The world of web3 gaming is heating up again. This isn’t just a trend, it’s a deeper signal. After months of inactivity and skepticism, a new wave is taking shape among developers, investors, and players. And, as often happens in crypto, change doesn’t come with announcements, it just starts to be felt.
It all started with a rumor: Pokémon might be preparing to enter the SUI blockchain. The mere whisper of that possibility was enough to send the SUI token soaring 60% in a matter of days. Beyond the short-term hype, what this moment reveals is far more important: the infrastructure has matured, past mistakes have turned into lessons, and serious projects are finally building experiences that could rival traditional video games.
A New Generation of Web3 Games
This resurgence isn’t magic. It’s backed by technical improvements and a shift in philosophy. The user is now at the center: interfaces are cleaner, wallets are easier, and you no longer need to be an engineer to start playing. On top of that, the blockchains supporting these titles have evolved. Layer 2s, sidechains, and new solutions like Berachain are designed for scalability without compromising gameplay.
The difference now isn’t just technical, it’s also narrative. It’s no longer about “play to earn,” but about building rich, solid universes with real economies and sustainable rewards. Games where digital ownership isn’t a gimmick, it’s a natural, empowering feature of the system.
Ecosystems leading the recovery
Among all the names shaping this comeback, five platforms or blockchains stand out for good reason:
Ultra
More than a blockchain, Ultra is a full ecosystem for gamers. Marketplace, tournaments, game store and more—Ultra wants to be the Steam of Web3, with $UOS as the backbone. Its power lies in integration: everything in one place.
Immutable X
An Ethereum Layer 2 built specifically for games. Zero fees, fast transactions, and a developer-friendly SDK. Games like Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians are already fully live on this network.
Berachain
This year’s dark horse. Built on Cosmos but fully EVM-compatible, Berachain introduces a novel consensus model: Proof of Liquidity (PoL). Instead of locking up tokens passively, PoL ties network security directly to liquidity provision.
Assets stay in motion, earning yield while securing the chain. The result? More engagement, more incentives, and a fast-growing ecosystem. In just weeks since launching testnet, Berachain surpassed $5 billion in TVL. Designed for DeFi and gaming alike, it’s a network with well-structured, sustainable incentives.
Illuvium
Arguably the most ambitious project in the space. AAA graphics, advanced combat mechanics, open worlds, and a multi-game strategy. Illuvium Arena, Overworld and Zero aim to redefine what a Web3 game looks like. Already listed on Epic Games Store, the project has raised over $60 million.
What’s at Stake?
Web3 gaming isn’t just competing for users—it’s competing for credibility. And while the “play and earn” promise is still part of the equation, today’s approach is more mature. The goal is to create fun games with real storylines and solid mechanics. The player comes first. The token comes after.
What happens next is critical. If these projects manage to consolidate, they could redefine the entire gaming industry—ushering in a new category: the gamer-owner. A player who not only plays, but owns part of the world they inhabit.
The field is set. Now it’s time to play the game right.
Gaming Strategist & Trend Analyst
With a background in game economics and digital culture, METAREPORT connects the dots. He dissects trends, deciphers strategies, and delivers data-backed insights for gamers, creators, and investors alike.
