In a recent collaboration that bridges the gap between the entertainment industry and the world of cryptocurrency, electronic musician and NFT creator Steve Aoki has joined forces with the mobile move-to-earn game Stepn. Together, they aim to introduce a unique series of digital sneakers as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Solana blockchain. This collection is closely connected with Aoki’s existing NFT-based membership club, A0K1VERSE.
The Steve Aoki x Stepn collection comprises 300 limited-edition digital sneakers, featuring four distinct designs: Walker, Jogger, Runner, and Trainer. Of these, 240 will be available for purchase via the MOOAR marketplace between October 31 and November 4, priced at 3,500 GMT each (equivalent to approximately $695). An additional 60 NFTs will be set aside for Aoki’s fan community, completing the collection with a total of 300 NFT editions.
The Collection and its Real-World Implications
In an official statement, Steve Aoki expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Stepn, stating, “Collaborating with Stepn is an exciting step towards bringing the metaverse and the real world closer together.”
These NFTs, when linked to mobile devices through the Stepn platform, enable users to earn cryptocurrency rewards based on their physical activities, such as walking or jogging. Developed by Find Satoshi Lab, Stepn boasts over 2 million active monthly users.
Shiti Manghani, the COO of Find Satoshi Lab, commented on the collaboration, saying, “Steve Aoki continues to push boundaries and demonstrate immense innovation. This partnership underscores our commitment to this cause and highlights the potential of our industry.”
The A0K1VERSE Connection
A0K1VERSE, Steve Aoki’s NFT-based membership club, provides a range of exclusive perks to its members. This latest digital sneaker collection serves as an expansion of Aoki’s extensive involvement in the NFT realm. His engagement has encompassed collaborations with companies like Gala Games and Nickelodeon, as well as the renowned comic book artist Todd McFarlane.
In an earlier interview in 2022, Aoki disclosed his ambition to “build his own world” through A0K1VERSE.
Meanwhile, Find Satoshi Lab, the startup responsible for Stepn, has unveiled plans for a new game called “Gas Hero.”
While specific details about Gas Hero are limited, it’s described as a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game that can be played through web browsers and mobile phones. The game is situated in a future dystopian world, signaling the company’s expanded involvement in the cryptocurrency gaming industry.
The partnership between Steve Aoki and Stepn contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the integration of NFTs into domains beyond purely digital art. As NFTs continue to find diverse applications, ranging from collectibles to utility-driven assets, this collaboration exemplifies how existing platforms are actively exploring innovative methods to interact with their user communities.
