Last updated:
Author
Ruholamin Haqshanas
Author
Ruholamin Haqshanas
Share
Why Trust Cryptonews
Blockchain gaming saw a dramatic rise in onchain activity in January, marking a threefold increase compared to the same period last year, according to a Feb. 13 report from blockchain analytics platform DappRadar.
The sector recorded over 7 million unique active wallets (UAW) daily, reflecting a 386% year-over-year surge.
DappRadar analyst Sara Gherghelas attributed the growth to advancements in layer-2 solutions, evolving token economies, and partnerships with AAA gaming studios, such as Gunzilla Games’ Off The Grid.
“This growth signals strong momentum and underscores the industry’s resilience despite short-term fluctuations,” Gherghelas stated.
New Ecosystems and AI Integration Drive Growth
Several blockchain gaming networks saw significant expansion in January.
OpBNB emerged as the top-performing gaming blockchain, with Matchain ranking second.
Meanwhile, Polygon experienced a 100% increase in gaming activity compared to the previous month.
Gherghelas noted that while some emerging blockchain ecosystems do not meet traditional AAA gaming standards, they still demonstrate technical advancements and creative approaches shaping the sector’s future.
Beyond gaming, artificial intelligence (AI) is also gaining traction in the broader Web3 ecosystem.
Multiple gaming projects have begun integrating AI-powered tools, reflecting a wider industry shift.
This mirrors developments in other blockchain sectors, including stablecoin issuer Tether’s recent entry into AI applications.
On Feb. 6, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino announced the company is developing an AI translator, voice assistant, and Bitcoin wallet assistant.
Despite the surge in gaming activity, investment in blockchain games declined in 2024.
The sector attracted $1.8 billion in funding for blockchain gaming and metaverse projects, representing a 38% drop year-over-year.
Gherghelas explained that this decline aligns with broader economic trends and a shift toward deploying previously raised capital into active projects.
However, she emphasized that key funding rounds indicate continued confidence in Web3 gaming infrastructure and innovation.
Across the entire decentralized application (DApp) ecosystem, daily UAW reached 26.7 million, with DeFi slightly outpacing gaming in activity by just 1%.
Telegram Dominates Web3 Gaming with 21% of 2024 Launches: Game7 Report
Telegram has emerged as a significant platform for Web3 gaming, capturing 21% of new game launches in 2024.
Developers and publishers are leveraging the messaging app to boost user acquisition and engagement, Game7, a community dedicated to advancing blockchain technology in gaming, said in its 2024 State of Web3 Gaming Report.
The report claimed that the surge in Telegram’s influence could challenge traditional mobile platforms like Apple and Google, which continue to impose restrictive app store policies and face regulatory uncertainties.
Funding for Web3 gaming grew by 17% year-over-year by Q3 2024, with a shift toward smaller, strategic rounds focused on token launches.
However, the industry remains constrained by macroeconomic uncertainties and the absence of a breakout hit comparable to “Axie Infinity.”
Gaming token launches surged by 200% YoY, with game titles accounting for 74% of these launches.
As reported, Web3 shooter game Off The Grid (OTG) saw a surge in user engagement, reaching an all-time high of 207,450 unique active wallets (UAW) on November 12.
