This Week In Gaming | MapleStory Launches On Avalanche and Trending, Pixelmon's Deal with Avalanche, ApeChain Launches on Arbitrum, Epic Games Fixes AI Darth Vader and More
Weekly Game Recommendation
Fableborne: The Mobile Strategy Gem Blending RPG Action and Base-Building Mastery
Fableborne is redefining mobile gaming with its razor-sharp fusion of fast-paced action-RPG combat and tactical base-building strategy. Designed for quick, bite-sized sessions, the game challenges players to raid enemy strongholds while defending their own—a dynamic loop that’s earned praise for its addictive depth. After two wildly successful beta seasons (boasting 100,000+ players and an average of 18 hours weekly playtime), the title is making waves by migrating to Ethereum’s Ronin network, home to gaming giants like Axie Infinity and Pixels.
What sets Fableborne apart is its polished "snackable" design, offering explosive battles, customizable heroes, and evolving defenses across 60+ campaign levels. Season 3 promises groundbreaking Web3 integration, with NFT heroes and gear tailored to diverse playstyles, all while retaining its free-to-play accessibility. Ronin’s thriving ecosystem—known for turbocharging community-driven games—positions Fableborne as a 2025 breakout contender.
For strategy enthusiasts craving innovation, this is mobile gaming at its smartest: sleek, social, and built to last.
Web3 Game Development
MapleStory N Launches on Avalanche With Record NFT Mint and Token Surge Read More
MapleStory N, the first crypto installment in the iconic RPG series, launched on the Avalanche blockchain, driving a record-breaking NFT mint and a surge in its NXPC token. Over 1.7 million NFTs were minted pre-launch, and NXPC reached a $441 million market cap shortly after going live. The game introduces real asset ownership via NFTs and a dedicated Avalanche subnet, Henesys. Developers see the launch as a major step in blending Web3 technology with nostalgic gaming experiences.
L3E7 Debuts at Mantle Games Fest with Cyberpunk Geo-RPG Experience Read More
L3E7, the first 3D location-based RPG, launched during Week 4 of Mantle Games Fest. Set in a cyberpunk Earth, players engage in battles at real-world landmarks, summon allies, and join local clubs. With $50,000 in $MNT rewards, the game blends real-life geography with immersive RPG mechanics. Explore more via HyperPlay.
AI-Flirting Game Offers Crypto Rewards in 'Rizz-to-Earn' Event Read More
Ethereum-based game Pixels has launched a limited-time “rizz-to-earn” event, where players can flirt with AI NPCs to win PIXEL token rewards. Participants must buy a key to access the challenge, with the top 500 scorers earning prizes based on key sales. The event, ending May 22, highlights Pixels’ strategy to deepen engagement through AI-driven experiences, blending humor, gaming, and crypto incentives. Developers hint at more AI-powered gameplay to follow, positioning Pixels as an evolving, interactive world.
AI Agents Simulate Crypto Chaos in DX Terminal Game Read More
DX Terminal, a crypto game on Ethereum’s Base network, lets NFT-based AI agents mimic meme coin trading for one week. Players guide or observe agents as they engage in pump-and-dump schemes to collect in-game tokens like GLIZZY and HOTDOGZ. With no real monetary rewards, the simulation mirrors real-world market behaviors in a risk-free environment. Developed by DX Research Group, the project explores AI-driven trading dynamics while offering a humorous, chaotic look at the crypto ecosystem. The event ends May 22.
Epic Games Fixes AI Darth Vader After Offensive Language Incident Read More
Epic Games swiftly issued a hotfix after Fortnite’s AI-powered Darth Vader, voiced using licensed recordings of James Earl Jones, began repeating slurs and expletives. The character, introduced in a Star Wars crossover event, was powered by ElevenLabs’ voice AI. Players manipulated the system to bypass content filters, prompting Epic to address a moderation oversight. The company has since updated its safety layers and emphasized its commitment to responsible AI use in gaming.
