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Microsoft has announced it has partnered with Enjin, a Singapore-based information-technology firm that developed the Enjin Network. The collaboration is geared towards incentivizing people who are actively participating in nurturing the growth of Microsoft’s cloud computing platform Azure.
Called Azure Heroes, the reward scheme will give Azure community members collectible “badgers” as a form of recognition for their work in helping spread information about the platform. According to a blog published by Microsoft, community members can earn five distinct badgers: Inclusive Leader, Content Hero, Community Hero, Mentor, and Maker.
“Microsoft and Enjin have collaborated in a local pilot to create a blockchain based recognition programme. The Azure Heroes badgers were created in a number of original and unique designs which have been tokenised into a digital asset on the Ethereum public blockchain,” Microsoft said.
Only available in select areas
Overall, the combined badger count is 11,700, with the Maker badger accounting the largest figure as it’s sitting at 10,000 supply. The tokens themselves are non-fungible and can be stored on the Enjin wallet.
The owner of the tokens can send them to any Ethereum address or destroy them entirely. The reward system will only be available in “selected Western European countries.”
Enjin coin surges
Following Microsoft’s announcement, the enjin coin – Enjin’s token – experienced a massive spike in value. Its market capitalization has increased by 42% up to $67 million, CryptoSlate reported.
Enjin itself has been seeing a lot of positivity and recognition in recent months, the latest of which came from Blockchain Ventures that bought a stake of the platform. Blockchain Ventures said that Enjin’s unique approach towards the new evolution of gaming is what spurred it to support the tech company.
“The Enjin token economic model, where Enjin Coin (ENJ) is locked within virtual in-game items and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is something we hadn’t seen before. This facilitates both the price discovery and value recovery that have been challenging for NFTs,” Blockchain Ventures said.
Meanwhile, Microsoft recently announced that it’s going to be partnering with game developer Eidos and gamebook firm Fabled Land to create a blockchain-based card dueling game. The game will be based on the interactive book “Way of the Tiger” that was published in 1985.
