Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

META is back and has pushed SAND, AXS, and MANA higher. But network growth and liquidity trends still look weak.

The market leadership appears to have undergone a massive change since January 9th. Data shows that several small caps are taking charge while larger cryptocurrencies consolidate, driven by the resurgence of the META narrative.

Three tokens, in particular, have stolen the spotlight this month.

“Pocket Rally” Altcoin Vector explained that the latest trend is not a sign that the overall market is getting healthier, amidst falling network growth and weaker liquidity. In fact, the current rally is being touted as a “pocket rally,” fueled by speculation on thin liquidity rather than fundamental structural growth. Three tokens – SAND, AXS, and MANA- are at the center of this movement.

The platform found that Axie Infinity (AXS) is leading following tokenomic adjustments designed to reduce inflation, sparking renewed speculative interest across the gaming and metaverse ecosystem. Altcoin Vector’s Altcoin Quadrant shows that most altcoins remain in the “Accumulation” phase, while META assets have surged into “Scalp” territory, thereby marking them as outliers.

When comparing SAND and AXS, the latter demonstrated stronger performance as its Impulse metric stayed positive and steadily recovered after a brief cooldown. This indicates market recognition of Axie Infinity’s focus on ecosystem sustainability.

META Rally Remains a Speculative Play Despite the momentum, Altcoin Vector warned that speed does not equal stability. Small Caps are currently leading due to “fast capital” chasing immediate returns, but foundational growth remains absent. For a durable rally, adoption must rise, and dominance return to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

“Ride the META narrative, but proceed with caution. For a sustained long-term rally, growth must stem from infrastructure and adoption, not just narrative. Without a solid base in core assets, this remains a speculative play.”

AXS is trading at $2.69. Over the past month, the token appreciated by 224.4%. Next up was MANA, which saw a monthly increase of nearly 47% and is currently trading at $0.169. Meanwhile, SAND was found exchanging hands at $0.157 after a more than 41% surge during the same period.

You may also like: Axie Infinity’s bAXS Overhaul Sparks 200% AXS Rally Tags:

PANews reported on February 10th that, according to SoSoValue data, the cryptocurrency market saw a slight rebound after a period of continuous decline. Bitcoin (BTC) rose 0.45% in the last 24 hours, fluctuating narrowly around the $70,000 mark. Ethereum (ETH) rose 3.15%, breaking through $2,100. Meanwhile, the GameFi sector performed relatively well, rising 2.24%, with Axie Infinity (AXS) rising 16.31% and The Sandbox (SAND) rising 1.85% within the sector.

In other sectors, the PayFi sector rose 2.10% in the last 24 hours, with Monero (XMR) up 6.22% and XRP (XRP) up 2.06%; the Meme sector rose 1.18%, with MemeCore (M) up 11.41%; the Layer 1 sector rose 0.89%, with Solana (SOL) up 1.58%; the CeFi sector rose 0.84%, with NEXO (NEXO) up 3.47%; the Layer 2 sector rose 0.37%, with zkSync (ZK) up 5.28%; and the DeFi sector rose 0.03%, with River (RIVER) up 7.79%.

PANews reported on March 20th that, according to SoSoValue data, the cryptocurrency market has declined for three consecutive days. The SocialFi sector fell 4.65% in the past 24 hours, with Toncoin (TON) down 5.48%. Meanwhile, Bitcoin (BTC) fell 0.88% in the past 24 hours, briefly dipping below $69,000 before recovering to above $70,000. Ethereum (ETH) fell 1.94%, breaking below $2,200. Only the GameFi sector performed well, rising 0.24% in the past 24 hours, with Axie Infinity (AXS) rising 3.84%.

In other sectors, the PayFi sector fell 0.50% in the last 24 hours, but eCash (XEC) rose 2.55%; the Meme sector fell 1.15%, with PIPPIN (PIPPIN) surging 12.38% within the sector; the Layer 1 sector fell 1.31%, with Zcash (ZEC) falling 6.13%; the Layer 2 sector fell 1.43%, with Celestia (TIA) falling 3.08%; the CeFi sector fell 1.45%, with OKB (OKB) falling 3.15%; and the DeFi sector fell 1.49%, with Morpho Token (MORPHO) remaining relatively strong, rising 2.15%.

