Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game that blends elements of strategy and collectible gameplay with the potential for player income through a play-to-earn model. Developed by Sky Mavis, the game revolves around digital pets called Axies that players can breed, raise, and battle within a virtual ecosystem. Axie Infinity operates on the Ethereum blockchain, utilizing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to represent unique Axies and in-game assets.
The Axie Infinity universe
Gameplay mechanics
At the core of Axie Infinity's gameplay are the Axies, which are creatures that players can collect, trade, and battle. Each Axie is a unique NFT with its own set of traits and capabilities. Players can assemble teams of Axies to participate in battles against other players or non-player characters within the game. The combat system combines elements of strategy and randomness, requiring players to consider the strengths and weaknesses of their Axies when forming a team.
In addition to battles, players can engage in breeding Axies to create new ones with potentially superior traits. This breeding process is governed by the genetics of the parent Axies, resulting in offspring with a mix of inherited attributes. The ability to breed and trade Axies adds a layer of economic strategy to the game.
Land and resources
Axie Infinity also features a land system where players can own plots within the game world, known as Lunacia. These land plots serve as bases for players and can be developed to generate resources or host special events. Owning land provides strategic advantages and additional opportunities for player interaction and resource management.
Players can gather resources from their land or through battles, which are used to craft items, enhance Axies, or improve land plots. The interplay between land ownership, resource management, and Axie development is a key aspect of the game's economy.
The Axie Infinity economy
Play-to-earn model
One of Axie Infinity's most notable features is its play-to-earn model, which enables players to earn real-world income through gameplay. This model is powered by two primary tokens: Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) and Smooth Love Potion (SLP).
AXS is the governance token of the Axie Infinity ecosystem, allowing holders to participate in decision-making processes related to the game's development and future updates. Players can earn AXS through various in-game activities and by participating in governance.
SLP, on the other hand, is an in-game currency primarily used for breeding Axies. Players can earn SLP by winning battles and completing daily quests. The demand for SLP is driven by its necessity in the Axie breeding process, creating a market for its trade.
Technological framework
Ethereum blockchain and sidechains
Axie Infinity operates on the Ethereum blockchain, leveraging the network's security and smart contract capabilities to manage its NFTs and tokens. However, to address scalability issues and reduce transaction costs, the game also utilizes a sidechain solution known as Ronin.
Ronin is a custom-built Ethereum sidechain developed by Sky Mavis specifically for Axie Infinity. It allows for faster and more cost-effective transactions, enhancing the overall user experience. The adoption of Ronin has been instrumental in supporting the game's growth and accommodating its expanding user base.
Security and transparency
Security and transparency are critical components of Axie Infinity's technological framework. The game's use of blockchain technology ensures that all transactions and asset ownership are recorded on a public ledger, providing players with verifiable proof of their in-game assets and activities. The decentralized nature of the blockchain also enhances the security of the game's economy, protecting it from centralized points of failure.
Sky Mavis has implemented additional measures to safeguard the platform, including audits of smart contracts and continuous monitoring of the network for potential vulnerabilities. These efforts contribute to a secure and trustworthy environment for players and investors alike.