In the fast-paced world of blockchain, where meme tokens rise and fall like viral internet sensations, there's a new frontier that's catching everyone's eye: onchain gaming on the Base network. Base, for those new to the scene, is an Ethereum Layer 2 solution developed by Coinbase, designed to make transactions faster and cheaper while keeping the security of the main Ethereum chain. It's become a hotbed for meme coins and decentralized apps, and now, according to industry insider Jonah Blake, it's poised to be a goldmine for game developers.

Jonah Blake, founder of Agent Sploots and a prominent figure in crypto gaming, recently dropped a bombshell on X (formerly Twitter). In his tweet, he stated: "Once the base app is out they will NEED games to keep retention up. Those who build mobile games for base now will make 1-10 million in year 1. Not everyone will make this. But a good team will."

This isn't just hype—it's backed by the realities of user engagement in crypto ecosystems. Retention, or keeping users coming back, is a huge challenge for any app, especially in blockchain where novelty wears off quickly. Games have proven to be sticky; think of how Axie Infinity exploded during the last bull run, turning play-to-earn into a household term among crypto enthusiasts.

Why Base Needs Games Now

The "base app" Jonah refers to is likely the upcoming mobile app from Coinbase's Base team, which aims to bring seamless onchain experiences to everyday users. With millions of potential downloads, the app will need content to keep people engaged beyond just trading meme tokens. That's where mobile games come in. Building on Base means leveraging smart contracts for in-game assets, like NFTs for characters or tokens for rewards, all with low fees that make microtransactions feasible.

Notably, Jesse Pollak, the creator of Base, chimed in with a simple "yep," lending credibility to Jonah's prediction. This endorsement from a key player suggests that games are indeed a priority for Base's growth strategy.

Examples of Early Movers

The thread sparked a wave of responses from builders already in the space. For instance, PSX shared a teaser for their game "Liquidity Run" on Base, a pixel-art platformer that embodies the fun, onchain vibe. It features boss battles and levels that could integrate meme token economies—imagine earning a Base-native token for high scores.

(Note: The image above is a thumbnail representation from the game's video teaser.)

Other replies highlighted projects like Hytopia, a gaming platform pushing for landscape mode support, and RemixGG, a game launcher already topping charts on Farcaster and Base. These early adopters are positioning themselves to capture that projected $1-10 million revenue stream.

Even meme token promoters jumped in, like discussions around $BLCK, a token aimed at financial empowerment, showing how games could tie into charitable or community-driven narratives.

The Path to Success: What Makes a 'Good Team'

Jonah emphasizes that not everyone will hit the jackpot— it takes a solid team. In crypto gaming, this means combining game design expertise with blockchain savvy. Key elements include:

• Engaging Gameplay: Simple, addictive mechanics that hook players, perhaps with meme-inspired themes to tap into viral trends.
• Onchain Integration: Using Base's tools for true ownership of assets, like tradable in-game items as NFTs or reward tokens that can be swapped for meme coins.
• Marketing Muscle: Leveraging X, Discord, and Telegram communities to build hype, much like successful meme tokens do.
• Technical Prowess: Ensuring smooth performance on mobile, with gas-optimized contracts to avoid frustrating fees.

For blockchain practitioners eyeing this opportunity, start by exploring Base's developer docs or joining communities like the Base Discord. Tools like Solidity for smart contracts and Unity for game engines can get you up and running.

Potential Ties to Meme Tokens

At Meme Insider, we can't ignore the meme angle. Many onchain games incorporate meme tokens as in-game currency or rewards, creating ecosystems where fun meets finance. A hit game could propel a associated meme token to new heights, similar to how DOGE or SHIB rode waves of community enthusiasm. If you're holding Base-based memes, keep an eye on gaming projects—they might be the next catalyst.

In summary, Jonah Blake's insight points to a lucrative niche in the crypto world. With Base gearing up for mass adoption, building mobile games now could indeed yield millions for the right teams. Whether you're a dev, investor, or meme enthusiast, this is a trend worth watching—and perhaps jumping into.