On April 8, 2025, Aavegotchi, a standout NFT gaming protocol, saw its community vote overwhelmingly—93.5% in favor—to abandon the Polygon blockchain and transition its ecosystem to Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 network supported by Coinbase. The “Make Aavegotchi Based Again” proposal represents a significant turning point for the project, aligning with shifting trends in the blockchain ecosystem. This migration will phase out Aavegotchi’s smart contracts on Polygon, redeploying its assets and operations onto Base to enhance user experience and capitalize on Base’s surging popularity.
Why the Change?
Aavegotchi, a creation of Pixelcraft Studios in partnership with Aave, has been a pioneer in Web3 gaming since its inception. Its distinctive NFTs—customizable ghost avatars staked with yield-generating aTokens—found a fertile ground on Polygon, thanks to the network’s low transaction fees and scalability. This environment fueled Aavegotchi’s early growth, attracting players and collectors alike. However, Polygon’s recent performance has faltered, with its Total Value Locked (TVL) stagnating and user activity declining noticeably. These challenges prompted the Aavegotchi community to seek a more promising blockchain foundation.
Base, launched by Coinbase, emerged as the ideal candidate. It boasts faster transaction speeds, robust marketplace infrastructure, and seamless integration with Coinbase’s extensive retail user base—factors that Aavegotchi’s founder cited as critical for improving onboarding and gameplay. The decision mirrors a broader movement in the Ethereum Layer-2 space, where networks like Base and Arbitrum are increasingly drawing developers and users away from Polygon, which has struggled to maintain its competitive edge in the evolving blockchain landscape.
Migration Mechanics
The migration is a detailed process designed to ensure continuity. All Aavegotchi assets—including its signature NFTs, wearables, game items, and smart contracts—will be replicated on Base in a precise 1:1 transfer. Assets on Polygon will remain visible but will be frozen, preventing any further transfers or modifications to facilitate a clean transition. Additionally, the community’s governance documentation confirms that Aavegotchi’s experimental Layer-3 network, Geist, will be discontinued as the project consolidates its focus on Base.
This isn’t an isolated case among NFT projects. In 2023, the y00ts collection similarly departed Polygon for Ethereum, even returning a $3 million grant to Polygon’s treasury. Aavegotchi’s exit further underscores Polygon’s difficulty in retaining prominent protocols as Ethereum Layer-2 solutions gain momentum. Social media reactions on X reveal a split: some users applaud Base’s potential to elevate Aavegotchi’s visibility, while others lament Polygon’s diminishing role in the NFT space.
Market Conditions
The community’s strong backing for the move was evident in the vote. Source: Aavegotchi
This shift occurs amid a challenging 2025 for NFTs and gaming tokens, with trading volumes plummeting from their 2021 highs. Memecoins and NFTs have been particularly battered, yet Aavegotchi’s supporters remain hopeful that Base’s infrastructure can spark a revival. As of April 7, 2025, Bitcoin trades near $80,000, according to CoinGecko. This provides a stable crypto backdrop. However, altcoin ecosystems like Polygon face growing pressure. Market shifts and rising competition drive this trend.
Looking Ahead
By migrating to Base, Aavegotchi positions itself to tap into Coinbase’s ecosystem, potentially attracting a fresh wave of players and collectors. Enhanced transaction speeds and marketplace access could bolster its appeal as Web3 gaming seeks a resurgence. However, the success of this bold transition depends on flawless execution. It also hinges on Base’s ability to deliver scalability and user growth. For now, Aavegotchi’s decision highlights blockchain’s fluid affiliations. Projects continue to seek platforms that offer strong tech and user focus in a fast-changing market.
