Author: Shiela Bertillo, Bitpinas
Compiled by: Felix, PANews
Once hailed as the future of interactive entertainment, Web3 games are now facing a 'shutdown wave.'
Web3 game content creator and Ronin Network talk show host Tr3vor mentioned in a tweet the 15 Web3 games announced to close this year, including (Nyan Heroes), (Mystery Society), and (Blade of God). These games are either paused, closed, or planned to close in 2025. Additionally, two games not on the list also announced their closure earlier this year.
Web3 Game Shutdowns in 2025
1. Anterris
Anterris is an open-world third-person creature collection RPG where players can collect Pokémon-like 3D creatures. It is developed by the blockchain game developer Battlebound, known for creating Evaverse.
Anterris has launched on the Monad testnet for players to try out. The testing took place from February 19 to February 23, during which players could also collect NFTs from the testnet.
Reports indicate that Anterris has been tested on Steam, but the official release date has yet to be announced.
Gameplay:
Anterris is an open-world creature collection game where players explore diverse regions to discover and capture wildlife known as 'Antera.' Each area features unique Antera, encouraging players to explore on land, in the air, and at sea.
Players can form battle teams using captured Antera, each with unique spells and ultimate skills. Dungeons provide powerful artifacts that can enhance or modify skills, allowing players to challenge alone or team up with friends, where teamwork can yield rare items and experience as rewards.
Reason for Shutdown:
With the closure of its developer Battlebound, this Web3 game has been indefinitely shelved. The developer announced its closure after four years of development.
The studio stated that despite their efforts to extend operating time and secure new funding, the funding shortage and 'extremely harsh market dynamics' were the reasons for their closure.
They stated that although the project attracted thousands of participants in recent game tests, its future remains uncertain.
The team describes the game as in a 'paused' state, with the possibility of restarting if new funding support is obtained.
Anterris developer BattleBound stated: 'Despite recent strong momentum in game development, our lean and energetic team has struggled for four years to extend operational time while working to secure the next round of funding... Ultimately, like many previous studios, we were forced to close due to the exceptionally harsh market conditions.'
2. Blade of God
Developed by Void Labs, (Blade of God X) (BOGX) is a blockchain-based action RPG that introduces a 'play-to-train' mechanism, allowing players to influence the training of AI models through in-game actions.
BOGX combines advanced AI agents with blockchain technology to achieve real-time AI development through gameplay. The game is set in a mythological world where gods have fallen and chaos reigns, aiming to transcend traditional gaming by merging narrative, AI, and digital interaction into a unique and immersive experience.
This game has received support from major crypto investors; BOGX raised $6 million last year, aiming to combine blockchain mechanics with advanced AI.
Gameplay:
The game is set against the backdrop of Norse mythology, where players take on the role of 'heirs,' a reincarnated warrior embarking on a journey in the fiery realm of Muspelheim.
As they explore the world connected by the World Tree, they face the choice between sacrifice and redemption: to use ancient artifacts to influence the fate of the world or seek guidance from gods like Odin and Loki.
Reason for Shutdown:
A former executive at BOGX accused the project of abandoning Web3 development after securing funding in the crypto space. The game's former CMO Amber Bella claimed that the Web3 development roadmap was abandoned, team salaries were overdue, and promised NFT-related benefits to players were neglected.
Bella also accused the Web2 team of unfairly claiming cash rewards that should have been paid to players using internal accounts. Although initially supported by Web3 investors, the game has reportedly shifted to purely Web2 development.
3. Blast Royale
Blast Royale is a mobile battle royale game available on iOS and Android. Its white paper emphasizes that the game combines fun and competitive gameplay with blockchain characteristics, allowing players to fully own in-game items like characters and equipment.
Players can enter competitions, complete battle passes, participate in tournaments, and earn rewards based on their skills. The game also features fun mini-games, events, and leaderboards. Players can trade obtained items, join leagues, and even try to become professional players.
