The Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) has published its 2024 State of the Industry Report, revealing a major shift in who's building blockchain games. More than half (52.5%) of professionals working in blockchain gaming now come from traditional gaming backgrounds — the highest percentage since the report started tracking this data in 2021.
Meanwhile, only 10.8% of respondents identified blockchain or cryptocurrency expertise as their primary background, down sharply from 21.7% in 2023. This shift signals a growing focus on making games that prioritize entertainment over financial mechanics. Sebastien Borget, President of the BGA, noted:
"In 2024, we've seen real progress in making blockchain games more accessible, and industry professionals say that onboarding is less of a barrier than it was last year. 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 gathers perspectives from blockchain gaming professionals, tracking industry challenges, opportunities, and key drivers heading into 2025. With four years of data, the report shows how blockchain gaming has evolved and where it's headed. The findings offer useful context for stakeholders, investors, regulators, journalists, researchers, and other blockchain gaming professionals.
Advantages of Blockchain Tech in Gaming
For the fourth year running, digital asset ownership topped the list of blockchain's biggest benefits in gaming, with 71.1% of respondents calling it the primary advantage. Many participants also pointed to new reward and revenue models, cited by 40% of respondents. These systems include earning and incentivization mechanics designed to benefit players in ways traditional games can't.
Industry Drivers
Persistent Challenges and Misconceptions
Onboarding and poor user experiences still rank as major challenges, with 53.9% of respondents flagging them as issues. That's a significant drop from 79.5% in 2023, though. Efforts to simplify access and hide complex blockchain mechanics appear to be working.
The report also highlights 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 overrun by automated bots.
Industry Challenges
Industry Growth and Representation
The survey saw a threefold increase in participation compared to 2021, showing growing interest in blockchain gaming. However, the report noted ongoing challenges with gender diversity, with women making up only 17.3% of respondents. The rising number of professionals from traditional gaming backgrounds is reshaping how blockchain games get made.
Respondents highlighted the influence of established gaming intellectual properties (IPs) moving into web3, with 18.6% identifying this trend as having the biggest positive impact. The success of platforms that focus on simple and accessible gameplay also underscores the industry's shift toward mass adoption.
Demographics
Final Thoughts
The BGA's 2024 State of the Industry Report shows blockchain gaming is maturing. Challenges around onboarding and public perception remain, but the growing presence of gaming professionals and the emphasis on accessibility suggest the sector is adapting to meet player expectations. For the full report, visit BGA's website.
