Building your game to run on both Android and iOS starts with choosing the right tool. Popular engines like Unity and Unreal Engine are designed for multi-platform publishing: you can “create content once and publish it across multiple platforms, including mobile” . Unity (C#) is especially beginner-friendly with extensive docs and a huge asset store . Unreal (C++) offers ultra-realistic 3D graphics and also supports mobile builds .
Other great options include:
- Godot Engine – An open-source 2D/3D engine. It can export games to Android and iOS (Godot 4.2+ even supports C# projects on mobile ). Godot is free (MIT license) and lightweight, ideal for simple mobile games.
- Flutter (with Flame) – A Google UI toolkit (Dart) that compiles to native iOS/Android. While not a full game engine, Flutter is excellent for 2D games or UI-rich apps. It uses a single codebase for Android, iOS, and more , and with Flame (a Flutter game engine plugin) you can build responsive 2D games. Flutter’s “hot reload” makes iteration fast .
- React Native – A JavaScript framework primarily for apps, but with libraries like React Native Game Engine you can build simpler 2D games. It runs on both iOS and Android. Performance may be lower than Unity/Unreal for graphics, but it’s a familiar option if you already know React.
- Other 2D Engines – Tools like Cocos2d-x (C++) or GameMaker Studio are also cross-platform. They often have free tiers and export to mobile.
| Engine / Framework | Language(s) | 2D/3D | Platforms | License / Cost | Notes |
| Unity 3D | C# | 2D & 3D | Android, iOS, PC, Web | Free (personal tier) | Industry-standard for mobile games . Huge community, easy publishing. |
| Godot Engine | GDScript, C# | 2D & 3D | Android, iOS, PC, Web | MIT (free) | Lightweight, open-source. Android/iOS export supported . |
| Flutter + Flame | Dart | 2D | Android, iOS, Web | Free (open-source) | Single codebase for mobile . Great for UI-heavy 2D games. |
| React Native | JavaScript/TypeScript | 2D | Android, iOS | Free (open-source) | Good for simple games and UI. Use game-engine libs. |
| Unreal Engine | C++/Blueprints | 2D & 3D | Android, iOS, PC | Free (royalties) | High-end 3D power . Steeper learning curve. |
All the above can target Android and iOS without major rework. For more info see their official docs (e.g. Unity, Godot).
Integrating Bitcoin Payouts (Lightning Network)
To reward players with real Bitcoin, the Lightning Network (LN) is a perfect fit. Lightning lets you send tiny, instant payments (satoshis) at near-zero fees . You would typically send a Lightning payment to each winning player’s wallet. A common pattern is using LNURL-withdraw: your game/server generates an LNURL link (or QR code) that players can scan with their Lightning wallet to claim sats. Under the hood, LNURL automates invoice creation so players don’t enter any details manually. (As one guide notes, LNURL has even built-in support for in-app purchases: “Game developers can leverage LNURL for in-app purchases and microtransactions… players can quickly buy virtual items using Lightning” .)
There are two approaches:
- Build your own Lightning backend. Run a Lightning node (e.g. LND, c-lightning) on a server and use a library or API. For example, Lightning Development Kit (LDK) is an open-source library to embed LN directly into apps . This gives maximum control, but requires managing channels and liquidity.
- Use a Lightning payments API or SDK. If you prefer plug‑and‑play, platforms like Zebedee (ZBD) or Beamable offer developer SDKs. Zebedee provides a Unity SDK and dashboard so you can “add Bitcoin payments to your game with just a few lines of code” . Games on Zebedee’s platform simply call its API to send sats. These services handle all the Lightning plumbing for you. For instance, SaruTobi (a flinging monkey game) now uses ZBD’s Lightning system: players “earn sats through gameplay” funded by ads, then spend sats in-game or withdraw them . The result is an instant, frictionless payout – players love getting real Bitcoin, and you never interrupt gameplay .
⚡ Lightning Pay Example: Your game detects a win and calls a Lightning API to send, say, 100 sats to the player. If using LNURL-withdraw, you’d generate an LNURL that encodes that amount and let the user’s wallet do the payment. Because Lightning settles in under a second with millisat fees, players see their sats arrive immediately .
Other “easy wallet” methods include sending on-chain Bitcoin to a user-provided address, but on-chain fees make small payouts impractical. The Lightning Network (and related protocols like LNURL) is the industry-standard solution for smooth, low-fee microtransactions .
Lightning Services and APIs
Several platforms can power your Bitcoin payouts securely and simply. For small satoshi payments via Lightning or on-chain, consider:
- Zebedee (ZBD) – A Bitcoin gaming payments platform. Zebedee offers a plug-and-play API so games can instantly reward users with sats . It’s built on Lightning (very fast and low-cost) and has a developer dashboard for tracking transactions (see image below). Tens of thousands of games have been integrated with ZBD. Players need a Zebedee wallet or compatible LN wallet to receive sats. (Example: Zebedee’s own news site noted its API lets players earn and spend satoshis globally .)
