YGG Play and Verse8 Crown Winners at BuidlHack 2026
In an exciting culmination of the BuidlHack 2026 in Seoul, YGG Play and Verse8 have announced the winners of the Casual Degen track, where 120 teams leveraged AI tools to develop playable cryptocurrency games. The hackathon unfolded during Korea BUIDL Week, focusing on the creation of fast and accessible Web3 games using Verse8’s innovative generative AI tools.
First Place Goes to Bank or Plank
The standout title, Bank or Plank, a 3D multiplayer pirate board game crafted by solo developer Wabbs, secured the top position. Remarkably, Wabbs managed to conceptualise and prototype the game in under a month. In this game, players race against time to collect and secure gold before losing it due to various challenges within a five-minute timeframe.
Prize Distribution and Future Support
The victorious teams were rewarded from a US$5,000 (approximately AU$7,150) prize pool. Moreover, they will benefit from ongoing backing through Verse8’s creator ecosystem, with potential opportunities for YGG Play publishing for particularly impressive projects.
In recognition of their efforts, a second-place accolade was awarded to Dungeon Raising, an engaging idle action game. The third position saw a three-way tie between Gas Wars, Black Hole Survivor, and Attack on Idol, all of which featured compelling lightweight gameplay paired with on-chain functionalities.
Innovation in Game Development
According to the event organisers, many participating teams transitioned from initial concepts to functional prototypes in an accelerated timeframe, a feat that typically requires longer durations with traditional game-engine methodologies. The final showcase occurred on April 18, following an in-person Builder Day on April 14, where teams had the chance to refine their game mechanics in collaboration with Verse8, YGG Play, and other industry professionals.
Gabby Dizon, co-founder of Yield Guild Games and judge at the BuidlHack, emphasised the tangible demand for Casual Degen experiences, particularly amongst individuals who may not classify themselves as traditional gamers. The quality and ingenuity of the submissions highlighted the possibility of a sustainable and replicable model for Web3 games, marking a significant moment for the crypto gaming landscape.
A Bright Future for Web3 Gaming
YGG Play has strategically positioned Casual Degen games as a quick and straightforward segment of Web3 entertainment, focusing on engaging gameplay loops and crypto-native monetisation strategies. The results from BuidlHack serve as a significant evaluation of whether teams employing AI assistance can generate the necessary quality and player retention to build a robust gaming pipeline.
With the growing interest in cryptocurrency gaming, events like BuidlHack 2026 showcase the integration of cutting-edge technology and creative game design, setting a promising foundation for the future of the industry. The achievements at this year’s hackathon demonstrate the power of innovative collaboration and the potential for transformative experiences in the gaming sphere.
