The NFT and gaming markets, while distinct, have shown less upward momentum compared to cryptocurrencies and DeFi assets on similar risk curves. One contributing factor is that NFT valuations peaked in 2022 before declining later than other crypto markets. Notably, many development studios that secured high valuations in 2021 are set to launch their products this year, given the extended development cycles of games. For instance, $MAVIA (up 26% in 24 hours) — a recently launched game — saw significant token price appreciation and sustained trading volume on DEXs like Hyperliquid.
Today, we dive into Ronin, one of the top gaming blockchains, which recently announced details about its $PIXEL airdrop** for **$RON holders. This initiative makes the chain noteworthy even for those less interested in gaming.
NFT and gaming projects gained traction later in the 2021 bull cycle and began their decline after other crypto assets. For example, BAYC’s peak valuations (both token- and USD-denominated) occurred in 2022. This week, its position as the top NFT project was overtaken by Pudgy Penguins. Institutions like Defiance Capital and Delphi Digital have allocated resources to the gaming sector.
Ronin: The Gaming-Focused Blockchain
Ronin brands itself as a blockchain built for gamers. This EVM-compatible sidechain was developed by Sky Mavis (the team behind Axie Infinity) and includes native wallet infrastructure via Ronin Wallet. Current top games on the chain include:
- Pixels
- Apeiron
- Axie Infinity (also by Sky Mavis)
Ronin exemplifies how blockchain developers can bootstrap ecosystems by initially attracting users and content to lure other builders.
Though less known outside gaming circles, Ronin is a top-5 gaming chain with impressive daily active user (DAU) metrics, suggesting organic traction. While bot activity exists in crypto gaming, the risk/reward ratio may not compete with opportunities like airdrops on Starknet or zkSync, where users manually farm via multiple wallets.
Pixels: Ronin’s Flagship Game
Once considered the industry-standard P2E (Play-to-Earn) game, Axie Infinity has been overshadowed by Pixels — now Ronin’s most popular project. Pixels raised $2.4 million** from investors like Animoca Brands, followed by a **$4.8 million funding round weeks ago, catapulting its visibility.
Gameplay Overview
Pixels is a pixelated farming simulator where players complete tasks to trade digital crops and items. Farmlands are purchasable as NFTs, with floor prices currently at 1.59 ETH.
Despite its simplicity (it’s not a AAA title), Pixels has gained traction as users can now earn and withdraw $PIXEL tokens. The token debuted on Binance Launchpad as the platform’s most-deposited asset, amplified by a Twitter Spaces event with influencer Mario Nawfal.
The $PIXEL Airdrop: Key Details
Ronin announced that $RON holders** will receive **20 million $PIXEL, distributed in two phases:
- Phase 1 (February 20): 10 million tokens
- Phase 2 (1 month later): Remaining 10 million
A snapshot was taken on February 8, with rewards allocated tiered:
| $RON Held | $PIXEL Received |
|---|---|
| 1 RON | 183.34 |
| 55 RON | 675.75 |
| 684.64 RON | 2,315.77 |
| 8,317.4 RON | 3,955.11 |
Market Impact
- Price Surge: Both $PIXEL** and **$RON spiked post-announcement.
- Staking APR: ~15% for staked RON (3-day withdrawal period).
- OTC Activity: $2 million in pre-TGE $PIXEL trades via Whales Market.
The airdrop may attract speculators, though Ronin’s DeFi ecosystem remains nascent compared to chains like Arbitrum or Solana.
FAQs
1. How do I qualify for the $PIXEL airdrop?
Hold $RON in a Ronin Wallet or staked via Ronin’s platform by the February 8 snapshot date.
2. When can I claim my $PIXEL tokens?
Claims open on February 20 (TGE) for Phase 1, followed by Phase 2 a month later.
3. Is Pixels a free-to-play game?
Yes, though owning land NFTs (currently ~1.59 ETH) enhances earning potential.
4. What’s the utility of $PIXEL tokens?
Used for in-game purchases, staking, and governance. Their Binance listing boosts liquidity.
5. Why is Ronin focusing on gaming?
Its team (Sky Mavis) has deep expertise in P2E mechanics, leveraging Axie Infinity’s legacy.
👉 Explore Ronin’s gaming ecosystem
👉 Learn more about $PIXEL staking
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