Unchained Unconfirmed: Axie Infinity's July Revenue Tops $200 Million. Here's How Filipinos Drove It - Ep.259
Jul 30, 2021
Leah Callon-Butler, director of Emfarsis and screenwriter of the documentary "Play-to-Earn: NFT Gaming in the Philippines," talks about the transformative power of blockchain gaming. She reveals how Axie Infinity became a financial lifeline for Filipinos during the pandemic, particularly in rural areas. Leah discusses how gaming has created new income opportunities, the role of crypto exchanges for players, and innovative scholarship systems that assist new users. The conversation highlights surprising demographics entering the play-to-earn movement and emerging business models.
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Axie Infinity in the Philippines
- Leah Callon-Butler investigated a story about Filipinos playing Axie Infinity to earn money during COVID-19 lockdowns.
- It began with roughly 100 players in a rural Philippine town using earnings for basic needs.
Philippine Demographics
- The Philippines provides an ideal environment for Axie Infinity’s growth due to its tech-savvy, English-speaking population.
- Filipinos' love for gaming and high social media usage further contributes to the game's popularity.
Early Earnings
- Early Axie Infinity players in the Philippines could earn around $400 monthly, exceeding minimum wage.
- The volatile in-game token (SLP) and lack of earning caps initially allowed for substantial income generation.