The game uses the $NOOB token, which drives the ecosystem of Blast Royale, known as 'Blastverse.' $NOOB can be used for trading, unlocking features, and granting players a say in game development.
Gameplay:
Players compete in a survival contest, aiming to be the last one standing. They can choose to drop anywhere on the map.
In matches, players need to search for rare treasure chests containing powerful firearms, ammunition, medical kits, armor, and other scattered items. They can also pick up items dropped by other players. However, most collected items will not be retained after the match ends, except for special coins (which can be used in a larger game world).
Players earn rewards based on their performance in matches—the higher the rank, the better the rewards. By progressing in the Blast Pass, honor system, and leaderboards, players can earn usable or tradable currency and items.
Players can also earn trophies based on match rankings and kill counts. Collecting more trophies helps players improve their trophy leaderboard ranking and win special rewards.
Reason for Shutdown:
The developers of Blast Royale announced on their Discord that they would officially cease game development, and the servers would shut down on June 30, 2025. In another message, the team stated that this decision was made after trying all other options.
As a farewell gesture, the game will be completely open-sourced starting June 1, allowing community members to access, use, modify, and redistribute the game code without restrictions. The original development team will provide support to any community members interested in continuing the project.
All in-app purchase features have been disabled, and the team promises to unlock and distribute all remaining $NOOB, which can still be traded on Aerodrome.
Blast Royale's Discord server will remain open as a community space, with the team encouraging players to enjoy the remaining time, explore new characters, and participate in final events and livestreams.
4. Champions Ascension
Champions Ascension is a fantasy fighting game set in a gladiator-style backdrop.
This game runs on the Polygon network and can be played or fully enjoyed without players needing to own NFTs or connect a wallet, making it a free-to-play game.
Players can buy and sell unique NFT characters and in-game items through the official game shop Grand Bazaar or supported third-party platforms.
Last year, the game won the 2024 Gam3 'Best Fighting Game' award. The game can be accessed through the Champions Ascension website or the Epic Games store.
Gameplay:
Heroes start as Grunts and gradually promote to powerful NFTs known as 'Eternals,' unlocking new skills and earning cryptocurrency rewards.
Combat is strategic and influenced by each hero's family, class, essence type, and unique body parts. Players can battle in multiplayer PvP modes like 1v1, 3v3, and free-for-all, as well as explore PvE battles like BOSS fights. Extreme mode offers high-level rewards, but non-Eternals heroes face the risk of permanent death if defeated.
Players can upgrade, craft items, and promote heroes by earning essences. Prime Eternal NFTs offer special benefits such as daily rewards and rare abilities.
Reason for Shutdown:
Luke Jech, community and social marketing manager at Rough House Games, announced on their Discord server that they would temporarily shut down the 'Champions Ascension' server, including features like 'Imperial Expeditions' and 'Dudo,' as the development team shifts focus to a new project called REACH Labs. This move aims to allocate all resources to REACH, a Web3 publishing platform co-developed by Rough House Games and Overworld.
Despite the project being paused, KEYS rewards will still be distributed to eligible players to ensure their efforts in the game continue to be recognized. The developers also assured the community that Champions Ascension has not been canceled but is undergoing reevaluation, with further updates to be provided after the official launch of (REACH).
'REACH is another significant step for us—an ambitious project that has the potential to redefine the way games and other fields are distributed. While (Champions Ascension) development and servers are paused, the technology we are building will play a key role in shaping its future.'
5. Derby Stars and Derby Race
Derby Stars is a blockchain-based horse racing metaverse game built on the Polygon platform. Players can own, breed, train, and trade unique horse NFTs composed of over ten customizable body parts. Derby Race is a real-time 'pick-a-horse-to-win' racing game that can be played on Telegram.
Gameplay:
Derby Stars incorporates a 'play-to-earn' mechanism, allowing users to participate in horse racing, enhancing horse skills, and earning cryptocurrency rewards through winning, training, and breeding. The game features a dual-token economy, including governance and utility tokens.
Derby Race offers quick, engaging two-minute gameplay segments where players can predict and select winning horses to earn rewards.
