Ethereum Role-Playing Game Pirate Nation Shuts Down On-Chain Operations
After years of operation, the Ethereum-based role-playing game Pirate Nation has announced that it will be shutting down its “fully on-chain” operations. The game’s developer, Proof of Play, has cited a lack of players as the primary reason for the closure, stating that it was not financially viable to continue investing in and operating the game without significant interest.
Adam Fern, co-founder and product lead of Proof of Play, expressed his sadness over the decision to shut down Pirate Nation in a statement, acknowledging the years of hard work that went into the game. Despite this setback, Proof of Play will continue to build infrastructure and expand its ecosystem, including the development of an arcade app on the Abstract network.
The Transition to Abstract Network
As Pirate Nation comes to an end, players will have the opportunity to participate in a final two-week event where they can exchange their in-game items for Plunder Certificates, unlocking future rewards on the Abstract-based arcade. The decision to move the game to Abstract was made in response to the increasing costs of operating on multiple blockchain networks.
Pirate Nation: The Next Chapter
It’s been an extraordinarily busy time here at Proof of Play. For the last few years we’ve shipped hundreds of weekly updates and proved our tech in Pirate Nation. Our team has grown and evolved, added an entirely new line of business with vRNG…
— Pirate Nation (@PirateNation) August 18, 2025
CEO Amitt Mahajan emphasized the studio’s commitment to exploring fully on-chain gaming experiences and community ownership. While the closure of Pirate Nation marks the end of an era, Proof of Play’s focus on innovation and resilience remains unwavering.
The Challenges of Fully On-Chain Gaming
Proof of Play’s ambitious vision to run Pirate Nation entirely on smart contracts faced challenges, particularly in managing escalating gas fees on Ethereum scaling networks. The decision to migrate to the Abstract network was driven by the need to streamline operations and ensure financial sustainability.
Despite the setbacks, Mahajan remains optimistic about the future of blockchain gaming, envisioning a landscape where dedicated blockchains support individual applications. The transition to Abstract’s arcade format marks a strategic shift towards enhancing player experiences and adaptability.
The Future of Crypto Gaming
While Pirate Nation’s closure reflects a broader trend of crypto games facing financial challenges, industry experts remain hopeful for the resurgence of innovative gaming experiences. The shift towards indie development teams and AI-driven mechanics signals a new era of creativity and resilience in the crypto gaming space.
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