Is The Crypto Gaming In Crisis? Investments Drop By 71% In Q1 2025
RADAR
MBXThe Web3 gaming market is currently undergoing a pivotal period. Crypto investments collapsed in the first quarter of 2025. Nevertheless, transaction volumes surged. This reveals a contradictory and intriguing dynamic for players in the crypto ecosystem.
Web 3 Games: a decline in crypto investments despite a surge in transactions
The report published by DappRadar reveals a staggering 71% drop in fundraising in crypto gaming. They amount to only 91 million dollars compared to 310 million at the end of 2024. This figure is particularly alarming for startups in the sector, which struggle to attract investors. According to analyst Sara Gherghelas:
“The pressure on young projects is increasing, and 2025 could be a challenging year.”
Upstream, transactions have risen by 35%. This proves that the Web3 ecosystem is not dead. Investors remain indeed present. However, they prefer to distribute their funds carefully. Fewer large checks, but more players involved: a signal that interest in crypto games persists, provided they adapt.
The bet on infrastructure: a long-term strategy
The majority of funds injected into crypto gaming this quarter has been directed towards infrastructure projects. This notably refers to initiatives led by MARBLEX or The Game Company, which are among the few to stand out.
- MARBLEX, the gaming arm of Netmarble, is betting on a semi-publishing model supported by a 20 million dollar fund.
- As for The Game Company, it has raised 10 million dollars to develop its cloud-based blockchain gaming platform.
For Gherghelas, this trend shows that crypto investor confidence in the long term remains intact. Innovation, interoperability, and the integration of artificial intelligence are nevertheless becoming key criteria in the selection of supported projects.
The current crisis in crypto gaming could mark a strategic turning point. Less speculation, more foundations! A shift that could benefit solid long-term projects, if the market follows.
