On April 8, 2025, the Aavegotchi community, a key player in NFT gaming, voted with a commanding 93.5% approval to depart the Polygon blockchain and establish its ecosystem on Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 solution backed by Coinbase. The “Make Aavegotchi Based Again” initiative signals a major strategic shift, reflecting broader changes in the blockchain competitive landscape. This move will retire Aavegotchi’s Polygon-based smart contracts, with its assets and operations set to relaunch on Base to improve functionality and leverage Base’s rising prominence.
Motivation for the Switch
Aavegotchi, developed by Pixelcraft Studios alongside Aave, has been a notable name in Web3 gaming, leveraging Polygon’s low fees and scalability to grow its ecosystem of NFT ghost avatars tied to aTokens. This setup drove early success, appealing to a wide audience of gamers and collectors. However, Polygon’s recent stagnation—marked by a lackluster Total Value Locked (TVL) and waning user engagement—spurred the community to explore alternatives that better suit its long-term goals.
Base, introduced by Coinbase, stood out with its rapid transaction processing, strong marketplace capabilities, and access to Coinbase’s vast retail audience. Aavegotchi’s founder emphasized Base’s retail-friendly environment as a perfect match for enhancing onboarding and gameplay experiences. This migration aligns with a growing trend where Ethereum Layer-2 networks like Base and Arbitrum are siphoning projects from Polygon, which has struggled to keep pace in the shifting blockchain hierarchy.
Migration Specifics
The transition plan is meticulous. Aavegotchi’s core assets—NFTs, wearables, game items, and smart contracts—will be duplicated on Base in a 1:1 transfer. On Polygon, existing assets will remain viewable but locked, halting transfers or updates to ensure a seamless shift. The community’s governance page also notes the termination of Aavegotchi’s Layer-3 trial, Geist, as efforts concentrate on Base. This echoes moves like y00ts’ 2023 exit from Polygon to Ethereum, where it refunded a $3 million grant. Aavegotchi’s departure adds to Polygon’s challenges in holding onto high-profile projects. X posts show enthusiasm for Base’s potential alongside regret over Polygon’s fading NFT influence.
Market Landscape
The vote showcased robust community support for the change. Source: Aavegotchi
This decision unfolds during a difficult 2025 for NFTs, with trading volumes far below their 2021 peak. Memecoins and NFTs have faced steep declines, yet Aavegotchi’s community sees Base as a pathway to renewal. As of April 7, 2025, Bitcoin hovers near $80,000 per CoinGecko, providing a steady crypto foundation, though altcoin networks like Polygon grapple with market and competitive pressures.
Future Prospects
Relocating to Base positions Aavegotchi to benefit from Coinbase’s ecosystem, potentially drawing new users and revitalizing interest. Faster transactions and improved marketplace access could enhance its standing as Web3 gaming looks for a comeback. The move’s success, however, rests on effective implementation and Base delivering its promised advantages. For now, Aavegotchi’s strategic shift exemplifies the adaptability of blockchain projects, seeking the best platforms and communities to succeed in an ever-changing market.