- OpenNode – A payments processor with a simple Bitcoin API. OpenNode lets you send instant Bitcoin payouts via Lightning or on-chain through one unified API . You can programmatically create and send charges and payouts. It supports LN out of the box (“Lightning Powered – instant, lowest-cost pay-ins and payouts” ). OpenNode is well-documented and production-ready; it handles compliance for you.
- Strike API – A regulated Bitcoin/Lightning API. Strike (by Zap Solutions) is a licensed payments company. Its API “enables fast, low-cost, interoperable transactions through the Bitcoin and Lightning Network” . You can programmatically send or receive Bitcoin/LN payments and even auto-convert between USD and BTC. Strike’s infrastructure is robust and SOC2-audited , but note it may require account approval and may not be available in all countries.
- LNbits – An open-source Lightning wallet/accounts system. Instead of a hosted service, you can self-host LNbits (free). It provides user wallets, LNURL endpoints, and a REST API to manage Lightning funds . LNbits supports any Lightning node (c-lightning, LND, etc.) as a funding source. This is great if you want full control without fees. (For example, you could deploy LNbits and have your game server call its API to send sats to players’ LNURLs or addresses.)
Screenshot of the Zebedee developer dashboard showing Lightning transactions and satoshi rewards.
Each solution has trade-offs: paid services (Zebedee, OpenNode, Strike) handle the tech for you (and usually take small fees), while self-hosted (LNbits, BTCPayServer) give freedom at the cost of more setup. In all cases, they enable secure microtransactions without exposing your own private keys to the game client . For example, Zebedee’s secure API keeps sensitive payment logic on the server, away from the game client .
| Platform / API | Description | Lightning Support | Setup | License / Fees | Useful Links |
| Zebedee (ZBD) | Gaming payment SDK & API (Unity-ready) | Yes (Lightning only) | Register dev acct | Free to use (no fees for devs) | zebedee.io |
| OpenNode | Bitcoin payments API (LN & on-chain) | Yes (Lightning ready) | Signup/API key | Free tier; fees on volume | opennode.com |
| Strike API | Regulated BTC/Lightning payment API | Yes (Lightning & USD) | Signup, KYC | Fees per transaction (contact) | strike.me |
| LNbits | Open-source Lightning wallet/accounts | Yes (LN only) | Self-host (Docker) | Free (open-source) | lnbits.com |
| BTCPay Server | Self-hosted Bitcoin/Lightning server | Yes (with LN plugin) | Self-host | Free (donations only) | docs.btcpayserver.org |
All of the above can send sats to users’ wallets. For example, Zebedee’s plug-and-play API has been adopted by dozens of game developers to “offer fast, safe and trusted monetary rewards” via Lightning . OpenNode similarly promises “lightning-fast, low-cost bitcoin payments and payouts” with less than ten lines of code .
Legal & Regulatory Considerations
Giving out real Bitcoin as prizes means real-world money, so watch the rules! In many jurisdictions, games awarding money can trigger gambling or transmission laws. The key legal factors are:
- Gambling vs. Contest: If your game involves chance (and especially if players pay to play), it could be classified as gambling. Most laws say gambling has 3 elements: a prize of value, a chance element, and consideration (payment to play) . A Bitcoin prize is certainly “something of value” . To stay out of gambling law, make the game skill-based and free to play (no required purchase). Many states have carve-outs for skill games. Still, rules vary – some states heavily restrict skill contests too. Always check local gaming or sweepstakes laws. Even free prize giveaways often need “no purchase necessary” disclosures.
- Money Transmitter Laws: In the U.S., FinCEN (Treasury) says anyone “accepting and transmitting anything of value that substitutes for currency” is a money transmitter . This could apply if your app takes Bitcoin from one party and passes it to another. Paying players from your own bankroll (without taking their crypto first) may avoid some regulations, but consult legal counsel. If you’re transferring fiat or crypto on behalf of users (for example, holding funds or converting currency), you might need money transmitter licenses and KYC/AML compliance. Other countries have similar rules for digital currency services.
- App Store Policies: Apple and Google have historically restricted crypto apps. Apple’s guidelines once said apps may “not offer currency for completing tasks”. However, policies have recently shifted. In mid-2025, Apple approved SaruTobi as the first iOS game with Lightning-based in-app purchases – a “historic shift” according to developers . This suggests Apple now allows crypto rewards in games (likely because of changes under new regulations). Google Play is generally more permissive (as long as you’re not mining). Still, carefully read the latest developer guidelines for each platform.
- Taxes and Reporting: Winners might owe taxes on their prizes, and in some countries you may be required to report payouts. Keep records of all rewards issued. In the U.S., Bitcoin prizes are taxable income to recipients, and businesses awarding prizes may need to issue tax forms if over thresholds.
In short, check the law in your jurisdiction before launching. Many simple play-to-earn apps operate without issue by keeping prizes small, using skill-based play, and using established payment APIs. But it’s wise to add age gates, disclaimers, and clear terms. The legal landscape is evolving, so staying compliant will keep your project healthy as you scale.
