Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game developed by Sky Mavis, offering NFTs for in-game items like monsters and land plots, with a play-to-earn model rewarding players with crypto tokens. The game has faced challenges, including a major hack in 2022, prompting recovery promises from the developer. Axie Infinity’s future plans involve expanding gameplay features and enhancing the AXS ecosystem with governance and play-to-earn rewards.
For those exploring alternatives to Axie Infinity, other options include The Sandbox, Decentraland, Roblox, Metaverse, Second Life, Meta, and Spatial.
The Sandbox
Welcome to the intriguing world of The Sandbox: a thriving virtual world, BASED ON Ethereum blockchain. That old mobile game from 2012? It’s now an expansive, player-driven blockchain universe, with 40 million downloads to prove its popularity.
The Sandbox Top Features
An immense virtual playground, The Sandbox allows you to create, trade, and share digital assets. No coding necessary!
They’re all about equity. With their decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), every SAND token holder has a voice.
The Sandbox’s LAND, five times larger than your typical backyard, can be all yours. If you play your SAND tokens right, of course.
Product
Description
VoxEdit
A tool for creating and animating voxel models to upload as NFTs.
Marketplace
A platform where users can sell and trade created NFTs.
Game Maker
Allows users to create games without a single line of code.
The Sandbox Limitations
The Sandbox isn’t open to everyone just yet. They’re still in the exclusive, not-fully-launched stage.
While you can build impressive castles (or whatever catches your fancy), any changes or updates to the platform might happen without your consent. So much for being a landowner, huh?
The Sandbox Use Cases
Use case 1: Digital Artists
Digital artists can manipulate VoxEdit to create unique NFTs, claim copyright ownership and sell them on the marketplace. Blockchain has never been this creative.
Use case 2: Game Developers
The Sandbox’s Game Maker is a game-changer for developers. Literally. Without writing a single line of code, developers can create immersive gaming experiences.
Use case 3: Investors
Investors might want to look into owning virtual real estate in The Sandbox. With 67% of LAND already sold, there might be some virtual gold in owning these digital hills.
Decentraland
Decentraland, an Ethereum-based 3D virtual world, emerged as a powerful alternative to Axie Infinity. Created by Argentine professionals Ari Meilich and Esteban Ordano in 2015, this platform enables you to control, create, and explore with parallel economy facilitated by native tokens and smart contracts.
Decentraland Top Features
The platform enables avatar-based interaction and diverse activities ranging from digital art purchasing to learning at Decentraland University.
It offers two key tokens: LAND (for obtaining digital land parcels) and MANA (in-world currency).
Users participate in governing Decentraland DAO, using their land and estate tokens to vote on policy changes, auctions, and subsidies.
You can monetize experiences created on owned land.
It offers Emotes 2.0 and the 7th version of Decentraland’s SDK for improved usability, performance, and portability.
Tokens
Description
MANA
In-world currency facilitating transactions
LAND
Token representing digital land parcels
Estate
Stands for merged parcels of digital land
Decentraland Limitations
The platform has received criticism for technical bugs, making it appear as a mostly empty virtual world.
It requires users to have an Ethereum cryptocurrency wallet to open accounts.
As of 2022, the estimated active user base is around 8,000 per day, suggesting limited user interaction.
Decentraland Pricing
The cost of LAND tokens was around $20 at inception, which escalated to $6,000-$100,000 in April 2021. MANA tokens were initially available for $0.02. Auction purchases are completed with MANA tokens.
Decentraland Use Cases
Use case 1: Virtual Realty
In the realm of virtual realty, Decentraland offers unique opportunities. It allows users to buy digital land, create and monetize their virtual experiences.
Use case 2: Education
Decentraland serves as a great tool for innovation in learning through its provision for Decentraland University.
Use case 3: Business and Marketing
Brands like Netflix, Doritos, Samsung are leveraging Decentraland platform for creating interactive experiences, making this an ideal platform for business and marketing activities.
Roblox
Meet Roblox, an immersive, massive online platform established in 2006 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel. Pioneering the world of game creation and gameplay, Roblox thrives on user-generated content, boasting of a staggering library of over 50 million games. The platform taps into a diverse user demographic, finding substantial resonance among females and making a strong mark in the UK.
Roblox Top Features
Exclusive engine, Roblox Studio, fosters game creation. Games coded in unique Lua derivative, Luau.
Enables unstructured, collaborative play, with social interaction features for a comprehensive gaming experience.
Home to over 2 million ‘creators’, with the most sought-after games being played by up to 100,000 people simultaneously.
Secured virtual economy through in-app purchase system utilising virtual currency, Robux.
Seamless compatibility with external software like Blender, empowering developers with advanced modelling, animating resources.
Titles
Game Type
Power Simulator
Role-playing
Munching Masters
Action
Magician Simulator
Action
Roblox Limitations
Despite strong measures for player safety, Roblox draws criticism for reports of adult content and misuse by players.
The platform’s moderation systems have been a sticking point for users amid allegations of child-exploitative practices.
Microtransactions can be a major consideration for many players.
Roblox Use Cases
Use case 1
Among educational institutions, Roblox offers a rich reservoir of teaching resources, such as programming languages, game development basics, and online classes. The platform’s robust YouTube tutorial communities form an integral part of the wider-ranging learning initiatives.
Use case 2
For small businesses and freelancers, Roblox opens up viable avenues in game development and modelling. Users can earn real-world money, with reported payouts exceeding $100M in 2019 alone.
Use case 3
In these times of social restriction, Roblox’s robust social interaction features provide an engaging hub for users to collaborate, interact, and develop a shared gaming experience.