In brief The Ronin blockchain will migrate to Ethereum layer-2 on May 12 after four years as a sidechain. RON token inflation will drop dramatically from over 20% to less than 1%. Ronin’s token is down nearly 98% from peak, reflecting flagging momentum across the crypto gaming industry. Ronin, the gaming-focused blockchain that powers games like Axie Infinity and Pixels, will migrate to become a true Ethereum layer-2 scaling network on May 12, marking a fundamental shift after four years operating as an Ethereum sidechain.

The migration will trigger at block 55,577,490, transitioning Ronin to the OP Stack, Ethereum layer-2 infrastructure that powers millions of transactions daily across other scaling networks. Users should prepare for approximately 10 hours of mainnet downtime between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET during the transition, Ronin developers said, with games potentially unavailable during that span.

The economic restructuring is sweeping. RON token inflation will plummet from over 20% to less than 1%, while marketplace fees flowing to the Treasury jump 2.5x from 0.5% to 1.25%. Additionally, 90 million RON tokens previously allocated for staking will be redirected to the Ronin treasury.

A new "proof of distribution" system launching with the migration will automate RON rewards for developers, replacing manual allocation processes as the network reestablishes itself within Ethereum's ecosystem.

The timing reflects mounting pressure on standalone gaming chains to leverage established infrastructure rather than maintain costly independent networks. Ronin processed billions of dollars worth of NFT trading volume during Axie Infinity's 2021-2022 peak, but sustaining that infrastructure has proven challenging as the crypto gaming market declined.

Ronin launched in 2021 specifically to handle Axie Infinity's transaction demands when Ethereum's mainnet fees made gaming economically unfeasible. The sidechain solution enabled the play-to-earn phenomenon that attracted millions of daily users and generated unprecedented trading volumes for blockchain gaming.

Now, Ronin developer Sky Mavis says that advances in layer-2 technology offer the same benefits—low costs and high throughput—while inheriting Ethereum's security guarantees.

While the RON token is up about 11% over the last week to a recent price of $0.097, it’s had a brutal fall over the last couple of years as crypto gaming momentum largely disappeared. RON has fallen by nearly 81% in the last year, per data from CoinGecko, and is now down about 98% from a peak price of $4.45 set in March 2024.

The tokens of top games on Ronin have also cratered, with Axie Infinity’s AXS token down over 99% from its November 2021 peak, and Pixels’ PIXEL token down just as much from its own March 2024 high. But that’s not an issue isolated to Ronin or its games, with other major gaming tokens like Immutable (IMX) and Gala Games (GALA) also down at least 98% from their respective peaks.

Numerous prominent crypto games shut down over the course of 2025, often with developers citing a lack of funding and player interest to continue operations. That trend has continued into 2026 with the recent closure of games like Forgotten Runiverse on Ronin and Xociety on Sui.

Industry experts told Decrypt in late 2025 that the wave of crypto game closures centered on the disappearance of venture capital funding amid flagging blockchain gaming momentum, driving many projects to either pivot their focus or shut down their games entirely. That downward swing has only persisted into this year, so far.

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Axie Infinity [AXS] climbed sharply by 40% to $1.57, while trading volume surged 285.95% to $72.8M, reflecting a strong influx of capital into Axie Infinity. 

This expansion followed a prolonged period of reduced activity, where price had remained compressed near the $1.05 support zone. The sudden spike in volume confirmed that buyers had stepped in aggressively rather than gradually. 

As a result, the rally carried stronger conviction compared to previous minor rebounds. 

However, such rapid volume growth often reflects short-term participation bursts, which means sustained demand above $70M volume would be required to maintain upward pressure on AXS.

AXS tests range highs AXS rebounded from the $1.05 support zone and advanced toward the $1.60 resistance, with the price reaching around $1.57 during the recent push. 

This move confirmed strong buyer reaction at the lower boundary of the established $1.05–$1.60 range, where accumulation had previously taken place. 

The rally from near $1.20 into the upper range reflected increasing buying strength, especially as price approached a level that had historically triggered rejection. 

At the same time, RSI surged to 78.68 from around 49.87, signaling a sharp shift into overbought conditions as buyers dominated recent sessions. 

This alignment between price expansion and RSI strength indicated aggressive upside pressure, although stretched conditions suggested limited room for immediate continuation. 

If price breaks above $1.60, the structure would likely shift toward a bullish continuation phase. However, failure at this level would likely reinforce the range and trigger a pullback toward mid-range support. 

