Gaming-focused crypto tokens are quietly returning to the spotlight as risk appetite improves across the broader market. Axie Infinity (AXS) recently surged over 50% in a single day and more than 124% in the past month, reigniting interest in the gaming narrative. Riding this renewed momentum, Gala (GALA) has also stepped into focus, climbing nearly 9% on January 17, 2026, as overall market sentiment turns constructive.
Beyond the short-term price bounce, GALA is showing notable strength beneath the surface. A sharp rise in on-chain activity combined with a technically bullish chart structure suggests the token may be coiling for a larger upside move — provided key resistance levels are cleared.
Strong TVL Growth Signals Renewed Network Activity
As gaming tokens regain traction, Gala’s ecosystem activity has expanded aggressively. Recent data from Defillama shows GALA’s total value locked (TVL) jumped by around 7.48% in the past 24 hours, while the 7-day TVL surged an impressive 864%. On a 30-day basis, TVL growth now stands near 677%, highlighting a sharp influx of capital into the network.
Such explosive growth in locked value often reflects rising participation, increased protocol usage, and renewed confidence among users. When on-chain expansion aligns with improving price structure, it typically strengthens the case for a sustained recovery rather than a short-lived relief bounce.
Right-Angled Descending Broadening Pattern in Play
From a technical standpoint, GALA’s daily chart is flashing a right-angled descending broadening formation, a pattern that often precedes bullish reversals after prolonged consolidation phases.
For several weeks, price action remained capped beneath the $0.0076–$0.0079 resistance zone, with multiple upside attempts getting rejected. Meanwhile, downside moves gradually expanded, creating the widening lower trendline that defines this structure.
Momentum began to shift after GALA rebounded strongly from the lower boundary of the pattern. Buyers stepped in decisively, pushing price higher and enabling a reclaim of the 50-day moving average near $0.00688 — a level that had previously acted as consistent dynamic resistance.
Since then, GALA has continued to build strength, climbing back into the same resistance band that previously capped rallies. Price is now consolidating just below this ceiling, placing the token at a critical decision zone.
What’s Next for GALA?
A decisive daily close above the $0.0079 resistance, followed by a successful retest, would confirm a breakout from the descending broadening formation and validate the broader bullish reversal setup.
Based on the depth of the pattern and its measured-move projection, such a breakout could open the door toward the $0.00996 region, representing a potential upside of roughly 25% from the breakout area.
That said, patience remains important. Until a clean breakout is confirmed, short-term pullbacks remain possible, including a retest of the 50-day moving average. These dips would not invalidate the bullish structure as long as GALA continues to form higher lows.
For now, the $0.0076–$0.0079 zone remains the market’s key inflection area. How price reacts around this range will likely determine whether GALA transitions into a sustained bullish phase or remains range-bound in the near term.
Bottom Line
GALA’s surge in on-chain activity, combined with a bullish reversal pattern on the daily chart, suggests that the groundwork for a larger move may already be in place. While confirmation is still needed, the structure favors upside continuation if buyers manage to flip key resistance into support. As the gaming narrative heats up again, GALA is shaping up as one of the charts worth watching closely in the coming sessions.