Yield Guild Games (YGG) has long been recognized as a pioneering force in the web3 gaming ecosystem. Through its publishing division, YGG Play, the organization is reshaping how on-chain games are designed, distributed, and sustained in the decentralized era. In an exclusive interview, YGG co-founder Gabby Dizon shared insights into the “Casual Degen” gaming thesis, the success of LOL Land, and how YGG Play is positioning itself for the next phase of web3 gaming growth.
Building Games for Crypto Natives
Building YGG Play for the Decentralized Era
YGG Play serves as the publishing arm of Yield Guild Games, providing developers with end-to-end support across game design, marketing, monetization, and infrastructure. The division focuses on “Casual Degen” experiences, on-chain games that are simple to play, engaging, and tailored to crypto-native audiences.
"Casual Degen games are designed for the crypto-native crowd who may not necessarily call themselves “gamers” but who would be interested in games that are quick, fun, and on-chain. These are games they can play while trading perps or flipping memecoins and NFTs, games that will reward them in ways they already understand. There’s zero friction because they’re already familiar with wallets, tokens, and NFTs, so they can jump in right away without an onboarding tutorial. "
Building Games for Crypto Natives
LOL Land YGG Play’s Breakout Success
YGG Play’s first in-house title, LOL Land, has become a standout example of how casual web3 games can achieve long-term success. As of October 6, 2025, LOL Land surpassed $4.5 million in lifetime revenue, demonstrating the earning potential of crypto-native gaming models.
"Projects need revenue beyond support from VCs to ensure their success will last. Back in 2021, too many games were built around flashy trailers or big NFT mints rather than sustainable game design. That model fell apart because it wasn’t created for long-term revenue or retention. With the games we’re publishing at YGG Play, we’re coming back to what is unique about web3. We’re integrating crypto-native elements into a fast, snackable core loop, and as a result, the games generate real, recurring revenue instead of chasing the next hype cycle."
The browser-based board game has also facilitated cross-IP collaborations with leading web3 brands, including Pudgy Penguins, to create culturally resonant, community-driven experiences. These collaborations expand the reach of both the game and its partners, offering players fresh, engaging content.
Building Games for Crypto Natives
Expanding Through Strategic Partnerships
YGG Play partners with developers to design games that integrate blockchain elements into fun, fast-paced gameplay loops. This approach helps developers scale sustainably while maintaining ownership over their intellectual property and player economies.
YGG Play has established several third-party publishing partnerships to strengthen its “Casual Degen” ecosystem:
- Gigaverse: Collaboration includes growth marketing, community engagement, and player acquisition. A cross-IP experience introduced the exclusive Gigaland board and limited-edition LOL Land skins.
- Pengu Asia: YGG Play licensed Pudgy Penguins and Lil Pudgys to create Pengu Wonderland, an expansion featuring Asian cultural landmarks.
- Delabs Games: Through its partnership with Delabs, the web3 division of 4:33 Creative Lab, YGG Play launched GIGACHADBAT on Abstract, alongside an exclusive GIGACHAD Baseball map in LOL Land.
- Proof of Play Arcade: YGG Play will support growth marketing and player acquisition while integrating Proof of Play Arcade into the YGG Play Launchpad with a smart contract-based revenue share model.
Connecting Games and Players
Set to debut on October 15, 2025, the YGG Play Launchpad will serve as a discovery hub for casual on-chain games. Players will be able to explore titles, participate in quests, and join token launches, starting with $LOL, the official token of LOL Land. The platform aims to connect players directly with games designed for the decentralized ecosystem.
Building Games for Crypto Natives
LOL Lounge and Web3 Game Publishing
To further its role as an industry thought leader, YGG Play launched LOL Lounge, a podcast that explores the business of web3 game publishing. Hosted by Leah Callon-Butler and Gabby Dizon, the series features conversations with founders, investors, and ecosystem builders.
Recent episodes include:
- Episode 3: “Why Nexon’s Former CEO Is Betting on the Casual Degen” featuring James Joonmo Kwon, co-founder of Delabs Games.
- Episode 2: “A Regional Lens on Community Building” with Aaron Teng and Cheryl Law of Igloo APAC.
- Episode 1: “Rethinking Game Publishing in the Decentralized Era” featuring Dith (Gigaverse) and Mason (Abstract).