Source: TradingView Leverage builds as Open Interest jumps Open Interest rose 107.30% to $94.50M, up from lower levels, confirming that new leveraged positions had entered the market. This increase aligned with the price move from $1.20 to $1.57, showing that derivatives traders had actively participated in the rally. 

The sharp rise in OI indicated growing conviction among traders expecting further price movement. However, such a steep increase also introduced risk, because heavily leveraged positions tend to amplify volatility. 

If price continues toward $1.60, these positions will likely support the move. On the other hand, a reversal could trigger liquidations, accelerating downside pressure rapidly. 

Source: CoinGlass Why are shorts still in control? Despite the price increase, the OI-Weighted Funding Rate remained negative at -0.1938%, indicating that short traders had been paying to maintain their positions. 

This showed that a significant portion of the market had bet against the rally even as AXS climbed. The divergence between rising prices and negative funding highlighted skepticism among derivatives traders. 

However, this imbalance also creates potential for a short squeeze. If AXS breaks above $1.60, short positions would likely face liquidation pressure, which could push the price higher. 

Alternatively, if resistance holds, the existing short bias would likely strengthen, reinforcing downside pressure. 

Source: CoinGlass Final Summary  AXS surged with strong volume, but resistance near $1.60 remains a key barrier. Rising leverage and bearish positioning suggest volatility could increase around this critical level.

Axie Infinity (AXS) is now available on Robinhood.

PANews reported on June 2 that Robinhood has launched Axie Infinity (AXS) on its official website.

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A-shares close: ChiNext rebounds with volume up 2.84%, over 4200 stocks decline across the market

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Official Axie Links: the list of resources built by Sky Mavis for anyone who wants trusted, straight-from-the-source access, including the main site, Marketplace, Ronin wallet, support, blog, onboarding, and on-chain explorers.

Guides: the list of starter references for new players and collectors learning the ropes, including the Axie Collector’s Guide and the community AxieWiki.

Community Tools: the list of player-built tools for traders, Terrarium owners, and competitors chasing an edge, including Marketplace analytics, Terrariums managers, Origins trackers, and a Classic tracker.

We gathered every official and community-built Axie resource into this one post, from the Marketplace and Terrariums to Origins trackers, wallets, guides, and analytics. New players, veterans, and the friend you are onboarding will all find what they need, whether you are hunting for axies, growing your collection, or jumping back in after a break. Now you never have to dig for a link again. Bookmark it and keep it close.

You might even find a tool you have not tried yet. Let’s dive in.

Official home base for game info, lore, AXS, and the entire Axie universe.

🔗 : https://axieinfinity.com/

Help with wallets, battles, and transfers. Search the knowledge base or talk to a support specialist.

🔗 : https://support.axieinfinity.com/

Official news, announcements, and updates, read by over 350,000 subscribers.

🔗 : https://blog.axieinfinity.com

All-in-one hub for the Marketplace, AXS staking, delegation, the Bounty Board and more.

🔗 : https://app.axieinfinity.com/

Axie Land as a passive reward game. Activate plots, assign axies, and earn bAXS every hour.

🔗 : https://terrariums.axieinfinity.com/

New player guide with step-by-step setup for your wallet, your first axies, and your first gameplay.

🔗 : https://welcome.skymavis.com/

One wallet for everything on Ronin. Your gateway to the whole ecosystem.

🔗 : https://wallet.roninchain.com/

Send RON or ERC-20 tokens to multiple addresses in one transaction.

🔗 : https://scatter.roninchain.com/

Block explorer for Ronin. Search transactions, verify smart contracts, and track on-chain activity.

🔗 : https://explorer.roninchain.com/

Collecting starter guide covering rarity, the major sets, and the Triple Threat framework.

🔗 : https://blog.axieinfinity.com/p/the-2024-axie-collectors-guide

Community wiki with mechanics, guides, and reference for every Axie game.

🔗 : https://bit.ly/axiegameswiki

These tools are outstanding resources built by fellow Lunacians. The community trusts and vets them, but a friendly reminder that these are not official Sky Mavis products, so always do your own due diligence.

Treasury analytics for the Axie treasury, AXS staking, and bAXS breakdowns.

🔗 : https://axietreasury.com/

Real-time Marketplace sales, collectible dashboards, and Mementos tools.

🔗 : https://axieboo.com/

Marketplace analytics and live market trends.

