The Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) has published its 2024 State of the Industry Report, offering insights into the blockchain gaming sector’s evolution. A significant finding from the report is that over half (52.5%) of professionals in blockchain gaming now come from traditional gaming backgrounds, representing the highest percentage since the report's inception in 2021.

In comparison, only 10.8% of respondents identified blockchain or cryptocurrency expertise as their primary background, a marked decline from 21.7% in 2023. This trend highlights a growing focus on developing games that emphasize entertainment value rather than financial mechanics. Sebastien Borget, President of the BGA, remarked:

“In 2024, we’ve seen real progress in making blockchain games more accessible, and now, industry professionals say that onboarding is less of a barrier than it was last year. Another major shift according to the findings of our survey is that more professionals are coming into web3 with a background in traditional gaming, rather than crypto, and that is influencing the types of games being developed, particularly those that prioritize fun and engaging experiences over complexity. The success of platforms like TON highlights how simple, approachable games can really drive mass adoption.”

Blockchain Game Alliance 2024 Report

Key Findings

The BGA survey aims to gather and analyze the views of blockchain gaming professionals, offering valuable insight into industry challenges, opportunities, and key drivers heading into 2025. With data spanning the past four years, the survey provides a comprehensive view of blockchain gaming’s evolution along with its future trajectory. The information from the report can be a valuable resource for stakeholders, investors, regulators, journalists, researchers, and other blockchain gaming professionals. 

Advantages of Blockchain Tech in Gaming

For the fourth consecutive year, digital asset ownership was identified as the primary benefit of blockchain in gaming, with 71.1% of respondents emphasizing its importance. Many participants also pointed to the opportunities blockchain creates for new reward and revenue models, cited by 40% of respondents. These models include earning and incentivization systems designed to benefit players in unique ways.

Industry Drivers

Persistent Challenges and Misconceptions

Onboarding and poor user experiences remain key challenges, according to 53.9% of respondents, though this figure is down significantly from 79.5% in 2023. Efforts to simplify access and reduce the visibility of complex blockchain mechanics appear to be driving improvement in this area.

The report also identified ongoing skepticism about blockchain gaming. About 66.3% of respondents reported encountering claims that blockchain games are scams or Ponzi schemes. Additionally, 29.5% noted a newer misconception that web3 games are dominated by automated bots.

Industry Challenges 

Industry Growth and Representation

The survey recorded a threefold increase in participation compared to 2021, indicating growing interest and engagement within the blockchain gaming space. However, the report acknowledged ongoing challenges with gender diversity, with women accounting for only 17.3% of respondents. The increasing number of professionals from traditional gaming backgrounds is shaping the development of blockchain games.

Respondents highlighted the influence of established gaming intellectual properties (IPs) moving into web3, with 18.6% identifying this trend as having the greatest positive impact. Additionally, the success of platforms that prioritize simple and accessible gameplay underscores the industry’s shift toward mass adoption.

Demographics

Final Thoughts

The BGA’s 2024 State of the Industry Report provides valuable insights into blockchain gaming’s progress and future direction. While challenges related to onboarding and public perception remain, the growing presence of gaming professionals and an emphasis on accessibility suggest the sector is adapting to meet player expectations. For the full report, visit BGA’s website.