Overview
Enjinstarter launched in 2021 as a launchpad specifically focused on blockchain gaming, NFT, and metaverse projects. The platform emerged from the Enjin ecosystem, leveraging Enjin's established reputation in gaming NFTs. Users stake EJS tokens to gain allocation tiers for participating in IDOs of new gaming projects. The launchpad model was extremely popular in 2021 -- early access to gaming token sales often yielded significant returns. Enjinstarter differentiated itself from general-purpose launchpads by focusing exclusively on gaming and metaverse verticals, theoretically providing better curation and due diligence.
Gameplay
Enjinstarter itself is not a game -- it is a launchpad platform. The gameplay score reflects the quality of games that have launched through the platform. Results are mixed: some projects launched through Enjinstarter had functional games, but many were vaporware that never delivered playable products. The curation quality has been inconsistent. Several launched projects have lost 90%+ of their token value, suggesting that the vetting process did not adequately filter for project quality and viability.
Technology
The launchpad platform itself is technically straightforward -- staking contracts, allocation calculation, token distribution, and KYC integration. Enjinstarter initially built on Enjin's Efinity/JumpNet infrastructure but expanded to support Ethereum, BSC, and Polygon launches. The multi-chain capability is necessary but not differentiating. Smart contract security for the staking and distribution mechanisms appears adequate, with no reported exploits of the launchpad contracts themselves.
Economy
The launchpad economy depends on a reflexive cycle: users buy and stake EJS, projects launch on the platform, early investors profit, profits drive demand for more EJS staking, and more projects want to launch. This cycle worked during the 2021-2022 bull market. As gaming tokens entered a prolonged bear market, the cycle reversed: launches generated losses, stakers lost confidence, EJS demand fell, and fewer quality projects wanted to launch on a declining platform.
Adoption
Enjinstarter has hosted dozens of IDOs since launch, with initially strong participation. However, active stakers and IDO participation have declined significantly from peak levels. The launchpad model across the industry has lost appeal as retail investors recognized that most launched tokens decline after initial trading. The gaming-specific focus has not provided meaningful insulation from this broader trend.
Tokenomics
EJS has a fixed supply with a tier-based staking model -- the more EJS staked, the higher the IDO allocation tier. This creates genuine utility: EJS is required to access launches. However, utility is only valuable if launches generate returns, and the declining performance of launched projects undermines the staking value proposition. Token distribution included team, advisors, ecosystem, and public sale allocations with vesting schedules.
Risk Factors
- Launchpad model decline: IDO launchpads have lost relevance industry-wide
- Launched project quality: Many projects launched through EJS have underperformed severely
- Reflexive economics: Token value depends on launch returns tied to market conditions
- Gaming bear market: Blockchain gaming sector has been in extended downturn
- Competition: Numerous gaming launchpads compete for limited quality projects
- Curation concerns: Vetting process has not consistently prevented poor launches
- Enjin ecosystem dependency: Platform identity tied to Enjin's evolving strategy
Conclusion
Enjinstarter earns a 2.3 reflecting the structural challenges facing gaming-focused launchpads in the post-2021 environment. The platform functioned as intended -- hosting token sales for gaming projects -- but the performance of those launches has generally been poor, undermining the fundamental value proposition of staking EJS for early access. The gaming-specific focus was a reasonable differentiator but could not overcome the broader reality that most blockchain gaming tokens have been poor investments. Future success depends on whether blockchain gaming experiences a meaningful resurgence and whether the team can improve project curation.