The rise of gaming chains like TON, Immutable, and Ronin has been one of 2024’s most transformative web3 developments. Platforms like The Open Network (TON), Telegram’s official web3 infrastructure, have redefined engagement and accessibility for both developers and players. TON’s seamless in-app onboarding and engagement tools have fueled the success of titles like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and BANANA. Starting the year with just over 4 million on-chain accounts, TON is projected to close the year with over 120 million—an extraordinary growth story.
Why Are Gaming Chains Growing So Rapidly?
The answer lies in their ability to cater to three key stakeholders:
- Developers: Gaming chains provide a solid foundation to bridge web2 and web3. They offer robust tools, smoother onboarding, and scalable infrastructure that empower creators to focus on innovation without technical bottlenecks.
- Players: Gamers benefit from interconnected ecosystems that enable more flexible management of assets, achievements, and identities. These features enhance immersion and engagement.
- The Industry: Gaming chains pave the way for AI-powered experiences and cross-game economies, setting the stage for the next generation of connected gaming.
The explosive rise of gaming chains is about more than just cutting-edge technology—it’s about creating deeply integrated gaming experiences that will shape the future of web3.
Building Without Barriers
Gaming chains broke new ground in 2024, with TON’s success leading the charge. Immutable’s ecosystem expanded to nearly 200 titles, and Sky Mavis’ Ronin saw a 40% increase in game offerings. This growth stems from how these chains empower developers by bridging technical gaps.
Much like Unreal Engine revolutionized game development, gaming chains provide purpose-built environments that let developers focus on creativity without compromising functionality. Native tools manage high-throughput player actions, implement complex smart contracts, and ensure low latency for real-time gameplay. By simplifying the technical landscape, gaming chains help developers feel at home while still enabling the innovations of blockchain technology.
These platforms also support developers through incentives like reduced gas fees, tokenomics support, and incubation programs for games transitioning from web2. By fostering ecosystem growth through direct investment and promotion, gaming chains create a virtuous cycle of innovation and engagement.
Gaming Across Universes
Players are equally drawn to the benefits of gaming chains, particularly the solutions they provide for onboarding challenges. Traditional blockchain games often introduce steep learning curves, but gaming chains simplify this process by integrating blockchain features seamlessly into the gaming experience.
For instance, Telegram’s TON integration makes wallet connectivity nearly effortless. In most regions, players automatically have access to wallets through their Telegram profiles, allowing them to jump directly into mini-games without prior knowledge of crypto. The result? Highly engaging games, hyped airdrops, and a massive influx of new players.
Gaming chains also address the issue of isolation between blockchain games. Shared infrastructure allows players to maintain a unified identity across multiple titles. An example is Ronin Name Service, which lets players create a unique callsign usable across the Ronin ecosystem. This shared identity fosters digital ownership and utility without compromising gameplay quality.
Unlocking New Gaming Possibilities
When gaming data is unified across titles, new opportunities emerge. Cross-game economies—long promised by NFTs—are finally becoming a reality. Players can trade assets, share currencies, and extend their experiences across multiple games, adding value to their digital footprints.
This unified data also enhances player experiences. For instance, rewards can adapt based on achievements across games, and reputation systems can reflect a player’s entire gaming history. These features make gaming more dynamic and personalized.
AI takes these possibilities even further. Chain-specific tools can generate personalized missions, create adaptive content, and power AI companions that learn from player interactions. These innovations not only improve player retention but also provide developers with insights to refine their games. With unified data, gaming becomes smarter, more immersive, and more enjoyable for everyone.
The Future of Gaming Chains
The remarkable growth of gaming chains in 2024 is only the beginning. By unlocking the potential of data as the “new oil,” these platforms are driving innovation, participation, and smarter decision-making across the gaming industry. Developers benefit from specialized infrastructure, players enjoy tailored and connected experiences, and the industry gains access to new data-driven opportunities.
As we move into 2025, gaming chains will continue to redefine how we build, play, and connect. This momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as the next era of web3 gaming takes shape.