Building Games for Crypto Natives
YGG Play Summit Global Web3 Gaming Event
The YGG Play Summit, returning to Manila on November 19–22, 2025, will transform the city into a “City of Play.” Divided into four themed districts (The Arena, Skill District, Player District, and Degen District) the event will showcase esports tournaments, playable demos, workshops, and free-to-play web3 game experiences.
Highlights include:
- The Arena: Hosting the YGG Parallel Showdown and Vibes Asian Championship with a combined $120,000 prize pool.
- Degen District: Spotlighting LOL Land and other YGG Play titles.
- LOL Lounge Live: Featuring Gabby Dizon, YellowPanther (our GAM3 Awards 2024 Creator of the Year), and Iceyyy (Gaming Daily).
- Our GAM3 Awards 2025: Returning to the Summit to honor top creators and developers in web3 gaming.
Key sponsors include Sky Mavis, Aurory, Pixels, Parallel TCG, Vibes TCG, Sui, Ubisoft, Cambria, Spekter Agency, DWF Labs, and Coins.ph. Speakers range from Luke Barwikowski of Pixels to Shi Khai Wei of LongHash Ventures. The event will conclude with a concert by a surprise headliner, marking a celebratory finale for the global web3 gaming community.
“We’re excited to host the GAM3 Awards again at the YGG Play Summit this November. It’s grown into an important tradition for the web3 gaming community, where we can come together and recognize the builders and creators who have contributed their talents to push the industry forward. Last year was special because it was the first time we were able to gather and celebrate our wins in person. We’re honored to give the ceremony a home at the Summit.”
GAM3 Awards Nov 21st 2025, Manila
The Casual Degen Thesis
According to Dizon, Casual Degen games appeal to crypto-native users who may not identify as traditional gamers but are active in on-chain activities such as trading and minting. These games offer quick, fun experiences that integrate familiar elements like tokens and NFTs, creating a seamless entry point into web3 gaming.
“Casual Degen games are built for players who already understand wallets and on-chain assets,” Dizon explained. “They don’t need tutorials or onboarding - they can just jump in and play. LOL Land has proven that when you build for this audience, the retention and revenue follow.”
Scaling with the Crypto-Native Audience
YGG Play’s growth strategy emphasizes depth over breadth. Instead of broadening to mainstream audiences, the publisher is focusing on deepening engagement within crypto-native communities.
“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” Dizon noted. “By creating better game loops and on-chain economies, we ensure that players stay engaged and invested. Growth naturally follows because crypto communities move fast when they see quality projects.”
Building Games for Crypto Natives
Looking Ahead for Web3 Gaming
YGG Play continues to demonstrate that web3 gaming can be sustainable and profitable without relying on hype-driven launches. Through a combination of in-house development, third-party partnerships, and community engagement via events and podcasts, the publisher is building a framework for casual, crypto-native games that generate recurring revenue and foster active communities. Titles like LOL Land and partnerships with Gigaverse, Delabs Games, and Proof of Play Arcade suggest that Casual Degen games will remain a central focus for the company’s strategy in the decentralized gaming era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Casual Degen game? A Casual Degen game is an on-chain game designed for crypto-native users who may not consider themselves traditional gamers. These games are typically simple, quick to play, and integrate blockchain elements like NFTs and tokens in an accessible way.
How has LOL Land performed since launch? As of October 2025, LOL Land has generated over $4.5 million in lifetime revenue and facilitated collaborations with brands such as Pudgy Penguins, demonstrating the potential for web3 games to achieve sustainable growth.
What is the YGG Play Launchpad? The YGG Play Launchpad is a platform set to launch in October 2025 that connects players with casual web3 games, offering discovery, quests, and token launches. Its initial focus includes games like LOL Land and the $LOL token.
How does YGG Play support third-party developers? YGG Play provides marketing, growth strategies, community engagement, and revenue-sharing models to third-party developers, helping them scale and sustain games for a crypto-native audience.
What is the YGG Play Summit? The YGG Play Summit is a web3 gaming event held in Manila, featuring playable demos, esports tournaments, workshops, and live podcast recordings. It also hosts our GAM3 Awards, recognizing top creators and developers in the web3 gaming industry.
Why focus on crypto-native players? YGG Play targets crypto-native players because they already understand blockchain mechanics and are more likely to engage with on-chain games. This audience allows for lower onboarding friction and sustainable player retention.
Who are YGG Play’s key partners? Key partners include Gigaverse, Delabs Games, and Proof of Play Arcade, with collaborations that extend across game content, expansions, and cross-IP integrations.
