Following a 14-day community vote, the Aavegotchi DAO has approved a proposal to migrate the Aavegotchi web3 gaming ecosystem from Polygon to Base. The proposal, introduced by developer Pixelcraft Studios, received 360 total votes, with approximately 93 percent voting in favor of the move. The transition to Base marks a strategic shift in the project's development roadmap, aimed at reducing operating costs and simplifying user onboarding.
Aavegotchi DAO Votes to Migrate to Base
Sunsetting of L3 Geist
As part of the broader migration strategy, Pixelcraft will sunset Aavegotchi's Layer 3 chain, Geist. Launched in November 2024, Geist will be fully decommissioned by mid-August 2025. The decision stems from declining engagement and technical challenges tied to maintaining an independent L3.
Pixelcraft founder Coder Dan explained that market interest in Layer 3 solutions has dropped off, and the infrastructure required for effective cross-chain onboarding remains underdeveloped. Running a proprietary L3 introduces problems like user isolation, onboarding friction, and higher operational costs.
Why Pixelcraft Chose Base Over Other Networks
In evaluating new blockchain networks, the Aavegotchi team considered several options, including Arbitrum and Ronin. Ronin was ruled out due to slower block times, while Arbitrum was seen as more focused on DeFi applications and L3 rollups. Base was ultimately selected for its smoother onboarding process and more favorable user experience. The move to Base aligns with Pixelcraft's objective of improving accessibility and scaling down operational complexity.
Aavegotchi's Layer 3 Blockchain, Geist
Migration Process and Asset Handling
The migration to Base will be comprehensive, with Aavegotchi assets on Polygon set to become frozen and unusable. Smart contracts on Polygon will be upgraded to prevent any further transfers. Once this is completed, a one-to-one asset cloning and minting process will begin on Base. The full transition is expected to take up to six weeks. Coder Dan noted that a significant portion of the migration work has already been completed.
The proposal also includes plans to consolidate GOTCHI tokens and points—currently earned by burning Alchemica—into the primary GHST token. This consolidation aims to simplify the ecosystem's token structure and improve usability for players and developers alike.
Aavegotchi's Logo and Key Art
What Users Need to Know
With Geist scheduled to shut down in August 2025, users are advised to withdraw or migrate their assets ahead of the deadline. While Aavegotchi assets will still exist on Polygon, they will no longer be functional once the smart contracts are frozen. The move to Base is intended to streamline the platform's operations and provide a more stable foundation for future growth.
Pixelcraft's decision reflects a broader trend in web3 gaming toward reducing complexity and focusing on networks that offer better performance and user experience. As the transition progresses, both the Aavegotchi community and new users will be watching closely to see how the platform evolves on its new blockchain.
