Imagine a world where a company once synonymous with gaming and NFTs suddenly flips the script, turning its advisory arm into the star of the show. That’s exactly what happened in 2024 with Animoca Brands, a titan in the web3 space. With a staggering $314 million in bookings, this pivot wasn’t just a sidestep—it was a leap into a new era, raising eyebrows and sparking curiosity across the crypto landscape.
A Seismic Shift in the Web3 Titan’s Strategy
The numbers don’t lie: Animoca Brands has redefined itself in 2024. While its roots in gaming and NFTs once fueled its rise, the spotlight has shifted to its Digital Assets Advisory unit. This division alone raked in $165 million, a jaw-dropping 116% jump from the previous year, signaling a bold new direction for the Yat Siu-led firm.
Advisory Takes Center Stage
What’s behind this meteoric rise? The advisory unit isn’t just a side hustle—it’s a full-fledged powerhouse. Offering services like token advisory, tokenomics design, marketing, and trading support, it’s become a lifeline for web3 projects navigating the wild crypto frontier.
In 2024, this division didn’t just grow—it exploded, outpacing the company’s traditional web3 ventures. It’s a clear sign that Animoca is doubling down on expertise, positioning itself as a trusted guide in a market hungry for direction.
“We’re not just building games anymore; we’re shaping the future of digital economies.”
– A visionary leader in the crypto space
The Web3 Business: A Step Back, Not a Fall
Don’t get it twisted—Animoca hasn’t abandoned its web3 roots. Gaming and NFTs still brought in a hefty $110 million in bookings. But compared to last year’s $182 million, that’s a 40% drop, a stark contrast to the advisory boom.
This shift isn’t a failure; it’s a recalibration. The web3 space is evolving, and Animoca is adapting with it, leaning into areas where demand is surging. Gaming and NFTs remain part of the DNA, but they’re no longer the whole story.
- Advisory Revenue: $165M, up 116% YoY
- Web3 Bookings: $110M, down 40% YoY
- Investment Gains: $39M from ventures
A Fortress of a Balance Sheet
While the revenue streams shifted, Animoca’s financial foundation grew stronger. By year-end 2024, the company boasted $293 million in cash and stablecoins, a 67% increase from the prior year. Add to that $538 million in digital assets—up 165%—and you’ve got a balance sheet built to weather any storm.
Off-balance-sheet, Animoca holds a colossal $2.9 billion in token reserves. That’s not just a safety net—it’s a war chest, ready to fuel future ambitions in a volatile market.
| Asset Type | 2024 Value | YoY Change |
| Cash & Stablecoins | $293M | +67% |
| Digital Assets | $538M | +165% |
| Token Reserves | $2.9B | N/A |
Investments: A Mixed Bag
Animoca’s venture arm is another piece of the puzzle. With stakes in 540 companies—up from 450—the portfolio’s breadth is impressive. Yet, its value dipped 18% to $564 million, down from $690 million, thanks to token unlocks and asset write-downs.
It’s a reminder that even giants face turbulence. But with $39 million in investment gains, this arm still contributes, even if it’s not the headline act.
Hong Kong: A Bold Expansion
While some firms scaled back in Hong Kong, Animoca went big, opening a sprawling new office in 2024. It’s a statement of intent—a bet on the city as a web3 hub, defying trends of downsizing in traditional finance circles.
This move aligns with the advisory pivot. A bigger footprint means more room to advise, innovate, and lead in a region poised for crypto growth.
What’s Next for Animoca?
The pivot to advisory isn’t just a financial win—it’s a strategic masterstroke. By guiding web3 projects through tokenomics and trading, Animoca is cementing its role as an architect of the digital future. But can it balance this with its gaming legacy?
With a robust balance sheet and a foothold in 540 ventures, the company has the resources to dream big. The question is: where will this journey take them next?
Key Takeaway: Animoca Brands is no longer just a player in web3—it’s a guide, a financier, and a visionary, all rolled into one.
As 2024 wraps up, Animoca Brands stands at a crossroads. Its advisory triumph signals a maturing market, one where expertise is as valuable as innovation. For fans of the crypto saga, this is a chapter worth watching unfold.
