In a groundbreaking move, Axie Infinity, the popular turn-based NFT monster-battling game, has announced its foray into the commercial space by introducing official merchandise. This strategic initiative opens up new avenues for NFT owners, empowering them to create and sell their products, ushering in a era of user-generated content (UGC) and economic empowerment within the metaverse.

Axie Infinity’s Venture into Commercialization
Sky Mavis, the developer behind Axie Infinity, revealed plans to launch an official merchandise store, featuring products inspired by the game’s vibrant, axolotl-inspired characters. A select group of 4,877 Axie NFT holders, possessing Mystic and Origin NFTs, have been granted the unique opportunity to produce and monetize their merchandise and businesses. Jeffrey “Jiho” Zirlin, co-founder of Sky Mavis, emphasized the aim to embrace the possibilities of user-generated content enabled by NFT ownership.

The decision to start with the Mystic and Origin collections, known as Genesis collections, reflects a strategic testing phase for these capabilities. Axie owners in this exclusive group can leverage their NFT characters as mascots to launch various businesses, ranging from Axie-themed cafes and comics to restaurants and toy collections. However, it’s essential to note that commercial restrictions have been lifted for less than 5,000 out of the total 11.9 million Axie monster NFTs, representing a small fraction of the entire Axie Infinity NFT ecosystem.

The Launch of the “code:axie_” Collection
To coincide with the holiday season, Axie Infinity has introduced the “code:axie_” collection in its official merch store. The collection includes Squishmallow-style plush toys, a $300 figurine, a branded hoodie, a t-shirt, and a baseball cap. Drawing inspiration from the first-ever Axie mint in 2018, where NFTs displayed code instead of attached art, this apparel pays homage to Axie’s early roots.

The payment options for these items include both cryptocurrency and fiat currency, demonstrating Axie Infinity’s commitment to inclusivity. The team has plans to expand the new shop, with Zirlin expressing the intention to introduce more merchandise in 2024.

Rewards and Community Contributions
Sky Mavis is incentivizing the first 5,000 buyers with a free Axie NFT and entry into a draw for one of three Mystic Axie NFTs. Users in the Philippines using the Grab app can earn Grab points and Axie merch discount codes. Cryptocurrency payments come with additional rewards, unlocking perks for reaching various spending thresholds, such as special badges, plushies, and other exclusive rewards.

Crucially, 20% of all net profits from merch sales will be allocated to the Axie Community Treasury, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to community-based decision-making and progressive decentralization. This innovative approach echoes similar strategies from other successful NFT collections, such as Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks, which have granted commercial use rights to owners, resulting in the emergence of real-world businesses themed around these NFTs.

Axie Infinity’s Impact on the NFT Ecosystem
Axie Infinity has carved a distinct path in the NFT gaming space, gaining immense popularity and amassing millions of active players in 2021. Despite a temporary slowdown in early 2022, Sky Mavis continues to expand the Axie ecosystem while developing the Ronin sidechain network for Ethereum, witnessing growing adoption.

This move by Axie Infinity to allow freer use of its intellectual property aligns with the evolving landscape of NFT ownership and its potential economic impact. Similar to successful NFT collections, Axie Infinity’s strategic shift towards commercialization highlights the transformative power of digital ownership within the metaverse, paving the way for a new era of economic opportunities and creativity.