NFT trading game Axie Infinity launches AXS staking program

Axie Infinity, a play-to-earn nonfungible token (NFT) game based on the Ethereum blockchain, announced the launch of a staking program for its native token, Axie Infinity Shards (AXS). 

AXS holders can start staking their tokens, while the rewards will be activated in 24 hours to ensure all time zones could stake beforehand, according to a Thursday announcement.

“Staking is a way for us to reward our community members for having a long-term mindset and locking up their AXS tokens,” the Axie Infinity team said as part of the announcement, adding that by staking, players can earn AXS rewards.

The team plans to give voting rights and “a say over the use of the Community Treasury” by staking. The Community Treasury of Axie Infinity holds more than 18 million AXS tokens worth over $1.4 billion at the time of writing.

A total of 2 million AXS tokens will be distributed during the first month of the staking program. About 58 million of the set cap of 270 million AXS tokens are in circulation, and the rest wi be released through staking, gameplay rewards and ecosystem reward structures, the announcement reads.

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Launched in 2018, Axie Infinity is a trading and battling game that enables players to collect, breed, raise, battle and trade Axies, which are basically NFTs with different attributes and strengths.

AXS tokens, which are also listed on several crypto exchanges, represent a little slice of the game’s universe. In addition to directly purchasing them, players can also earn in-game achievements, such as placing high on leaderboards or winning tournaments.