MetaDerby

MetaDerby is a free-to-play and play-to-earn non-fungible token (NFT) horse racing game built on the Avalanche blockchain. Founded in 2021 by a founder named Mike, the company has a core team of veterans from Binance and Animoca Brands. The concept for the game was developed by co-founder Karm, an avid play-to-earn gamer. In March 2022, MetaDerby secured $2.5 million in a seed funding round led by Blizzard Fund and Old Fashion Research. This was followed by an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in April 2022, raising $1 million.

The company operates in the GameFi and metaverse markets, offering a platform where players can race, breed, and trade NFT horses. Its business model is centered on a dual-token system: the $DBY governance token and the $HOOF in-game currency. Revenue is generated from a 3.99% fee on all NFT transactions within its marketplace. The platform also incorporates a "create-to-earn" model, allowing players to purchase land, build their own stables and racetracks, and host races. This structure is designed to create a dynamic and player-driven economy.

The core of MetaDerby is its horse NFTs, each with unique genotypes affecting their performance in races. Players can acquire their first NFT horse for free by completing introductory tasks, a strategy to lower the barrier to entry. The game includes various modes like standard races, tournaments, social races where users can compete with friends, and a high-stakes "Death Racing" mode. The platform is accessible via mobile web, which accounts for the majority of its player base. The game aims to recreate the real-world ecosystem of horse racing within a digital, decentralized metaverse.

Keywords: NFT horse racing, play-to-earn, GameFi, metaverse, Avalanche blockchain, crypto gaming, virtual horse breeding, create-to-earn, DBY token, HOOF token, blockchain game, digital collectibles, DeFi staking, NFT marketplace, virtual land, player-driven economy, social racing, Web3 gaming, crypto-native, Animoca Brands