Web3 Trends 2025: GameFi, AI, and Stablecoins Drive Growth

In 2025, amid fast-changing narratives, three key verticals—GameFi, AI, and stablecoins—stand out in Web3 for their tech innovation and user traction. Stepan Sergeev, a global entrepreneur and angel investor, shares insights into these trends and what could come next.

Stepan began his career in mobile app development, achieving millions of installs through growth hacking. He later moved into Web3 venture investing, focusing on early-stage startups. Today, he sees mobile-integrated Web3 applications as a powerful new frontier, especially in gaming.

According to Stepan, the GameFi sector is maturing. Speculators are fading while quality gameplay and sustainable models are rising. Projects like GunZ exemplify the shift toward Web2.5, offering rich experiences with on-chain economies. While GameFi won’t replace traditional mobile games, blockchain-based ownership is becoming more mainstream.

Stablecoins also play a pivotal role in Web3 adoption. Stepan sees recent milestones like Circle’s IPO and Tether’s SDK launch as signs of regulatory progress and broader use among retail users. He believes stablecoins are the bridge that connects crypto to everyday finance, particularly in unstable economies.

Regarding AI, Stepan views it as a tool rather than a trend. When combined with Web3, especially in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and smart contracts, AI adds automation and efficiency to decentralized systems.

For investors, he notes that hype follows major events—like funding booms post-GunZ or Circle’s IPO—but the real value lies in infrastructure plays like wallets and protocols. His advice to startups: reach MVP stage fast. Investors want to see real products, not just ideas.

As for this cycle’s winners? Stepan says to “follow the money.” Where capital flows steadily—like wallets, games, and foundational protocols—true adoption follows.