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  • 📝 Four blockchain games closed this week. Is Web3 in trouble?

📝 Four blockchain games closed this week. Is Web3 in trouble?

PLUS: Pudgy Penguins expands, Cross The Ages RPG enters alpha and more!

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Nifty Notes Team
May 23, 2025

GM. This is Nifty Notes, the weekly newsletter that highlights all the top stories across NFTs, web3 and the metaverse.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

  • Four blockchain games close their doors 😔

  • Pudgy Penguins unveil brand expansion 📈

  • Cross The Ages RPG enters alpha testing 🕹️

INSIGHTS: CryptoDickbutts S3 flew as the collection gained traction yet again, Meebits grew with their PlayerZero partnership, and Good Vibes Club climbed as they teased that they’re “cooking in the lab”. TGT VIP Cards fell after the release of $TGT, Betakkuma declined after the release of $KUMA, and Jirasan dropped as the $RDAC token fell away.

Most Read ⬆️

Four blockchain games close their doors 😔

In the span of a few days, four leading blockchain games all announced that they would be closing their doors - with many citing the current state of the gaming and Web3 markets.

RPG Ember Sword, MMO Tatsumeeko, hero shooter Nyan Heroes and battle royale title Blast Royale have all shut their doors, or have announced an impending closure date in the coming weeks.

Despite record highs for Bitcoin, many web3 firms are still in the depths of a prolonged downturn. These games join a growing list of businesses across the industry that have bit the dust in 2025, including platforms such as the Bybit NFT marketplace, NiftyKit, and LG Art Lab, and games such as Anterris, Deadrop and Derby Stars.

Pudgy Penguins unveil brand expansion 📈

Pudgy Penguins have unveiled a trio of new initiatives as they look to expand the brand beyond their core NFT collection and global toy line.

The brand has struck a deal with Random House to create a children’s book titled Worst Birthday Gift Ever, scheduled for a November 4, 2025 release.

Furthering their appeal with younger audiences, the Lil Pudgys animated series saw its debut on May 16 - with Creative Lead @chefgoyardi stating that it is the core of a new “unique identity” for the Lil Pudgys brand.

On the gaming front, Pengu Clash - a 1v1 mini-game gauntlet - saw its release on Telegram this week, with a raft of blockchain-based rewards available to players.

Cross The Ages RPG enters alpha testing 🕹️

Arise, the upcoming RPG from the team behind Cross The Ages, has announced that its first closed alpha test will take place from May 28 to June 2 on PC, with players able to experience the game for the first time.

Accessible only to holders of Cross The Ages Mint Pass NFTs, the test will see one dungeon, one hero and one weapon become available to players. Participants will get a small taste of the game’s combat system, earning crystals and keys to grow your power and obtain stronger weapons.

Players that are able to reach Level 10 by the end of the closed alpha test will earn a Founder’s Coin – a unique currency which can be spent on exclusive rewards in the future early access release.

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and always do your own research.