Blockchain games have captured the attention of the gaming industry, promising decentralized ownership and true digital scarcity. However, a closer look reveals a concerning trend of discontinuation and abandonment. According to the Big Blockchain Game List, more than 30% of blockchain games announced in 2023 have been reported as discontinued or canceled. This article delves into the reasons behind this high rate and explores the potential future of the blockchain gaming industry.
As of January 2024, the Big Blockchain Game List documents a total of 911 games, with 334 currently live and 577 still in development. Out of the 1,318 blockchain games listed since 2021, a staggering 407 games have been classified as discontinued or abandoned. These figures indicate a significant number of projects that have either announced their cancellation or experienced prolonged periods of inactivity.
Funding challenges and market conditions arising from the crypto winter were the primary reasons cited for the discontinuation of blockchain games. The economic downturn affected the viability of many projects, leading to the suspension of development or complete abandonment. Surprisingly, some discontinued projects opted for radio silence, leaving players and investors in the dark without any official announcements.
A growing trend within the blockchain gaming industry is the integration of games with two or more blockchains, known as multichain integration. In the second half of 2023, 17% of the 162 discontinued games were labeled as multichain. This shift indicates a willingness among game developers to explore multiple blockchain networks and utilize their unique features. BNB and Polygon emerged as the frontrunners for single blockchain discontinued games, while Ethereum, Sui, and Solana also made notable contributions.
One noteworthy case is the game “Goals,” which raised $15 million in a seed round in 2022 and an additional $40 million in 2023. Despite its substantial funding, Goals discontinued its integration with blockchain technology. This example highlights the inherent risks and challenges faced by even well-funded projects in the blockchain gaming space.
While the discontinuation rate is concerning, the industry continues to attract new games. In Q4 2023, the Big List welcomed 65 new blockchain games. Among these, 11% embraced the multichain approach, indicating an ongoing trend of integrating with multiple blockchains. Additionally, the continued growth and deployment on single chains such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Immutable, Ethereum, StarkNet, and Avalanche showcase the diverse landscape of blockchain adoption in gaming.
A survey conducted by the Blockchain Game Alliance revealed that 19.8% of respondents believe that the entry of traditional game studios into the domain of web3 gaming will have the most positive impact in 2024. Yat Siu, the executive chairman of Animoca Brands, views the current period as a “cleanup year” for the blockchain gaming industry. Despite the challenges faced in 2023, Siu expresses optimism for 2024, envisioning a robust year ahead.
The rise and fall of blockchain games provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry. The high rate of game discontinuation calls for a critical evaluation of project sustainability and the adoption of proper risk mitigation strategies. As the industry moves forward, collaboration between traditional game studios and blockchain game companies may play a crucial role in shaping the future of blockchain games. While uncertainties exist, the potential for innovation and success remains, and the blockchain gaming industry has the opportunity to redefine how gamers engage and interact with digital worlds.
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