Stablecoins Gain Ground in Blockchain Gaming as Studios Tighten Spending, Study Finds

Core Insights - Stablecoins are becoming essential in blockchain gaming economies, with developers increasingly using fiat-pegged tokens for payouts, rewards, and cross-game transactions, moving away from speculative models [1] - In 2024, stablecoins processed an estimated $27.6 trillion in transfer volume, surpassing the combined volumes of Visa and Mastercard [1] - Stablecoins account for approximately 30% of all crypto transactions, with USDT and USDC making up over 90% of the fiat-backed supply [2] - Confidence in the blockchain gaming sector is recovering, with 65.8% of respondents optimistic about the future as the market enters a "corrective phase" [2] Industry Trends - Blockchain gaming studios are adapting to a cooling market by focusing on predictable settlement processes and revenue-driven operations [3] - Stablecoins facilitate fast, low-fee, borderless transactions, enhancing the player payment experience and supporting everyday in-game purchases [3] - Despite the advantages, challenges such as "end-to-end UX fragmentation" and friction in acquiring, storing, and transferring stablecoins remain [4][5] Market Dynamics - The industry is transitioning from speculative practices to a more disciplined approach, emphasizing product quality, genuine player demand, and sustainable revenue models [7] - Capital scarcity is influencing game developers to prioritize operational discipline over short-term financial strategies [7]