Most Popular Web3 Game, Axie Infinity: Origins Launches on Apple's App Store
Sky Mavis, the creator of the popular play-to-earn crypto game Axie Infinity, has announced that its latest version, “Axie Infinity: Origins” will be available on Apple’s App Store in selected countries throughout Latin America and Southeast Asia.
The game’s debut on iOS devices marks a significant milestone as it is believed to be the first time Apple has allowed externally-purchased NFTs to be used on the App Store.
1/ Origins has passed review with Apple and is now available on the App store!
— Axie Infinity | #AxieOrigins, #AxieHomeland (@AxieInfinity) May 17, 2023
We believe this is the first time that Apple has agreed to make an externally-purchased NFT usable on the App Store.
Let’s dive in 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/LYPLnHEVF6
It’s now accessible to users in Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
The launch follows the successful testing of a feature-limited version of Origins of the Malaysian Google Play Store in December 2022.
With 70% of the Axie community discovering the game through friends or family, the iOS release aims to make the game more shareable and contribute to its growth.
In this early iOS version, players can use their NFT Axies and Moonshard crafting recipes within the game. However, SLP crafting recipes will still require the use of desktop or Android APK versions.
The game also features upgradeable starter Axies for both Adventure and Arena modes, allowing new players to experience the Axie universe.
What did this mean to you? pic.twitter.com/9hWub8fOwn
— The Jiho.eth (@Jihoz_Axie) May 17, 2023
According to a report by The Block, Sky Mavis co-founder Jeffrey Zirlin said the limited rollout would help the company gather data on retention rates before a global launch.
“We are hopeful about adding in-app purchases for NFTs and Apple allowing for the linking to third-party marketplaces,” said Zirlin. “We expect there to be progress in the future.”
Apple’s current App Store rules have restricted the adoption of some blockchain-enabled applications and required a 30% cut of in-app sales.
“That is definitely one of the variables that makes things hard,” said Zirlin. “But I do know that they are larger players than us fighting that fight. For example, Epic Games.”
Despite these challenges, Zirlin hopes that being on the App Store will drive growth for Axie Infinity: Origins, as 70% of their users come from family and friend referrals.
The game has already seen more than 1.5 million downloads, making it the most-played Web3 game currently. “We’re the only Web3 game that mainstream people have really heard of.”
