Deep Dive
1. Web3 Gaming Contraction (Bearish/Mixed Impact)
Overview: Q2 2025 saw a 17% drop in daily web3 gaming users and a 93% YoY funding decline, with 300+ dApps shuttering. However, WAX retained strength in transaction volume (4.8M daily users) despite sector-wide tokenomics failures. Chains like opBNB and Aptos gained traction, signaling competition.
What this means: Sustained gaming adoption is critical for WAXP’s utility. While its transaction dominance (via NFTs/games) offers resilience, prolonged sector stagnation could suppress demand. Monitor Q3 user metrics post-NFTOPIA 5 Expo (Aug 16–17), which may drive short-term engagement.
2. Tokenomics Shift (Bullish Impact)
Overview: WAX reduced inflation to 3.9% by prioritizing PowerUp burns over minting. Over 445M WAXP (~1% of supply) is staked, earning holders rewards and governance rights.
What this means: Scarcity mechanics could counterbalance bearish macro trends if adoption grows. However, with 90-day price down 11.6%, sustained utility (e.g., new game integrations via WAX Labs) is needed to validate deflationary pressure.
3. Regulatory Crosscurrents (Neutral Impact)
Overview: The GENIUS Act’s stablecoin framework avoids mandating blockchain use, potentially slowing financial tokenization. However, WAX co-founder William Quigley notes institutional curiosity in blockchain could rise as tradFi firms explore compliant stablecoins.
What this means: Neutral short-term, but clearer regulations may attract developers to WAX’s low-fee environment. Watch for corporate NFT/gaming partnerships post-regulation clarity.
Conclusion
WAXP’s price hinges on gaming-sector recovery and its ability to leverage deflationary tokenomics amid thinning liquidity. While the 200-day SMA ($0.0227) looms as resistance, reduced supply growth and high staking yields could stabilize the floor.
Will NFTOPIA 5’s metaverse expo catalyze the user growth needed to break the downtrend?