🔗 : https://axiedashboard.thediep.tech/

Batch NFT transfers, scatter, delegation, snapshots, and CSV exports.

🔗 : https://ronin.axiedao.org/

A Swiss-army scanner for the Marketplace. Hunt Slips and Nightmare parts.

🔗 : https://ronin.tools/marketplace/

Competitive hub for tournaments, trackers, mini games, and events.

🔗 : https://dojo.axieinfinity.com/

Swap Nightmare parts on your Axies.

🔗 : https://axie-part-swapper.sm-cream.workers.dev/

Ecosystem-wide portal for tools, guides, and lore across every Axie game.

🔗 : https://axie-bald.vercel.app/

Terrariums manager. Track plots, assign Axies, and watch your Flame and bAXS rates.

🔗 : https://terminalrium.vercel.app/

Live Terrariums analytics. See Lunium revenue, lands activated, and asset prices.

🔗 : https://terrariums-analytics.vercel.app/

Origins tracker with deep match analysis and more.

🔗 : https://axie.top/

Origins leaderboard, profile lookup, team builder, and Morph.

🔗 : https://axiemeta.com/

Dedicated tracker for Axie Infinity: Classic.

🔗 : https://axieclassic.com

Built a tool the community would love? Reach out to ET or hellscream.ron to get it verified. We love highlighting what Lunacians create.

That’s the full list. Save it, and share it with anyone just getting started.

See you in the Lunacia!

AXS, RON and SLP surge after Axie Infinity developers revamp the project’s tokenomics

Axie Infinity Burned 43M SLP in September Through Meta Morph

Web3 gaming platforms are blockchain-powered ecosystems that provide gamers and developers with tools to play, create, and trade in-game assets. These platforms prioritize security, transparency, and true ownership of assets, thereby enabling users to retain control over their purchases and sales without relying on centralized intermediaries. This guide highlights some of the best web3 gaming platforms worth exploring in 2026.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
➤ Web3 gaming platforms are blockchain-based ecosystems that enable decentralized gameplay, true asset ownership, and player-driven economies.
➤ These platforms often include a play-to-earn (P2E) model to drive engagement by enabling players to earn and trade in-game assets.
➤ Key factors to consider while choosing a web3 gaming platform include variety in the game library, P2E mechanics, and security, among others.

5 top web3 gaming platforms

1. TikTrix

Native token

$TRIX and $WORM

Launched in

2024

TikTrix is a web3 gaming platform that combines short-form media with casual games to offer a unique, engaging, gamified experience. It is built on the Meer Chain, an Arbitrum-based layer-3 blockchain optimized to enhance scalability, reduce costs, and improve performance.

TikTrix brings along an intuitive swipe-based navigation, gamified content, and a transparent rewards system powered by its native token, $TRIX.

At the core of TikTrix’s infrastructure are Meer Nodes, which decentralize content delivery, validate transactions, and reward contributors. These nodes ensure platform scalability and reliability while enabling participants to earn rewards by staking tokens and supporting the ecosystem. 

Developers also benefit from TikTrix’s APIs and SDKs, which simplify the integration of games and features, thereby expanding the platform’s content library.

TikTrix has a dual-token economy, with $TRIX for governance and platform utilities and $WORM for in-game activities.

As of late January 2025, the platform plans to enhance its governance structure, expand the Meer Node network, and introduce a marketplace for token transactions. It also aims to integrate AI-driven tools for personalized gaming experiences and host large-scale gaming tournaments.

Pros

Unique combination of short-form media and casual gaming designed for broad appeal. Built on Meer Chain, a layer-3 blockchain offering optimized performance for web3 gaming. Decentralized infrastructure with Meer Nodes enhancing data storage and reliability. Dual-token system for governance, in-game transactions, and ecosystem stability. AI integration supports advanced analytics and ensures fair gameplay. Cons

Some technical elements, like node operations, may require advanced understanding. ➤ Layer-3 blockchain architecture: Meer Chain promises to ensure faster and more efficient processing for decentralized gaming activities. This could significantly improve scalability and performance.

➤ Meer Nodes: Extend IPFS functionality for decentralized storage of assets and AI training datasets.

➤ Dual-token economy: TRIX powers governance and platform utilities, while WORM facilitates in-game purchases and rewards.

➤ AI-powered tools: Analytics, abuse prevention, and leaderboard systems to create a fair and engaging user experience.