Pixelmon Partners With Avalanche for Mobile Game Expansion Read More
Pixelmon has signed an exclusive deal with Avalanche to launch its upcoming mobile RPG Warden’s Ascent and future titles on the network. The shift marks a move to a mobile-first strategy, with plans for additional games like Nova Thera Chronicles. Despite a controversial NFT debut in 2022, Pixelmon has rebranded under new leadership and expanded its gaming ecosystem. The partnership leverages Avalanche’s gaming infrastructure and paves the way for a dedicated Layer 1 chain as the franchise aims to reach a broader, mainstream audience.
ApeChain Launches on Arbitrum to Power ApeCoin Ecosystem Read More
ApeChain, a dedicated blockchain for the ApeCoin ecosystem, has launched using Arbitrum Orbit technology following a DAO vote. The move addresses scalability issues highlighted during past events like the Otherside NFT mint. ApeChain uses $APE as its native gas token and offers improved performance, developer tools, and infrastructure integrations. With over 60 applications now live and rapid early adoption, the chain aims to support NFTs, gaming, and DeFi while maintaining Ethereum compatibility and advancing web3 development.
GUNZ Mainnet Opens to 20K Off The Grid Players for Web3 Expansion Read More
Gunzilla Games has opened its GUNZ blockchain mainnet to 20,000 Off The Grid players, advancing its vision of optional digital ownership in AAA gaming. GUNZ allows players to convert in-game items into tradable NFTs using the GUN token, while maintaining a traditional gameplay experience for those who opt out. This player-first, scalable approach supports decentralized asset control without disrupting core gameplay, marking a key step in integrating blockchain into mainstream gaming.
Merge Pals Launches Play to Whitelist Event Ahead of NFT Mint Read More
Merge Pals has kicked off its Play to Whitelist event on the Ronin blockchain, running from May 13 to May 22. Players can earn points by completing in-game tasks, aiming for a top 500 leaderboard spot to secure whitelist access for the upcoming Genesis Pal NFT mint. Activities include daily check-ins, missions, referrals, and spending in-game currency. Genesis Pals offer in-game advantages, NFT rental opportunities, and long-term utility. The event highlights Merge Pals’ focus on competitive Web3 engagement and user-driven NFT allocation.
Game Financing
Brightika Invests $3M to Support Indie PC and Console Games Read More
Mobile publisher Brightika has announced a $3 million investment to expand into PC and console gaming. The funds will be used over the next 12–24 months to support indie developers through marketing, user acquisition, localization, and product assistance. Known for mobile hits like IQ Boost, Brightika now aims to bring its publishing expertise to new platforms. The first funded title, Bullet Yeeters, is set to launch this spring, with more projects expected to be revealed during Steam Next Fest.
Airdrop & Free Mints & Launchpad
StarGrid Public Launch On May 22 with $SMONEY Rewards Read More
StarGrid Battle Tactics, a turn-based PvP strategy game, is set to launch on May 22, 2025. Players can engage in ranked matches and earn $SMONEY tokens as rewards. The game emphasizes strategic depth and competitive play, offering a fresh experience for strategy enthusiasts.
LOL Land Launches May 23 on Abstract Chain with $YGG Rewards Read More
LOL Land, a browser-based casual board game developed by Yield Guild Games, is set to launch on May 23, 2025, exclusively on Abstract Chain. Inspired by Monopoly Go, the game allows players to roll dice, navigate vibrant game boards, and earn rewards such as $YGG tokens, NFTs, and Abstract XP. Featuring characters from the Pudgy Penguins community, LOL Land aims to provide an engaging experience for Web3 enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.
Haunted Space TGE & Listing Set for May 29 with $GAGA Utility Launch Read More
Haunted Space, a sci-fi space combat game by Galaxy Lab, will hold its TGE for the $GAGA token on May 29, 2025. $GAGA will function as the utility and governance token across the ecosystem, enabling purchases, staking, and access to AI-powered tools. Ahead of launch, Haunted Space has introduced a Telegram mini-game and a UGC campaign offering over $100K in rewards. The game will be available on Epic Games Store, PlayStation, and Xbox.