Digital Ecosystems 2025: Which NFT Projects in the Metaverse Are Worth Watching

Virtual economies are gaining momentum, and blockchain technologies are becoming their foundation. The metaverse is not just a trend but a full-fledged digital reality where users trade assets, build businesses, and earn real income. If you are interested in cryptocurrencies and looking for promising NFT projects, knowing the key players in the sector will be helpful. By 2025, against the backdrop of the growing market capitalization of the (metaverse, which was over $31.7 billion as of May 2024, investments are concentrated in the most innovative platforms.

The Foundation of the Virtual World: How the Metaverse Works

The metaverse is a hybrid space combining augmented reality and virtual reality technologies with decentralized governance systems. It is a collective digital environment where each participant can own, create, and exchange assets without intermediaries.

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies serve as the backbone of this ecosystem. They provide:

• Digital ownership verification through NFTs
• Transparent and secure transactions
• Support for decentralized economies

Cryptographic tokens act as currencies for in-game operations, platform governance through voting systems, and staking.

According to analysts, the metaverse market will reach $2.3 trillion by 2032, up from $94.1 billion in 2023. This represents an annual growth rate of 44.4%. Currently, approximately 300 different projects operate in this segment.

Market Leaders: Overview of Key Crypto Projects

) Sandbox: Content Creator Platform

The Sandbox is one of the pioneers in this field. Launched in 2018 as a decentralized platform based on Ethereum, it allows users to build, own, and monetize gaming projects through the SAND token.

Current SAND metrics:

• Price: $0.11
• 24-hour change: +0.17%
• Market capitalization: $294.78M

The Sandbox attracted significant investments: (million during its ICO in 2020 and )million from SoftBank a year later. The platform is equipped with specialized tools: VoxEdit for creating voxel NFTs, Game Maker for 3D development without programming skills, and an integrated marketplace.

Partnerships with Atari, CryptoKitties, The Walking Dead, and Snoop Dogg demonstrate the platform’s growing influence on traditional media. Recently, staking support on the Polygon network was added, reducing fees and opening weekly rewards.

Decentraland: Virtual Cities and Events

Decentraland $3 MANA$93 has been functioning as a fully decentralized platform since 2017. Here, users buy virtual real estate, build galleries, and open shops in a 3D space.

Current MANA metrics:

• Price: $0.12
• 24-hour change: -1.09%
• Market capitalization: $225.88M

Governance is managed through a DAO, where MANA holders vote on project development. The platform has gained reputation through major events: collaborations with Samsung, virtual Fashion Week featuring well-known designers.

Recent updates improved user experience: voice chat added, graphics upgraded, and a new desktop client released. MANA is used for purchasing land ###LAND plots(, interior items, and participation in governance.

) Axie Infinity: Play-to-Earn Game as Income Source

Axie Infinity (AXS) is a blockchain game by Sky Mavis that popularized the play-to-earn model. Players breed digital creatures ###Axies(, participate in battles, and earn tokens AXS and SLP.

Current AXS metrics:

• Price: $0.85
• 24-hour change: +0.28%
• Market capitalization: $141.66M

The project attracted )million in funding rounds (led by Andreessen Horowitz). The sidechain Ronin significantly reduced fees and improved scalability. Gaming content is constantly expanding: recently, land mechanics were launched, and a decentralized exchange on Ronin is planned.

$152 Illuvium: AAA-Quality on the Blockchain

Illuvium (ILV) positions itself as the first full-fledged AAA blockchain game. Launched in 2021 on Ethereum, it combines RPG elements with auto-battler mechanics.

Current ILV metrics:

• Price: $5.79
• 24-hour change: -0.20%
• Market capitalization: $54.95M

The game features 3D environments and over 100 unique creatures ###Illuvials(. Players can stake ILV to earn rewards in sILV )used directly in the game( or locked tokens. The IlluviDEX marketplace allows NFT trading without gas fees thanks to Immutable X.

) Enjin: Infrastructure for NFT Games

Enjin Coin (ENJ) is a veteran sector project launched in 2017. It acts as collateral for NFTs, ensuring real value for each token.

Current ENJ metrics:

• Price: $0.03
• 24-hour change: -0.98%
• Market capitalization: $51.97M

In 2023, Enjin launched its own blockchain ###Enjin Blockchain(, moving ENJ from Ethereum. This reduced fees and increased scalability. The Efinity network simplifies cross-chain NFT transactions. Partnerships with Microsoft, Samsung, and other major companies confirm the project’s scale.

) OriginTrail: From Supply Chain to the Metaverse

OriginTrail (TRAC) is a project founded in 2011 and adapted to blockchain in 2018. Its decentralized knowledge graph ###DKG( ensures transparency in supply chains and other sectors.