➤ Gamified engagement: Offers challenges and rewards designed to keep players involved and incentivized.

➤ Scalable ecosystem: Built to support global expansion with multi-chain compatibility and advanced blockchain infrastructure.

2. Gala Games

Native token

$GALA

Launched in

2019

Gala Games is a web3 gaming platform that aims to revolutionize the gaming industry by giving players true ownership of in-game assets. It was founded in 2018 by Eric Schiermeyer, co-founder of Zynga, the company behind popular games like FarmVille.

Gala Games combines blockchain technology, NFTs, and player-driven economies to create a unique gaming ecosystem.

The platform hosts a diverse portfolio of titles, including the likes of Town Star, Spider Tanks, and Mirandus — each promising engaging gameplay with ample earning opportunities.

At its core lies the GALA token, used for in-game transactions, governance, and rewards. Players can earn GALA and other game-specific tokens by playing games, owning nodes, or participating in the ecosystem. Gala Games supports decentralized decision-making, with node operators having a voice in platform development.

Pros

Provides players with true ownership of in-game assets using blockchain technology and NFTs. Expanding portfolio of games with engaging gameplay. Community-driven governance through player-operated nodes. GALA token supports P2E mechanics and incentivizes ecosystem participation. Strong leadership team with gaming and blockchain expertise. Cons

High entry cost for some games due to expensive NFTs or required assets. Complexity of blockchain elements may challenge non-crypto-savvy users. ➤ Player-owned economies: Gamers retain full ownership of in-game assets represented as NFTs, which can be traded or sold across marketplaces.

➤ GALA token utility: Facilitates in-game transactions, rewards node operators, and enables governance participation.

➤ Node network: Includes Founder Nodes for governance and game-specific nodes to support decentralized gameplay and reduce reliance on traditional servers.

➤ Expanding game portfolio: Offers games like Town Star (P2E farming), Spider Tanks (PvP brawler), and Mirandus (fantasy RPG) that cater to various genres.

➤ Decentralized infrastructure: Player-operated nodes ensure platform security and scalability, with rewards distributed to incentivize participation.

➤ NFT integration: Provides gamers with rare and unique assets. This paves the way for player-driven economies and earning opportunities.

3. Immutable X

Native token

$IMX

Launched in

2021

Immutable X is another popular web3 platform that promises to revolutionize the gaming and NFT markets. It offers a high-performance layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum and promises to effectively tackle high gas fees, slow transaction speeds, and limited scalability.

The platform leverages Zero-Knowledge Rollups (zk-rollups) to ensure instant trade confirmations and gas-free transactions while also maintaining Ethereum’s decentralization and security. 

It also provides a developer-friendly infrastructure that includes REST APIs, SDKs, and NFT-enabled wallets. These features collectively ensure a smooth integration of blockchain features into games and applications. At the same time, they also reduce development complexity, making it an attractive choice for game developers.

The Immutable X Marketplace further enhances the platform by offering zero gas fees for NFT trading and a shared global order book. These features boost liquidity, simplify user engagement, and encourage interoperability across marketplaces. 

Players, meanwhile, benefit from true ownership of in-game assets, with the ability to trade, sell, and use these items across supported platforms.

Pros

Zero gas fees for NFT minting and trading. Powered by ZK-Rollups for scalability and decentralization. Strong marketplace with instant trade confirmations and high-frequency transaction support. Empowers players with ownership of in-game assets. Growing ecosystem attracting gamers, developers, and collectors. Cons

Limited number of supported games compared to traditional platforms (so far). ➤ Zero gas fees: Enables minting and trading of NFTs without transaction costs, thus lowering entry barriers for users.

➤ Zk-rollups scalability: Ensures faster transactions while maintaining security and decentralization on Ethereum.

➤ User-friendly marketplace: A reliable platform for trading NFTs with instant trade confirmations and high-frequency support.

➤ Cross-game asset ownership: Players can own and utilize assets across various games within the ecosystem.

➤ Developer-friendly tools: APIs and SDKs simplify game integration and encourage ecosystem growth.

4. QORPO

Native token

$QUORPO

Launched in

2018

QORPO is a web3 gaming and e-sports platform that blends blockchain technology with AAA-quality games to create an elaborate decentralized gaming ecosystem. It offers a one-stop hub for gaming, esports, and digital asset management that serves gamers and blockchain enthusiasts alike.

