As the blockchain landscape continues to expand, new networks are emerging rapidly, but many struggle to retain active users. With 171 Layer-1 (L1) coins currently listed on Coinranking, gaining user traction remains a formidable challenge. Amidst this backdrop, gamification is becoming a crucial strategy for blockchain networks aiming to stand out and sustain on-chain engagement.
Engagement Through Gamification
Coinbase’s recent “On chain Summer” campaign serves as a prime example of how gamification can drive user interaction. During the event, users earned points through on-chain activities, unlocking non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other rewards. A Coinbase spokesperson told Crypto News that the initiative not only increased on-chain transactions but also improved user retention, with 83% of participants returning to spin a daily rewards wheel.
Similarly, Quai Network’s CEO, Alan Orwick, is betting on gamification to drive on-chain growth. Quai recently launched Kipper, a crypto-tipping platform on X that allows users to send tips in $QUAI tokens. Orwick noted that Kipper has already generated notable traction since its April 28 debut, attributing this success to the platform’s emphasis on peer-to-peer financial sovereignty.
“Kipper empowers creators to monetize their content using $QUAI, driving both engagement and financial independence,” Orwick said.
DePIN Market Reaches $18.9B – Peaq Targets Adoption via Quests
While Quai focuses on social tipping, Peaq is leveraging gamified quests to introduce users to decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs) — a sector now valued at $18.9 billion, according to Coingecko.
Max Thake, co-founder of Peaq, explained that the network’s “Get Real” campaign incentivizes users to complete on-chain tasks, such as measuring sound pollution or collecting driving data using a Web3 navigator. These activities reward participants with customizable NFTs and DePIN tokens, effectively gamifying the onboarding process.
“We’re not just seeking activity; we’re aiming to educate users about DePINs through meaningful quests,” Thake emphasized.
The beta phase of the Get Real campaign attracted significant attention, prompting Peaq to plan a full-scale rollout this quarter.
Layer-2 Networks Embrace Gamification for Discovery
For Layer-2 (L2) networks, the challenge extends beyond engagement to discoverability. Eclipse, a Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) built on Ethereum, has implemented a gamified experience called Turbo Tap to attract new users.
According to Eclipse’s ecosystem lead, Ren Yu Kong, Turbo Tap’s interactive experience — where users earn “grass” by engaging with a digital highland cow — has attracted over 230,000 users since its February launch.
“Gamification helps us capture user interest and drive interaction, especially when it’s aligned with the broader ecosystem,” Kong said.
However, Kong acknowledged that maintaining a seamless user experience remains a challenge, particularly as user volumes scale. “Extensive internal testing and continuous iteration are vital to ensuring smooth gameplay,” he added.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While gamification has proven effective in boosting engagement, its implementation remains complex. Orwick from Quai noted that building Kipper’s chain architecture took longer than anticipated. Similarly, Kong emphasized that integrating on-chain contracts with off-chain game components requires rigorous testing and development.
Despite these challenges, industry leaders agree that gamification will play an increasingly central role in blockchain user acquisition strategies. As L1s and L2s continue to experiment with gamified incentives, the DePIN sector, now valued at $18.9 billion, may well become the next frontier for blockchain adoption.
