Quick Take
- Ronin confirms Ethereum L2 shift with new $RON staking model, builder rewards, and payments focus
- Treasure AI Agents now live on Ronin, letting NFTs automate gameplay using $MAGIC
- Ubisoft partners with Immutable Play as Web3 tools expand into traditional gaming
This Week in Play-to-Earn and Crypto Gaming
The crypto gaming space saw a wave of infrastructure moves and platform launches this week, with Ronin outlining its transition to Ethereum Layer-2, Immutable entering the mainstream through a major partnership, and Treasure debuting its first live AI integrations on Ronin. Elsewhere, RavenQuest’s expansion hit the Epic Games Store, Avalanche and Helika launched a gaming accelerator, and new funding and airdrop campaigns signaled continued momentum across the ecosystem
Ronin to Become Ethereum L2 With Focus on Gamified Apps and $RON Staking Rewards
Ronin is transitioning from a gaming-focused sidechain to a full Ethereum Layer-2 by mid-2026. The move, dubbed “Ronin’s Homecoming,” will roll out in two phases and introduce a new economic framework powered by Proof-of-Distribution. Instead of validator-based rewards, RON staking incentives will shift toward active builders developing apps and games on the network.
The upgrade maintains Ronin’s user experience by keeping RON as the gas token while absorbing Ethereum settlement costs behind the scenes. Ronin’s governing validators will manage stake routing under the new model, and contributors will have the option to become Stake Managers to direct capital toward high-performing projects.
A payments initiative is also on the roadmap, targeting Southeast Asia and Latin America, with plans to support saving, spending, and remittance use cases. Sky Mavis expects the network’s gas fee revenue to triple by 2028.
Treasure Launches AI Agents on Ronin, Letting NFTs Fish, Cook, and Play for You
Treasure has activated its AI Agent system on Ronin, with support for Fishing Frenzy now live. These agents, powered by the $MAGIC token and built on the Neurochimp AI framework, allow players to automate gameplay actions like fishing, cooking, and reward claiming. Each agent is tied to either a custom NFT or a preset personality based on Web3 influencers.
The AI agents feature real-time learning, persistent memory, and cross-game functionality. Future updates will introduce wallet autonomy, enabling agents to perform trades and DeFi actions across supported dapps. Treasure plans to roll out additional game integrations and a public agent marketplace later this quarter.
Immutable Expands into $300B+ Web2 Gaming Market, Launches with Ubisoft as First Major Partner
Immutable has launched Immutable Play into the Web2 gaming market, bringing Ubisoft on board as its first major studio partner. The platform, which serves as a pre-launch and lifecycle engagement toolkit, allows game developers to build and activate communities ahead of full game launches.
Immutable Play’s expansion coincides with new U.S. crypto regulatory clarity, including the proposed CLARITY Act, which simplifies the legal pathway for gaming tokens. The move brings Immutable’s toolset, including Immutable Passport and zkEVM infrastructure, closer to mainstream adoption. Ubisoft’s launch marks a milestone in bridging traditional gaming with crypto-native ecosystems.
RavenQuest Launches “Treasures Below” Expansion, Debuted on Epic Games Store August 15
RavenQuest’s “Treasures Below” expansion is now live, introducing procedurally generated roguelike dungeons, a Ranked 2v2 Arena mode, and two new archetypes—Naturalist and Ballistics. The launch coincides with the game’s debut on the Epic Games Store.
To support new players, a permanent catch-up system offers double XP until Level 60. Seasonal content includes the Thaw Festival, and over 60 new class combinations have been introduced through the new archetypes.
Avalanche and Helika Open $250K Crypto Gaming Accelerator
Avalanche and Helika have launched a three-month accelerator program aimed at blockchain-native and traditional gaming studios. The program offers up to $250,000 in funding, along with mentorship, technical support, analytics, and marketing tools.
Helika and Avalanche plan to use the accelerator to onboard high-quality studios building scalable, blockchain-powered games. The program is now accepting applications.
Other Play-to-Earn Headlines This Week
- Star Atlas Devs Launch ZINK Layer 1 Blockchain for Crypto Gaming
ZINK, a new SVM Layer 1 from the Star Atlas team, will launch in December with an identity layer called zProfiles and a token airdrop campaign starting in September. - Kick Off This NFL Preseason with NFL Rivals Y3
Mythical Games launches a new season of NFL Rivals with upgraded Stadiums Mode, revamped card systems, and new XP-based progression. - Earn VALAN Tokens in Valannia With New Shadow Veil Airdrop Platform
Shadow Veil, a gamified airdrop quest system for MMO Valannia, lets players earn Runes of Ascension convertible to VALAN tokens. - How to Create a Treasure AI Agent Using $MAGIC
Our new guide to walk players through creating and managing AI Agents on Ronin using NFTs or preset personalities. - Shrapnel Secures $19.5M for GalaChain-Powered Global and China Launch
Shrapnel will expand into China via TCC, raising $19.5M to fund its blockchain-enabled FPS with regulated NFT support. - Player Payment Habits in Gaming Show Rising Transaction Values for Crypto
Newzoo and Tebex data shows crypto and BNPL payments have higher average values, especially in North America and Europe. - Reaper Actual Brings Persistent FPS Action to Steam, Epic, and Crypto Gaming via Tezos
John Smedley’s new title will launch on both traditional storefronts and as a blockchain-enabled version using Tezos Etherlink, offering mod tools, NFT bases, and a persistent world.
Want more crypto gaming news recaps? Read last week’s Play-to-Earn Weekly Recap to see what you missed.
