VanEck’s Bold Pivot: Renaming Gaming ETF to Target the Explosive Degen Economy and Digital Assets

An established ETF player just placed a major bet on crypto's wild side.

VanEck, a heavyweight in the exchange-traded fund arena, is rebranding its gaming-focused ETF to squarely target the so-called 'degen economy'—the high-risk, high-reward frontier of digital assets. This isn't a subtle tweak; it's a full-throated embrace of the volatile crypto and blockchain gaming sectors that traditional finance often views with skepticism.

The Strategy Behind the Shift

The move signals a calculated attempt to capture capital flowing into decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and play-to-earn gaming models. By pivoting from a broad 'gaming' mandate to a 'degen economy' focus, the fund aims to invest in the infrastructure and applications powering this new digital frontier—think blockchain protocols, metaverse platforms, and crypto-native gaming studios.

Why This Matters for Mainstream Finance

It represents a significant legitimization of a niche that was, until recently, the exclusive domain of retail traders and crypto-natives. Having a firm like VanEck attach its name to the 'degen' label blurs the line between speculative crypto culture and institutional investment products. Of course, cynics might note that Wall Street has a long history of repackaging risky bets with respectable branding—just in time for the next cycle.

The fund's success will hinge on navigating extreme volatility and regulatory gray areas, but its launch is a clear indicator: the digital asset economy is too big for traditional finance to ignore, even its most chaotic corners.

TLDR

• VanEck renames its Gaming ETF to target the Degen Economy sector.
• The new strategy will focus on digital gaming, gambling, and crypto assets.
• The ETF’s benchmark changes to the MarketVector Degen Economy Index.
• The new focus reflects growing interest in the Degen Economy and digital assets.

VanEck is reshaping its Gaming ETF, renaming it the “VanEck Degen Economy ETF” to better capture the growth of digital assets, gaming, and online gambling. The revamped fund will track the new MarketVector Degen Economy Index, reflecting the rising influence of the “Degen Economy” in global markets. With a streamlined fee structure and a more focused investment strategy, VanEck aims to tap into the growing demand for digital and decentralized financial sectors.

VanEck Adjusts Gaming ETF Strategy, Renaming it Degen Economy

VanEck has decided to make significant changes to its Gaming ETF, renaming it the “VanEck Degen Economy ETF” and updating its investment strategy. The shift is aimed at tracking the emerging “Degen Economy,” a sector encompassing digital assets, gaming, and gambling. This transition comes as VanEck looks to capitalize on the increasing popularity of these digital and online sectors.

The rebranded ETF will focus on companies that are primarily involved in digital gaming, online gambling, and other related areas. The changes reflect the growing economic footprint of the “Degen Economy,” which includes a broad range of businesses such as digital asset exchanges, gaming platforms, and financial services geared toward the millennial generation.

VanEck’s decision to change the ETF’s focus is also an effort to tap into a growing trend among investors who are interested in the intersection of traditional gaming and the crypto economy.

A New Benchmark and Strategy

As part of the changes, VanEck’s Gaming ETF will now track the MarketVector Degen Economy Index, replacing the previous MVIS Global Gaming Index. The new index is designed to reflect the overall performance of companies primarily engaged in the Degen Economy. 

These companies must derive at least 50% of their revenue from digital finance, gig economy services, online forums, or digital sports betting and gaming. The decision to MOVE away from the old benchmark index and adopt a new one signals a broader shift towards the expanding digital asset and gaming markets.

VanEck’s update also includes a change in the ETF’s investment objective. The firm believes this move will better align with the growing interests of institutional and retail investors who are focusing on the digital economy. According to sources familiar with the matter, the new strategy is a direct response to shifting market dynamics, where digital and decentralized finance platforms are increasingly influencing investment trends.

Unitary Fee Structure to Take Effect

In addition to renaming the ETF, VanEck has also announced a change to the fund’s fee structure. Starting on February 1, 2026, the ETF will switch to a unitary fee arrangement. Under this model, VanEck will pay all of the ETF’s expenses, except for the management fee, taxes, and certain other costs.

The management fee will remain set at an annual rate of 0.50% of the fund’s average daily net assets. This change is expected to simplify the ETF’s cost structure and make it more attractive to potential investors.

The new fee structure is part of VanEck’s broader strategy to enhance the ETF’s competitiveness in an increasingly crowded market. By reducing the burden of additional fees on investors, VanEck aims to make the ETF more accessible and appealing to both individual and institutional investors.

Market Response and Future Outlook

The shift in strategy and focus for VanEck’s ETF comes at a time when digital assets and gaming-related investments are gaining traction in the broader financial markets. Experts, such as Bloomberg’s John Boozman, believe this move could set the stage for more ETFs targeting the expanding Degen Economy. With the growing intersection of digital finance, gaming, and crypto, VanEck’s adjustments may align the fund with a growing sector that could see continued investor interest.

In conclusion, by renaming its Gaming ETF and refocusing its strategy on the Degen Economy, VanEck is positioning the fund to capitalize on emerging trends in digital assets and gaming. This move could place VanEck at the forefront of an evolving market, meeting the needs of a new generation of investors interested in digital and decentralized assets.