• bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
    ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
    tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
    bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
    solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
    xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
    usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
    staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
    cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
    avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
image-alt-1BTC Dominance: 58.93%
image-alt-2 ETH Dominance: 12.89%
image-alt-3 BTC/ETH Ratio: 26.62%
image-alt-4 Total Market Cap 24h: $2.51T
image-alt-5Volume 24h: $144.96B
image-alt-6 ETH Gas Price: 5.1 Gwei
 

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Ethereum NFT trading activity

Ethereum NFT trading activity rebounds with utility-driven momentum and OpenSea rewards

Salma Al-Tamimi

Ethereum NFT trading activity is rebounding thanks to OpenSea’s new rewards program and growing utility in NFTs.

After months of dormancy, Ethereum’s NFT sector is seeing signs of real recovery. Nearly 40,000 traders were active recently—approaching levels not seen since June 2022. This resurgence is driven by OpenSea’s OS2 platform upgrade and the rollout of its “Voyages” rewards system. This program allows users to earn XP by using the marketplace, likely as a precursor to a future airdrop.

Utility Is Replacing Hype in NFT Markets

Beyond rewards, Ethereum NFT trading activity is increasingly focused on real-world use and applications. Orange Cap Games acquired the Moonbirds IP, suggesting it may feature in future editions of their Vibes trading card game. These moves hint at a shift from speculative flipping to creative integrations. Meanwhile, Mythical Games’ announcement of FIFA Rivals—including Adidas-branded digital assets—shows how NFTs are infiltrating mainstream gaming.

OpenSea also reported its highest user count since 2022, coinciding with OS2’s beta exit. The convergence of platform upgrades, incentives, and developer activity is reigniting interest. It’s a far cry from the 2021 boom driven by pure speculation. Back then, profit-hungry flippers dominated the charts. Now, meaningful partnerships and in-game uses are reshaping how users engage with NFTs.

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More Than Just JPEGs

Gaming is proving to be one of the most powerful drivers of renewed activity. Inspired by Steam’s success with in-game economies, blockchain-based games are offering NFT rewards and real value. Mythical Games’ NFL Rivals was a case study in this success. With FIFA Rivals in the pipeline, expectations are high.

Ethereum NFT trading activity benefits directly from this shift. Users now trade for purpose, not just profit. That represents a maturing market dynamic. While memecoins have siphoned off speculative traders, the remaining audience seems more committed to long-term value.

Ethereum NFTs Regain Steam

IP acquisition is also adding momentum. Moonbirds is just one example of how collections are evolving into broader entertainment ecosystems. These efforts add credibility and stickiness to NFT projects.

If this trend holds, Ethereum NFT trading activity could continue its climb. Key players are no longer banking on hype—they’re building real-world relevance. Traders, collectors, and developers now have reasons to engage beyond short-term gains.

The NFT world may have burst its speculative bubble, but in its place grows something stronger: community, creativity, and utility.

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What is causing Ethereum NFT trading activity to rebound?

The rebound in Ethereum NFT trading activity is mainly driven by OpenSea’s new incentives and broader NFT utility trends. OpenSea’s “Voyages” rewards program gives users XP for activity, sparking engagement. More importantly, the ecosystem is evolving beyond speculative trading. Companies like Orange Cap Games and Mythical Games are integrating NFTs into games and acquiring valuable IPs. These developments show that NFTs are becoming more useful, not just collectible. As speculative traders shift focus elsewhere, those remaining are more interested in real value and utility.

What is OpenSea’s OS2 and its rewards program about?

OpenSea’s OS2 is an upgraded version of the marketplace that recently exited beta. Alongside it, OpenSea launched “Voyages,” a rewards program where users earn XP through participation. While the exact value of XP is still unclear, many expect it to be tied to a future airdrop. This gamified engagement strategy has drawn new users and brought back old ones. It’s also one of the reasons for OpenSea’s highest monthly user count since 2022. XP creates a reason to interact with the platform beyond simple buying and selling.

How are gaming projects contributing to Ethereum NFT growth?

Gaming projects are turning NFTs into functional digital assets. Mythical Games, for example, is building FIFA Rivals with Adidas-branded NFTs. Their earlier NFL Rivals game was a success, showing strong demand for digital items with in-game value. Games using NFTs give players a way to own and trade what they earn. This boosts Ethereum NFT trading activity by making assets desirable beyond just speculation. Blockchain gaming draws inspiration from platforms like Steam, where digital item economies are already proven.

What’s the future of Ethereum NFT trading activity?

The future of Ethereum NFT trading looks stronger, but also more mature. Instead of boom-and-bust cycles based on hype, the trend now favors steady growth rooted in utility. IP acquisitions, in-game asset use, and functional platforms like OpenSea are leading this charge. With fewer speculative players and more dedicated users, Ethereum’s NFT space may evolve into a sustainable, innovation-driven market. The focus is shifting from “buy low, sell high” to “build and play,” which could redefine how value is created and retained in the NFT world.

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