As we close the book on 2025, the crypto gaming world is buzzing with reflection and anticipation. The year-end awards have been handed out, celebrating the best games and creators who persevered through the market’s ups and downs. From the surprise victory of a beloved browser game to the bittersweet shutdowns of promising projects, 2025 was a year of stark contrasts. Looking ahead, 2026 promises major moves from industry giants like Disney and ambitious cross-game events from platforms like Enjin, setting the stage for another transformative year in blockchain gaming.
A Victory Lap and a Look at the 2025 Game of the Year Winners
The 2025 Crypto Gaming Awards served as a definitive snapshot of community sentiment. In a personal highlight, the creator behind this weekly recap was honored with the Creator of the Year award, a people’s choice accolade voted on by the community. This recognition, earned after five years of consistent content creation through bull and bear markets, was met with gratitude and a renewed commitment to double down on efforts for the coming year.
The game awards themselves revealed some interesting trends. Lana secured the win for Best Ecosystem, edging out the more established Ronin network, a result attributed by the creator to Ronin’s recent price performance and shifting player preferences. The biggest story, however, was Rollercoin. The browser-based mining simulator didn’t just win Best Browser Game; it took home the overall Game of the Year title, a testament to its massive and dedicated community. The creator confirmed a final Rollercoin video for the year is on the way, showcasing in-game expeditions and claiming accumulated rewards. Other notable winners included Wild Forest for Best Mobile Game and Wonderland for Best Card Game, beating out the veteran title Gods Unchained.
Major Developments to Watch in 2026
While 2025 was about recognition, 2026 is shaping up to be about innovation and expansion. Two major initiatives are poised to kick off the new year with a bang.
First, the Enjin multiverse is launching a major cross-game event series titled Essence of Elements. Starting January 16, 2026, this initiative will connect several games within the Enjin ecosystem, including Lost Relics, Etherscape, The Six Dragons, Engine Excavators, and Into the Multiverse. This coordinated effort is designed to drive engagement across multiple titles during a typically quiet period, offering players a reason to dive into (or back into) the Enjin gaming world.
Second, a significant airdrop campaign is underway from Zing (Z.ink), developed by the team behind Star Atlas. Their Origin Airdrop began on December 16 and allows participants to farm “Zinc XP” by engaging with the broader Star Atlas ecosystem. This includes playing the base game or the new Unreal Engine 5 shooter component. The key mechanic is straightforward: the more XP you earn, the larger your airdrop allocation will be, with no upper limit on potential earnings. This presents a clear opportunity for players and fans to get involved early.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing news for 2026 is Disney’s official entry into Web3 gaming through a partnership with Cryptoys on the Abstract blockchain. This move will bring iconic Disney characters—from Star Wars’ Mandalorian and Darth Vader to classics like He-Man—into the digital collectible space as NFTs. While the brand power is undeniable, the announcement was met with some criticism for a perceived lack of innovation; the creator expressed a desire for NFTs that offer utility, like earning passive income or being usable in games, rather than existing as static collectibles in a post-2021 market.
Ecosystem Updates: Ranked Modes, Revivals, and Market Moves
Beyond the flashy announcements, several existing games and platforms are implementing crucial updates. The extraction shooter Off the Grid has finally launched its long-requested Ranked Mode as of December 13th. This competitive mode features trios and 10-squad formats, disables campaign elements and random loadouts, and offers higher-tier loot drops and general reward boosts based on rank. It represents a key step in maturing the game’s competitive scene, though questions remain about its timing and the full integration of its crypto elements.
Meanwhile, the Ronin network is attempting a revitalization with the return of its Ronin Arcade for a second season. Promising a more beginner-friendly, free-to-play experience with no battle pass required, the arcade will feature games like Floreland and Angry 9. Prizes will be distributed via a season-end raffle for all players—a method the creator is skeptical of due to its pure luck-based nature. The effort comes as Ronin seeks to rebuild its identity as a gaming network amidst market challenges, even as a token within its ecosystem, $POWER from Fable Board, hits an all-time high with a 263% gain since launch.
The Bitter End: A Tale of Two Shutdowns
The volatile nature of crypto gaming was starkly illustrated by the simultaneous shutdowns of two projects: Aether Games and SuperVive. Their approaches to closing shop could not have been more different, offering a masterclass in how to handle—and how not to handle—such a difficult situation.
SuperVive was praised for its transparent and graceful exit. The executive producer addressed the community directly via video, explaining the situation (a lack of funding) with honesty and appreciation. This respectful communication allowed the community to mourn the loss of a beloved game with understanding.
Aether Games, in contrast, sparked outrage with its shutdown announcement. The project blamed its failure on “too many KOLs [Key Opinion Leaders], too many partners, too many advisory deals,” implying it was misled by influencers with fake followers. The creator, having never been contacted by Aether Games despite their industry standing, took particular issue with this scapegoating, arguing it reflected poor judgment by the project’s leadership in choosing promotional partners. The company disabled replies on the announcement, further alienating the community. This incident highlights the critical importance of authentic community engagement and taking accountability.
Final Thoughts from the Creator of the Year
Winning the top creator award was an unexpected honor that came without active campaigning, simply as a result of consistent, daily work. The creator emphasized a hands-on, solo approach to content—researching, filming, editing, and publishing everything independently—rooted in a work ethic developed from humble beginnings. The award is seen less as a point of pride and more as a symbolic confirmation of a leading position in the space, a title to be upheld through continued hustle in 2026.
The driving philosophy remains “every day is Monday,” a mindset of constant effort and delivering what the crypto gaming community wants to watch. The goal is to evolve beyond just gaming into broader crypto content, but the commitment is first and foremost to the audience that has shown up for this niche. As one year ends with a Rollercoin video on Christmas Day, the next begins with the promise of more news, more games, and more insights into the ever-evolving world of play-to-earn and blockchain gaming.
Conclusion
The transition from 2025 to 2026 marks a pivotal moment for crypto gaming. The community has spoken through its awards, crowning enduring favorites and dedicated creators. The industry is maturing, with clear right and wrong ways to operate, as shown by the contrasting project shutdowns. Looking forward, the entry of titans like Disney, the expansion of cross-platform ecosystems like Enjin’s, and the continual evolution of player-focused economies signal that the space is moving beyond its niche beginnings. For players and creators alike, the message is clear: adaptability, authenticity, and a relentless focus on community are the keys to not just surviving, but thriving, in the dynamic world of crypto gaming. To explore more promising titles on the horizon, check out our guide to The Future of Play-to-Earn: 4 New Crypto Games You Can’t Miss in 2025. And if you’re looking for accessible entry points, our list of No High-End PC? No Problem! 5 Browser-Based Play-to-Earn Games You Can Start Today is a great place to begin your journey.