Reason for Shutdown:
HypeDream's CEO Ham Seon-Woo announced in a blog post that Derby Stars and Derby Race have officially closed due to long-term financial difficulties. He noted that the team has faced significant setbacks since the Terra collapse in 2022, leading to their NFT revenue and substantial seed funding evaporating.
Despite relaunching on Polygon and later attempting to migrate to Immutable, these projects failed to attract sufficient investment or achieve user growth, ultimately leading to the decision to terminate all services.
6. Goombles
Goombles is a 3D tower defense game designed to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 through gaming and physical products. The game is built on the Cardano blockchain and features collectible candy-themed characters that serve as access passes for exclusive perks.
Although Goombles is not a 'play-to-earn' game, it enhances the gaming experience by utilizing blockchain technology to provide surprises and rewards through owning different types of Goombles NFTs.
Gameplay:
Goombles is a tower defense game where players defend their base in the candy-themed world of Sweetopia by strategically placing towers and controlling mechs to fend off clever enemies known as 'Sours.'
Players initially own a mech NFT avatar and use it along with upgradeable towers to slow down, attack, and more, continuously advancing in single-player adventures, player versus player, and team competitions.
Reason for Shutdown:
Goombles shared a screenshot of an announcement on the X platform, revealing that after over two years of development, the team decided to halt game development. Although the game launched in 2024 and had 339 players install it, its activity was insufficient to support further development.
Developers pointed out that while development has stopped, servers will continue to run so players can still enjoy the game.
7. Jungle
Jungle is a Web3 game publisher focused on mobile-first, community-driven, and blockchain-powered hybrid games.
Its first game (For The Win) (FTW) is a mobile shooting game that reportedly surpassed 100,000 downloads during initial tests in Latin America and plans to promote it globally.
Reason for Shutdown:
Grail.ETH posted a screenshot of an announcement on X, stating that Jungle will cease all Web3 development to focus on creating a completely free mobile game.
The statement indicated that after actively engaging with the community for a year through game nights, tournaments, and NFT sales, the team decided to prioritize project sustainability by moving all development work off-chain and halting Web3 integration.
8. Kryptomon
Kryptomon is a Web3 mobile MMORPG where players can collect, nurture, train, and battle unique NFT creatures—Kryptomon.
In 2023, the Philippines-led social gaming platform Playdex launched a rental market for Kryptomon: Genesis, allowing players to rent Kryptomon NFTs for just 1 peso (Philippine currency) per day.
Gameplay:
Kryptomon: Genesis is a blockchain-based Web3 RPG set in the metaverse of Kogaea, where players act as 'trainers,' exploring the world, completing quests, and battling with NFT-based digital creatures called 'Kryptomon.' The game's core blockchain features include NFT ownership, a mechanism for earning in-game rewards (players can earn $KMON tokens), and secure digital asset management achieved through Web3 integration.
To start the game, users need three Kryptomon NFTs, which can now be rented through Playdex for as little as 1 peso per day. These rented assets can also be used in upcoming tournaments at Playdex GameHub, giving players the chance to compete for leaderboard rewards and additional prizes.
Reason for Shutdown:
In Tr3vor's X thread, he shared a screenshot of a message from the Kryptomon (KMON) Discord community stating that development had been paused due to funding shortages.
According to market news, the team has exhausted resources and is currently seeking new funding or potential buyers to restart the project.
9. Loot Legends
Loot Legends is a free-to-play mobile dungeon exploration game developed by HYCHAIN, available for download on the App Store and Google Play. The game features over 10 chapters, 200 dungeon levels, and more than 1,500 items such as weapons and armor.
The game uses various in-game currencies such as diamonds, coins, and honor medals, operating its economy primarily with $TOPIA. Players can earn $TOPIA through gameplay and use it to purchase premium items. The game also includes a marketplace called 'The Outpost' where players can trade in-game items as digital collectibles.
Gameplay:
In (Loot Legends), players dive into a rogue-like dungeon exploration game where each adventure is a brand new experience.
