OpenSea has introduced a suspension of XP rewards for bidding and itemizing NFTs, following criticism that the system was being exploited for high-frequency buying and selling.
The XP system, launched as a part of the OS2 update, was designed to incentivise market exercise forward of the upcoming $SEA token airdrop. Nonetheless, merchants rapidly discovered methods to build up XP by way of fast, low-cost transactions.
The pause comes after group members argued that OpenSea’s method inspired hypothesis over long-term participation. In response, OpenSea has introduced a pause on XP rewards for bidding and itemizing while it reassesses its method.
What has been OpenSea’s response?
In an announcement from OpenSea CEO Devin Finzer, XP rewards for bidding and itemizing shall be paused while reassessing its incentive construction. The corporate acknowledged the considerations however maintained that liquidity incentives stay an important a part of a aggressive marketplace.
“We’ve heard the feedback on the current XP system, and we’re putting a pause on XP given directly for listing and bidding,” stated Finzer. The platform will now focus its rewards programme on XP shipments, which had been designed to recognise broader participation, reminiscent of shopping for and holding NFTs.
The second spherical of shipments has already been distributed, prioritising customers who bought NFTs on OS2, with further XP multipliers given to those that have held high-volume NFT tasks for over three months. OpenSea famous that future shipments would proceed to reward patrons and holders, although it didn’t specify how incessantly these rewards could be distributed.
OpenSea additionally pushed again towards a few of the criticism it acquired, stating that sure assaults seemed to be pushed by exterior efforts to break its status. “We’re listening intently as we construct, however we gained’t be bullied,” the Finzer said.

How has the group reacted to the adjustments?
The choice has sparked blended reactions, with some trade figures welcoming OpenSea’s willingness to regulate, while others stay sceptical concerning the path of its rewards programme.
Betty, CEO and Co-Founding father of DeadFellaz, supported the transfer however confused that the group’s frustration stemmed from wanting OpenSea to hear and enhance noting that OpenSea “still hold a lot of weight in the industry.”
Others questioned whether or not long-time OpenSea customers and early market contributors would obtain satisfactory recognition. ARTXCODE Co-founder Toni Marinara recommended that the platform ought to prioritise rewarding customers with exercise previous to $SEA announcement in the event that they need to “dissuade farming and reward actual loyal Opensea users.” Some customers additionally expressed frustration over the distribution of XP shipments, arguing that newer customers had been being prioritised. One member questioned why “those who paid thousands in platform fees” over time appeared to be missed in favour of beta testers who had solely just lately joined the platform.
While XP rewards for bidding and itemizing are briefly on maintain, OpenSea has not dominated out future liquidity incentives. With the $SEA token launch approaching, OpenSea might want to refine its rewards system while sustaining person engagement.
As these changes proceed, whether or not OpenSea strikes a steadiness between incentivising market exercise and guaranteeing long-term stability within the NFT area stays to be seen.