Failed for 4 Years, Then They Made Millions With Ponzi Games

A crypto development team has achieved a $4 million revenue milestone within 48 hours by launching ponzi-style games. This success came after four years of unsuccessful attempts to create products in areas such as DAOs, AI agents, and blockchain-based applications. The team's new approach has resonated with crypto enthusiasts and traders, leading to rapid adoption and significant market traction.

The first of these games, Infected, generated 130,000 signups without any marketing investment. Within a week, over 1.4 million wallets had interacted with the game. A second release, Addicted, which simulated drug dealing on Solana, achieved 2 million views in its first 24 hours.

The team emphasizes the importance of transparency in their new strategy. Unlike previous crypto projects that failed due to lack of disclosure, the team is upfront about the nature of their games. They argue that this honesty has contributed to user trust and engagement.

Why Did This Happen?

The crypto team's pivot to ponzi-style games aligns with a broader trend in the industry. The team notes that many of the largest crypto projects have operated as ponzi schemes in disguise. Projects like Axie Infinity and STEPN failed because they marketed themselves as sustainable products while functioning as ponzi models. By being open about their intentions, the team claims to have avoided similar pitfalls.

The rise in engagement also reflects changing user behavior. Short-form content and high-dopamine experiences are increasingly popular, particularly among younger demographics. These games offer a level of excitement and interactivity that traditional products have not delivered in recent years.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Industry observers are monitoring whether this trend will continue to expand in 2026. The team's next project, Jailed, aims to surpass Addicted in popularity by introducing "giga ponzified" mechanics. If successful, this could signal a broader shift toward gamified financial models in the crypto space.

At the same time, regulatory developments could influence the sustainability of these projects. Goldman Sachs has highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity in driving institutional adoption of crypto. If legislation continues to favor the industry, it could create more favorable conditions for ponzi-style models to flourish.

What Are the Broader Implications for the Market?

The success of these games reflects a larger shift in how digital assets are being used. Solana and Ethereum both reported significant revenue and trading volumes in 2025, with Solana's app revenue reaching $2.4 billion and Ethereum's DeFi TVL reaching $99 billion. This growth is driven by institutional interest and a maturing market structure.

Meanwhile, the crypto industry is seeing a surge in M&A and IPO activity. Over $8.6 billion was raised through M&A transactions in 2025, and 11 crypto IPOs generated $14.6 billion globally. These trends indicate a growing confidence in the sector's long-term potential.

As the market evolves, the success of ponzi-style games may indicate a new phase in crypto's development. While these models are inherently volatile, their ability to generate rapid engagement and revenue could influence how developers approach product design and user acquisition moving forward.