Over 400 Crypto Games Discontinued in 2023
New data from Big Blockchain Games suggests that the number of crypto games that have been shuttered or halted is much higher than previously reported. In fact, over triple the initial number of nearly 50 games have stopped development. According to Big Blockchain Game List, 248 crypto games were discontinued or became inactive in the first half of 2023, and 162 were discontinued in the second half. This means that an estimated 410 blockchain games went dark last year, making up over 30% of the total games on the list.
The most common reason for marking a game as “discontinued” is a prolonged period of no updates or activity. Other games have made public announcements about stopping development due to market conditions or lack of funding.
Blockchains with the Most Losses
According to Big Blockchain Game, Binance’s BNB Chain saw the most games shut down in 2023. Polygon, Ethereum mainnet, and Solana also had notable numbers of discontinued games. It’s worth noting that a large portion of discontinued games were marked as “unknown” or “other” when it comes to their respective blockchains.
Challenges in the Gaming Industry
The discontinuation rate of crypto games is in line with the broader gaming industry. A report found that 43% of non-crypto mobile games are canceled during development, and 83% fail within three years. The gaming industry also faced challenges in terms of cancellations, studio shutdowns, and mass layoffs in 2023. This trend has continued into 2024 with several high-profile projects stopping development and major companies laying off staff.
Hot Take: Uncertain Future for Crypto Games
The high number of discontinued crypto games raises concerns about the sustainability of the industry. While some games face challenges due to market conditions or funding issues, others struggle to find their footing in the competitive gaming landscape. As the industry evolves, it will be crucial for developers to address these challenges and build sustainable models that can thrive in the long term.
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