Original Article Title: Play-To-Zero? Web3 Games That Shut Down in 2025 (So Far)

Original Article Author: Shiela Bertillo, Bitpinas

Original Article Translation: 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 tweeted about 15 Web3 games announced to be shutting down this year, including "Nyan Heroes," "Mystery Society," and "Blade of God." These games are either paused, already closed, or scheduled to shut down in 2025. Additionally, two other games not listed have also announced closures earlier this year.

2025 Web3 Game Closure Status

1. Anterris

Anterris is an open-world third-person creature-collection role-playing game (RPG) where players can collect 3D creatures akin to Pokémon. Developed by blockchain game developer Battlebound, known for the Evaverse, Anterris has been launched on the Monad testnet for player alpha testing. The testing took place from February 19 to February 23, during which players could also collect testnet NFTs. It is rumored that Anterris has been tested on Steam, but no official release date has been announced.

Gameplay:

Anterris is an open-world creature-collection game where players explore diverse regions, discover, and capture wild creatures called "Antera." Each region features unique Antera, encouraging players to explore through land, air, and sea. Players can use captured Antera to build a battle team, with each Antera possessing unique spells and ultimate abilities. Dungeons provide powerful artifacts that can enhance or modify skills, allowing players to challenge solo or team up with friends where cooperative play can yield rare items and experience points as rewards.

Closure Reason:

With its developer Battlebound going out of business, this Web3 game has been indefinitely shelved. The developer announced the closure after four years of development. The studio stated that despite their efforts to extend operations and secure a new round of funding, a lack of funds and "extremely challenging market dynamics" were still cited as the reasons for the closure. They mentioned that although the project attracted thousands of participants in recent game tests, its future remains uncertain. The team referred to the game as being in a "paused" state, with the possibility of a restart if new funding support is secured. Anterris developer BattleBound stated: "Despite strong recent game development momentum, our lean and spirited team has been fighting for four years, extending operations as much as possible while working hard to secure the next round of funding... Ultimately, like many studios before us, we had to close due to extremely challenging market conditions".

2. Blade of God

Developed by Void Labs, "Blade of God X" (BOGX) is a blockchain-based action role-playing game that introduces a "play-to-train" mechanism where players can influence AI model training through in-game actions. BOGX combines advanced AI agents with blockchain technology to achieve real-time AI development through gameplay. Set in a mythical world of fallen gods and rising chaos, BOGX aims to transcend traditional gaming by merging storytelling, AI, and digital interaction into a unique and immersive experience. The game has received support from major crypto investors; BOGX raised $6 million in funding last year, intending to combine blockchain mechanics with advanced AI.

Gameplay:

Set against the backdrop of Norse mythology, players will embody the "Inheritor," a reincarnated warrior embarking on a journey in the land of flames, Muspelheim. As they explore the interconnected world of the World Tree, they face choices between sacrifice and redemption: whether to wield ancient relics to influence the world's fate or seek guidance from deities like Odin and Loki.

Closure Reason:

A former executive of BOGX has accused the project of abandoning Web3 development after receiving funding from the crypto space. The game's former Chief Marketing Officer, Amber Bella, claimed that the Web3 development roadmap was abandoned, team wages were unpaid, and promised NFT-related perks for players were overlooked. Bella also accused the Web2 team of unfairly siphoning cash rewards that were supposed to be given to players through internal accounts. Despite early support from Web3 investors, reports suggest that the game has shifted towards purely Web2 development.

3. Blast Royale

Blast Royale is a mobile battle royale game available on iOS and Android systems. Its whitepaper emphasizes that the game combines fun and competitive gameplay with blockchain features, allowing players to fully own in-game items such as characters and equipment. Players can join matches, complete battle passes, participate in tournaments, and earn rewards based on their skills. Additionally, the game features various mini-games, events, and leaderboards. Players can trade obtained items, join leagues, and even aspire to become professional gamers. The game uses the $NOOB token, which powers Blast Royale's ecosystem known as the "Blastverse." $NOOB can be used for transactions, unlocking features, and granting players the right to participate in the game's development.

