What is Run For Pi? Pi Hackathon 2025 Third Place Winner

Run For Pi is a mobile endless-runner game built for the Pi Network ecosystem that integrates Pi cryptocurrency directly into gameplay, payments, and competition. It ranked third at the Pi Hackathon 2025 for its clear use of Pi as an in-game utility rather than a passive reward, demonstrating how blockchain-based applications can operate within Pi’s Open Network. 

The project reflects Pi Network’s broader effort to move beyond mining-only participation by supporting Mainnet-ready applications with real transaction flows.

What is Run For Pi?

Run For Pi is a mobile runner game explicitly designed for Pi Network users (Pioneers). The game is accessible through the Pi Browser within Pi’s .pinet ecosystem. It was launched during Pi Network’s Open Network era, when Mainnet transactions and third-party decentralized applications became fully supported.

At the Pi Hackathon 2025, Run For Pi placed third among more than 215 submissions. Judges cited its practical and transparent use of Pi within the game’s core mechanics. Unlike demonstration-only apps, Run For Pi uses Pi for boosters, competitive prize pools, and progression, making it a working example of a gaming decentralized application (DApp) on Pi Mainnet.

The game combines familiar endless runner mechanics with blockchain-based payments and authentication. Players control a character running along a stylized, space-themed track, avoiding obstacles and collecting items. What differentiates it from traditional mobile runners is that Pi is embedded directly into the game economy, rather than being an external reward or marketing hook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Design

Run For Pi follows the endless runner format familiar to mobile players. The game is optimized for mobile devices and runs inside the Pi Browser, reducing friction for onboarding existing Pioneers.

Players control a small, green, blob-like character running along a purple, cosmic-themed track. Controls are simple and designed for touch input: tapping or swiping allows the character to jump, slide, or dodge obstacles such as barriers and gaps. As the run progresses, the speed increases and obstacles become more complex, requiring faster reaction times.

The user interface is straightforward and includes in-game tutorials for new players. Visual design uses neon accents and space-themed elements that align with Pi Network’s brand while not overwhelming gameplay. Levels increase in difficulty, and players have a limited number of lives, represented by hearts. Losing all lives ends the run, encouraging replay and skill improvement rather than automated progression.

Competitive elements are built into the structure. Leaderboards track player performance, and some rounds include prize pools that distribute Pi to top performers. These leaderboards reset periodically, ensuring that newer players can compete rather than facing permanently locked rankings.

From available demo footage and announcement videos, the game runs smoothly on mobile devices, with no significant lag reported during early access demonstrations. Transactions connect directly to the Pi Wallet, allowing seamless in-game payments without leaving the application.

Pi Integration and Token Utility

The defining feature of Run For Pi is its use of Pi as the game’s primary currency. This integration distinguishes it from many blockchain games that separate gameplay from on-chain activity.

Players can spend Pi on several in-game functions:

• Boosters, such as temporary speed increases or brief invincibility.
• Unlocking additional content or levels, depending on progression.
  Entering competitive prize pools, where top scores receive Pi rewards.

All transactions are processed through Pi Mainnet, contributing to on-chain activity. In addition to direct spending, gameplay can provide a utility bonus to a player’s Pi mining rate in the main Pi app, incentivizing regular engagement.

The application uses Pi Network’s authentication system for login and complies with Mainnet standards for payments and scalability. This ensures that Run For Pi functions as a compliant Pi DApp rather than an external game with limited blockchain interaction.

While monetization details are still developing, the model aligns with Pi Network’s broader approach of supporting application revenue through Pi-based payments and, potentially, the Pi Ad Network. No fiat-based in-app purchases have been confirmed for this game.

Community Reception and Early Feedback

As a newly launched application following the hackathon, Run For Pi has a limited but growing set of user feedback. Posts on X, Reddit, and Pi-focused community channels show a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism.

Positive feedback highlights the game’s simplicity and engagement. Several users have described it as enjoyable and easy to recommend to others. Players have also noted smooth performance and the appeal of earning Pi through leaderboard participation rather than passive distribution.

Criticism has focused on expectations around rewards and broader concerns about Pi Network itself. Some users have described the game as underdeveloped compared to mainstream mobile titles, while others have expressed confusion about how Pi rewards are distributed, noting that some benefits come through mining rate bonuses rather than direct payouts. These critiques are consistent with broader debates within the Pi community and are not unique to Run For Pi.

No major bugs or security issues have been widely reported, though the game remains in an early stage and may receive updates based on user feedback.

Role Within the Pi Network Ecosystem

Run For Pi illustrates Pi Network’s emphasis on gaming as a utility-driven vertical. Previous Pi applications, such as FruityPi, experimented with integrating ads and mining bonuses. Run For Pi builds on these ideas by placing Pi directly at the center of gameplay decisions.

From an adoption perspective, the game leverages Pi Network’s existing user base of more than 65 million registered accounts. Within the hackathon context, Run For Pi also sets a reference point for future developers. Pi Network’s initiatives such as Pi Ventures, a $100 million fund aimed at supporting ecosystem growth, could benefit similar utility-focused applications, following its recent investment in CiDi Games.

At the same time, Pi Network continues to face criticism for its long development timeline and centralized aspects of governance. Applications like Run For Pi do not resolve these concerns, but they provide concrete examples of how Pi can be used beyond mining.

Comparison With Other Games

Compared with earlier Pi-based games, Run For Pi places greater emphasis on competitive play and direct Pi spending rather than ad-based rewards. In contrast to traditional endless-runner games like Temple Run, it replaces in-app purchases with blockchain transactions and ties progression more closely to skill-based outcomes.

The result is not a replacement for mainstream mobile games but a focused application designed for a specific ecosystem. Its value lies in demonstrating how Pi can function as a medium of exchange within entertainment software.

Conclusion

Run For Pi is a functional example of how a mobile game can integrate Pi cryptocurrency into its core mechanics without relying on speculative framing. Its third-place finish at the Pi Hackathon 2025 reflects recognition of its clear use of Pi for payments, competition, and progression. While the game itself is simple by design, it fulfills its intended role within the Pi Network by generating on-chain activity and offering Pioneers a practical way to use Pi. 

As Pi Network continues to expand its Open Network ecosystem, Run For Pi serves as a reference point for utility-driven application development.

Sources

• Pi Network YouTube - Run For Pi Announcement as Third Place Winner 
• Pi Network X - Run For Pi Announcement
• Website - Run For PI Gameplay