Metaverse
The buzz about the Metaverse started with the Facebook rebrand to Meta, flaring up conversations about a concept that is decades old. Metaverse, the immersive 3D internet ecosystem is likely to fuse VR and AR experiences with blockchain technology and NFTs playing significant roles.
Metaverse Top Features
An anticipated harmonization of commerce and interoperability with Blockchain and NFTs.
A combination of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), enhancing the user experience.
Phenomenal virtual collaboration through platforms like Microsoft’s Mesh.
Potential for industrial application through partnerships like Siemens and Nvidia.
Commercial activities through various companies such as Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, McLaren, and Walmart.
Feature
Impact
Blockchain and NFTs Integration
Revolutionizes commerce and increases interoperability.
VR and AR Fusion
Transforms user interaction and experience.
Commercial participation
Drives economic activity within the Metaverse.
Metaverse Limitations
Lack of fully developed guidelines for ethics and privacy.
Can be a major drain on resources as it’s still in development.
May reinforce social and economic disparities due to differential access.
Metaverse creates simulated environments for surgical training, trouble-shooting medical devices, and therapeutic applications.
Entertainment
From gaming to concerts, Metaverse offers unique, personalized entertainment experiences, leading to deeper engagement with audiences.
Second Life
Conceived by Linden Lab CEO Philip Rosedale, Second Life is a transformative 3D virtual world that started as a panoramic vision for a sprawling green landscape distributed across multiple servers. The aim shifted to constructing a virtual sphere originally termed as “LindenWorld”.
Second Life Top Features
Interactive user-generated content resulting in a full-scale economy with its distinct currency known as Linden dollars.
Presence of top-tier brands like Gucci and Ferrari.
Offers enhanced functionality and personalization through the use of functional cookies.
Advances user trust with features like identity verification.
Company inception
1999
Focus
User-Generated Content
Active Users
Tens of thousands
Second Life Limitations
Cryptocurrency not suitable for metaverse transactions.
Intense dependency on user behavior moderation.
Doesn’t use targeted advertising models.
Second Life Use Cases
Use Case 1: User-Generated Content
Second Life provides a robust platform where users can generate, buy, and sell goods and services, fostering a thriving virtual economy. It acts as a dynamic marketplace suited for ambitious creators.
Use Case 2: Brand Presence
Companies looking to establish a profound digital footprint find Second Life an ideal platform. Brands like Gucci and Ferrari have already secured their places in this virtual world.
Use Case 3: Community Building
With an expansive user base ranging from academics and artists to the trans community and military veterans discussing PTSD, Second Life presents an inclusive space for community interaction and collaboration.
Meta
Previously known as Facebook, Inc., Meta Platforms, Inc. is a technology conglomerate now focused on building the metaverse, a fully integrated digital environment encompassing all of its offerings.
Meta Top Features
Horizon Worlds: A platform for creating and exploring immersive virtual realities.
Quest 2 Presence Platform: A toolbox for building mixed reality experiences.
Workplace: A professional networking platform with advanced insights for businesses.
Product
Description
Oculus
A leading name in virtual reality hardware and platform.
WhatsApp
One of the most popular messaging and calling mobile apps globally.
Instagram
A prominent photo and video sharing app expanding into eCommerce.
Meta Limitations
Controversies: Repeated data violation allegations have eroded trust in the brand.
Forced integration: Users often have to maintain a Facebook account to use other Meta products.
Profit drop: A decline in profits in Q4 2021 following a rebranding suggests potential instability.
Meta Use Cases
Use case 1: Gaming
Meta’s Horizon Worlds and Oculus offerings open up a universe of immersive gaming experiences.
Use case 2: Business
Tools like Workplace and robust ad platforms on Instagram or Facebook give businesses significant reach and insight.
Use case 3: Social Networking
With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta facilitates global connections and instant sharing of moments.
Spatial
Step into the future of AR/VR with Spatial.io. A leadership force in the metaverse arena, Spatial creates immersive experiences for not only gaming but collaboration as well. With an impressive clientele such as Samsung and Polygon Studios, it is at the forefront of virtual evolution.
Spatial Top Features
Expandable 3D Templates and Sketchfab Models: Take your creation to the next level with adaptable templates and models.
Personalized Spaces: Tailor environments as galleries or live shows fitting your unique needs.
Brand Partnerships: Customize your avatar with Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas and more.
Unity Integration: Create custom spaces faster and smoother.
Feature
Description
Spatial Audio & Token Gate Privacy
Experience dynamic audio effects and user-empowering privacy built-in.
3D Design Collaboration
Co-create with fellow users and deliver stunning 3D visuals.
Pocket Battery Pack & VisionOS
Enjoy longer play sessions with efficient battery life and a robust operating system.
Spatial Limitations
It may require high internet bandwidth for smooth functioning, a potential issue for users with unstable connectivity.
The learning curve may be steep for new users unfamiliar with AR/VR products.
While the software is compatible with a variety of platforms, it may not be with all AR/VR devices.
Spatial Pricing
Spatial democratizes its access with a free option for up to 30 participants. Perfect for testing the waters or for smaller gatherings. Specific pricing beyond this is available on their website.
Spatial Use Cases
Use case 1 – Collaboration
Whether it’s a business meeting or a creative brainstorm, Spatial’s collaborative features redefine teamwork, transcending geographical boundaries.
Use case 2 – Education
Spatial opens doors to immersive learning experiences, making education engaging and widely accessible.
Use case 3 – Entertainment
Break the mold of traditional gaming. Immerse in Spatial’s virtual world, where vivid visuals meets smart design.
Patrick Daugherty
Content writer @ Aircada. Merging AR expertise with a love for late-night gaming sessions.
