Crypto gaming’s breakout moment may depend on the CLARITY act, says Web3 leader
The next wave of mainstream crypto gaming adoption could hinge on the progress of the CLARITY Act in the U.S., according to Immutable founder Robbie Ferguson, who says traditional gaming giants are already exploring blockchain-based incentives—if regulators can provide a clear legal framework.
Traditional giants preparing to move — if regulation allows
Speaking on TradeTalks this week, Ferguson said large publicly listed gaming companies are quietly preparing to enter the crypto space:
“We’re already in discussions with multi-billion-dollar gaming companies looking at launching tokens for their players. What they need is clarity on how to do it lawfully.”
He believes that once the CLARITY Act advances, many studios will begin adopting blockchain-based loyalty systems that outperform their current setups.
The bill is designed to give the crypto industry a more predictable regulatory structure, particularly by clarifying the roles of the CFTC and the SEC—a tension that has long slowed token adoption in traditional industries.
Immutable has already taken steps toward deeper mainstream integration. Earlier this year, it teamed up with Ubisoft, the publisher behind Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, to build an original strategy card game called Might and Magic: Fates.
Ferguson sees the CLARITY Act as potentially “the most transformational piece of crypto legislation” to date, giving companies a legitimate way to launch tokens with real economic value—something that, he says, has been nearly impossible in the current regulatory climate.
Crypto games should stand on their own, says illuvium CEO
Not all Web3 leaders believe crypto markets should be the backbone of blockchain games.
Kieran Warwick, founder of Illuvium, argued that great games must succeed regardless of market cycles.
“A successful game that properly hides the crypto complexity can generate massive revenues without relying on crypto liquidity,” he wrote on X.
Warwick warned that fully on-chain games built around play-to-earn or risk-to-earn models will struggle during downturns. The ideal model, he says, is a hybrid: crypto-native features for players who want them, alongside a core game that functions like any traditional title.
He pointed to Off The Grid—a popular shooter distributed on Epic Games—as an example. While it includes optional NFT items, the game itself plays like a standard AAA title and does not require any crypto interaction. The game gained major attention in late 2024 when it launched across mainstream platforms including PlayStation and Xbox.
Ronin network aims beyond gaming, toward everyday users
Ronin Network is also broadening its ambitions beyond Web3 gaming.
Co-founder Jeffrey Zirlin said during a recent podcast appearance that the network’s next evolution is about serving everyday consumers—not just blockchain enthusiasts:
“Not nerds, not computer people—everyday people.”
Zirlin emphasized that Ronin has already proven it can onboard users at scale. The Ronin Wallet has now been downloaded 17 million times, with significant adoption across the Philippines and parts of South America.
Originally built by the team behind Axie Infinity, Ronin has become one of the most widely used gaming blockchains. But Zirlin says the network is now entering a second phase of growth, helped by improving U.S. regulatory sentiment.
Ronin isn’t alone in expanding beyond gaming. Animoca Brands strategy chief Keyvan Peymani recently said the company plans to ramp up investment next year in sectors such as AI, stablecoins, and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN).
Other crypto gaming & web3 news
- Sony is reportedly considering launching a USD-based stablecoin in 2026, potentially enabling stablecoin-based purchases in its gaming ecosystem.
- The Sandbox released a 24-day on-chain Advent calendar for December. Holders of its Season’s Greeting Calendar NFT can unlock mini-games and collectible rewards each day until Christmas.
