Revenue Rises Amid AI and Optimisation Initiatives

Animoca Brands has reported a 12% year-on-year increase in bookings for 2024, reaching $314 million. This growth has been attributed to the company’s ongoing innovation efforts and the strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise costs.

Bookings, a term commonly used in the gaming sector, represents the total sum of revenue and deferred revenue. It includes all payments received and potential sales based on contracts yet to be fulfilled.

Strong Performance Across Business Divisions

According to Animoca Brands, its Digital Asset Advisory (DAA) business played a significant role in this financial success, generating $165 million in bookings—a 116% increase from the previous year. The company’s subsidiaries and incubated projects contributed $110 million, while its investment activities accounted for $39 million. In comparison, Animoca Brands reported $280 million in bookings in 2023.

Crypto-Friendly Climate Expected to Drive Future Growth

Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, expressed confidence in continued growth through 2025, citing the evolving political climate in the United States as a contributing factor. He highlighted the impact of a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment, despite concerns about economic risks such as potential tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.

While Animoca Brands continues to generate substantial revenue from traditional operations, Siu noted that the company is also expanding into new areas, including advisory services, real-world asset (RWA) projects, and a stablecoin initiative in collaboration with Standard Chartered and Hong Kong Telecommunications.

Among the company’s various business segments, the DAA division has demonstrated the most significant growth. Siu described the DAA as a “practical demonstration of the benefits and power of Web3’s shared network effect.” He explained that Animoca Brands launched its advisory business to leverage its expertise in supporting portfolio companies, and the resulting increase in bookings underscores the success of this strategy.

Cost Optimisation and AI Integration

In addition to revenue growth, Animoca Brands has successfully reduced its operating expenses by 12%, bringing costs down from $246 million in 2023 to $217 million in 2024. This reduction was driven by company-wide optimisation efforts and the implementation of AI-driven tools.

Siu stated that the company adjusted its market focus due to shifting dynamics within the global crypto sector. He noted that, in 2024, Animoca Brands placed less emphasis on the US market due to regulatory challenges faced by other companies. Instead, it prioritised supporting its portfolio firms and streamlining internal processes.

AI has been integrated across various aspects of the company’s operations, including investment decision-making, game development, and cost optimisation. Siu revealed that Animoca Brands is even training AI agents using the in-house experience and skillsets accumulated over the years.

With the combination of AI-powered efficiencies and a favourable regulatory outlook, Animoca Brands remains optimistic about sustained growth in the years ahead.