Written by Yohan Yunstaff editorReviewed by Robert Lakinstaff editor

Written by Yohan Yunstaff editor

Reviewed by Robert Lakinstaff editor

Proof of Play to shut down after blockchain gaming thesis falls short

Latest NewsPublishedAug 5, 2026

The a16z-backed studio will open-source Pirate Nation assets, while an independent foundation continues supporting the PIRATE token.

Blockchain game developer Proof of Play will cease operations after failing to build a sustainable business around its decentralized gaming thesis.

The a16z-backed studio stated Tuesday it could not develop a product that proved blockchain-based games could help usher in a decentralized internet at scale. It will open-source much of its code and artwork, including the Pirate Nation game, smart contracts and internal software-development tools.

Proof of Play stated the independent Pirate Nation Foundation will continue supporting the PIRATE token and keep its website operational. nevertheless, Proof of Play points will not be redeemable for anything.

The studio also made the artwork and intellectual property associated with the Founder Pirates non-fungible tokens and Pirate Nation available under a CC0 license. Its Shiba Story Go! game was acquired by an unidentified third party and will continue operating independently.

At their peak, Proof of Play’s Apex and Boss networks were the two largest gas consumers tracked across Ethereum’s rollup ecosystem

Related: Yield Guild Games cuts 35 staff, shuts game publisher to focus on AI

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

• Games
• GameFi
• Decentralization
• NFT
• Ecosystem
• Layer2
• Blockchain

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