If the project cant be used for solving real problems - it dies.
Sometimes, the wisest decision would be to invest into an independent blockchain. However, that's not always the case, since they have been many altcoins with their own separate blockchain that have been a total failure. Of course, tokens have a better chance of dying since they could easily be launched by anyone without starting a blockchain from scratch. However, if the developer of that specific token, doesn't provide innovation to it, then it'll be more of the same.
Despite this, many tokens out there have been developed with the purpose of collecting funds from ICOs. However, they don't have real purpose in life, and most of them do not keep up with their promises. As such, only a select few tokens and altcoins which provide real usability to life, will be able to survive in the future. One good example of a token that could survive in the future would be 0x. This is because such token is useful for decentralized exchanges relying on the Ethereum blockchain for order settlement and more.
On the other hand, a good example of an altcoin that would survive for a long time would be Ethereum. This is the second largest cryptocurrency in market cap, yet it has given the world true usability and innovation to the blockchain industry. Most ICOs depend on the Ethereum blockchain to launch their tokens, because the same is robust, secure, and reliable compared with other alternative smart contract platforms.
Therefore, if an altcoin has gathered a lot of supporters, and it's able to provide constant development, and innovation, it may go far within the future. Just my opinion