Gameplay:

Players engage in a survival competition aiming to be the last one standing. They can choose to land at any point on the map. During the match, players need to find rare loot chests containing powerful weapons, ammunition, medkits, armor, and other scattered items. They can also pick up items dropped by other players. However, except for special coins (usable in a larger game world), most collected items do not persist after the match ends. Players earn rewards based on their performance in the match—the higher the rank, the greater the reward. By progressing through Blast Passes, the honor system, and leaderboards, players can earn currency and items for use or trade. Players also receive trophies based on match ranking and kills. Accumulating more trophies helps players climb the trophy leaderboard and win special rewards.

Shutdown Notice:

The developers of Blast Royale announced on their Discord that they will officially halt game development, and the servers will shut down on June 30, 2025. In another message, the team stated that this decision was made after exploring all other options. As a farewell gesture, the game will be fully open-sourced starting from June 1, allowing community members unrestricted access to use, modify, and redistribute the game's code. The original development team will provide support for any community members interested in continuing the project. All in-app purchases 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, and the team encourages players to enjoy the remaining time, explore new characters, and participate in the final events and livestreams.

4.Champions Ascension

Champions Ascension is a fantasy fighting game with a gladiator theme. This game runs on the Polygon network, allowing players to enjoy the full experience without 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 game's official marketplace, Grand Bazaar, or supported third-party platforms. Last year, the game was honored with the 2024 Gam3 award for "Best Fighting Game." The game can be accessed through the Champions Ascension website or the Epic Games Store.

Gameplay:

Heroes start as Grunts and ascend to powerful NFTs called Eternals, unlocking new abilities and earning cryptocurrency rewards. Battles are strategic and influenced by each hero's clan, class, essence type, and unique body part. Players can engage in multiplayer PvP modes like 1v1, 3v3, and free-for-all, as well as explore PvE battles such as Boss Fights. The Hardcore mode offers advanced rewards, but non-Eternal heroes risk permanent death upon defeat. Players can upgrade, craft items, and promote heroes by earning Essence. The Prime Eternal NFT provides special perks like daily rewards and rare abilities.

Shutdown Announcement:

Luke Jech, the Community and Social Marketing Manager at Rough House Games, announced on their Discord server that the "Champions Ascension" server, including features like "Imperial Expeditions" and "Dudo," will be temporarily shut down as the development team shifts its focus to a new project called REACH Labs. This decision aims to reallocate all resources to REACH, a Web3 distribution platform developed jointly by Rough House Games and Overworld.

Despite the project being paused, KEYS rewards will continue to be distributed to eligible players to ensure their efforts in the game are continually recognized. The developers also reassured the community that Champions Ascension is not canceled but under reassessment, with further updates to come after the official release of "REACH." "REACH is another big step for us—a grand project that has the potential to redefine the distribution of games and other areas. While the development and servers of Champions Ascension are on hold, the technology we are building will play a crucial 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 racehorse NFTs consisting of over 10 customizable body parts. On the other hand, Derby Race is a real-time "pick-a-horse to win money" horse racing game that can be played on Telegram.

Gameplay:

Derby Stars integrates a "play-to-earn" mechanism where users participate in horse races, improve horse skills, and can earn cryptocurrency rewards not only through winning but also through training and breeding. The game features a dual-token economy comprising governance tokens and utility tokens. Derby Race offers fast-paced, engaging two-minute gameplay segments where players can predict and select winning horses to earn rewards.

Closure Reason:

In a blog post, HypeDream CEO Ham Seon-Woo announced that due to long-standing financial difficulties, Derby Stars and Derby Race have officially closed. He mentioned that the team had faced significant setbacks since the 2022 Terra crash, leading to their NFT revenues and substantial seed funding going up in smoke. Despite relaunching on Polygon and later attempting to migrate to Immutable, these projects failed to attract sufficient investment or achieve user growth, ultimately resulting in the decision to shut down all services.

6. Goombles

Goombles is a 3D tower defense game designed to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 through gameplay and physical products. The game is built on the Cardano blockchain and features collectible candy-themed characters that serve as access passes for exclusive privileges. While Goombles is not a "play-to-earn" game, it leverages blockchain technology to enhance the gaming experience by providing surprises and rewards through owning different types of Goombles NFTs.