QORPO simplifies web3 gaming by uniting its products under QORPO WORLD, a suite that includes a web3 wallet, an NFT marketplace, a DAO-powered governance system, and advanced gaming mechanics powered by Unreal Engine 5. 

This ecosystem combines new technology with community-driven principles to deliver an immersive gaming experience.

Some of the top games and features on the platform include:

➤ Citizen Conflict: A dystopian hero shooter that combines esports-ready mechanics, cyberpunk aesthetics, and a player-driven economy.

➤ AneeMate: A fantasy RPG where players rescue and own mythical creatures as NFTs — it’s a mix of strategy, exploration, and storytelling.

➤ QORPO Marketplace: A transparent, decentralized marketplace for trading in-game assets and NFTs.

Pros

Titles like Citizen Conflict and AneeMate offer immersive gameplay powered by Unreal Engine 5. QORPO WORLD integrates games, a wallet, an NFT marketplace, and governance in one seamless platform. The platform emphasizes decentralization by granting players true ownership of in-game assets via NFTs. Integration with Ethereum, BNB Chain, Immutable X, and more ensures low-cost, scalable transactions. Competitive and spectator modes appeal to esports enthusiasts. Cons

While streamlined, onboarding to blockchain gaming may still pose challenges for beginners. Some high-value assets might limit accessibility for casual gamers. ➤ QORPO marketplace: A decentralized marketplace for secure trading of in-game items, NFTs, and digital assets.

➤ Web3 wallet: Manage cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and stake assets within the QORPO ecosystem.

➤ DAO governance: Users vote on platform development, token listings, and roadmap milestones.

➤ Advanced game development: Powered by Unreal Engine 5 and AWS for high-performance gameplay.

➤ Multi-chain support: Offers compatibility with Ethereum, BNB Chain, Immutable X, and more for seamless transactions.

5. Axie Infinity

Native token

$AXS

Launched in

2018

Axie Infinity is another popular blockchain-based gaming platform that merges play-to-earn (P2E) mechanics with engaging gameplay. Players can collect, breed, and battle creatures called Axies, each represented as a unique NFT. These Axies, along with in-game rewards like Smooth Love Potion (SLP) and governance token Axie Infinity Shards (AXS), form the backbone of the ecosystem.

The gameplay includes virtual land ownership, P2E incentives, and a decentralized economy powered by the Ethereum-based Ronin sidechain. Meanwhile, the Axie Infinity Marketplace serves as a hub for buying, selling, and trading Axies, virtual land, and other in-game items.

Initially launched as Axie Infinity Classic, the game transitioned to Axie Infinity Origins in 2022 to enhance gameplay and accessibility. Despite a fluctuating player base in 2025, Axie Infinity remains a significant force in the GameFi space. 

So far, this growing ecosystem has contributed to the rise of blockchain gaming by promoting peer-to-peer engagement and empowering players with ownership and autonomy of in-game assets.

Pros

Players own in-game assets like Axies and virtual land as NFTs The Ronin sidechain reduces gas fees and enhances transaction speed for a smooth user experience. Unique and rewarding P2E dynamics. Includes virtual land, AXS governance tokens, and in-game rewards like SLP. Regular updates and the introduction of Axie Infinity Origins reflect ongoing innovation. Cons

The cost of acquiring Axies or virtual land can deter casual players.  Earnings have decreased as market saturation and economic adjustments impacted profitability. ➤ NFT-based gameplay: Each Axie is an NFT that grants players true ownership and the ability to trade or sell their creatures.

➤ Smooth Love Potion (SLP): Can be earned through gameplay. You can use this token for breeding Axies or trading on exchanges.

➤ Axie Infinity Shards (AXS): A governance token enabling holders to vote on platform decisions, stake for rewards, or purchase in-game items.

➤ Virtual Land (Lunacia): Tokenized plots where players can gather resources, earn AXS, and upgrade their Axies and base.

➤ Ronin Sidechain: Axie Infinity’s custom Ethereum sidechain reduces transaction costs and enhances scalability.

➤ Scholarship Program: Community-driven model where players can lease Axies to new users, thereby expanding access to the game.

