As we’re about to close the chapter of 2024 and look towards the dawn of a new year, we’ve been asking some of the key members of the blockchain gaming sector about their thoughts on the past year and what they expect in 2025.
Andrew Saunders is the chief marketing and strategy officer at Skale Labs.
What was the most significant trend for the sector of 2024?
The biggest trend in blockchain gaming this year has been the drive to deliver web2-like experiences – games that feel seamless, intuitive, and familiar to players, without the friction traditionally associated with blockchain.
SKALE has been at the forefront of this movement, thanks to its unique zero-gas-fee model. By eliminating transaction costs, SKALE enables developers to create smooth, on-chain interactions, asset upgrades, and gameplay mechanics that feel indistinguishable from traditional gaming. This innovation has positioned SKALE as the go-to blockchain for accessible, scalable games, empowering developers to deliver the kind of user-friendly experiences that are key to driving mass adoption – now with over 500,000 daily players.
How did the focus of your business change this year?
In 2024, SKALE doubled down on increasing the quality of games building on our L1 blockchains, attracting 67 top-tier gaming projects that prioritize delivering exceptional, frictionless experiences. By enabling developers to combine web2-level gameplay with blockchain benefits like instant transactions, true asset ownership, and SKALE’s unique zero-gas-fee model, we’ve created a platform that fosters innovation and high-calibre game development.
A key initiative this year was launching the industry’s first and only exclusive Unity Publisher Support Program, a collaboration aimed at accelerating game development and simplifying blockchain integration. The results highlight our commitment to quality: 6 standout SKALE-powered games are now live on the Epic Games Store, showcasing the next generation of immersive and scalable blockchain gaming.
With SKALE consistently ranking 2nd in developer activity, often 4x ahead of the closest competitor, it’s clear that the focus on quality is paying off.
What do you predict will be the most important trends in 2025?
Looking ahead, the convergence of gaming and AI will accelerate quickly. AI will enhance game personalization, enabling dynamic gameplay that adapts to individual user preferences and performance in real-time. From NPCs with advanced behavior, to AI-driven game balancing, to AI open-worlds, this technology will shape the next generation of games.
SKALE is uniquely positioned to support this AI-powered future due to its ability to handle high-throughput with zero fees, enabling rapid interactions and real-time updates without compromising game and user experience.
What was your favourite blockchain game of the year?
I like to stay fairly neutral as I support an entire ecosystem, but I have to say StrayShot really impressed me. It’s a third-person shooter-action-survival game from iBLOXX Studios that can be played in multiple modes (single-player, multi-player, battle royale, etc.), where you step into the boots of a bounty hunter and take on rivals. It’s fast-paced, intense, and the graphics are polished in a way that feels like a big-budget title. What makes it stand out is how seamlessly it incorporates blockchain technology and benefits.
Thanks to SKALE’s unique architecture, things like trading skins or owning gear just work, without any of the usual headaches and friction. It will be available for PC on the Epic Games Store as well as for mobile on Android, but you can already sign up for beta access.
What’s your New Year’s resolution and what resolution would you enforce on the industry?
For me, it’s to double down on making blockchain gaming more accessible and enjoyable for traditional gamers. At SKALE, that means continuing to break down barriers for developers and players, whether it’s through gas-free transactions, invisible integrations, or frictionless tools to onboard them.
As for the industry, it would be to focus on quality over hype. Too often, blockchain games launch with big promises but fail to deliver a fun, polished experience. We need to prioritize creating games that are genuinely rich and engaging, with blockchain as an enhancement rather than a distraction.
If we can shift the focus from speculation to real player value, 2025 could be the year blockchain gaming truly goes mainstream.
Check out all the 2024 End-of-Year interviews here >>
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