Gameplay:

Goombles is a tower defense game where players, in the candy-themed world of Sweetopia, strategically place towers and control mechs to defend their base against cunning enemies known as "Sours." Players start with a mech NFT avatar and use it along with upgradable towers for functions like slowing down and attacking, progressing through single-player adventures, player-vs-player battles, and team competitions.

Closure Reason:

Goombles shared a screenshot on the X platform, announcing that after over two years of development, the team has decided to cease development of the game. Despite the game launching in 2024 and attracting 339 player installations, its activity level was not sufficient to support further game development. The developers noted that although development has stopped, the servers will remain operational to allow players to continue enjoying the game.

7.Jungle

Jungle is a Web3 game publisher focused on mobile-first, community-driven, blockchain-powered hybrid games. Its debut game, "For The Win" (FTW), is a mobile shooter game that reportedly garnered over 100,000 downloads in initial tests in the Latin American region and is planned for global expansion.

Closure Reason:

Grail.ETH posted a screenshot in an X post, announcing that Jungle will cease all Web3 development and instead focus on creating a completely free-to-play mobile game. The statement mentioned that after a year of active community engagement through game nights, tournaments, and NFT sales, the team decided to prioritize the project's sustainability, moving all development off-chain and discontinuing Web3 integration.

8.Kryptomon

Kryptomon is a Web3 mobile MMORPG game where players can collect, raise, train, and battle unique NFT creatures called Kryptomon. In 2023, the Philippines-led social gaming platform Playdex introduced the rental market for Kryptomon: Genesis, allowing players to lease Kryptomon NFTs for just 1 peso per day.

Gameplay:

Kryptomon: Genesis is a blockchain-based Web3 RPG game set in the metaverse of Kogaea, where players take on the role of "trainers" exploring the world, completing quests, and engaging in battles using NFT-based digital creatures called "Kryptomon." Core blockchain features of the game include NFT ownership, an in-game earning mechanism (players receive $KMON token rewards), and secure digital asset management through Web3 integration. To begin playing, users require three Kryptomon NFTs, which are currently available for rental via Playdex for as low as 1 peso per day. These rented assets can also be used in the upcoming Playdex GameHub tournaments, where players can compete for leaderboard rewards and additional prizes.

10.MetalCore

MetalCore is a mech-based combat game that emphasizes intense strategic multiplayer battles, developed by Studio 369. The game combines first-person and third-person shooter elements and incorporates crafting and vehicle manufacturing elements. 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. The Season 1 launched on September 12, 2024, introduced a new MetalPunks theme, leaderboards, and tournaments.

Gameplay:

MetalCore is a free-to-play post-apocalyptic blockchain-based large-scale multiplayer online game that combines first-person shooter gameplay with massive PvE and PvP battles. Players can engage in warfare as one of three factions using customizable war machines such as mechs, tanks, and jet planes, earn in-game assets based on NFTs, and eventually participate in a dual-token economy composed of governance token (MTP) and utility token (FAB). MetalCore was initially built on Polygon using Immutable X's zkEVM to achieve blockchain integration, including NFT ownership and item trading; MetalCore is reportedly migrating its blockchain infrastructure to Solana to enhance scalability and performance.

Shutdown Reason:

According to Tr3vor, the developer of MetalCore has not released an official statement, but the "game seems to have been abandoned. No statement addressing external speculations." In MetalCore's latest X post, it thanked players for participating in the Battlegrounds event and announced that its servers and Discord channels would be temporarily taken offline to implement significant game changes. While they assured the community that they would return soon, there have been no further updates from the account since March.

11.Mystery Society

Mystery Society is a Web3 social deduction game developed by Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow. The studio is led by former Disney and Universal Pictures executive Chris Heatherly. The game focuses on teamwork and strategic discussions. Although current development is on hold, the game was previously playable via Immutable Passport for desktop trial or downloadable from the Google Play Store.

Gameplay:

Players take on the roles of family members in a haunted castle, some of whom secretly play as impostors. As everyone works together to complete challenges, the impostors work to sabotage their efforts. The core gameplay revolves around deduction and deception, where players hold meetings, vote out suspected impostors, and blend strategy, social interaction, and teamwork for a suspenseful and entertaining experience.

