: Axie Infinity Founder Predicts More Failures in 2026

The world is facing tough times. Many studios are closing their doors, and experts warn that 2026 will bring even more pain. Jeff Zirlin, co-founder of Axie Infinity and Ronin Network, says a lot of teams will “die.” This comes as funding dries up and old mistakes haunt the industry.

Why Are Failing

Jeff Zirlin spoke openly in a chat with gaming influencer Yellow Panther. He said many studios think the crypto market ups and downs do not touch them. “You’re going to see a lot of teams die,” Zirlin warned. This problem hits games on all chains, including Ronin.

A survey by the Blockchain Gaming Alliance shows cash shortages are the top issue. About 32.6% of developers say lack of money is their biggest hurdle. Yield Guild Games co-founder Gabby Dizon agrees: “It’s really hard to make a successful game, and games shut down all the time.”

In 2025, several big names already closed:

Ethereum’s Ember Sword
Solana shooter Nyan Heroes
Extraction shooter Deadrop
Pirate RPG Pirate Nation

These shutdowns show the risks in . Short funding runways mean studios cannot last long without hits.

Axie Infinity’s Bold Plan for 2026

Zirlin is not just warning others. His own project, Axie Infinity, learned from 2025. He called it too safe. Now, in an X post, he said: “In ’26 we’ll take much larger risks.” The goal? Bring back the hype from crypto gaming’s 2021 boom.

Axie Infinity was a pioneer in play-to-earn games. It drew millions during the bull run. But market crashes hit hard. Zirlin’s push for bigger swings could spark new life, but it is risky too.

Sports Stars Enter with Big Ideas

NBA Legend Scottie Pippen’s Bitcoin Tribute Game

Not all news is bad. NBA star Scottie Pippen is launching Don’t Drop The Ball, a fast-paced multiplayer game like Fortnite. Matches last just 10 minutes. Players chase a ball across a city, trying to hold it longest.

The game nods to Bitcoin with graffiti, Easter eggs, and a statue of Satoshi Nakamoto. Pippen claims dream meetings with Satoshi. He even got a warning from Michael Saylor to stop talking about it. “This is just paying respect to builders who change the game,” Pippen says.

A key item is the digital Game 5 ball from the 1991 Chicago Bulls NBA Finals. Pippen keeps the real one – a sports treasure marking the Bulls’ first title.

The game is in invite-only beta now. It blends sports history, action, and crypto culture perfectly.

PGA Tour Goes Blockchain with PGA Rise

Golf fans get their shot too. The PGA Tour joins SKALE, a layer-3 network on Base, with PGA Rise. Play like a pro on your phone. Own clubs, houses, courses, and assets. Battle others in a reimagined golf world.

SKALE’s head of community, Falcore, said: “Own your clubs, house, create your course.” CEO Jack O’Holleran sees it onboarding 10 million new Web3 users. “We need more brands and IP,” he added.

PGA Rise is free-to-play. Buy items with crypto or fiat. It fixes old Web3 flaws: no forced crypto. Just fun golf with ownership perks.

Sports leagues love Web3. NFL and FIFA joined via Mythical Games. The Sandbox tried TV shows like Love Island on blockchain.

Signs of Hope in

Despite shutdowns, bright spots shine. MapleStory Universe hit 1.94 million accounts and 46 million transactions in Q4 2025. Polygon Labs buys Sequence, a gaming tool provider, in a $250 million+ deal. These moves build stronger foundations.

The Future of : Risks and Rewards

is real, but change is coming. Zirlin’s warnings push for realism. Pippen and PGA show sports IP can draw crowds. Success needs real fun, not just crypto add-ons.

Studios must focus on player-owned assets, big brands, and solid games. Free-to-play with optional crypto lowers barriers. As funding tightens, only the best survive.

2026 could kill weak teams but birth stars. Watch Axie Infinity’s risks, Pippen’s beta, and PGA Rise. is evolving – will you join the chase?

Keywords like , Axie Infinity, crypto games, PGA Tour Web3, and Scottie Pippen game drive searches. Stay tuned for more blockchain updates.

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Filed under: Altcoins - @ February 1, 2026 12:31 am