nft is a kind of virtual good that can be purchased and traded. These digital assets aren’t linked to any physical objects or files, and instead live in a crypto wallet that the owner controls. The wallet can be hosted by an exchange, which acts as an intermediary for transferring crypto, or it can operate independently. The latter is a better option because it enables the owner to keep control of their private keys and doesn’t depend on an exchange’s servers or policies.

Most NFTs are created through a process called minting, which involves creating a new token that is linked to the original asset or object. This process is similar to the way that a digital file can be “synced” with an app, but instead of a file being stored on a server and linked via a URL, an NFT is stored in a crypto wallet and can be transferred between users.

NFTs are often used in games, where they can be a great way to add a layer of interactivity and collectibility. Examples include Assasin’s Creed trophies, virtual trading cards for upcoming and well-known creators, or in-game items such as costumes or weapons that can be used during gameplay. More recently, we’ve seen the emergence of NFT marketplaces that offer one-of-a-kind digital art, virtual gaming goods, and even real estate.

In order to purchase an NFT, you’ll need a crypto wallet and some cryptocurrency that your NFT provider accepts (most commonly Ethereum). Most NFT marketplaces are free to use, but some may charge a small fee for each transaction.

Another great thing about NFTs is that they’re personal property in a way that most other digital goods aren’t. When you upload a video to YouTube, for example, the company owns it and makes decisions about how to distribute it, whether it violates community guidelines, or whether it’s eligible to run ads. But NFTs live in your own wallet, and you can choose to use them however you want.

Some of the most popular NFT games are free-to-play, such as Gods Unchained and Splinterlands. These games use NFTs as collectible in-game items that can be redeemed for cash or other game content. In addition, some of these games also offer a play-to-earn component where players can earn the game’s native token, ALICE, by completing quests or battling other players in PVP matches. The popularity of these games shows that NFTs are becoming more mainstream.