For blockchain gaming enthusiasts, the news that $AXS surged nearly 20% today didn’t come out of nowhere. In the midst of a prolonged crypto bear market and a winter for play-to-earn (P2E) games, this sudden momentum signals a potential turning point. The catalyst? Axie Infinity, one of the most iconic Web3 games, is now officially available for download on Apple’s App Store.
This marks a major milestone for Sky Mavis, the Vietnam-based studio behind Axie Infinity. After years of being excluded from mainstream app platforms due to strict App Store policies on NFT transactions, the release of Axie Infinity: Origins on iOS is not just a technical update—it’s a symbolic breakthrough for Web3 gaming.
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The Road to App Store Approval
Axie Infinity: Origins, the revamped version of the original game, launched in late 2022 as a more balanced, accessible, and scalable experience. Built on the Ronin blockchain—a sidechain developed by Sky Mavis to reduce gas fees and improve transaction speed—the game allows players to collect, battle, and trade NFT-based creatures called Axies.
Until now, iOS users had to rely on third-party workarounds or sideloading to play, creating friction for new players. But starting May 2023, Apple users in select markets—including Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam—can now download the game directly from the App Store.
Jeffrey Zirlin, co-founder of Sky Mavis, revealed that the company had been working with Apple for nearly a year to meet all compliance requirements. Given Apple’s historically strict stance on apps involving digital asset trading, this approval is significant.
“Getting onto the App Store is a huge win for us,” Zirlin said. “We’ve seen that 70% of our user growth comes from word-of-mouth referrals. Having the game easily accessible on iOS removes a major barrier to entry.”
Why This Matters for Web3 Gaming
Apple’s App Store has long been a gatekeeper for mobile innovation. Its rules prohibit direct in-app NFT purchases and require integration with Apple’s in-app purchase system, which takes up to 30% commission—a point of contention for many Web3 developers.
While Axie Infinity: Origins doesn’t yet support direct NFT buying or selling within the app on iOS, Sky Mavis has found a workaround by allowing links to external NFT marketplaces, complying with Apple’s updated guidelines from late 2022.
Zirlin expressed optimism: “We’re hopeful that future updates will let us enable in-app NFT purchases. This is just the beginning. We’re seeing progress, and we believe Apple is moving toward a more Web3-friendly policy.”
This shift could pave the way for other blockchain games and decentralized applications (dApps) to enter the iOS ecosystem—opening doors to over 1 billion iPhone users worldwide.
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A Comeback Story: From Hack to Recovery
Axie Infinity’s journey hasn’t been smooth. In March 2022, the Ronin Network suffered a devastating $625 million hack attributed to the North Korean Lazarus Group. It was one of the largest breaches in crypto history and dealt a severe blow to user confidence.
At its peak in August 2021, Axie recorded nearly 1.9 million NFT transactions, generating $870 million in trading volume. By early 2023, that number had dropped to just **140,000 transactions and $2.3 million in volume. The $AXS token also fell over 95% from its all-time high**.
But despite these setbacks, Sky Mavis has made strong recovery efforts:
- Full reimbursement of hacked funds completed by mid-2023
- Enhanced security protocols on Ronin
- Strategic partnerships with major exchanges and infrastructure providers
- Expansion into education and community-building programs
According to internal data, Axie Infinity: Origins has already surpassed 1.5 million downloads, making it one of the most widely adopted Web3 games to date.
“We’re the only Web3 game most mainstream people have actually heard of,” Zirlin noted proudly. “Our goal isn’t just to survive—we’re building for mass adoption.”
Play-to-Earn’s Legacy and Future
During the pandemic, Axie Infinity popularized the play-to-earn (P2E) model, especially in emerging economies like the Philippines and Indonesia. At its height, thousands of players earned a livable income battling Axies and breeding NFT creatures.
CryptoSlam data shows that Axie Infinity has generated over $4 billion in lifetime NFT trading volume—a record no other blockchain game has matched.
While the P2E bubble burst during the bear market, Sky Mavis is now focusing on sustainable gameplay mechanics, balancing fun and financial incentives. New features include skill-based matchmaking, reduced entry costs, and improved tokenomics designed to prevent inflation.
The App Store launch aligns with this broader strategy: making the game more accessible while rebuilding trust and engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Axie Infinity not on the App Store before?
Apple previously restricted apps that allowed users to buy, sell, or trade digital assets like NFTs outside Apple’s in-app purchase system. After policy updates in 2022 and negotiations with developers, exceptions were made for apps linking to external marketplaces—paving the way for Axie Infinity’s approval.
Can I buy or trade NFTs directly in the iOS app?
Not yet. While you can download and play Axie Infinity: Origins on iOS, NFT transactions still require using a web browser or connected wallet. Future updates may introduce deeper Web3 functionality if Apple further relaxes its guidelines.
Is Axie Infinity safe after the 2022 hack?
Yes. Sky Mavis has fully reimbursed affected users and overhauled Ronin’s security infrastructure. Multi-signature validation, decentralized validator nodes, and real-time monitoring systems are now in place to prevent future breaches.
What regions can download Axie Infinity from the App Store?
Initial availability includes Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Global rollout will follow based on user engagement and retention data.
How does this affect the $AXS token price?
The App Store listing contributed to a near-term 20% surge in $AXS, reflecting renewed investor confidence. Long-term value will depend on sustained user growth and ecosystem expansion.
Will other blockchain games follow?
Likely. Axie Infinity’s approval sets a precedent. Games like Illuvium, Big Time, and others may pursue similar paths if they comply with Apple’s evolving Web3 policies.
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Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Begins
The arrival of Axie Infinity: Origins on the App Store is more than just a distribution upgrade—it’s a sign that mainstream platforms are beginning to embrace Web3 gaming. For a space that’s struggled with accessibility and perception, this is a critical step forward.
With improved security, refined gameplay, and now official iOS support, Axie Infinity is positioning itself not just as a survivor of the bear market, but as a leader in the next wave of digital entertainment.
As mobile remains the dominant gaming platform globally, especially in developing regions where P2E once thrived, this move could reignite interest—and participation—in blockchain gaming.
The road ahead won’t be without challenges, but one thing is clear: Web3 gaming is no longer operating in the shadows. It’s knocking on Apple’s door—and getting let in.