Animoca Brands, a powerhouse in the crypto and Web3 investment space, is sharpening its focus on key blockchain trends in 2025. Speaking at Token2049, Omar Elassar—Managing Director for the Middle East and Head of Global Strategic Partnerships—highlighted the firm’s interest in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, stablecoins, and the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto.
According to Elassar, Animoca is eyeing multiple growth areas: from stablecoin infrastructure and AI-integrated blockchain tools to niche applications like decentralized science (DeSci). The company’s expanding vision reflects a broader pivot across the Web3 ecosystem, where utility and interoperability are becoming critical benchmarks for long-term adoption.
Web3 Gaming: Quietly Rebuilding for a Fun-First Future
Gaming remains core to Animoca’s DNA. Elassar acknowledged the recent lull in publicity around Web3 games, but reassured that development has been steadily progressing in the background. “Recently, there have been a few games that have come out that are truly fun to play,” he said, noting this as a major turning point for a sector often criticised for prioritising tokenomics over gameplay.
By investing in high-quality, engaging Web3 games, Animoca aims to revitalise user interest and build sustainable in-game economies. The strategy underscores the firm’s belief that mass adoption hinges on entertainment value, not just blockchain novelty.
Strategic Deals: Stablecoins and Onchain Identity
In early 2025, Animoca Brands signed two major partnerships. In February, it joined forces with Standard Chartered Bank and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) to launch a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin. The stablecoin will be overcollateralised and pegged 1:1 with the HKD, pending regulatory approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).
A month later, Animoca struck a deal with Sony-backed Soneium—a layer-1 blockchain network—to develop a digital identity solution. This innovative system assigns anime-themed avatars to onchain user profiles, creating a playful yet functional approach to digital ID within the Web3 space.
Healthy Growth Amid Market Caution
Despite macroeconomic headwinds and regulatory uncertainty, Animoca reported 12% year-on-year growth in bookings for the 2024 fiscal year. This metric, which combines realised revenue and pending receivables, signals strong internal performance and market confidence in the firm’s diversified crypto portfolio.
As one of the most active venture firms in the blockchain space, Animoca Brands’ strategic moves are often seen as a bellwether for broader market trends. In 2025, the company is positioning itself at the nexus of tokenisation, AI, and immersive digital experiences—suggesting that the next wave of Web3 innovation could be both more grounded and more imaginative than ever before.
