NFT games went from a niche phenomenon to a large and growing part of the gaming and blockchain industries in 2021, according to the Blockchain Game Alliance’s annual report.

The report, which surveyed 300 companies across 56 countries, found that the industry generated $2.3 billion in third-quarter revenue, and accounted for around 22% of all NFT trading volume. 

• The number of crypto wallets related to gaming ballooned from 29,563 at the start of the year to 754,000 in Q3, a 25-fold increase.
• One game dominated the sector: “Axie Infinity,” produced by Vietnamese studio Sky Mavis, accounted for $2.5 billion in trading volume in September alone. The hit had 2 million active users as of October.
• The growth of the Blockchain Gaming Alliance itself provides another data point showing the expansion of the industry: 198 of its 300 members (66%) joined in 2021.

Ownership Opportunities

As for what’s driving this growth, 68% said that play-to-earn games have been the biggest catalyst, and 85% believe that “true ownership of digital goods” is the most important element differentiating blockchain games.

The survey revealed a young and international industry, with 42.5% having been in their roles for under a year. Nearly half the professionals who responded were between ages 25 and 34, and 87.3% were under 45. Europe accounted for 35% of respondents, with Asia next at 33%.

France’s top soccer organization is moving closer to following in the footsteps of La Liga and selling a stake in its media rights.

Ligue de Football Professionnel, which oversees Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, has received around 10 bids to purchase 10% to 15% of a new company that will hold the league’s media assets.

Proposals have valued the league at $10.2 billion to $14.1 billion. Some top out around $1.7 billion for the bidding firm’s stake. 

• French private equity firms including Ardian and BPI made offers, as did American firms CVC, Advent, and Bain Capital.
• Apollo, Bridgepoint, EQT, KKR, and Silver Lake were reportedly interested in bidding as well, though it’s unclear if they did.
• Ligue 1 could award the entire stake to one firm or divide it among multiple bidders.

Rewards for Top Teams

While things quickly turned acrimonious between La Liga and three of its top teams over the sale of its media rights stake to CVC Capital Partners, Ligue 1 may structure the deal to gain their top clubs’ support.

The deal could lead to more funds directed to Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Marseilles, Ligue 1’s two most popular teams, which each earn under 10% of the league’s media revenue.

Connected fitness company Echelon is ramping up its rivalry with Peloton with the release of a new bike. 

The 125-pound EX-8S bike — which sells for $2,399 — features a 24-inch HD touchscreen display that flips 180-degrees. It also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. 

The Tennessee-based company backed by Goldman Sachs has more than 100,000 users and has been competing with Peloton in the $9.9 billion at-home fitness market with its own line of bikes. 

• In 2019, Peloton sued Echelon for “imitating the Peloton bike” experience and broadcasting live and recorded cycling classes.
• As a response, Echelon filed its own petitions in an attempt to invalidate Peloton’s patents. 
• Last month, Peloton filed a suit against Echelon and iFit over alleged patent infringement related to the company’s on-demand fitness classes.

In 2020, Echelon generated more than $100 million in revenue, roughly a 500% uptick year-over-year. This year, it expects revenue to exceed $200 million. 

Peloton’s Rough Stretch

Peloton missed Wall Street revenue estimates of $810.7 million in fiscal Q1 2022, generating only $805.52 million in revenue for the quarter. 

The underwhelming quarter follows a tumultuous year for Peloton, which has dealt with product recalls and the return of consumers to brick-and-mortar gyms.