Funding Your Bitcoin Prizes: Monetization Strategies
Since you’re giving away real Bitcoin, you’ll need a way to pay for those sats! Here are common monetization approaches:
- Advertising: Integrate in-game ads (especially rewarded video ads). Players watch ads to earn in-game coins or extra lives, and part of that ad revenue can fund Bitcoin payouts. Advertising lets you keep the game free while generating cash to buy satoshis. As one guide notes, “advertising [in games] generates revenue while keeping the game free to play” . Platforms like AdMob or Unity Ads make setup easy.
- Sponsorships and Partnerships: Partner with brands or crypto companies. For instance, a crypto wallet or exchange might sponsor your game in exchange for branding, providing a pool of sats for prizes. Industry experts list “collaborate with brands for in-game advertising or sponsorships” as a top revenue stream . You could also run time-limited branded events (e.g. “Lightning Cup sponsored by X”) to get funding.
- In-App Purchases (IAP): Offer optional purchases for players (power-ups, cosmetics, extra lives). Even though the game rewards Bitcoin, you can sell gems or coins (via Apple/Google’s IAP) that players use in-game. This indirect revenue can subsidize your Bitcoin giveaways. Just be careful: if you sell “tokens” that users convert to Bitcoin, make sure to comply with platform rules. More typically, IAP might simply unlock premium gameplay, and your profits buy sats on the backend.
- Token or NFT Sales (Advanced): In a more complex model, you could issue an in-game token (fungible or NFT) that players buy with fiat/crypto, and use that revenue for prizes. However, tokenomics and regulatory issues get tricky, so this is for experienced builders.
- Crowdfunding / Donations: Some game devs crowdfund their Bitcoin-reward games (e.g. on Kickstarter or Gitcoin), offering early access or special rewards to backers. This can seed your prize pool.
- App Premium/Paid Version: Offer a premium ad-free or early-access version of the game. Revenue from sales supports the satoshis in the free version.
Remember to strike a balance so that monetization doesn’t hurt player enjoyment. For example, rewarded ads (watch to earn a bonus) are usually well-received. As one analysis advises, implement multiple revenue streams (ads, IAP, sponsorship) to sustain play-to-earn mechanics .
Case Studies & Examples
You’re not alone – several projects have already made Bitcoin‑for‑playing a reality:
- SaruTobi (iOS/Android) – Originally a 2013 Flappy-Bird-style game, SaruTobi was relaunched in 2025 with Lightning payouts . In this game, players earn sats by playing (ads fund the prizes), then spend sats on in-game boosts or withdraw them to their wallet . Apple’s approval of SaruTobi marked a landmark for crypto gaming .
- Zebedee-Integrated Games – The Zebedee platform has onboarded hundreds of games. For example, titles like Bitcoin Cards, Bitcoin2048, Winstreakz, and even Square Enix’s Ludo use Zebedee’s API to reward players with sats . Each of these games simply calls the ZBD API on a win; Zebedee handles sending sats over Lightning instantly. The company reports that games “chose to adopt the ZBD API in order to offer fast, safe and trusted monetary rewards” . These are real examples of the same mechanic you envision.
- Lightning Casinos and Puzzles – Even some casino apps (e.g. Lightning roulette/slots) and puzzle games now pay Bitcoin. While these often raise regulatory flags, they show the demand exists. (They typically use Lightning or custodian wallets to pay out.)
- BrainStone’s XP Rewards – An open-source example: some developers use LNbits (or other LN wallets) to pay “experience points” that convert to sats. For instance, an online quiz platform might let you claim sats via an LNURL after completing a challenge. This demonstrates the LNURL withdraw flow in practice.
- Fold (Bitcoin-back shopping app) – Not a game, but worth mentioning: Fold gives users Bitcoin rewards for purchases and spending. It’s funded by merchant partnerships. It’s a great example of “crypto rewards economy” outside gaming. It shows that everyday apps can sustainably give Bitcoin by monetizing through partnerships and normal commerce.
These cases prove that the idea works: players love earning sats, and developers can implement it today. With modern Lightning tooling, you’re building on proven tech. Your game could be next – maybe even the first in your genre to pay real Bitcoin!
Bring It All Together
Building a cross-platform game that rewards real Bitcoin is entirely doable today. Pick your engine (Unity, Godot, Flutter, etc.) and develop the core gameplay. For payouts, integrate a Lightning solution: either run your own node or use a service like Zebedee or OpenNode. Securely wire each win to a satoshi payment via Lightning (users can claim their sats via LNURL to their wallet). Ensure you follow legal guidelines (free-to-play, age limits, KYC if needed) so your fun stays compliant.
Finally, fund your sats through ads, IAP, or sponsorships so the game is sustainable. The landscape is ripe – even Apple is now allowing LN microtransactions . With the right approach, your game can delight players with real Bitcoin prizes and pioneer a fun new way to blend gaming and crypto. Go ahead and bring that idea to life – the tools, APIs, and inspiration are all there, and the Lightning network is ready to power your rewards! 🎮⚡
Sources: We’ve drawn on gaming-engine overviews , Bitcoin/payment API docs , developer announcements , and legal analyses to compile this guide. Each citation points to up-to-date documentation or expert commentary to help you dive deeper. Good luck coding your cross-platform Bitcoin-reward game – the Lightning Network awaits!