Blockchain gaming remained in the background of Web3 innovations until 2024, when its potential was finally recognized. This resurgence can be traced back to the roots of GameFi, the rise of the play-to-earn (P2E) concept, and key milestones in the industry.

In 2017, CryptoKitties launched on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing players to buy, breed, and trade virtual NFT-cats. It gained massive popularity, with one cat selling for 247 ETH, equivalent to $117,000. However, by 2022, CryptoKitties had declined, though its impact on GameFi was undeniable.

Around the same time, Axie Infinity emerged with an Ethereum-powered virtual market and an idle battle system. Another project, The Sandbox, enabled players to create and sell in-game items for cryptocurrency, contributing to the P2E concept.

By 2024, The Open Network (TON) revitalized GameFi with Notcoin, a simple game integrated with Telegram. Players could tap their screens to earn coins and receive an airdrop of TON-based tokens. This success led to the rise of games like Pocket Rocket, a clicker game offering rewards in USDT and NFTs.

TON’s flexibility and community-driven gameplay have been key drivers of its success, solidifying its place in GameFi's evolution.