In November 2021, the world of cryptocurrency was abuzz with excitement as the cumulative market capitalization of the "big four" metaverse projects reached a staggering $16 billion. The Metaverse, GameFi, and Play-to-Earn were the hottest buzzwords in the crypto space at that time. Fast forward to September 2023, and the scene has dramatically changed. A whopping 92% decline has sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving investors in disbelief.
The Rise and Fall of the "Big Four" Metaverse Tokens
At the peak of the 2021 crypto market rally, The Sandbox (SAND), Axie Infinity (AXS), Enjin Coin (ENJ), and Decentraland (MANA) were hailed as the dominant forces in the Metaverse and GameFi sector. Together, they represented 0.5% of the $3 trillion global cryptocurrency market cap.
However, as the crypto winter set in, these projects faced mounting criticism. Concerns ranged from security and privacy issues to governance problems and a lack of long-term incentives for holding tokens. As of September 2023, the combined market capitalization of SAND, AXS, ENJ, and MANA has dwindled to a mere $1.23 billion, marking a staggering 92% decline from their peak.
To put this decline into perspective, the market dominance of these four Metaverse tokens now accounts for just 0.12% of the global crypto market cap. It's a clear indicator that crypto investors have shifted their focus away from the metaverse sector in the past two years, seeking more promising opportunities elsewhere.
Majority of Metaverse Investors Left in the Red
Investors who bought into the Metaverse hype in 2021 are now grappling with losses. Historical data reveals that most ENJ, MANA, AXS, and SAND holders find themselves in the red.
Among these, Axie Infinity and The Sandbox token holders are facing the toughest losses. For Axie Infinity, once known for its robust in-game economy, a staggering 99.54% of all AXS holders are currently "out of the money."
The Sandbox project, a virtual world where gamers can build, own, and monetize their experiences, isn't faring much better. An overwhelming 98.34% of those who invested in SAND now find themselves in a similar predicament.
Decentraland and Enjin Coin investors are also dealing with significant losses. Decentraland, known for its vibrant virtual marketplace, sees 89.04% of its investors in the negative territory. Meanwhile, Enjin Coin, facilitating virtual goods management on the Ethereum blockchain, has 75.5% of its investors in a deficit position.
Slim Hope for a Rebound
The cumulative market cap of ENJ, MANA, AXS, and SAND has plummeted by 92% from its peak of $16 billion in November 2021 to just $1.23 billion in September 2023. This decline also highlights a nearly 76% reduction in metaverse tokens' dominance within the crypto industry.
While Apple's Vision Pro launch and Mark Zuckerberg's optimistic statements triggered a brief resurgence in the Metaverse sector in July 2023, this momentum appears to be fading rapidly. Lingering concerns over security, utility, and player retention are still prevalent. However, the recent lawsuit from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has only exacerbated the Metaverse's troubles.
In June 2023, the SEC filed lawsuits against major crypto exchanges, Binance and Coinbase, listing The Sandbox, Axie Infinity, and Decentraland as "securities." This move led to significant drops in the prices of SAND, AXS, and MANA.
In conclusion, the sentiment surrounding the metaverse has turned overwhelmingly bearish. Yet, this downturn may present strategic investors with an opportunity to buy the dip in anticipation of a potential resurgence in the future. The metaverse rollercoaster ride continues, and only time will tell if it's a brief setback or a more lasting downturn.
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