Arbitrum, a key player in the web3 ecosystem, has released its 2024 Transparency Report, shedding light on its grant distribution and ecosystem growth. According to the report, the Arbitrum Foundation provided funding to 276 projects throughout the year. The largest share of these grants went to DeFi and FinTech initiatives, while gaming projects also received significant support. The report emphasizes Arbitrum’s emergence as a leading hub for blockchain gaming, particularly with the development of L3 rollups such as Proof of Play’s Apex and Boss chains.

$220 Million Over Three Years

Looking ahead, the report outlines reasons for optimism in 2025, noting that the ecosystem is positioned for continued expansion, partly due to the Gaming Catalyst Program (GCP). The GCP, launched in March 2024 and approved by ARB token holders in June, was designed to support blockchain gaming projects with an allocation of approximately $220 million over three years.

Arbitrum's $220 Million Gaming Catalyst Program

Uncertainty Surrounding the Gaming Catalyst Program

Despite its initial approval, the GCP has faced growing criticism, particularly following the departure of key backers such as Treasure DAO, which moved to zkSync. This shift raised concerns about the program’s long-term viability and effectiveness. In October, Joseph Schiarizzi, a member of the Arbitrum DAO, proposed that the 220 million ARB tokens allocated to the GCP be moved back into the DAO treasury. He argued that the program had failed to meet its agreed milestones and described its continuation as "unconscionable."

Schiarizzi’s proposal reignited discussions within the DAO about the future of the GCP. Some members now advocate for shutting down the program entirely, citing concerns about its performance and the broader economic downturn in the cryptocurrency market. The price of the ARB token has fallen by 77% over the past 12 months, further fueling arguments that the DAO should prioritize financial stability.

Arbitrum Foundation Logo

Responses from Offchain Labs and DAO Members

Offchain Labs, the company behind Arbitrum, has not issued an official response to the proposal to shut down the GCP. However, A.J. Warner, the company’s director of partnerships and strategy, dismissed criticisms of the program’s performance, stating that they “make no sense.” Additionally, David Bolger, Offchain Labs’ gaming lead, commented on X that there is a common misconception about the GCP, emphasizing that it functions as an investment fund intended to generate returns for the DAO rather than a traditional grant program.

Despite these clarifications, some DAO members remain unconvinced. Nathan Van der Hayden, one of the proponents of shutting down the GCP, argued that the program was created under overly optimistic conditions and has not delivered on its promises. He urged delegates to support a proposal to wind down the GCP and return the funds to the DAO treasury.

Arbitrum Ecosystem

The Future of Arbitrum’s Gaming Fund

The debate over the GCP highlights broader challenges in managing large-scale blockchain investment programs, particularly within decentralized governance structures. As DAO members continue to deliberate on the proposal, the decision on whether to continue or terminate the GCP could have significant implications for Arbitrum’s gaming initiatives and its overall strategy within the web3 ecosystem.

For now, the future of the Gaming Catalyst Program remains uncertain, with DAO members weighing financial prudence against the initial vision of fostering blockchain gaming growth. Arbitrum’s next steps will likely influence how similar initiatives are structured and governed in the evolving web3 landscape.

Source: BlockchainGamer