Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) have witnessed tremendous growth over the past year, establishing themselves as a transformative force within the Web3 ecosystem. In 2024, the sector’s market capitalization surged by an astounding 132%, surpassing the $40 billion mark. Unlike many speculative Web3 assets, such as memecoins, DePIN introduces tangible utility by integrating decentralized services into real-world applications. However, while this expansion is noteworthy, mainstream adoption remains a challenge. Competing with well-established Web2 infrastructure demands not just technical advancements but also a broader, engaged user base willing to contribute actively to these decentralized networks.
Traditionally, blockchain projects have employed token incentives and airdrops to attract users, often resulting in passive engagement rather than meaningful contributions. Yet, for DePIN to establish itself as a sustainable alternative to existing infrastructure models, it must offer real-world value—both for participants and the systems they help build. Web3’s long-term impact hinges on meaningful onchain rewards that drive participation in ways that extend beyond the digital realm.
Bringing DePIN into Everyday Digital Interactions
Understanding the need for a solution that bridges DePIN seamlessly with real-world adoption, layer-1 blockchain peaq introduced the Get Real campaign. This large-scale initiative moves away from conventional incentive models that focus solely on onchain engagement. Instead, participants are encouraged to interact with real-world decentralized applications (DApps) built on the peaq ecosystem, performing actions that have a tangible impact on decentralized services.
Unlike passive participation models, Get Real allows users to contribute in meaningful ways, such as connecting electronic devices, supplying bandwidth for cybersecurity networks, or enabling blockchain-based agricultural tracking. By engaging in these activities, participants don’t just earn rewards but actively expand DePIN’s reach. To amplify involvement, peaq has deployed a substantial reward pool—5% of the platform’s total token supply at launch, equivalent to 210,000,000 PEAQ tokens.
To ensure accessibility and clarity, Get Real structures engagement through a quest-based system. Each quest aligns with a specific DePIN project, allowing users to contribute data for decentralized navigation applications, measure environmental factors like noise levels, track supply chain movements, or link smart devices to decentralized infrastructures. These structured tasks not only familiarize participants with blockchain-empowered solutions but also help integrate DePIN seamlessly into real-world applications.
Gamification as the Key to Sustained Engagement
Retaining users within Web3 projects is a persistent challenge, particularly as initial excitement often wanes over time. Get Real tackles this issue by incorporating gamification elements within its engagement model. Through the peaq portal, participants can track progress, take on new missions, and collect NFT-based rewards designed to reflect their achievements.
Central to this gamified experience is a series of unique NFTs created by Koto, the design agency recognized for shaping the visual identity of the renowned game Call of Duty. Participants earn peaqonaut 2424 NFTs, featuring four distinct sci-fi-inspired character groups that they can select and customize. As users complete different quests, they unlock additional digital assets to enhance their avatars, visually representing their progression within the campaign. This blend of engagement mechanics with blockchain infrastructure ensures that users remain actively involved in DePIN’s development rather than passively receiving incentives.
Get Real spans a 12-month timeline, structured into seasonal stages that evolve to maintain user interest. Participants can climb leaderboards, earning both the native PEAQ tokens and exclusive rewards offered by DePIN projects. The preseason alone drew over 140,000 participants, setting the stage for the campaign’s first official season, which runs through February. Future reward distributions will adapt based on engagement levels, creating a dynamic experience designed to continuously incentivize contributions.
Mobilizing Communities to Shape the Future of DePIN
Get Real’s launch came just three months after peaq’s official mainnet debut, at a time when over 50 applications across 21 industries were already integrating into the network. While peaq’s DePIN Enterprise Adoption Program focused on business-driven adoption, Get Real shifts the attention to community participation, aiming to strengthen the network’s foundation from the ground up.
By directly incentivizing real-world contributions, peaq not only accelerates DePIN’s growth but also cements its position as a leader within the emerging Machine Economy. Initiatives like Get Real serve as critical testing grounds for blockchain’s ability to transcend digital transactions and become an integral component of everyday infrastructure. Ultimately, DePIN’s success will depend on continuous innovation and its ability to captivate mainstream users, proving that decentralized networks can enhance real-world applications just as effectively as their Web2 counterparts.
