Proof of Play layoffs — Aug 4, 2026

Proof of Play to End Operations and Cut 100% of Workforce on August 4, 2026

Proof of Play, a Web3 gaming studio backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), announced on August 4, 2026, that it will cease operations. The shutdown represents a cut affecting 100% of the company’s workforce, although Proof of Play did not disclose the number of employees impacted or a final closure date.

The company said it was unable to develop a scalable and sustainable Web3 gaming business. Proof of Play stated that it “couldn’t build a product and sustainable business that proved out this thesis at scale.” It did not provide revenue, expense, user or other financial figures explaining the decision, and its remaining financial position was not disclosed.

Proof of Play was founded around the idea that blockchain technology could give players lasting ownership of in-game assets and allow games to continue operating beyond their original developers. Its seed funding was led by a16z and Greenoaks, and Fortune reported that the company raised $33 million in September 2023. The studio focused much of its development on Pirate Nation, a fully onchain role-playing game that also served as a test for blockchain gaming infrastructure.

As part of the shutdown, Proof of Play released Pirate Nation’s code, smart contracts and artwork through four public GitHub repositories. Pirate Nation artwork and Founder Pirates assets were also placed under a CC0 license, allowing unrestricted public reuse. The independent Pirate Nation Foundation said it would continue supporting the PIRATE token after the closure. Mobile game Shiba Story Go was acquired by an undisclosed third party and will continue independently; the buyer and acquisition terms were not revealed.

Sources: crypto.news