How to choose a web3 gaming platform Considering the abundance of web3 gaming platforms out there — some established, others new and emerging — it makes sense to carefully consider the following factors to ensure the best gaming and investment experience: 

Game quality and variety: Ideally, you should look for platforms offering engaging, high-quality games with diverse genres. A platform’s ability to deliver an immersive and engaging experience often reflects its commitment to innovation and player satisfaction.
Ownership and asset utility: You also want to ensure the platform provides true ownership of in-game assets via NFTs. Consider how these assets can be used across different games or ecosystems, as this can significantly improve their value and usability.
Blockchain integration: Check the platform’s underlying blockchain technology for scalability, transaction speed, and low costs. Established blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon often provide sound infrastructures.
User-friendliness: A good platform should offer intuitive interfaces, easy wallet integration, and straightforward onboarding to make itself accessible to new and experienced users. Community and ecosystem: Platforms with active communities and strong partnerships often have better growth potential. Look for transparency in governance and opportunities to participate in decision-making.
Security and trust: Make sure that the platform undergoes regular audits and adheres to security standards. A track record of safe transactions and transparent operations is essential. Stay safe when gaming in web3 Web3 gaming ecosystems are still in the early stages of development and can’t yet match traditional gaming platforms in quality or game variety. However, many platforms, including some covered in this article, are making significant progress, with some even working to introduce AAA titles to their libraries. That said, what sets web3 gaming apart is its play-to-earn mechanics and true ownership of in-game assets. These aspects offer a unique appeal that compensates for the current limitations in quality and variety. 

Each platform on our list offers distinct features and opportunities. So, start by exploring their game libraries, P2E models, and ecosystem dynamics to find the platform that best suits your preferences. Remember to always prioritize your safety when interacting with web3 platforms and never share your crypto wallet’s private keys or click unverified links. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Purchasing in-game tokens for investment purposes is risky and you may lose money.

Frequently asked questions What makes web3 gaming platforms different from traditional gaming platforms? Web3 gaming platforms integrate blockchain technology to offer a decentralized ecosystem where players assume true ownership of in-game assets as NFTs. Unlike traditional platforms, where assets are tied to the game, web3 assets can be traded or sold independently. These platforms also feature decentralized economies that allow users to participate in governance and earn rewards through play-to-earn models.

Can beginners play web3 games? Many web3 platforms are working to simplify onboarding for new users with intuitive interfaces and guides. However, understanding blockchain basics like wallets, tokens, and NFTs is essential for using these ecosystems. Beginners should start with platforms offering free-to-play options and comprehensive tutorials.

How do I pick the best web3 gaming platform? Key factors include the platform’s game library, play-to-earn dynamics, and supported blockchain ecosystems. Check for security measures, user reviews, and token utility to ensure a reliable experience. Assess compatibility with your devices and ease of use for smooth gameplay.

Even as Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) general partner and venture capitalist Chris Dixon recently claimed none of the companies in the a16z portfolio are allowed to sell tokens to the public, a review of a16z's investments revealed several instances that appear to disagree with Dixon's assertion.

Horowitz was recently featured on the New York Times' Hard Fork podcast, where he discussed and justified the investment strategies of his firm, according to Protos.

During the interview, Dixon made a notable statement regarding Helium, asserting, “No company we’re involved with — nor would we allow them to do this — sells tokens to the public.”

This claim has come under scrutiny when considering the broader scope of a16z's investments.

An examination of a16z's portfolio reveals some conflicting instances.

Horowitz's involvement in DFINITY, a prominent blockchain project known for creating Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) tokens, is a prime example.

These tokens, integral to DFINITY's aim of extending the functionality of the internet, were distributed to individuals who made contributions to the DFINITY foundation, a move that seems at odds with Dixon's statement.

Furthermore, a16z's investment in Fei Protocol, an innovative algorithmic stablecoin project added to the complexity. Fei's initial offering involved the sale of FEI (CRYPTO: FEI) tokens and TRIBE governance tokens during its Genesis Event.

Also Read: Bitcoin ETFs Already Hold 3% Of BTC's Supply: Where Does Institutional Adoption End?

Another notable investment by a16z is in Sky Mavis, the developer behind the popular blockchain-based game Axie Infinity (CRYPTO: AXS).

Sky Mavis made headlines with the sale of its AXS token on Binance Launchpad, a platform known for facilitating new cryptocurrency offerings.

This sale is particularly noteworthy as AXS tokens play a crucial role in the Axie Infinity ecosystem, a game that has gained massive popularity in the blockchain gaming community.

In another part of the interview, Dixon discussed non-fungible tokens (NFTs), seemingly distinguishing them from other tokens.

