Microsoft Announces Token Collectibles on Ethereum Blockchain

Microsoft’s blockchain-enabled cloud platform Microsoft Azure announced the “Azure Heroes” blockchain non-fungible tokens (NFT) aimed at rewarding its developer community.

The tokens represent cartoonish badgers (a play on the word “badge”) and aim to compensate positive behavior in Azure’s community. Each badger has a limited supply ranging from just 100 units to 10,000, Microsoft announced on Dec. 4. The firm said:

“Azure Heroes aims to reward individuals for verifiable acts of impact such as coaching, creating demos, building sample code, blogging about Azure or completing certain challenges. Community members that have demonstrated their contributions will be recognised with badges across a number of categories.”

Microsoft’s assets on Ethereum

Microsoft created the non-fungible tokens on the Ethereum blockchain in collaboration with blockchain gaming startup Enjin. The tokens will be minted each season and the limited quantities will be publicly verifiable and distributed via a QR code that prompts the receiver to install a wallet.

For someone to obtain the token he has to be nominated, which he can do himself. Nominated individuals will be judged and those that had a verifiable impact on the community will be chosen to receive a badger.

Blockchain non-fungible tokens gain traction

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, are a blockchain-based token that cannot be replaced for something else and are unique. Such tokens are often used for digital collectible items, with one early example being Crytpokitties. 

Earlier this month, gamebook firm Fabled Lands announced that it is collaborating with Microsoft and major game developer Eidos to develop a blockchain card game based on a 1980s best-selling gamebook called “The Way of the Tiger.” Fabled Lands will use NFTs on the VeChain blockchain to secure in-game assets and collectibles.