Solana’s Lily Liu: Why Web3 Gaming ‘Is Not Coming Back’ and What It Means for Blockchain Future
Introduction: A Bold Statement Shakes Web3 Gaming
In a recent X post that sparked heated debate, Solana Foundation President Lily Liu declared that
Liu’s words came as a reply to a post about Meta closing parts of its metaverse plans. Her view matches her past comments pushing Solana toward finance over games. Let’s dive into what she said, why it matters, and if web3 gaming has any hope left.
What Did Lily Liu Actually Say?
On March 20, Liu posted on X: “Also, gaming on a blockchain is not coming back.” This was in response to a Polymarket claim that Meta was shutting down its full metaverse division. But the truth is more nuanced—Meta only planned to end its VR game Horizon Worlds, then quickly reversed that decision.
Liu’s bio on X adds a fun twist. It lists her as Solana Foundation President and “head of gaming.” This title does not show up on her LinkedIn or official Solana pages. It seems like a joke to highlight the irony. Even Solana’s gaming account joined in, congratulating her on the “new role.”
Her stance is not new. Back on February 5, Liu wrote a longer post. She said blockchains should stick to finance and tech basics. “This blockchain adventure has always been about finance: open financial rails for anyone and everyone on the internet,” she explained.
The Context: Meta’s Metaverse Mix-Up
The post that triggered Liu was misleading. Polymarket said Meta was killing its metaverse arm. In reality:
- Meta announced it would shut down Horizon Worlds, a VR multiplayer game from its Reality Labs team.
- This came via email to users.
- But days later, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth said they changed plans. Horizon Worlds would stay online with basic support for fans and existing games—no big new investments.
Meta’s move shows big tech struggles with metaverse hype. It ties into larger doubts about virtual worlds and blockchain games.
Solana’s History with Web3 Gaming
Solana has tried gaming before. Last year, MagicBlock raised $7.5 million for real-time gaming tools on Solana. The round got backing from Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko. This shows past belief in the space.
But results have been weak. Web3 games promise play-to-earn models where players make crypto. Early hits like Axie Infinity drew millions. Yet, most projects fade fast due to token dumps and bad user experience.
Investment data backs Liu’s view:
| Year | Monthly Web3 Gaming Investments |
|---|---|
| 2021 Peak | $4 billion total VC |
| 2023 | Tens of millions (much lower) |
Players want fun first, not crypto chores. High fees, slow tech, and scams hurt trust.
Why Web3 Gaming Struggles Today
Blockchain gaming faces big hurdles:
- Bad User Experience: Wallets, gas fees, and bridges confuse new players.
- Token Economics Fail: Play-to-earn leads to inflation and sell-offs.
- Hype Crash: 2021 boom brought junk projects. Now, funding is dry.
- Competition: Traditional games like Fortnite offer better graphics and ease.
Solana shines in speed and low costs—perfect for games. Yet, even here, adoption lags. Liu sees finance as Solana’s real strength: DeFi, payments, NFTs for utility.
Is Really True?
Liu’s claim is bold, but not all agree. Some defend web3 gaming:
- New tech like zero-knowledge proofs could fix scalability.
- Hybrid models blend web2 fun with web3 ownership.
- Projects like Star Atlas on Solana still build hype.
Others say it’s pivoting, not dying. True web3 gaming needs real ownership, not just skins. AI and VR could revive it, but blockchain must improve.
Solana’s focus shift makes sense. DeFi TVL on Solana tops $3 billion. Gaming? Far behind.
What This Means for Solana and Crypto
Liu’s words signal Solana’s priorities:
- Finance First: Build rails for global money.
- Real Use Cases: Payments, lending, not gimmicks.
- Gaming Later?: If tech matures, maybe revisit.
For developers: Focus on fun games with optional web3. For investors: Bet on DeFi over game tokens.
The shitpost from Solana’s product officer shows they don’t take it too seriously. But Liu’s view pushes the ecosystem forward.
The Road Ahead for Blockchain Gaming
Web3 gaming isn’t dead—it’s evolving. Keys to comeback:
- Seamless onboarding—no wallet needed at start.
- True ownership: Items usable across games.
- Solana-like speed for real-time play.
- Regulated tokens to avoid rugs.
Watch chains like Immutable X or Ronin. They mix gaming focus with blockchain smarts.
Conclusion: Time to Face Facts
Lily Liu’s
What do you think? Is web3 gaming doomed, or ready for revival? Share in comments.
FAQ: Quick Answers on Web3 Gaming
What is web3 gaming? Games on blockchain where you own assets as NFTs and earn crypto.
Why did Lily Liu say it’s not coming back? Focus on finance; gaming hype faded.
Can Solana still do gaming? Yes, with fast tech—but not priority now.
Meta’s role? Their metaverse struggles show even giants face issues.