They will explore over 10 chapters, more than 200 meticulously crafted dungeon levels, battling monsters, avoiding traps, and defeating powerful bosses. Along the way, players can collect precious loot, such as weapons, armor, and special items that can be upgraded or crafted to enhance players' combat capabilities.
The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes, including guilds, team raids, and PvP challenges. It combines action, strategy, and treasure-hunting elements to provide a fast-paced and rewarding gameplay experience.
Reason for Shutdown:
On February 28, 2025, HYCHAIN announced the closure of its game publishing division to fully focus on the development of its flagship gaming platform, HYTOPIA.
This decision marks the end of HYCHAIN's publishing business, which includes (Loot Legends) and (Dragon Legends). According to the company, this move aims to streamline operations and focus resources on HYTOPIA, which the company sees as having greater long-term potential.
(Loot Legends) is a Web2 game acquired by HYCHAIN and migrated to the Web3 platform, which will continue to operate but will no longer receive any updates. The game previously attracted over 25,000 active players and developed a loyal community.
10. MetalCore
MetalCore is a mech-based battle game emphasizing intense strategic multiplayer combat, developed by Studio 369. The game combines first-person and third-person shooting elements with crafting and vehicle manufacturing.
The game is currently in early access on the Epic Games platform. MetalCore is developed using Unreal Engine 5, supporting cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes. Season 1, launching on September 12, 2024, introduces a new MetalPunks theme, leaderboards, and tournaments.
Gameplay:
MetalCore is a free-to-play post-apocalyptic blockchain MMO that combines first-person shooter gameplay with large-scale PvE and PvP battles, allowing players to fight for one of three factions using customizable war machines like mechs, tanks, and jet fighters, earning NFT-based in-game assets, and ultimately participating in a dual-token economy consisting of governance tokens (MTP) and utility tokens (FAB).
MetalCore was initially built on Polygon based on Immutable X's zkEVM to implement blockchain integration, including NFT ownership and item trading. It is said that MetalCore is migrating its blockchain infrastructure to Solana to enhance scalability and performance.
Reason for Shutdown:
According to Tr3vor, Metalcore developers have yet to release an official statement, but 'the game seems to have been abandoned. There has been no statement addressing external speculation.'
In Metalcore's latest X post, it thanked players for participating in the ita Battlegrounds event and announced that its servers and Discord channel would temporarily go offline to implement significant game changes. While they assured the community they would return soon, there have been no further updates since March.
11. Mystery Society
Mystery Society is a Web3 social deduction game developed by Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, led by former Disney and Universal executives Chris Heatherly. The game emphasizes teamwork and strategic discussion.
Although development is currently paused, the game was previously playable on desktop through Immutable Passport login or downloadable via the Google Play Store.
Gameplay:
Players take on the role of family members in a haunted castle, some of whom secretly play as impostors. As everyone tries to complete challenges, the impostors cause havoc.
The core gameplay revolves around deduction and deception, where players hold meetings and vote to eliminate suspected impostors, blending strategy, social interaction, and teamwork into a suspenseful and entertaining experience.
Reason for Shutdown:
The Mystery Society announced on February 25, 2025, via X that development has been paused, citing challenges in securing funding given the current state of the Web3 game industry. Plans for the $MYSTRY token are now indefinitely shelved, and players who purchased in-game gems will receive refunds.
Although the game will temporarily remain online, the team is exploring the possibility of re-releasing the game on Steam without Web3 elements and is open to collaborating with publishers from either Web2 or Web3.
12. Nyan Heroes
Nyan Heroes is a free, Solana-based hero shooter developed by 9 Lives Interactive, inspired by games like (Overwatch), where players control cats piloting mechs called 'Guardians,' each with unique abilities and customizable gear.
The associated NYAN token is set to launch in May 2024, available through play-to-earn airdrop events, and can be used to unlock rewards, pay fees, rent assets, and participate in governance.
Gameplay:
Nyan Heroes is a shooter game where players control cats piloting powerful robots. Each cat has its own style and skills, while the robots are divided into different tiers and possess special abilities.
