Technology advances at an unstoppable speed. And, sometimes, even in an incomprehensible way for the vast majority of mortals.
Especially when it comes to the financial world. While some of us consider it a personal milestone to have started paying with our mobile phones, there are those who are dedicated to making transactions with "cryptocurrencies"... and what's more: breeding "cryptokitties."
You may be asking yourself: "What does this have to do with the world of pets?" Well, the relationship is rather indirect. Because what happens is that the passion for cats has also reached the world of the Internet of Value, also known by the acronym IoV. Keep reading and you'll understand why.
Cryptocurrencies make the so-called Internet of Value or Internet of Money possible. These are actually applications that facilitate the exchange of value (contracts, intellectual property, shares or any property that has value) and that take the form of cryptocurrencies. The difference with respect to other payment systems (such as PayPal) is that payment with cryptocurrencies does not require intermediaries. It occurs directly between the buyer and the seller. In that sense, it is a universal transfer system of value, free of intermediaries or private networks such as those of banks or credit cards. And that's why it's so revolutionary.
This is where the "CriptoKitties" video game comes into play, which has generated a large community that speculates with the value of very cute virtual kittens, with the reinvestment of a type of cryptocurrency. The craze is such that around $118,000 has been paid for a cryptokitty named Genesis. Although, on average, the price of cryptokitties ranges between $110 and $30, more affordable amounts.
This video game was developed by the AxiomZem studio. The goal? To breed, buy and sell virtual kittens. Their value depends on the degree of speculation of the community with each of them. And also on the generation to which they belong.
It is said that the success of the game is due to its very sui generis combination. On the one hand, it has a more than obvious similarity with the mythical Tamagotchi (the first virtual pet, created in 1996 by Aki Maita). It has a degree of collectibility (no two cryptokitties are alike), something that usually interests people who have a lot of money. And finally (and this is the real functionality) it allows for secure transactions.
As we said, it is a complex business from which some specialists are benefiting, storing their wealth virtually... and who also have no qualms about spending it in ways that are beyond the understanding of most. However, if they are going to spend it virtually, we can understand that they decide to do it on some adorable virtual kittens with personality, unique... and with their own story.
It is clear that the craze for cats knows no bounds, neither in real life nor in virtual life. And undoubtedly, as we all know, cats are the kings of the Internet... and it seems they will continue to be so.
If you want to know more about this surprising world, we invite you to see firsthand how the video game works:
If you want to know about other video games (though without financial connotations) for pets to enrich the experience, click here.