AI Won’t Make You Rich, but Crypto Games Might – and a Major Web3 Gaming Founder Is Leaving the Helm
March 8 2026
Overview
In a recent interview with Web3 Gamer, the co‑founder of Pixels, a blockchain‑enabled gaming studio, warned that the hype surrounding artificial‑intelligence (AI) is unlikely to translate into large‑scale wealth for most participants. At the same time, he highlighted the still‑nascent but sizable upside of play‑to‑earn (P2E) and broader Web3 gaming ecosystems. The conversation came on the same day that Sebastien Borget, co‑founder and former Chief Operating Officer of Axie Infinity, announced his departure from the project’s day‑to‑day management.
The twin developments signal a shift in focus for investors and developers: from chasing quick AI‑driven returns toward building sustainable value in decentralized gaming.
AI: A Hot Topic, but Not a Gold Mine
-
Hype vs. Reality – The Pixels founder noted that while AI tools (large language models, generative art engines, and automated trading bots) have dramatically lowered barriers to content creation and data analysis, the majority of users are unlikely to generate substantial profits. The “rich‑get‑richer” dynamic that characterized early crypto speculation is less pronounced in AI, where most value is captured by platform owners and large‑scale model providers.
-
Skill Premium Remains – Earnings in AI‑related activities still depend heavily on technical expertise, proprietary data, or access to compute resources. Casual users who simply employ chatbots or image generators will rarely see returns that offset their costs.
- Regulatory Uncertainty – Emerging policy frameworks around AI‑generated content and data privacy add an extra layer of risk for any venture that hopes to monetize AI at scale.
Takeaway: AI is reshaping many industries, but for most participants the technology is a utility rather than a direct wealth engine.
Web3 Gaming: The Unfinished Business of Play‑to‑Earn
-
Market Size – As of early 2026, the global Web3 gaming market is estimated at $7‑9 billion, with a projected CAGR of roughly 17 % over the next three years. This growth is driven by increasing consumer familiarity with NFTs, interoperable assets, and tokenized economies.
-
Revenue Models – Unlike traditional free‑to‑play games that rely on ads or in‑app purchases, Web3 titles can incorporate native token economies, secondary‑market royalties, and community‑governed monetisation schemes. Successful projects have demonstrated that a well‑designed token utility can fund ongoing development and reward players meaningfully.
-
Barriers to Entry – The Pixels co‑founder emphasized that the sector still faces hurdles: high gas fees (although layer‑2 scaling is easing this), fragmented player bases, and the need for robust anti‑fraud mechanisms. Nevertheless, he believes that studios that can marry compelling gameplay with genuine ownership will capture the most value.
- Strategic Partnerships – Recent collaborations between traditional game publishers and blockchain platforms (e.g., Ubisoft’s “Vault” initiatives and Tencent’s experimental “Chain Play” pilot) suggest mainstream acceptance is accelerating.
Takeaway: While still early, Web3 gaming offers a clearer pathway to monetary gains for both creators and players compared with the current AI landscape, provided projects deliver strong gameplay and sustainable tokenomics.
Leadership Change at Axie Infinity
-
Announcement – Sebastien Borget announced his resignation from the day‑to‑day operational role at Axie Infinity, one of the most recognizable P2E titles. He will remain an advisor and continue to hold a significant equity stake.
-
Context – Axie Infinity’s ecosystem has weathered a volatile 2023‑2024 period, marked by a steep decline in daily active users and a restructuring of its token model (the shift from AXS dominance to a more diversified utility token framework).
-
Implications – The departure may signal a maturation phase for the project: moving from founder‑driven growth to a more institutional governance structure. Market analysts expect the transition to be “smooth” given that the core development team and the Ronin sidechain remain intact.
- Industry Reaction – Investor sentiment on the short term is mixed. While some see the change as a risk factor that could destabilise community confidence, others view it as an opportunity for fresh leadership to steer the project into the next growth cycle, especially as the broader Web3 gaming market expands.
Analysis: Where Should Capital Flow?
| Factor | AI‑centric Projects | Web3 Gaming Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Predictability | Low – earnings tied to proprietary data/computational assets | Moderate – token economies can generate sustainable streams if designed well |
| Regulatory Exposure | High – evolving AI‑law, data protection | Medium – clearer frameworks for securities, but still uncertain around NFTs |
| Entry Barriers | Technical expertise, compute costs | Technical expertise + game design + tokenomics |
| Community Incentives | Limited – most value captured by platform owners | Strong – players earn via in‑game assets, staking, governance |
| Growth Trajectory (2024‑2027) | Plateauing after early hype | Steady upward trend, driven by mainstream partnerships |
Bottom line: For investors seeking exposure to blockchain‑enabled revenue, Web3 gaming currently presents a more defined upside than AI‑only ventures, especially when projects demonstrate solid gameplay and token utility.
Key Takeaways
- AI is a tool, not a wealth generator – Most users will not become financially independent by merely using AI services; value accrues mainly to platform owners and highly specialized developers.
- Web3 gaming remains a high‑potential sector – The combination of true asset ownership, token incentives, and expanding user bases creates fertile ground for profitable projects.
- Leadership changes matter – Axie Infinity’s co‑founder stepping down underscores the evolving governance models in mature P2E ecosystems; stability will depend on how seamlessly new leadership can maintain community trust.
- Due diligence is essential – Investors should assess tokenomics, scalability solutions, and the quality of gameplay before committing capital to Web3 gaming ventures.
- Diversification across tech themes – A balanced exposure to both AI‑enabled infrastructure and promising Web3 gaming titles may mitigate risk while capturing emerging opportunities.
Conclusion
As the AI hype cycle cools, market participants are recalibrating expectations about where real financial upside lies. According to the Pixels co‑founder, the answer may be in the next generation of blockchain games that reward participation with tangible, tradable assets. At the same time, the exit of a key figure from Axie Infinity highlights the maturation of the sector and the importance of robust governance. Stakeholders—whether developers, investors, or players—should watch these dynamics closely as the intersection of AI tools and Web3 gaming continues to evolve.
For more in‑depth coverage of Web3 gaming trends, tokenomics analyses, and leadership movements across the crypto space, stay tuned to [Your News Site].
Source: https://cointelegraph-magazine.com/ai-rich-crypto-games-axie-founder-steps-down-web3-gamer/?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound
