBD).