Introduction
For years, blockchain gaming felt more like a promise than a reality. But 2025 is different. Game developers are no longer experimenting, they’re building full-scale Web3 games, and they’re choosing chains that offer the right mix of speed, scalability, and support.
Two blockchains stand out in this race: Base, backed by Coinbase, and Avalanche, known for its customizable Subnets. Both have momentum. Both offer different tools. But which one is actually winning the hearts (and dev wallets) of game studios?
What Makes Base a Hotspot for Onchain Gaming in 2025?
Base launched in 2023 with one major advantage: distribution. Built on the Optimism OP Stack and powered by Coinbase’s massive user base, it became an instant developer magnet. But Base isn’t just big, it’s also built for fun.
Here’s why game builders are loving Base in 2025:
1.Gasless onboarding: With smart account abstraction, users can play without worrying about wallet setup or gas fees.
2.Familiar tools: Developers use the same Solidity-based tools they already know from Ethereum.
3.Fully onchain gameplay: Games like Primodium and Dark Forest are proving that logic, assets, and even physics can be stored entirely onchain.
4.Instant reach: Coinbase’s wallet and app integration gives developers a head start with real users.
Base isn’t trying to host one-off crypto games. It’s enabling composable, persistent gaming ecosystems that's a big shift from the isolated GameFi projects of the past.
Avalanche’s Subnets: Custom Chains for Custom Worlds
Meanwhile, Avalanche is doubling down on customization. Its Subnets allow developers to launch their own blockchain, fine-tuned for their game’s specific needs. This includes:
1.Custom gas tokens (or no gas at all)
2.Tailored economic models
3.Dedicated performance for smoother gameplay
Big games like Shrapnel, Ascenders, and Off The Grid are using Avalanche to push the limits of what Web3 games can look and feel like. Subnets provide the flexibility and scalability that studios need to create AAA-style experiences.
But this flexibility comes at a cost: technical complexity. Launching a Subnet isn’t as easy as deploying to Base. It requires more infra setup, maintenance, and ecosystem coordination.
Conclusion
If you're building a lightweight, social or strategy game with a fast go-to-market goal, Base is the easier route. If you’re a AAA-style studio building a massive open world or esports experience, Avalanche gives you the control and power you need.
Either way, it’s clear: Web3 gaming is no longer limited to NFTs and token launches. It's growing into a full-fledged industry and these chains are laying the tracks.
