How Gaming on Sui Will Boost DeFi Adoption
Gaming on Sui is paving the way for mass DeFi adoption through fun, seamless experiences that onboard millions of new users.
If the beginning of 2024 felt like a slow burn for gaming on Sui, Mysten Labs has since turned up the heat. A wave of top-tier gaming titles has begun flocking to the Layer 1 blockchain, setting the stage for something bigger than just gameplay—DeFi adoption at scale.
Blockbuster games like XOCIETY from NDUS Interactive, Shodown Samurai R from SNK, DarkTimes from Animoca Brands, Brave Frontier Versus by Gumi, and Code of Joker from Sega have all planted their flags on Sui. The recent addition of Pebble City by NHN and MyBlue, Team Liquid’s fan engagement platform, only accelerates this momentum. The upcoming release of SuiPlay0X1, a PC-based gaming handheld slated for 2025, adds a hardware layer that could become a critical touchpoint for mainstream adoption.
But this gaming expansion isn’t just about play—it's a blueprint for onboarding the next wave of users into the world of decentralized finance (DeFi).
Gaming as the Gateway to DeFi
In a recent conversation, Adeniyi Abiodun, Co-Founder and CPO of Mysten Labs, shared insights into why gaming is a strategic pillar for Sui’s 2025 roadmap:
“Gamers are already familiar with digital assets and currencies. Introducing them to DeFi—where they can put these assets to work, earn rewards, or farm airdrops—becomes a natural progression,” Abiodun explained.
This behavioral overlap is a game-changer. Gamers, by nature, are digital natives. They've been earning, trading, and valuing virtual items for decades. Onboarding them into DeFi isn’t about convincing—it’s about offering them utility they already understand.
Why the Ecosystem Matters More Than Any One Game
When asked what excites him most about Sui's gaming vision, Abiodun emphasized ecosystem over individual elements:
“It’s not just one game or even the SuiPlay0X1 device. It’s the combination—scalable infrastructure, great games like XOCIETY, and seamless dev tools—that gives us a real shot at capturing mainstream adoption.”
This synergy between hardware, software, and infrastructure enables developers to create experiences that are immersive, fast, and user-friendly—without the friction traditionally associated with web3.
The Road to Mass Web3 Adoption Runs Through Frictionless UX
If web3 gaming wants to reach the masses, it must mirror the seamlessness of web2.
“User experience is everything,” Abiodun said. “Low-cost transactions, smooth onboarding, and high-quality games that resonate with mainstream IPs—that’s what will make players care about digital ownership.”
This fusion of web2 familiarity and web3 innovation is what will finally tip the scales.
It's Not Resistance—It's Miscommunication
Many traditional gamers appear skeptical of blockchain gaming. But as Abiodun pointed out, it's less about resistance and more about language.
“The problem isn’t gamers—it’s the overuse of jargon. NFTs, web3, tokens—these are foreign terms to most players. Focus on fun first, and let the blockchain work in the background.”
If a game is engaging, players won’t care whether it's on-chain or off—they'll play, and by doing so, they'll learn.
The Role of AI in Web3 Gaming’s Future
Sui’s infrastructure is also primed for the AI revolution in gaming.
“From intelligent NPCs to real-time gameplay decisions, AI will create deeper immersion and more dynamic worlds. When combined with Sui’s low latency and high throughput, the result is next-gen gameplay that feels alive.”
AI and blockchain together offer a powerful toolkit for developers to reinvent storytelling, progression, and interactivity.
Growing the Gaming Pie with Web3 Monetization Models
Traditional gaming is facing a squeeze—rising user acquisition costs, layoffs, and stagnation in monetization models. Blockchain offers a way out.
“True ownership of digital assets, new revenue streams, and player-driven economies mean more inclusive, sustainable ecosystems. This doesn’t divide the existing market—it expands it.”
Web3 gaming flips the model. Players don’t just consume—they participate, own, and earn. That leads to higher retention, better monetization, and ultimately, a larger, more vibrant market.
Conclusion: Gaming is Sui's Trojan Horse for DeFi
As Sui continues to attract top-tier IPs and pioneering developers, it’s clear that gaming isn’t just a vertical—it’s the on-ramp for mass adoption of everything web3 has to offer. And at the end of that road? A new era of DeFi, powered not by traders or crypto natives—but by millions of gamers who just came to play.
Find out more at the Sui Play website.
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