BGA Report Reveals Less Friction, More Potential in 2025

The Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) has released its annual report, highlighting a significant reduction in onboarding challenges for blockchain gaming and an increasing role for traditional gaming developers in shaping the industry.

Onboarding friction—long a barrier for players—has dropped considerably, whilst new design approaches and emerging technologies signal a shift in the industry’s direction. However, the report also emphasizes ongoing struggles with public perception, with a majority of projects still working to establish credibility.

The BGA findings provide a snapshot of an industry evolving toward greater accessibility and functionality as it prepares for further developments in 2025.

Improved Accessibility, Better User Experience

The BGA 2024 State of the Industry Report reveals a major decline in the friction associated with onboarding into blockchain games. In 2023, 79.5% of developers reported onboarding issues as a significant challenge, but by 2024, this figure had fallen to 53.9%. This improvement is attributed to advancements in user experience (UX), with developers focusing on making interfaces more intuitive and streamlined.

These changes are helping to address a key hurdle that has historically limited adoption, enabling more players to access blockchain-based games without technical barriers. By aligning UX standards closer to those of traditional games, developers are improving accessibility for a broader audience.

Whilst progress has been made in technical and design aspects, public perception remains a significant obstacle. According to the report, 66% of blockchain gaming projects are still combating negative associations, such as links to scams and speculative activities. This perception continues to hinder the sector’s ability to attract mainstream players and establish trust.

In addition to addressing these credibility issues, the report notes a shift in game design trends. Early “play-to-earn” models, criticized for unsustainable economic systems, are being replaced by approaches that prioritize activity-driven and merit-based rewards. Developers are moving away from overly financial elements, such as token economies and NFT marketplaces, in favor of designs that emphasize gameplay whilst using blockchain functionality discreetly.

Better Blockchain Gaming in 2025

The report introduces two notable concepts: fully on-chain games (FOCGs) and autonomous worlds (AW). These models represent an evolution in blockchain integration, with core game elements such as rules, assets, and in-game economies existing entirely on blockchain infrastructure. This approach decentralizes control and enables games to evolve based on community input.

Additionally, the BGA highlights how these technologies could enhance gameplay dynamics, allowing for more adaptable and player-responsive systems. The integration of artificial intelligence is identified as a complementary development, further supporting these on-chain systems.

As traditional gaming companies enter the space and new technologies like fully on-chain games gain traction, the industry is refining its approach to both gameplay and integration.