> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.gamegpt.gg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.gamegpt.gg/04-gamegpt-arcade.md).

# GameGPT Arcade

If the Builder will create the next thousand AI-generated games, the Arcade is where they get played. It is the distribution and competition layer for every published GameGPT game.

**Where it runs**

Today the Arcade runs in the browser on mobile and desktop. Native iOS and Android apps come later, so the games travel with the players.

**What keeps players playing**

Three things: addictive core loops, novelty, and deep reward systems. The Arcade is built around all three.

1. **Featured games and tournaments.** The highest-rated games are featured, and the team curates the tournaments that are live on the platform. Later, once the player base is large enough to support it, players will be able to launch their own tournaments.
2. **Novelty.** New games are approved and listed continuously, and every creator who publishes brings a new entry point into the Arcade.
3. **The rewards loop.** Daily check-ins build a streak. Quests track real gameplay and pay out shards. Shards open lootboxes with randomly selected rewards that land in the player's inventory. Leaderboards show the top verified scores for every game. Lootboxes are the Arcade's retention mechanism: they reward consistent effort, not only skill, and rewards can range from small in-game items up to large prizes at very low odds.

**Free play and paid play**

Creating an account and playing is free, with no wallet required. Paid tournaments are how players compete for real prizes: buy a ticket, play, and the verified score decides the outcome. The free loop and the paid loop are described in [Platform Economy](/06-platform-economy.md).