From Hype to Silence, Blockchain Gaming Hits a Rough Patch

Blockchain gaming activity fell in April as users shifted attention to AI and infrastructure-based apps.Players are now prioritizing engaging gameplay over token rewards and speculative models.In April 2025, the number of daily active wallets in blockchain games plunged to 4.8 million—down 10% from the previous month, according to a report from DappRadar.This is the lowest point of the year, and quite brow-raising, considering that this sector was once a favorite in the previous wave of Web3 adoption. But if you look further, it turns out that the cause is not just because the games are lacking features or are boring to play.Source: DappRadarBlockchain Gaming Faces Shifting Demand as Players Crave Real FunUser interest is indeed shifting. Applications that carry AI technology, for example, actually recorded a 26% spike in users in the same month.At the same time, investors are also starting to be cautious. Funding for blockchain gaming projects only reached $21 million in April, down about 69% from the previous month. Compare that to infrastructure-based projects or real-world assets that are actually increasingly sought after.Furthermore, many market players are starting to realize that the “play for money” model is no longer as attractive as it used to be. Now players are looking for a truly exciting experience, not just chasing tokens whose value can fluctuate faster than the price of chili peppers. Herein lies the challenge—and the opportunity for those who dare to take a new direction.The New Wave: From Movie Fantasy to CricketAlthough the numbers seem to be declining, the innovation in this sector has not stopped. Just imagine if games could be integrated into everyday life.For example, Mogul, a project by MoviePass CEO Stacy Spikes. This game allows players to predict the performance of box office films, then earn digital coins to build a virtual studio. Built on the Sui blockchain, and already having more than 400 thousand registrants, Mogul is an example of gamification that is truly connected to the real world.Not only that, game developers are also starting to target more specific niches. In India, Abhishek Gupta (former co-founder of NFTFN) will release PlayPe, a cricket-based skill game platform between August and September. The concept is more towards a “fantasy sport” that does not just guess, but relies on the player’s strategy and understanding of the match.Meanwhile, South Korean gaming giant Nexon just launched the Web3 version of MapleStory N on May 15. They are not only throwing nostalgia, but also introducing a digital asset ownership feature in the game—plus an NFT airdrop bonus that many of their old fans are hunting for.And don’t forget Tokyo Beast, a game previously reported by CNF. Developed by Japan’s largest Web3 company, this game is ready to launch on Immutable. Interestingly, players can still play even if they don’t have the NFT directly, thanks to the lending system and “gene shuffle” which makes access wider.