Closure Reason:

The Mystery Society announced a halt in development in a February 25, 2025, X post citing funding challenges in the current Web3 gaming landscape. The plan for the $MYSTRY token is now indefinitely on hold, and players who purchased in-game gems will receive refunds. While the game will remain temporarily online, the team is exploring the possibility of re-releasing the game on Steam without Web3 elements and is open to collaboration with publishers from both Web2 and Web3.

12.Nyan Heroes

Nyan Heroes is a free Solana-based hero shooter game developed by 9 Lives Interactive, drawing inspiration from games like Overwatch. Players control cats piloting mechs called "Guardians," each with unique abilities and customizable gear. The associated NYAN token launched in May 2024 through play-to-earn airdrops, used for unlocking rewards, paying fees, renting assets, and participating in governance.

Gameplay:

Nyan Heroes is a shooter game where players control cats driving powerful mechs. Each cat has its own style and skills, while mechs are divided into different levels with special abilities. Players can upgrade and customize their mechs using attachments. The game features fast-paced, agile action, various game modes, and delivers a rich, fun combat experience.

Closure Reason:

Despite attracting over 1 million players across four Pre-Alpha tests on Epic and Steam platforms, Nyan Heroes announced closure due to a lack of funding. Developer 9 Lives Interactive stated that despite discussions on publishing, funding, and acquisition, they struggled to secure funds. While there is still hope for the studio or IP to be acquired, the future of the game remains uncertain. Nyan Heroes expressed, "Despite our achievements and discussions on publishing, new investments, funding, and acquisition, we couldn't secure the necessary funding to complete the game. This is not the outcome we hoped for. Given the current industry landscape, Nyan Heroes sadly has to close."

13.RoboKiden

RoboKiden is a fast-paced team action game. It combines third-person shooting, cooperative gameplay, and MOBA-like strategic elements, featuring numerous characters, unique weapons, and robots. The game supports cross-platform online play and is available on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X platforms, delivering intense, strategic robot combat experiences.

Gameplay:

RoboKiden integrates team cooperation, strategic tactics, and diverse weapon loadouts, with each player controlling a unique character in battles that typically last around 10 minutes. Players can choose unique characters, use various cool guns and powerful robots, and contest key points on the map.

Shutdown Reason:

While the developer has not explicitly stated the game's closure, there have been no updates since last February when its X account released a post-mortem report on a smart contract hack. On December 25, 2024, a vulnerability was found in RoboKiden's team ownership smart contract on Avalanche, through which attackers stole 38.7 million $KIDEN tokens. The flaw stemmed from a lack of ownership check in the contract's initialization function. The attackers converted the stolen tokens to $WAVAX and transferred the funds to their wallets.

According to RoboKiden, as the $KIDEN price plummeted, three buyers purchased the stolen tokens at a low price and transferred them to MEXC, complicating recovery efforts. In response, RoboKiden withdrew liquidity from decentralized exchanges, issued warnings to the community, and began collaborating with exchanges and law enforcement agencies for an investigation. The team noted that this 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 blends fast-paced, exaggerated basketball action with blockchain technology and NFTs. Set in the city of Aslotos, players can explore missions, challenges, and minigames while unlocking rewards through league promotions. The game is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and is one of the games developed on the Ronin platform.

Gameplay:

Players can own or rent unique Kong NFTs and use special skills, flashy dunks, and strategic moves to compete in brief yet intense matches. The core gameplay is AI-driven but still influenced by player input, ensuring dynamic, skill-based competition. The game also features a "play-to-earn" system where players can earn in-game rewards that may be redeemed for real-world currency.

Closure Reason:

While the developers have not yet issued an official statement, Ronin talk show host StarPlatinum expressed disappointment in the failure of the "Rumble Kong League," noting that despite years of anticipation, including the launch of NFTs and support from celebrities like Stephen Curry, the project ultimately did not meet its expectations. The team behind the game later informed the community that they were "starting from scratch," stopped paying admins two months ago, and now seem to have abandoned the project, potentially selling it to a company in Brazil.

