Speaking of network effects, I sometimes wonder if Splinterlands as a game has suffered in popularity because it is on the Hive blockchain, rather than something more mainstream that is built on Ethereum, or an Ethereum layer2 platform. Ultimately, there are some great benefits for Splinterlands on Hive, including free transfers and the ability to write strategy and coverage content directly on the same platform the game is played on. Then the content rewards we earn from Hive we can move seamlessly back into the game environment with minimal transfers.
On the other hand, we have suffered from lack of attention and poor marketing from the top down. All that being said, I still see Hive as more of a benefit than a curse, but in our situation, the network effect works against us because of Hive's more fringe status.