Axie Infinity teases new Web3 game as NFT outlook turns positive

Non-fungible token (NFT) gaming project Axie Infinity released a new trailer for an upcoming video game, Atia’s Legacy, a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game set in the Axie universe. 

On Nov. 25, Axie Infinity developer Sky Mavis announced its plans to release a new game set in the world of Axie Infinity. The announcement came amid company layoffs that freed up resources for several projects going into 2025. Sky Mavis co-founder and CEO Trung Nguyen said one of the projects was the “new Axie game.”

On March 6, Sky Mavis released the game trailer, giving a sneak peek at Atia’s Legacy. Sky Mavis says the game is “the next chapter” in the Axie universe. The team highlighted that Axie Infinity continues to “empower players with true asset ownership.” 

The trailer shows improvements to its initial iteration that featured two-dimensional Axies performing turn-based combat. It displays improved elements, such as 3D combat, mini-games like solving puzzles and catching fish and its own farming simulator. 

Related: Ronin offers $10M grant program for Web3 developer growth

Sky Mavis launches referral rewards in AXS

Sky Mavis said they’ve put everything learned over the last seven years of building and powering Web3 games into the project. The team said that if things go as planned, it will open up “play-tests” where users can test the game in 2025. 

The company also deployed a referral program to attract players. Sky Mavis said users who successfully refer their friends to play would receive the game’s native tokens, Axie Infinity (AXS), as a reward. “AXS will be paid out for successful referrals with more tokens unlocked as the number of onboarded gamers climbs higher,” Sky Mavis said. 

Sky Mavis said it would ship a playable minimum viable product that features squad-based combat, unified progression, player-versus-environment, resource and crafting and social interactions. However, the company did not provide a specific timeline for shipping the game. 

Blockchain gaming develops amid positive NFT outlook

Apart from Sky Mavis, Gunzilla Games’ blockchain shooter Off The Grid dropped a significant update for one of its major maps on Feb. 28. It integrated gameplay improvements like jetpack upgrades and rotational aim assist. 

These blockchain gaming developments came as the US has begun to shift its approach toward NFTs. On Feb. 22, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped its investigation on the NFT marketplace OpenSea. 

On March 3, the securities regulator closed its probe into the NFT company Yuga Labs. The company said this was a “huge win” and added, “NFTs are not securities.” 

In addition, a company connected to US President Donald Trump wants Trump trademarks for a metaverse and an NFT marketplace. On Feb. 28, Trump-owned company DTTM Operations filed trademark applications for the word “TRUMP” in relation to an NFT marketplace and a metaverse. 

Magazine: Off The Grid’s ‘biggest update yet,’ Rumble Kong League review: Web3 Gamer