He noted that several a16z-backed companies have engaged in selling NFTs to retail customers.

This includes VeeFriends, a platform used by entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk for selling his NFTs, and Yuga Labs, the creators of the Bored Ape Yacht Club, one of the most recognized NFT collections in the market.

a16z also backed PROOF Collective, which has made a significant impact in the NFT space by auctioning its unique digital collectibles.

Benzinga reached out to Dixon for a comment.

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PANews reported on May 11th that, according to CoinDesk , Ronin, the gaming public chain behind Axie Infinity , will undergo a hard fork on May 12th , migrating from an independent sidechain to the Ethereum Layer 2 network. This is expected to cause approximately 10 hours of network downtime, during which all transfers, swaps , contract interactions, and on-chain gaming activities will be suspended. This upgrade will introduce an OP Stack architecture and a " Proof of Distribution " model, rewarding builders based on their actual network contributions. It will also significantly reduce the RON inflation rate from over 20% to less than 1% , and transfer 90 million RON tokens originally used for staking rewards to the Treasury Fund. Market fees will be increased from 0.5% to 1.25% to improve security, scalability, and reshape the token economy.

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Ethereum gaming network Ronin has opened its doors for any developer to build new games, decentralized applications, or other projects in its ecosystem as part of a broader “Open Ronin” push.

Previously, Ronin has operated as a curated blockchain, with the Ethereum sidechain building a reputation for prominent crypto gaming experiences and developing a die-hard fan base in the process. Ronin’s RON token has grown to become the second largest gaming chain token by market capitalization at $720 million, according to CoinGecko, since it launched in 2021.

Ronin is the home to the popular farming game Pixels, strategy title Apeiron, as well as the seminal play-to-earn game Axie Infinity—which was developed by Ronin creator Sky Mavis itself. Over the past year, multiple developers have switched to the gaming network citing the “Ronin Effect,” referencing the apparent boost that games see from the Ronin audience.

As part of the Open Ronin announcement, Pirate Nation developer Proof of Play said that the game is expanding from Arbitrum to Ronin, with a Ronin NFT mint planned ahead.

“Over the past four years, we’ve cemented our status as the premier gaming chain, and now we’re evolving once again,” Sky Mavis CEO and co-founder Trung Nguyen said, in a statement. “With Open Ronin, we’re accelerating our growth—unlocking more games, DeFi applications, and dApps than ever before. I believe this moment will be studied for years to come.”

With this move, Sky Mavis has released the Ronin Developer Console as a toolkit to help those building on the network. The toolkit will aid developers in creating simple NFT listings, sponsored transactions (so that players avoid paying gas fees), and in-game marketplaces, plus will provide smart contract templates. 

1/ The Golden Age of Ronin Starts NOW!

We have just submitted a transaction to break down the allowlist for deploying contracts on Ronin.

From this moment forward, Ronin is open.

Here’s what this grand opening means for our movement 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/Wmr3Pimaqb

— Ronin (@Ronin_Network) February 12, 2025

“Today marks the dawn of Ronin’s golden age,” Nguyen said. “If you’re building something that will make sense to everyday people, we want you to build it on Ronin.”

Since its inception, Ronin has opted for a closed, curated approach—only accepting developers of projects they deemed high-quality enough. Sky Mavis and Ronin co-founder Jeff “Jihoz” Zirlin told Decrypt this is because there is an “overabundance” of games in crypto, while there remains a lack of gamers. But, even during that mid-2024 interview, he had an eye on the chain going “pervasively permissionless.”

“Now, with a more mature ecosystem and growing market demand, it makes sense to transition into a more self-serve model,” Nguyen told Decrypt in a statement, “allowing more developers and creators to build, experiment, and scale on Ronin while maintaining the quality and success that made it appealing in the first place.”

Zirlin said that by going permissionless, the number of games deploying on the gaming network would accelerate. In doing this, he hopes one of those games would help drive the growth of Ronin—like Pixels did in 2024, and Axie Infinity did during the play-to-earn boom of 2021.

“The endgame is to create an ecosystem that seamlessly blends gaming with ecommerce and payment apps,” Zirlin told Decrypt in 2024. "We believe the path to getting there is by bootstrapping adoption and attention through gaming, and then expanding into payments and ecommerce, thereby disrupting the predatory banking system and credit card industry.”

Edited by Andrew Hayward

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