The NFT Game That Makes Cents for Filipinos During COVID
Axie Infinity, a blockchain-based game running on Ethereum, has become a lifeline for a small community north of Manila, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The game, developed by Vietnamese startup Sky Mavis, is a decentralized application (dapp) where players can breed, raise, battle, and trade digital creatures called Axies. Through the "Play to Earn" element of the game, players can earn income in the form of the game's utility token called Small Love Potion (SLP).
Ijon Inton, a player from Cabanatuan City, first learned about Axie Infinity in February 2023 and decided to give it a try. He was amazed by his first income and soon invited his family and neighbors to join as well. Currently, there are more than 100 people in his local community playing Axie to earn money. The COVID-19 crisis, which has limited opportunities for earning income, combined with the appealing nature of the game, has attracted people who wouldn't typically play dapps.
The ability to earn income from playing Axie Infinity has been crucial for many Filipino players, particularly during the pandemic. With high unemployment rates and the loss of remittances from overseas Filipino workers, the income generated from the game has provided much-needed financial support. Players like Inton and his wife spend around 20 hours a day playing Axie and can earn around 1,500 SLP per day, which can be sold for additional income. For more experienced players, trading Axies themselves can lead to even higher returns.
The success of Axie Infinity in the Philippines can be attributed in part to Gabby Dizon, a Filipino co-founder of Altitude Games. Dizon, who owns hundreds of Axies, has been instrumental in spreading the word about the game and attracting new players. The game's play-to-earn concept, combined with the potential for making a living, has resonated with Filipinos looking for alternative sources of income.
Axie Infinity's Growth Lead, Jeffrey "Jiho" Zirlin, sees the game as a way to onboard people outside of the Ethereum and dapp space into the world of Axie. The game has sparked interest in other countries like Indonesia and Venezuela, but the multi-generational household of dapp users in the Inton family might be a first. As the onboarding process becomes easier and the benefits more apparent, players feel confident in bringing in their friends and family.
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