Current TRAC metrics:

• Price: $0.41
• 24-hour change: +1.52%
• Market capitalization: $181.82M

The project operates on multiple networks: Ethereum, Polygon, Gnosis, and its own parachain Polkadot )NeuroWeb(. TRAC is used for staking, data publishing, and paying network fees. Partnerships with Walmart, Oracle, and the European Union demonstrate practical applications.

) Yield Guild Games: Investing in Virtual Assets

YGG (YGG) is a decentralized autonomous organization founded in 2020. It invests in virtual assets and manages them to maximize community members’ income.

Current YGG metrics:

• Price: $0.07
• 24-hour change: +0.71%
• Market capitalization: $45.46M

YGG builds infrastructure for gamers, offering guild development programs and achievement systems. Partnerships with Axie Infinity and the Ronin network enabled launching YGG on Ronin, increasing token accessibility and utility.

Wilder World: Photorealistic Metaverse

Wilder World (WILD) is an ambitious project using Unreal Engine 5 and AI to create a 5D metaverse. The first city, Wiami, is modeled after Miami.

Current WILD metrics:

• Price: $0.05
• 24-hour change: +1.68%
• Market capitalization: $22.67M

The WILD token functions as currency for transactions, governance, and staking. NFT collections ###AIR WILD sneakers, Wilder Wheels, Wilder Cribs( are fully integrated into the platform’s economy. The project emphasizes visual realism and interactivity.

) Hooked Protocol: Learning Through Gaming

Hooked Protocol (launched at the end of 2022) positions itself as a quick way to enter Web3. Its flagship product, Wild Cash, uses the “Learn and Earn” model.

The platform attracts over 3 million active users monthly, especially in developing countries. The team includes experts from Uber and Google. The HOOK token serves as a governance tool, access to NFTs, and paying gas fees within the Hooked ecosystem.

My Neighbor Alice: Calm Farming Aesthetic

My Neighbor Alice (ALICE) is a multiplayer game by Chromia ###launched in 2021(. Here, users buy virtual plots in the Lummeland archipelago and develop farms.

Current ALICE metrics:

• Price: $0.17
• 24-hour change: +0.29%
• Market capitalization: $15.88M

ALICE is used for purchases, staking, and governance. Recent updates include a beta version with in-game trading and expanded user content features. The 2024 roadmap emphasizes full decentralization.

How to Enter the Metaverse: A Practical Guide

To start interacting with virtual assets:

1. Set up a wallet: use MetaMask for Ethereum projects or other compatible apps
2. Buy cryptocurrency: ETH, SAND, or other platform tokens on popular exchanges
3. Connect to marketplaces: Decentraland Marketplace, The Sandbox Marketplace, and similar
4. Start with land: buy LAND in The Sandbox with SAND and begin monetizing it
5. Verify authenticity: always use official marketplaces to avoid counterfeits

Sector Transformation: Trends for 2024-2025

) Interoperability as a Priority

Different virtual worlds are gradually becoming more interconnected. Users will be able to transfer assets and data between platforms, increasing their value and engagement.

( Realism through Technologies

Advances in AR, VR, and AI make virtual experiences more convincing. Ultra-realistic avatars and environments create deep immersion.

) Corporate Entry

Meta, Microsoft, and other tech giants are developing their own metaverse platforms. This brings investments, user bases, and legitimacy.

Play-to-Earn as an Economic Model

The model where players earn cryptocurrency for gaming achievements is becoming standard. Axie Infinity and Gala Games demonstrate the viability of this approach.

Sustainability and Scalability

The sector is exploring energy-efficient protocols and scaling solutions to support growing demand.

AI Integration

AI-powered virtual assistants will provide real-time user support.

Trillion-Dollar Economy

According to McKinsey research, by 2030, the metaverse could generate nearly $5 trillion in value through virtual real estate, digital assets, and new business models.

Challenges to Address

Despite optimistic forecasts, the sector faces obstacles:

Technical Compatibility — different platforms use incompatible standards. Unified protocols are needed for full interoperability.

Privacy and Security — as user time in virtual spaces and transaction volumes increase, data protection becomes critical. Cyber threats require constant attention.

Ethics and Inclusivity — fair systems must be created to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access for all societal groups.

Business Opportunities

The metaverse opens new channels for audience engagement. Brands create virtual stores, run marketing campaigns, and sponsor events. Virtual conferences and meetings are cost-effective alternatives to physical events.

Final Recommendations

The metaverse in 2025 is no longer a hypothesis but an evolving reality. Advances in AI, VR, and AR technologies guarantee increasingly immersive virtual experiences.

Despite challenges with compatibility and security, the potential for growth and innovation is enormous. Web3 investors and enthusiasts should monitor the development of the platforms we discussed. From Sandbox and Decentraland to Axie Infinity — each offers unique opportunities to participate in the digital revolution.

The future belongs to those who explore these virtual ecosystems today. The recreational potential, investment opportunities, and chance to be part of historic changes make the metaverse a worthy object of attention for years to come.