Hyperfy Launch Revives Metaverse Narrative with AI Agent Integration

Hyperfy, a metaverse platform launched in 2022, unveiled its AI-agent-focused v2 iteration along with a surprise token launch and airdrop on Jan. 5.

The official token, HYPER, opened at a $3 million market capitalization before quickly surging nearly a hundred-fold to $275 million in less than 24 hours.

The token launch comes alongside Hyperfy’s open-source development update, which allows users without coding skills to create virtual experiences on the platform.

In addition, AI agents based on Ai16z’s ELIZA framework are also now compatible with Hyperfy.

“We’re also empowering AI agents with superpowers so they can navigate and interact in these immersive spaces just like you or me. Imagine AI companions guiding you through exhibitions, hosting live events, or simply exploring alongside you,” the team said.

Holders of Hyperfy Worlds NFTs and AI16z partners, wallets holding over 100,000 AI16z tokens, were eligible for the airdrop. The token’s rapid price rise appears to be fueled by a renewed interest in the metaverse as a hub for sentient AI agents.

HYPER is down 30% from its high earlier today and changes hands at a $195 million valuation. The Hyperfy World NFTs are up 266% today to 0.11 ETH ($400) from their previous price floor of 0.03 ETH. Prior to the HYPER token release, the NFT collection was illiquid and reached a low of 0.004 ETH ($14) in August.

The renewed attention on the metaverse may also be driving Sandbox and Decentraland’s rally over the last 24 hours. SAND is up 10% today to a $1.7 billion market capitalization, and Decentraland’s token, MANA, is up 7% to a $1.3 billion valuation.