Aavegotchi, the blockchain-based game inspired by Tamagotchi toys, has announced it is leaving the Polygon network and migrating to Coinbase’s Base blockchain.
The decision comes after a strong community vote, where 93% supported the move. Game founder Daniel Mathieu said the switch is due to what he described as Polygon’s lack of meaningful support for gaming projects.
Community Pushes for Change
The decision to migrate was made through a community vote, reflecting broad dissatisfaction with Polygon’s current approach to gaming. According to Mathieu, Polygon hasn’t made necessary updates to improve the gaming experience on its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) chain. He pointed to a lack of new features that would help games grow within the ecosystem.
Aavegotchi, while niche, is backed by DeFi enthusiasts due to its connection with the Aave protocol. The game allows players to use customizable NFT characters to earn in-game rewards. Stani Kulechov, the founder of Aave, is also one of the game’s advisors.
Why Base Was Chosen
Before choosing Base, the Aavegotchi team considered other blockchains like Arbitrum and Ronin. However, Base stood out due to its strong ties with Coinbase and the Farcaster social platform. The team also highlighted their close working relationship with Base’s developers as a key reason for the move.
Since its launch in 2023, Base has grown rapidly and now holds over $3.6 billion in deposits, making it the largest Ethereum Layer 2 and one of the top six blockchains overall.
What Comes Next
With the migration approved, Aavegotchi’s developers will now begin the technical process. This includes locking the game’s smart contracts on Polygon and recreating them on Base. The transition is expected to take four to six weeks. Much of the preparation work has already been completed, thanks to earlier plans to move to a custom Layer 3 blockchain.
Although Polygon has expressed respect for Aavegotchi’s decision, this move adds to the platform’s recent challenges. Once a leader in DeFi, Polygon has seen its total deposits fall from $12 billion at its peak to just $850 million today. Rumors have also circulated about Base offering Aavegotchi a significant grant to switch platforms, though the exact details remain unconfirmed.
The migration marks a new chapter for Aavegotchi as it seeks a more supportive environment for growth and community engagement in the evolving world of blockchain gaming.