Sky Mavis created Ronin, an EVM-compatible blockchain built to run game economies that Ethereum could not handle at consumer scale, launched in early 2021 to take Axie Infinity off Ethereum mainnet after gas fees became prohibitive. In May 2026, Sky Mavis launched the Ronin zkEVM public testnet, a zero-knowledge rollup upgrade designed to improve transaction throughput, while expanding its product portfolio beyond the original game.
Cyborg Score Rationale
Sky Mavis holds a leading position in blockchain gaming with proven product-market fit through Axie Infinity and Ronin infrastructure. However, the space faces consolidation headwinds, regulatory uncertainty around blockchain gaming, and competitive pressure from other Layer-2 platforms. The company's pivot toward free-to-play models and new MMO products signals strategic adaptation.
Top Insights
Axie Infinity Origins represents Sky Mavis's response to the economic collapse of the original play-to-earn model by removing the mandatory NFT purchase barrier and introducing a free starter Axie programme, dramatically lowering the barrier to entry
As of May 2026, Ronin processes over 2 million daily active addresses, establishing material blockchain infrastructure utility beyond a single game
In February 2026, Sky Mavis co-founder Aleksander Larsen announced he left the company after almost eight years, signaling leadership transition amid strategic reorganization
Axie Infinity: Atia's Legacy, a combat-focused MMO, is expected to launch sometime in 2026, representing a major product expansion attempt
Named Competitors
Flow — Layer-1 blockchain for gaming and NFTs
Immutable X — Layer-2 for zero-gas NFT trading and gaming
Animoca Brands — Gaming studio with web3 and NFT portfolio
Epic Games — Gaming platform expanding into blockchain
Recent Developments
(May 2026) Launched Ronin zkEVM public testnet for improved transaction throughput
(February 2026) Co-founder Aleksander Larsen departed after nearly eight years
(2026) Axie Infinity: Atia's Legacy MMO in development targeting 2026 launch
(2025–2026) Shifted Axie Infinity to free-to-play Origins model with 250K+ daily active users on Ronin
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