Players can upgrade and customize their robots with add-ons. The game also features fast-paced, agile action and offers various game modes, providing a rich and enjoyable combat experience.
Reason for Shutdown:
Despite attracting over 1 million players during four Pre-Alpha tests on Epic and Steam platforms, Nyan Heroes announced its closure due to funding shortages.
Developer 9 Lives Interactive stated that, despite discussions around publishing, funding, and acquisitions, they struggled to secure financing.
While there remains hope for the studio or IP to be acquired, the future of this game still appears unclear.
Nyan Heroes stated: 'Despite our achievements and discussions around publishing, new investments, funding, and acquisitions, we have not succeeded in securing the funding necessary to complete the game. This is not the outcome we hoped for. The entire industry is in a difficult position, and Nyan Heroes regrets to announce its closure.'
13. RoboKiden
RoboKiden is a fast-paced team action game that blends third-person shooting, cooperative gameplay, and MOBA-like strategic elements. It features numerous characters, quirky weapons, and robots and supports cross-platform online play, offering an intense and strategic robot combat experience on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X.
Gameplay:
RoboKiden is a game that combines teamwork, strategic use, and diverse weaponry, with each player controlling their unique character in battles that typically last about 10 minutes.
Players can choose unique characters, wield various cool firearms and powerful robots, and compete for key points on the map.
Reason for Shutdown:
Although developers have not explicitly stated that the game is closed, there have been no new updates since last February when their X account posted a summary report about a smart contract hack.
On December 25, 2024, RoboKiden's team discovered a vulnerability in the smart contract of their team affiliation on Avalanche, leading to the theft of 38.7 million $KIDEN tokens. The vulnerability stemmed from a lack of ownership checks in the contract's initialization function. Attackers exchanged the stolen tokens for $WAVAX and transferred the funds to their wallets.
According to RoboKiden, three buyers acquired stolen tokens at low prices and transferred them to MEXC, complicating recovery efforts as $KIDEN prices plummeted. In response, RoboKiden withdrew liquidity from decentralized exchanges, warned the community, and began working with exchanges and law enforcement to investigate.
The team noted that the attack had a significant impact on the token's stability and team resources.
14. Rumble Kong League
Rumble Kong League is a Web3-based three-on-three arcade basketball game that combines fast-paced, exaggerated basketball action with blockchain technology and NFTs.
The game is set in the city of Astrolis, where players can explore quests, challenges, and mini-games while unlocking rewards through league advancements.
The game is now available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It is also one of the games developed on the Ronin platform.
Gameplay:
Players can own or rent unique Kong NFTs and use special skills, cool dunks, and strategic moves to compete in short, exciting matches.
The core gameplay is AI-driven but still influenced by player inputs, ensuring dynamic, skill-based competition. The game also employs a 'play-to-earn' system where players can earn in-game rewards that can potentially be exchanged for real-world currency.
Reason for Shutdown:
Although developers have yet to issue an official statement, Ronin talk show host StarPlatinum expressed disappointment over the failure of (Rumble Kong League), noting that despite the project being highly anticipated for years, including NFT launches and support from celebrities like Stephen Curry, it ultimately failed to meet expectations.
The team behind the game later informed the community that they were 'starting from scratch,' had not paid the admins for two months, and now seemed to have abandoned the project, possibly selling it to a company in Brazil.
15. Tatsumeeko
Tatsumeeko is a Web3 role-playing game integrated with Discord, also supporting iOS, Android, and web platforms.
In September 2024, the studio behind the game, Tatsu Works, announced its migration from IMX and Solana to the Ronin network.
Gameplay:
The gameplay experience of Tatsumeeko centers around loot, team growth, and community building.
The game is set in the continent of Steyria, where players assume the role of 'otherworldly visitors' arriving in a turbulent era where modern technology collides with ancient mythology. The game adopts a hybrid team system, allowing players to customize their main character and assemble a team of companions, each with unique growth paths and equipment.
