Crypto games are transforming the gaming industry
Crypto gaming, also known as Web3 or blockchain gaming, integrates blockchain technology, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, into video games. This fusion aims to create a new gaming experience by offering features not found in traditional games.
How blockchain is revolutionizing gaming
True Ownership: Players can own in-game assets as NFTs, which are stored on the blockchain, granting them permanent and verifiable ownership of items like skins, weapons, and characters.
Play-to-Earn (P2E) Models: Crypto games enable players to earn cryptocurrencies or NFTs through gameplay, creating opportunities for converting their time and effort into real-world value.
Decentralized Economies: Player-driven marketplaces facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of NFTs and other in-game assets, fostering transparent and potentially fairer economies.
Enhanced Security: Blockchain’s inherent security features provide a tamper-resistant environment for game transactions and can secure player account information.
Interoperability: Some NFTs and assets may be used across different games or platforms, potentially boosting their utility and value within a broader gaming metaverse.
Examples of prominent crypto games and platforms
Axie Infinity: A pioneer in the play-to-earn model, allowing players to collect, breed, and battle NFT creatures called Axies.
The Sandbox: A metaverse game where players can create and own virtual land and items.
Illuvium: An AAA open-world RPG incorporating NFT creature collection.
Off the Grid: An S-tier crypto game utilizing an Avalanche subnet, aiming to introduce cryptocurrency to a wider audience.
Ronin Network: A key EVM blockchain experiencing rapid growth, fueled by popular games like Axie Infinity and Pixels.

Market trends and outlook
Increased Activity: Blockchain gaming transactions surpass all other blockchain use cases in daily activity, highlighting growing adoption.
Investment Growth: Investment in blockchain gaming continues, with significant funding rounds and interest from major studios.
Evolving Models: A shift from purely financialized play-to-earn models towards creating games that prioritize fun and engaging gameplay is emerging.
Technological Advancements: Layer 2 solutions are improving scalability, reducing transaction costs, and enhancing user-friendliness.
Regulatory Scrutiny: Regulatory uncertainty exists, particularly in regions like the US, with concerns regarding the classification of in-game tokens and assets. However, some regulatory actions, like the SEC closing investigations into projects such as CyberKongz and Immutable, are seen as positive for the industry.
Crypto gaming’s future appears promising, driven by technological advancements, evolving economic models, and growing player interest.
Recent News and Developments
Ronin is experiencing explosive growth with over 1.82 million monthly active users.
New AI education for parents, the Family AI Game Plan, builds on existing blockchain education.
Ethereum gaming network Xai is suing Elon Musk’s xAI for trademark infringement.
Play Solana plans to ship a handheld gaming device with a built-in crypto wallet and fingerprint security in October 2025.
Ronin network is returning to Ethereum as a Layer 2 solution.
Triumph Games is shaping Web3 games where players own, create, and evolve the worlds they play in.
The Sandbox co-founders have transitioned to new strategic roles amid business optimization.
Investors are targeting “fun-first” crypto games, with funding jumping 94% in July 2025.