In August 2024, blockchain gaming hit a significant milestone with 4.2 million daily unique active wallets (dUAW), reflecting a 5% growth from the previous month. The industry continues to evolve despite a relatively quiet period for major headlines, driven by steady game launches, infrastructure investments, and a resilient user base. In this article, we will break down the latest data from DappRadar's August 2024 report (powered by the Blockchain Game Alliance) revealing the latest trends, key players, and ongoing developments shaping the blockchain gaming landscape.

DappRadar August 2024 Games Report (powered by the Blockchain Game Alliance)

Key Highlights

• The dapp industry reached a new milestone with 17 million daily unique active wallets (dUAW) interacting with blockchain applications.

• AI-based dapps, categorized under “Other,” led the market for the second consecutive month, holding a 29% share.

• Blockchain gaming, despite falling to second place, saw a 5% increase in dUAW, reaching a record 4.2 million active wallets.

• Ronin remains the top blockchain for gaming, driven by popular dapps such as Pixels and the newly added Forgotten Runiverse.

• KGeN was the leading gaming dapp by unique active wallets (UAW).

• August saw a sharp rise in blockchain gaming investments, reaching $50 million—a 117% increase from the previous month.

• All investments this month were directed toward gaming studios, highlighting a focus on building foundational infrastructure for long-term growth in blockchain gaming.

Industry UAW

Overview of Blockchain Gaming Activity

In August, the broader decentralized application (dapp) sector reached new heights with 17 million dUAW across all platforms. However, blockchain gaming, while still a dominant category, was overtaken by AI-driven dapps, which now hold 29% of the market. Despite this, gaming maintained its relevance, claiming 24% of the market share with a record 4.2 million active wallets.

The rise of AI dapps, including platforms like DIN and Alaya AI, reflects a broader industry trend where artificial intelligence is gaining ground. Yet, blockchain gaming remains a core part of the dapp ecosystem, driven by new game launches and community engagement.

Industry Dominance by UAW

Leading Blockchains in Gaming

Among gaming blockchains, Ronin continues to lead in user activity, supported by popular decentralized applications (dapps) like Pixels and Forgotten Runiverse. This strong performance has helped Ronin stay at the forefront of blockchain gaming.

Meanwhile, opBNB is gaining attention with standout dapps such as SERAPH: In The Darkness and Gomble Games, while SKALE has seen impressive growth, particularly through the activity on its Nebula chain with games like motoDEX and World of Dypians.

Other prominent blockchains also played a vital role in the sector’s growth. Near, through games like Sweat Economy, PlayEmber, and Immutable zkEVM, with its hit game Boomland, continue to show solid engagement. WAX remains a go-to platform for established titles like Alien Worlds and Wombat Dungeon Master, which continue to enjoy loyal user bases.

Daily Average UAW of Top Gaming Blockchains

Top Gaming Industry Dominance by UAWwebDapps

KGeN emerged as the leading gaming dapp by unique active wallets (UAW) in August, cementing its position as a key player in the blockchain gaming sector. The platform, known for its quests, tournaments, and decentralized data management for gamers, continues to grow its community through various engaging features.

One notable new entry is Lumiterra, an MMORPG that launched its first closed beta on the Ronin network. The game combines survival-crafting, farming, and combat mechanics, quickly capturing player interest with a $1 million prize pool and an 80% player retention rate after seven days of gameplay.

Other top blockchain games maintained stable positions, indicating that many developers are focusing on refining user experiences rather than launching major updates. For instance, Gods Unchained attracted attention with two new time-limited game formats, keeping its trading volume high, while Guild of Guardians excelled in community engagement and trading activities.

Top Game Dapps

Additional Developments in Web3

Several key developments also shaped the web3 gaming landscape in August:

• Faraway Games expanded its web3 strategy, working to integrate IPs from Yuga Labs into web2 games, including plans for Villains, a mobile battle royale game.
• Dapper Labs generated interest with updates to its legacy game CryptoKitties, including a new egg collection and the launch of a Telegram-based mini-game called All The Zen.
• Mythical Games achieved a significant milestone when its game NFL Rivals became the official mobile game of the Kansas City Chiefs for the upcoming season.
• Proof of Play announced the launch of Boss Chain, a second blockchain to support its multichain gaming ecosystem, particularly its flagship game Pirate Nation.

These initiatives demonstrate that, while the gaming sector may be quiet in terms of large-scale announcements, significant behind-the-scenes work is being done to expand web3 gaming infrastructure and innovation.

Gaming Image Generic

Blockchain Gaming Investments

Investment in blockchain gaming saw a remarkable 117% increase in August, reaching $50 million. This surge in funding was directed exclusively toward gaming studios, emphasizing the industry’s focus on developing long-term infrastructure. Notable funding rounds included:

• Gameplay Galaxy, a US-based studio, raised $11 million to further develop its mobile web3 sports game Trial Xtreme Freedom, which incorporates asset ownership and user-driven tournament management.
• Double Jump Tokyo, a Japanese blockchain developer, secured $10 million in a Series D round to expand its web3 offerings, including its upcoming trading card game Battle of Three Kingdoms on the Oasys blockchain.

Despite this influx of capital, the broader industry remains quieter than expected, with fewer headline-grabbing announcements. However, several web3 gaming studios presented at Gamescom, signaling that blockchain gaming remains an area of interest in mainstream gaming circles.

Investments in Web3 Gaming Projects (Jan-Aug 2024)

Final Thoughts

August 2024 may not have been filled with major breakthroughs, but blockchain gaming continues to grow and evolve behind the scenes. The industry’s steady increase in daily active users, alongside rising investments, indicates a recalibration phase as companies focus on infrastructure and user experience.

As the groundwork is being laid, September holds the potential to bring more dynamic developments that could reignite excitement within the sector. With new game launches, sustained engagement, and investment in the ecosystem’s infrastructure, the future of blockchain gaming appears poised for further growth in the coming months. You can read the full report here.