Web3 gaming shifts to sustainability as confidence returns: BGA
The blockchain gaming sector is shifting to more sustainable economics and has improved sentiment and market maturity as it recalibrates its outlook, reported the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA).The Web3 gaming advocacy group said in its annual state of the industry report released on Wednesday that the sector is âmoving beyond its speculative origins toward a more operationally disciplined, product-led future.âIn a survey of over 500 global blockchain gaming professionals, the level of optimism rebounded to 65.8% from its 2024 lows, with the focus shifting from token economics to sustainable revenue models. âThe clearest indicator of the industryâs broader transition lies in its reorientation toward sustainable economics.âGrowth is now anchored in delivering high-quality games, resilient revenue models, and payment infrastructure to support real-world commerce at scale, the report noted. A tough period for Web3 gaming Blockchain and Web3 gaming have shifted from peak euphoria in 2021, driven by a play-to-earn explosion and speculative capital, to a low point in 2024, following the collapse of P2E models, a decline in confidence, and a drying up of funding, with studios closing and reputations being damaged. Related: Investors target âfun-firstâ crypto games as funding jumps 94% in JulyAnnual funding dropped dramatically to $293 million in 2025, down from $4 billion in 2021, forcing teams toward leaner, bootstrap-focused operations. Top-tier venture firms paused all new Web3 gaming investments, and project token prices collapsed more than 90% from cycle peaks. Between 80% and 93% of Web3 games failed, with average lifespans of only months and studios that raised millions couldnât sustain operations without continuous capital injections.On the path to recovery Several developments were cited as contributing factors to the recovery of the beleaguered sector, including regulatory shifts and the growing popularity of stablecoins.Animoca Brands co-founder Yat Siu said recent crypto-friendly shifts in US regulations mean that companies no longer need to rely on setting up nonprofit foundations when planning token launches.The BGA said that stablecoins were transformative for Web3 games, they gave gamers âfast, low-cost, borderless transactions without the volatility associated with other crypto assets.âAdditionally, nearly 30% of survey respondents cited high-quality game launches as the most important factor for industry growth. Immutableâs vice president of global sales, Andrew Sorokovsky, said that âdespite the negative headlines, blockchain gaming is now one of cryptoâs most proven sectors â where quality projects are thriving and real adoption is taking hold.âMagazine: XRPâs ânow or neverâ moment, Kalshi taps Solana: Hodlerâs Digest