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Epicenter - Learn about Crypto, Blockchain, Ethereum, Bitcoin and Distributed Technologies

Ronin: How Axie Infinity Kickstarted the Blockchain Gaming Revolution - Jeff Zirlin

Mar 27, 2025
Jeff Zirlin, co-founder of Ronin and Sky Mavis, shares insights into the explosive success of Axie Infinity and its impact on blockchain gaming. He explains how Axie created a sustainable economy by merging NFTs with gameplay, attracting millions of players. Zirlin discusses the inception of Ronin as a tailored Ethereum sidechain to support gaming scalability and the vital role of community in driving engagement. He also delves into the future of crypto gaming, the role of AI, and what makes a successful play-to-earn model.
54:34

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Axie Infinity revolutionized blockchain gaming by merging fun gameplay with NFTs, successfully onboarding new users into the crypto space.
  • The establishment of Ronin as a gaming-focused blockchain facilitated significant growth in user engagement and supported a diverse range of games.

Deep dives

The Genesis of Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity was designed to engage players by blending elements of nostalgia from games like Tamagotchi and Pokémon, capturing the desire to interact with NFTs in a fun way. Initially, it allowed players to earn tokens through gameplay, creating a gateway for people unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies to tap into the market. The innovative concept of mining crypto via gaming aimed to attract everyday users, making the blockchain space more accessible. However, Axie Infinity's true growth potential was realized when it was launched on Ronin, a blockchain specifically tailored for gaming, which facilitated its exponential success.

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