AI won’t make you rich but crypto games might, Axie founder steps down: Web3 Gamer

CoinTelegraph

by Ciaran Lyons

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The founder of Pixels, a popular Web3 farming game, has expressed skepticism about AI's potential to generate significant wealth for individuals while emphasizing the enduring opportunities in crypto and blockchain gaming. Luke Barwikowski highlighted that while AI is receiving considerable attention, particularly from major players like OpenAI and Anthropic, public users face limited access to lucrative investment rounds, making it an uphill battle for average participants. In contrast, he underscored crypto's accessibility as a more viable path for wealth creation. Meanwhile, Web3 gaming giant Animoca Brands has expanded its focus by launching Animoca Minds, a platform enabling users to deploy AI agents easily. This move reflects the broader industry trend of integrating AI into blockchain gaming, though not all are convinced. Content creators like Web3 Wasley have shifted their attention from crypto gaming to AI content, citing dwindling interest in play-to-earn models since Axie Infinity's decline. However, not everyone is bearish; some, like Iceyy, argue that crypto gaming remains alive with a few successful risk-to-earn games still thriving. The departure of Axie Infinity co-founder Aleksander Larsen from his operational roles marks another significant development in the Web3 gaming landscape. Larsen, who previously led crisis management following the Ronin Network hack—a $620 million breach—emphasized the importance of

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/26/2026