Introduction
When Stepn burst onto the scene in 2022, it promised to reward people for doing something they already do every day walk. It sounded like a dream: lace up your shoes, head outside, and earn crypto while getting fit.
Fast-forward to 2025 and many doubted it would survive the bear market. But Stepn is still here and it’s thriving.
Move-to-Earn in 2025: Top Competitors and What’s Changed Since Stepn
Stepn was never just about counting steps. It introduced a powerful idea: what if daily movement could be tokenized, tracked, and gamified?
Now, the M2E (Move-to-Earn) ecosystem has matured. It’s not just about crypto rewards anymore, it’s about building a healthier, more social lifestyle.
Let’s look at who’s dominating this space and how it’s improved:
Stepn (Still the OG)
Despite the skeptics, Stepn has kept users engaged by adding layers of strategy:
1.Dual-token system ($GMT and $GST) still works, but smarter burns and sinks now stabilize earnings.
2.App integrations with Apple Health and Android Fitness sync activity for easier tracking.
3.New achievement badges, PvP races, and team leaderboards turn walking into a game you don’t want to quit.
Stepn isn’t just paying you, it’s getting you hooked on showing up for yourself.
Sweat Economy
Started as a free app, (Sweatcoin) and has improved into Sweat Economy, merging its massive user base with tokenized rewards.
i.Rewards in $SWEAT for walking, but now includes staking, quests, and NFTs
iii.Focuses on long-term health rather than quick rewards
iii.No need to buy expensive sneakers to start
Think of it as “fitness for everyone”, no crypto skills required.
Dotmoovs
Dotmoovs adds a whole new flavor: AI-powered motion detection for sports challenges like freestyle football, dancing, or workouts.
i.Earn tokens by competing in global skill-based challenges
ii.Use your camera no fitness tracker or wearables required
iii.It’s popular with Gen Z and TikTok-style athletes
It’s less steps, more swag.
Genopets
Bringing Pokémon energy to fitness, Genopets links your steps to a virtual creature that evolves as you move.
i.Steps feed your pet, which can be battled or trained
ii.Combines wellness with digital companionship
iii.Perfect for gamers or kids
Fitness meets Tamagotchi in Web3.
The New Playbook: From Ponzinomics to Purpose
One big shift in 2025? These apps are focusing less on daily payouts and more on long-term value and utility.
Rather than reward farming, users now earn:
1.Access to fitness communities 2.Health tracking dashboards 3.Digital collectibles and social bragging rights 4.Discounts on gear, food, or events
M2E is no longer a money machine, it’s a habit-building tool with layers of fun.
Why This Matters in a Post-Pandemic, Remote-First World
More people are working from home than ever. Gyms are expensive, motivation is hard, and screen time is at an all-time high.
Gamified fitness makes movement addictive again.
It gives you:
1.A goal
2.A reward
3.A reason to keep showing up
And with AI, AR, and wearables integrating into these apps, your body becomes your controller.
Conclusion
The move-to-earn trend didn’t fade, it improved. It stopped trying to make everyone rich and started trying to make everyone healthier.
So whether you’re a crypto degen, a busy mom, or just trying to outwalk your coworkers, Stepn and its new-gen competitors are proving one thing:
When fitness feels like a game, more people play.
