Decentraland is introducing a new feature aimed at enhancing user engagement and creator support. Beginning May 19, participants in the platform can earn up to eight Marketplace Credits each week through a limited-time beta program. These Credits, designed to be used exclusively within the Decentraland Marketplace, allow users to acquire avatar customizations such as Wearables and Emotes without requiring direct MANA spending. The initiative is part of a broader $2 million plan by the Decentraland Foundation to strengthen the platform's creator economy and user interaction.
The beta program runs for eight weeks, wrapping up on July 13 unless demand forces an early conclusion. Users earn Credits by hitting weekly in-world goals — logging in, attending events, and similar activities. The structure rewards steady participation rather than heavy spending, reflecting Decentraland's push for a more inclusive and active community.
Decentraland Introduces Marketplace Credits
About Decentraland
Founded in 2020, Decentraland is the first decentralized, community-driven virtual world that empowers users to create, explore, and connect within an open, immersive digital landscape where they own their digital assets. From hosting virtual events to designing your digital identity, it enables users to shape a world that prioritizes self-expression and freedom, without the limitations of corporate control.
How Marketplace Credits Work
Marketplace Credits function as a platform-specific reward that mirrors MANA's value in the Decentraland Marketplace. Each Credit equals one MANA in purchasing power and can be spent on Polygon-based Wearables and Emotes priced at one MANA or higher. These Credits can't be transferred or traded, and they only work in the primary sales section of the Marketplace.
Credits expire on July 27 at 23:59 UTC, after the beta period ends. Any unused Credits become invalid at that point. Users can combine Credits with other payment methods when buying higher-priced items. These restrictions help Decentraland manage the virtual marketplace economy while still driving user engagement and creator support.
Participation and Claim Process
Users activate the rewards program by confirming their email address. Once enrolled, a rewards dashboard appears in the Decentraland Explorer interface, showing weekly progress, earned Credits, and direct links to eligible Marketplace items.
Each weekly cycle starts Monday at 00:00 UTC and ends Sunday at 23:59 UTC. The tasks stay consistent throughout the beta, creating a predictable structure. When a goal is completed, users solve a CAPTCHA to claim their Credits. Credits must be claimed manually before the weekly reset or they're lost.
Decentraland Introduces Marketplace Credits
Spending Marketplace Credits in the Marketplace
To spend Credits, users activate the "Get with Credits" filter under "Special Filters" in the Marketplace. This filter shows only eligible items — Polygon-based Wearables and Emotes priced at one MANA or higher.
When viewing an eligible item, users enable the "Get with Credits" option. If the Credit balance covers the price, it drops to zero. If not, the interface shows the remaining MANA needed. At checkout, users can mix Credits with standard payment methods. Credit balances and expiration dates appear in both the Explorer rewards panel and the Marketplace navigation bar next to the user's profile.
Decentraland Introduces Marketplace Credits
Approach to Community and Creator Support
This initiative represents a measured approach by the Decentraland Foundation to boost platform engagement without disrupting marketplace dynamics. Marketplace Credits are limited to primary sales and distributed over a short window, providing a controlled test of how rewards influence user behavior and platform growth.
Decentraland Foundation Executive Director Yemel Jardi describes this program as an early step in a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing the creator ecosystem and encouraging deeper community involvement. The focus is on rewarding regular participation and encouraging creative expression through avatar customization, not on offering high-stakes incentives.
Benefits for Creators and Users
Creators benefit directly from the Credits system because all Credit purchases apply only to primary sales. This increases visibility for new Wearables and Emotes, giving creators a better shot at showcasing their work. The steady flow of Credits into users' hands may also drive secondary market activity as Marketplace engagement increases.
For users, the program offers a cost-free way to enhance their digital identity. New and veteran Decentraland participants alike can explore customization options without spending money. With metaverse events like Decentraland Prom and Pride PJ Party coming up on May 21-22, the timing encourages users to update their avatars and join upcoming activities.
Decentraland Prom and Pride PJ Party
Looking Ahead
The program pauses for evaluation after the beta period ends on July 13. Feedback collected during the trial phase will shape the future direction of Marketplace Credits and similar initiatives. The current rollout represents a cautious but purposeful step toward increasing platform activity and creator support through small-scale, consistent rewards. By integrating Marketplace Credits into its web3 platform, Decentraland is experimenting with new ways to build community, promote creativity, and sustain an active user base.
