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 replace, was designed to incentivise market exercise forward of the upcoming $SEA token airdrop. Nonetheless, merchants rapidly discovered methods to build up XP by fast, low-cost transactions.
The pause comes after group members argued that OpenSea’s strategy inspired hypothesis over long-term participation. In response, OpenSea has introduced a pause on XP rewards for bidding and itemizing while it reassesses its strategy.

What has been OpenSea’s response?
In an announcement from OpenSea CEO Devin Finzer, XP rewards for bidding and itemizing will probably be paused while reassessing its incentive construction. The corporate acknowledged the considerations however maintained that liquidity incentives stay a necessary a part of a aggressive market.
“We’ve heard the suggestions on the present XP system, and we’re placing a pause on XP given straight for itemizing and bidding,” mentioned Finzer. The platform will now focus its rewards programme on XP shipments, which have been designed to recognise broader participation, similar to 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 regularly these rewards could be distributed.
OpenSea additionally pushed again towards a number of the criticism it acquired, stating that sure assaults gave the impression to be pushed by exterior efforts to break its fame. “We’re listening intently as we construct, however we gained’t be bullied,” the Finzer acknowledged.


How has the group reacted to the modifications?
The choice has sparked combined reactions, with some trade figures welcoming OpenSea’s willingness to regulate, while others stay sceptical in regards to the route 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 pay attention and enhance noting that OpenSea “nonetheless maintain numerous weight within the trade.”
Others questioned whether or not long-time OpenSea customers and early market contributors would obtain enough recognition. ARTXCODE Co-founder Toni Marinara instructed that the platform ought to prioritise rewarding customers with exercise previous to $SEA announcement in the event that they wish to “dissuade farming and reward precise loyal Opensea customers.” Some customers additionally expressed frustration over the distribution of XP shipments, arguing that newer customers have been being prioritised. One member questioned why “those that paid 1000’s in platform charges” through the years 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 quickly 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 consumer engagement.
As these changes proceed, whether or not OpenSea strikes a stability between incentivising market exercise and guaranteeing long-term stability within the NFT house stays to be seen.