Apple App Store’s First Attempt, Axie Infinity Leverages External NFTs on iOS

Axie Infinity: Origins for iOS

It was revealed on the 17th that the iOS version of the blockchain game “Axie Infinity: Origins” was listed on the Apple App Store in some regions.

This release marks Apple’s first attempt to allow the use of externally purchased NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). On the other hand, there are functional restrictions such as the inability to generate items using the in-game virtual currency Smooth Love Potion (SLP).

Developed by Sky Mavis, Axie Infinity: Origins goes beyond the traditional “Play to Earn” model to adopt a more sustainable “Play and Earn” approach. The game introduces a revamped battle system and user interface from the original Axie Infinity.

Unlike the traditional game model, new users can get “starter characters” without purchasing or renting NFTs. Also, an integrated system has been implemented for LAND owners to earn additional profits from the activities of field players.

Adventure Mode and Arena Mode are available in the iOS version of Origins. Make full use of upgradeable “Starter Axes” to acquire class badges and honorary medals to strengthen your Axes.

Users can also transfer external NFTs to the iOS app for use in combat and breeding. Aleksander Leonard Larsen, Sky Maves COO, confirmed that Origins is currently a lite version and will add more features in the future.

The current limitation is that while play accumulates token rewards, these rewards will not be displayed directly within the app at launch. In addition, the virtual currency SLP earned in-game cannot be used for crafting or crafting items.

Axie Infinity: Origins was announced in February 2022 and was released in early access on Ronin, Sky Mavis’ own Ethereum sidechain, in April of the same year. Even in the test play stage, the game has gathered a large fan base, with over 600,000 registered users as of June 2022.

The iOS version is now accessible to users in the LATAM region and major Asian markets such as Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. We plan to make it available globally in the future.

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Apple App Store and cryptocurrency apps

The Apple App Store has a history of setting strict screening standards for cryptocurrency apps. In 2022, we updated the App Store review guidelines to include provisions for NFTs. This allows minting, listing, and transferring NFTs through in-app purchases, while not allowing additional content or functionality associated with externally purchased NFTs.

Source: App Store Review Guidelines

This policy led to the removal of the NFT transfer function from the Coinbase Wallet app. Coinbase also pointed out that Apple tried to add a 30% fee to the Ethereum transfer fee (gas fee), but it was technically impossible.

Axie Infinity: Origins’ iOS release looks like a step forward in this complicated situation. Larsen believes Sky Mavis maintains a strong relationship with Apple, stating, “We spent two years coordinating with Apple. Our relationship with Apple is strong.”

connection:Apple Requests Coinbase Wallet to Stop NFT Sending Function