Background: Axie Infinity started as a mobile card game in 2018, featuring adorable creatures called Axies. Players collected, battled, and bred Axies. However, in-game items were not ownable assets.
Web3 Transformation: In 2021, Axie Infinity migrated to the Ronin blockchain, introducing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for Axies and land parcels. This enabled players to truly own their in-game assets and participate in a play-to-earn economy. Smooth Love Potion (SLP), an ERC-20 token, could be earned through gameplay and used for breeding or sold on cryptocurrency exchanges.
Success: Axie Infinity exploded in popularity, attracting millions of daily active users in 2021. The value of SLP and Axie NFTs skyrocketed, creating a lucrative play-to-earn opportunity for gamers in developing economies. Axie Infinity's success story demonstrates the power of ownership and economic incentives in Web3 gaming.
Lessons for Creators & Developers
NFT Integration: Consider integrating NFTs for in-game items like characters, weapons, or cosmetics. This creates scarcity and allows players to own valuable digital assets.
Play-to-Earn Mode: Explore a well-designed play-to-earn model that rewards players for their time and investment. This can incentivize user engagement and create a sustainable ecosystem.
Community Building: Foster a strong community around your game. Web3 thrives on collaboration and shared ownership.