15.Tatsumeeko

Tatsumeeko is a Web3 role-playing game integrated with Discord and also available on iOS, Android, and web platforms. In September 2024, the studio behind the game, Tatsu Works, announced a migration from IMX and Solana to the Ronin network.

Gameplay:

Tatsumeeko's gameplay experience revolves around loot, team growth, and community building. Set in the Steyria continent, players take on the role of "Otherworld Visitors" arriving in a time of uneasy peace characterized by the collision of modern technology and ancient mythology. The game features a hybrid team system where players can customize their main character and assemble a team of companions, each with a unique growth path and equipment.

Combat follows an automatic turn-based system, requiring players to strategize against different enemy squads. In addition to combat, Tatsumeeko includes life skill activities such as fishing, farming, and pet care, making it attractive to players who are not fond of fighting. Players can also obtain private "Pocket Dimensions" for personal housing construction and pet interaction.

Closure Reason:

In a blog post, Tatsu Works announced the official cessation of development for "Tatsumeeko: Lumina Fates," citing challenges in delivering a sustainable product that aligns with community expectations. Despite multiple playtesting sessions and strong community engagement, the team felt that the game lacked the core idea and confidence needed to move forward.

According to their statement, this decision signifies a return to Tatsu's roots, focusing on developing games for online communities like Discord. The announcement also emphasizes that their next project, "Project: Wander," will launch directly within these social spaces, focusing on fast, highly interactive, and community-driven gameplay. Tatsu also assures Meekolony Pass and Aethereal Parcels holders that their assets will still hold utility in the upcoming project.

16. The Walking Dead: Empires

The Walking Dead: Empires is a blockchain-based survival MMORPG set in the universe of the popular AMC television series. Developed by Ember Entertainment and supported by Gala Games, the game combines classic survival mechanics with NFT-based ownership. The game features NFT land ownership, providing gameplay advantages such as resource boosts and additional defense, granting players a stake in the game world.

Gameplay:

In "The Walking Dead: Empires," players can choose a hero, whether a regular survivor or an NFT-based character, to engage in survival activities such as scavenging, crafting, base building, and defense. Key features include resource gathering, player versus player combat, and NFT integration to enhance the gaming experience. While NFTs offer advantages, the game is fully playable without NFTs, aiming to attract both traditional and Web3 players.

Closure Reason:

Gala Games announced the closure of "The Walking Dead: Empires" on July 31, 2025, indicating the end of over three years of development and more than a year of public testing for the project. This decision is part of the company's strategic realignment to refocus on the broader Gala Games ecosystem. Players holding in-game NFTs will receive alternative NFTs with similar functionality in other Gala Games titles. A redemption system is under development, and more details will be announced soon. However, Gala Games did not specify the exact details of the NFT redemption process, leading to uncertainty regarding how the alternative 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. Their flagship game, "Valeria: Land Before the War," allows players to use the VAL token to purchase items and participate in the game's economy.

Gameplay:

"Valeria: Land Before the War" is a real-time strategy mobile game released on October 4, 2024, available on iOS and Android platforms. Players can unlock heroes, weapons, and NFT items through various game modes such as dungeons, story mode, faction battles, PvP, tournaments, and more. The game is launched on the XAI Network.

Shutdown Reason:

Valeria Games announced in an X post that they have run out of funds and will pause their mobile and Trading Card Game (TCG) development and support. "For now, we'll let the game operate for some time while we look for investors or potential buyers. If we find a suitable partner to help us realize the vision for this mobile game and TCG, we'll do our best to achieve it. But for now, the LOV TGE plans are indefinitely shelved."

Web3 Game Industry Status

In a recent DappRadar report, in the first quarter of 2025, Web3 game investments plummeted by 71%, dropping to $91 million, as investor interest shifted to AI and real-world assets. The user base also saw a 6% decrease, with 5.8 million daily active unique wallets.

Furthermore, a report by Footprint Analytics earlier this year pointed out that despite the broader crypto market's strong performance, the Web3 gaming sector saw a sharp decline in January 2025, with a 19.3% decrease in market cap to $22.3 billion and a 12.4% drop in trading volume, attributed to platform consolidation, waning investor interest, and competition between chains like Wax, opBNB, and Aptos.

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