Virtuals Protocol: A Deep Dive Into the AI Agent Generation Platform Built on Blockchain

Founded in 2021, Virtuals Protocol is an AI Agent generation platform based on blockchain technology that aims to allow anyone to create an AI agent

Virtuals Protocol is a platform that combines artificial intelligence (AI) agents with blockchain technology. It enables users to create, own, and operate AI agents in a decentralized manner. The project aims to revolutionize the way virtual interactions are conducted, making them hyper-personalized and immersive. Founded in 2021, Virtuals Protocol began operating in 2023 with a focus on game guilds and GameFi investments.

As AI technology gained global popularity with the rise of ChatGPT, PathDAO officially transitioned to Virtuals Protocol in 2023. This marked a shift from traditional GameFi to an AI-driven blockchain protocol. The project deployed smart contracts on the Base chain and began generating substantial revenue. In 2024, Virtuals Protocol launched its first AI agent, Luna, who quickly gained over 500,000 followers on TikTok, showcasing the commercial potential of AI agents. By the end of 2024, Virtuals Protocol had over 1,000 AI agents created on its platform.

The project gained further momentum with its entry into the mainstream cryptocurrency market. $VIRTUAL, the platform's native token, soared in value, reaching over $3 billion in market capitalization within two months. This attracted widespread attention and interest from the crypto community. The project was also listed on several top cryptocurrency exchanges.

The Virtuals Protocol team comprises young professionals with experience in consulting, blockchain, AI, and gaming. Co-founders Jansen Teng and Wee Kee are both graduates of Imperial College London. Other team members hail from Malaysia and Southeast Asia, with educational backgrounds from Cambridge University and work experience at companies like Accenture, Grab, and Shopee. Their technical expertise and industry connections contribute to the project's success.

Virtuals Protocol operates on a decentralized model, utilizing blockchain as its foundation. Smart contracts govern various interactive behaviors within the ecosystem, ensuring transparency, fairness, and immutability. Users can effortlessly create their AI agents through the platform's user-friendly interface, each agent boasting unique properties and functions. For instance, some agents excel in writing articles, while others specialize in image design.

The platform generates revenue in two primary ways. Firstly, users incur a fee for creating and managing AI agents, with varying costs based on the agent's complexity and resource consumption. For example, creating an agent with basic functions might cost 10 VIRTUALs, while advanced agents capable of handling complex tasks could require 100 VIRTUALs. Secondly, the platform encourages developers to build diverse derivative applications using the Virtuals Protocol. High-quality applications can collaborate with the platform through revenue sharing or other arrangements,共同 promoting the prosperity and growth of the entire ecosystem. Currently, around 20 different types of derivative applications are in development or undergoing trials on the platform.

The Virtuals Protocol ecosystem encompasses the following layers:

- Protocol Layer: Provides AI models and algorithms for developers to create and deploy AI agents. This layer serves as the technical core, determining the performance and functionality of AI agents.

- DApp Layer: Enables decentralized applications (DApps) to integrate AI agent functions, such as NPCs in games and virtual influencers on social media. This layer represents the application scenario of Virtuals Protocol, influencing the market potential and user scale of AI agents.

- Contributor Network: Data contributors, validators, and developers receive $VIRTUAL rewards for their contributions. This network forms the community foundation of Virtuals Protocol, impacting the project's sustainability and development momentum.

The total supply of $VIRTUAL is 1 billion, with the following distribution:

- Public Distribution: 60%

- Ecosystem Treasures: 35%

- Liquidity Pool: 5%

The main uses of the tokens are:

- Basic Assets: Used to create new AI agents and liquidity pools

- Payment Tool: Users pay for AI agent services with $VIRTUAL

- Governance: Token holders can participate in protocol governance and resource allocation decisions

The token economics are designed to increase the scarcity and value of $VIRTUAL through deflationary mechanisms and community incentives. For example, a portion of the AI agent's revenue is used to buy back and burn tokens, reducing the circulating supply and driving up the token price.

The AI Agent industry has been expanding rapidly in recent years. According to iResearch Consulting, the global AI Agent market has grown at an average annual rate of 40%. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for intelligent services, both from enterprises seeking to enhance efficiency and individual users aiming to utilize AI agents for creation and personalized life services.

As AI technology continues to advance, especially in key areas like natural language processing and image recognition, AI Agent functions will become more powerful and their application scenarios will broaden significantly. Over the next five years, the market size is expected to triple again, reaching $30 billion from the current $10 billion. Virtuals Protocol operates within this high-growth blue ocean market.

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