Blockchain Games Triple Activity in January: DappRadar

DappRadar’s gaming report, published on February 13, revealed that Web3 games recorded over 7 million unique active wallets (UAW) daily last month—a staggering 386% increase from January 2024.

DappRadar analyst Sara Gherghelas highlighted this growth, stating, “This surge reflects strong momentum and underscores the industry’s resilience despite short-term volatility.”

Gherghelas noted that blockchain gaming is “entering a maturation phase,” pointing to advancements in Layer 2 solutions, the expanding token economy, and collaborations with AAA studios—such as Gunzilla Games’ Off The Grid.

She further added, “New gaming ecosystems are emerging, AI is gaining more prominence, and high-performance titles are refining gameplay mechanics, reward structures, and community engagement.”

OpBNB ranked as the top-performing gaming blockchain in January, with Matchain securing second place, while Polygon saw a 100% increase in gaming activity compared to the previous month.

Gherghelas also noted that while some emerging ecosystems are experiencing growth, not all meet the “traditional AAA gaming standards.” However, they still demonstrate “technical advancements and innovative approaches that are shaping the future of blockchain gaming.”

DappRadar reported that AI-powered applications are gaining traction, with an increasing number of projects integrating AI elements into games, reflecting a broader trend across the industry.

On February 6, stablecoin issuer Tether announced that it is experimenting with AI applications. CEO Paolo Ardoino revealed that the company is developing an AI compiler, a voice assistant, and a Bitcoin wallet assistant.

Across the entire DApp ecosystem, there were 26.7 million daily UAWs, with DeFi slightly outperforming gaming by a margin of 1%.

Meanwhile, investment in blockchain gaming has declined, with $1.8 billion recorded for blockchain gaming and metaverse projects in 2024—a 38% drop compared to the previous year.

Gherghelas explained that this decline aligns with broader economic trends and reflects a shift toward “deploying previously raised capital into ongoing projects.”

She added, “While initial investment figures appear cautious, key funding rounds indicate continued confidence in Web3 gaming infrastructure and innovation.”