In this episode of the Deli Podcast, Jeffrey "Jiho" Zirlin of Sky Mavis discusses the evolution of Ronin, the blockchain powering Axi Infinity, and the strategic shift towards a permissionless ecosystem.
Building the Ronin Legacy
- “The story of Ronin really starts with Axie Infinity... we built Ronin to be the gaming chain that we needed for Axie.” This highlights the foundational role Ronin played in Axie Infinity’s exponential growth, scaling from 19,000 DAU to 2.8 million DAU and generating a billion dollars in revenue.
- Emphasizes the importance of creating bespoke infrastructure tailored for blockchain gaming rather than relying on existing solutions like Ethereum or Loom Network.
- Demonstrates how Ronin’s success with Axie attracted other high-profile projects like Pixels, leading to a second wave of builders and significant market impact.
Curated Growth vs. Permissionless Expansion
- “We decided to go with a curated approach... quality over quantity.” Sky Mavis initially focused on partnering with a select number of high-potential teams to ensure robust and sustainable growth.
- This strategy allowed for deep collaboration, ensuring teams had the necessary technical and market expertise to thrive on Ronin.
- Shifting to a permissionless model aims to eliminate bottlenecks, allowing broader participation while maintaining strategic investments in top-performing projects.
Innovations in Tokenomics and Play-to-Earn
- “Teams are getting really scientific with return on token spend... maximizing future market cap.” Focuses on sophisticated economic models that align incentives for both developers and players.
- Introduces dynamic NFT mechanics and vertical progression systems, enhancing in-game economies and player engagement.
- Highlights the evolution of play-to-earn from basic airdrops to more refined, sustainable models that support long-term user retention and economic stability.
Future of Web3 Gaming and Metaverse Integration
- Envisions Ronin as the leading gaming chain, aiming for top rankings in active addresses and transaction volumes by 2026.
- Discusses the potential of minimum viable MMOs and browser-based games as growth drivers for user adoption and engagement.
- Explores the integration of AI-driven agents within games to create personalized quest systems, enhancing gameplay and economic interactions.
Resilience and Long-term Vision in a Volatile Market
- “Make agreements over expectations... be explicit about what you’re promising.” Emphasizes the importance of clear communication and realistic goal-setting to navigate market fluctuations.
- Advocates for rigorous planning and iterative development to sustain growth and innovation despite external pressures.
- Shares personal experiences on overcoming early challenges, such as manually recruiting initial users, underscoring the value of persistence and strategic focus.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Infrastructure Development: Building tailored blockchain solutions like Ronin is crucial for scaling successful blockchain games and attracting high-quality projects.
- Quality-Driven Ecosystem Growth: Focusing on curated partnerships ensures sustainable growth and robust economic models, setting the foundation for long-term success.
- Innovative Tokenomics: Advanced economic strategies and dynamic NFTs are essential for creating resilient and engaging play-to-earn ecosystems, driving user retention and market stability.
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