Key Moments:
- Nearly 30 percent of surveyed Web3 gamers prioritized Pay-to-Win concerns ahead of token inflation or market instability
- More than half of respondents, or about 52 percent, stated that effort should determine reward within games
- The 2025 Blockchain Game Alliance report indicated blockchain gaming investment fell to $293 million, down from $4 billion in 2021
Player Priorities Revealed in New Survey
A recent survey from 51 Games studio shows that Web3 gamers are more concerned with fairness in gameplay than with market volatility surrounding in-game tokens. Out of over 12,000 participants, nearly 30 percent identified Pay-to-Win models as their chief issue. By comparison, only about 19 to 20 percent considered token inflation or economic instability their primary worry.
The findings suggest that for the majority, the game’s internal reward systems and mechanics matter more than external economic trends. Over 52 percent of respondents said they believe that player effort should be directly linked to in-game rewards. While players are willing to accept competitive challenges and performance differences, the research indicates strong resistance to systems where spending overtakes skill or time investment.
Attitudes Toward Others’ Success
When asked how they respond to seeing other players earn more, 40 percent reported feeling motivated to improve, and 27 percent expressed interest in learning the strategies behind that success. Only a minority said such instances generated frustration or a sense of unfairness.
Game Developers Advised to Rethink In-Game Economies
The data points to game mechanics as a key factor influencing player trust. Unlike market conditions, developers have control over the internal structure of games. The survey revealed that introducing wallet-based advantages is perceived as a design choice that discourages merit-based play.
While economic concerns remain for about one in every five respondents, fairness takes precedence. According to Matvii Diadkov, Founder of 51 Games, “Web3 gamers are not chasing quick profits. They evaluate systems. When players say they fear Pay-to-Win more than market volatility, they signal something important. They want rules that reward effort, not spending power. For developers, this shifts the focus from token price management to economic design and long-term trust.”
The results from the survey highlight three direct implications for the gaming sector:
| Implication | Survey Finding |
|---|---|
| Fairness and retention | Skill-based progression and clear economic rules link to better long-term player engagement |
| Monetization strategies | Aggressive monetization may yield short-term users but can erode trust over time |
| Player motivation | Contrary to speculation-focused stereotypes, players value effort, progression, and control over simple earning potential |
(Source: 51 Games)
Broader Industry Trends: Investment and Sentiment
In December 2025, the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) released its 2025 State of the Industry Report. The report described a shift in the industry away from “token-first” models, focusing more on creating playable games and striving for sustainable revenue.
Blockchain gaming investment contracted significantly, dropping to an estimated $293 million in 2025 from $4 billion in 2021 and reaching $10 billion at its 2022 peak. This reduction has been termed a correction, prompting underfunded projects to exit while more mature companies continue.
Despite the downturn in capital, survey data from the BGA showed that seventy percent of respondents expected positive industry momentum over the following year. The prevailing view is that expectations now hinge on actual product delivery, not hype. The 51 Games survey underscores a parallel message: player satisfaction is increasingly tied to transparency and fairness within game systems.
- Author
Daniel Williams
