Web3 gaming is on the rise, but traditional loyalty systems are struggling to keep up. In the past year, blockchain gaming has experienced significant growth, with over 7.4 million daily active wallets and 1,600 new games added, according to the 2024 DappRadar Games Report. However, while the industry continues to expand, retention and community engagement remain challenging.
Many current loyalty systems in gaming feel outdated and disconnected from how players actually interact with games. Players are looking for more than just leaderboards and daily bonuses – they want loyalty programs that recognize their time and effort invested in the game. Progression, rather than perks, is the real incentive for players.
Research has shown that participatory loyalty programs drive sustained engagement, both in gaming and outside of it. Players expect loyalty systems that go beyond static rewards and platform-locked perks. With the gaming industry facing rising costs and diminishing returns on user acquisition, many studios are now focusing on sustainable retention strategies.
To meet the evolving needs of players, a new wave of Web3-native loyalty programs is emerging. These programs offer composable rewards, wallet-native ownership, and enhanced community engagement. Projects like Decentraland’s Marketplace Credits and Mastercard’s Gamer Exchange are paving the way for a more engaging and rewarding gaming experience.
Platforms like Mojito Loyalty are enabling brands and projects to integrate on-chain loyalty features directly into gaming experiences. Games like Forgotten Runiverse are using play-to-earn mechanics and evolving loyalty programs to create more persistent player economies. When loyalty is participatory, transparent, and portable, it becomes a powerful driver of engagement in the gaming industry.
In conclusion, loyalty will be the next layer of gaming, transforming scattered actions into tangible progress for players. As gaming continues to move towards open economies and cross-platform identities, loyalty is no longer just a nice-to-have feature – it is becoming an essential part of the gaming stack.