SAN FRANCISCO — Web3 sports gaming is shifting toward fast-paced, reward-driven formats as players increasingly favor quick wins over traditional full-match experiences, according to Tom Mizzone, CEO of blockchain gaming platform Sweet. Speaking at a Web3 gaming conference on Monday, August 18, 2025, Mizzone shared insights from a Sweet study revealing that 68% of Web3 gamers prefer short, high-stakes challenges that deliver instant rewards, such as NFTs or cryptocurrency, over extended gameplay, per Forbes.
“Gamers want immediate gratification tied to real-world value,” Mizzone told Forbes, noting that Web3’s integration of blockchain allows players to earn tradable assets like digital collectibles. The study, surveying 10,000 active users, found that 73% of sports game players spent less than 10 minutes per session, prioritizing micro-tournaments over simulated 90-minute soccer matches or full basketball games. This trend is reshaping game design, with Sweet’s platform, which supports 5 million monthly users, launching titles like NFT Rivals, where players compete for tokenized rewards in under five minutes.
Key findings from Sweet’s study include:
- Engagement Shift: 82% of users value NFT-based rewards over narrative-driven gameplay.
- Demographic Appeal: 60% of Web3 gamers are aged 18-34, drawn to quick, skill-based formats.
- Market Growth: Web3 gaming revenue is projected to hit $15 billion by 2026.
Mizzone’s comments align with industry moves by firms like Animoca Brands, which reported a 40% uptick in short-form game downloads. Posts on X, including from @Web3Insider, praised Sweet’s focus on “bite-sized” gaming for capturing younger audiences. However, challenges like blockchain scalability and regulatory scrutiny over crypto rewards persist. As Web3 gaming evolves, Sweet’s data suggests quick-win formats could dominate, redefining how sports fans engage with digital play.
Source: Forbes
