How Axie Infinity Reached a $30 Billion Valuation (The Rise and Fall)
Axie Infinity, at its peak, captivated the world with its innovative play-to-earn model and explosive growth. The question on everyone\'s mind was: how did Axie Infinity get to a $30 billion market cap? While the exact figure is debated and influenced by factors beyond just token price, understanding the factors contributing to its perceived peak value is crucial. The truth is, accurately calculating the *perceived* $30 billion "market cap" requires understanding the circulating supply and comparing it to metrics of traditional market capitalization calculations, something easier said than done with crypto. Let\'s delve into the fascinating journey of Axie Infinity, its key drivers, and the subsequent adjustments in its valuation.
The Rise of Axie Infinity: Key Drivers of Growth
Several factors contributed to Axie Infinity\'s meteoric rise. Firstly, the play-to-earn (P2E) model incentivized widespread adoption. Players could earn real money by playing the game, attracting a large user base, particularly in developing countries. With a market capitalization of more than $2 billion (as of writing) and projected revenues of more than $1 billion this year, it is safe to say that Axie Infinity has achieved staggering success. This success created significant demand for Axies (the in-game creatures), driving up their prices and overall market activity.
Secondly, the game\'s innovative use of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) gave players true ownership of their in-game assets. This ownership, combined with the potential to earn, fueled a robust marketplace and further incentivized participation. This also drove demand for AXS (Axie Infinity Shards) and SLP (Smooth Love Potion), the governance and utility tokens of the Axie Infinity ecosystem.
Thirdly, strong community support and active engagement played a significant role. The Axie Infinity community was incredibly passionate and vocal, contributing to the game\'s virality and organic growth.
Understanding the Axie Infinity Ecosystem and its Valuation
To understand the ecosystem, we need to look at its components. The game’s utility token, SLP, holds a current market cap of $226 million. Adding all the markets connected to the Axie universe brings the total value of virtual assets to The Axie Infinity Ecosystem market cap today is $492.06M, which reflects a -0.17% daily change. Read More
While the $30 billion figure might be an aspiration or a peak moment snapshot, it\'s important to consider the following factors when evaluating Axie Infinity\'s perceived valuation at any given time:
- AXS Token Price: The price of AXS, the governance token, is a key indicator. Axie Infinity (AXS) daily, monthly, and yearly price history, returns, charts, highs/lows from 2025 to today, including the all-time historical chart, events, market cap history, and OHLC data are essential.
- Circulating Supply: This refers to the number of AXS tokens currently in circulation. 70M circulating shares x 110$ is $7.7B. You can’t count all the tokens not yet issued, otherwise you could assume that if activision doubled its shares outstanding. Understanding the difference between circulating and total supply is crucial for accurate market cap assessment.
- Market Sentiment: Overall investor sentiment towards cryptocurrencies and the play-to-earn space significantly impacts valuation.
- Number of Active Players: A growing player base translates to increased demand for Axies and tokens, bolstering the ecosystem\'s value.
The Market Shift and Valuation Adjustments
It\'s important to acknowledge the current market conditions. As it happens, the market capitalization of Axie Infinity has dropped below $1 billion since October 10, whereas the price of AXS has dropped more than 20% over the last. Several factors contributed to this adjustment:
- Market Corrections: General downturns in the cryptocurrency market often impact the valuations of all crypto assets, including those in the gaming sector.
- Changes to the P2E Model: Adjustments to the reward structure of the game can impact earning potential and, consequently, player activity.
- Increased Competition: The emergence of new play-to-earn games creates competition and may dilute the user base.
Analyzing Market Data: A Glimpse into Trading Activity
The trading\'s activity provides insights into market sentiment and valuation trends. Its market cap ranged between $413.66 M and $456.95 M, with a min/max of $363.63 M and $577.95 M, a median of $463.80 M and a 7 day moving average of $462.72 M.
Conclusion: A Volatile Journey and Lessons Learned
Axie Infinity\'s journey to, and subsequent adjustment from, its peak represents the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency and NFT markets. While the dream of a $30 billion market cap captured imaginations, understanding the underlying factors, potential pitfalls, and accurate methods of valuation remain paramount for investors and players alike. The future of Axie Infinity, and the play-to-earn model, depends on its ability to adapt, innovate, and maintain a thriving community.