Combat takes place in an automatic turn-based system, where players need to strategize against different enemy squads. In addition to battles, Tatsumeeko also includes life skills activities like fishing, farming, and pet care, appealing to players who dislike combat. Players can also earn private 'Pocket Dimensions' for personal housing construction and pet interaction.
Reason for Shutdown:
In a blog post, Tatsu Works announced the official halt of development on (Tatsumeeko: Lumina Fates), stating they faced challenges in launching a sustainable product that met community expectations. Despite multiple playtests and high community engagement, the team felt the game lacked the core concept and confidence to move forward.
According to them, this decision indicates Tatsu's return to its roots, developing games aimed at online communities like Discord. The announcement also emphasized that their next project, 'Project: Wander,' will launch directly within these social spaces, focusing on fast-paced, interactive, and community-driven gameplay.
Tatsu also assured holders of Meekolony Pass and Aethereal Parcels that their assets would still have utility in upcoming projects.
16. The Walking Dead: Empires
The Walking Dead: Empires is a blockchain-based survival MMORPG set in the universe of the popular AMC TV series. The game is developed by Ember Entertainment and supported by Gala Games, combining classic survival mechanics with NFT-based ownership.
The game features an NFT land ownership feature that offers gameplay advantages such as resource boosts and additional defenses, giving players the honor of owning a piece of the game world.
Gameplay:
In (The Walking Dead: Empires), players can choose a hero, either a regular survivor or an NFT-based character, and engage in survival games that include scavenging, crafting, building, and defending bases.
Its main features include resource collection, player versus player battles, and NFT integration to enhance the gaming experience. Though NFTs can provide advantages, the game can be fully enjoyed without them, aiming to attract both traditional and Web3 players.
Reason for Shutdown:
Gala Games announced it will shut down (The Walking Dead: Empires) on July 31, 2025, marking the end of over three years of development and more than a year of public testing. This decision is part of a strategic realignment aimed at refocusing on the broader Gala Games ecosystem.
Players holding in-game NFTs will receive substitute NFTs with equivalent functionalities in other Gala Games. The redemption system is under development, with more details to be announced soon.
However, Gala Games has not specified the exact details of the NFT redemption process, leaving uncertainty about how substitute NFTs will align with the value and functionality of the original assets.
17. Valeria: Land Before the War
Valeria Studios is a Web3 game studio dedicated to creating blockchain-based games where players can own, trade in-game assets, and profit from them.
Its flagship game (Valeria: Land Before the War) allows players to use VAL tokens to purchase items and participate in the game economy.
Gameplay:
(Valeria: Land Before the War) is a real-time strategy mobile game set to release on October 4, 2024, for iOS and Android platforms.
Players can unlock heroes, weapons, and NFT items through various game modes such as dungeons, story mode, faction battles, PvP, and tournaments. The game is released on the XAI network.
Reason for Shutdown:
Valeria Games announced on X that they have exhausted funding and will pause development and support for their mobile game and trading card game (TCG).
'For now, we will temporarily keep the game running while looking for investors or potential buyers. If we find the right partners to help realize our vision for this mobile game and trading card game (TCG), we will do our utmost to achieve it. But for now, the LOV TGE plans are indefinitely shelved.'
Current Status of the Web3 Gaming Industry
In a recent DappRadar report, Web3 game investment plummeted 71% in the first quarter of 2025, dropping to $91 million, as investor interest shifted towards AI and real-world assets. The user base also saw a 6% quarter-over-quarter decline, with 5.8 million daily active unique wallets.
Additionally, a report by Footprint Analytics earlier this year indicated that although the broader crypto market performed strongly, the Web3 gaming sector saw a sharp decline in January 2025, with market capitalization dropping 19.3% to $22.3 billion and trading volume decreasing by 12.4% due to platform consolidation, declining investor interest, and competition among chains like Wax, opBNB, and Aptos.
Related Reading: April Chain Game Report: Daily Active Users Drop to Annual Low, Funding Declines by 69%
