Ecosystem Overview

Cronos is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchain built on the Cosmos SDK, designed to support decentralized finance (DeFi) and GameFi applications. Its compatibility with Ethereum allows developers to port applications easily, while integration with the Cosmos ecosystem facilitates interoperability with other blockchains.

Since its mainnet launch in November 2021, Cronos has experienced significant growth in its dApp ecosystem. Within a month of launch, it ranked among the top 10 public blockchains by Total Value Locked (TVL), with over 100 dApps deployed and more than $2 billion in TVL. This rapid expansion reflects the network’s scalability and appeals to both developers and users.

The Cronos ecosystem encompasses a diverse range of dApps across various sectors:

Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Cronos supports platforms offering services such as decentralized exchanges, yield farming, and lending protocols. VVS Finance, for example, operates as an automated market maker (AMM) decentralized exchange, enabling users to swap tokens and provide liquidity efficiently. This ecosystem also includes lending platforms that allow users to borrow or lend assets while earning interest on their holdings.

GameFi

Cronos features applications that integrate gaming with financial incentives, such as play-to-earn models and in-game asset tokenization. Projects like D.G.Pals provide multi-genre NFT-based gameplay where users can collect, trade, and battle with virtual assets. These GameFi applications combine entertainment with financial utility, creating a hybrid model that appeals to gamers and crypto enthusiasts alike.

NFT Marketplaces

Cronos includes platforms that facilitate the creation, buying, and selling of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Ebisu’s Bay is a prominent NFT marketplace within the Cronos ecosystem, enabling users to trade unique digital assets, including artwork and collectibles. The platform supports a growing catalog of NFT collections, driving engagement from artists, collectors, and investors.

User engagement on Cronos has been strong, with an increasing number of participants actively engaging in DeFi protocols and NFT marketplaces. The network’s low transaction fees and fast processing times enhance usability, fostering broader adoption. Cronos is recognized as a top blockchain in terms of total value locked, reflecting its appeal across various use cases. These characteristics contribute to a positive user experience and continuous ecosystem growth.

dApps on Cronos

The Cronos blockchain hosts several notable dApps that contribute to its DeFi and NFT ecosystems.

VVS Finance

VVS Finance, standing for “Very, Very Simple Finance,” is a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Cronos blockchain. It relies on an automated market maker (AMM) model, allowing users to swap tokens directly from their wallets without relying on traditional order books. The platform emphasizes user-friendliness, aiming to make decentralized finance (DeFi) accessible to a broad audience.

Main Features

• Bling Swap: An algorithmic routing system that enables users to swap tokens across several liquidity pools to obtain better prices for the requested pairs.
• Liquidity Provision: Users can become liquidity providers by adding tokens to liquidity pools. In return, they receive LP tokens representing their share of the pool’s assets. Liquidity providers earn a portion of the swap fees generated from trades within their pools.
• Crystal Farming: By staking LP tokens in “Crystal Farms,” users can earn VVS tokens as rewards, incentivizing liquidity provision and participation in the ecosystem.
• Glitter Mining: This feature allows users to stake VVS tokens to earn additional VVS or partner tokens, providing opportunities for passive income.
• Initial Gem Offerings (IGOs): VVS Finance offers early access to new projects within the Cronos ecosystem. Users can participate by committing VVS-CRO LP tokens, with options for both basic and unlimited sales.

The platform’s native utility token, VVS, serves multiple purposes, including governance participation, staking, and earning rewards. VVS Finance has also expanded its presence by launching on the Ethereum chain, aiming to become a multi-chain DEX and broaden its user base.

Mad Meerkat Finance (MM Finance)

Mad Meerkat Finance (MM Finance) is a decentralized exchange operating on the Cronos blockchain. It offers services such as token swapping, liquidity provision, and yield farming. MM Finance distinguishes itself by incorporating Protocol Owned Liquidity (POL) into its system, allocating a portion of protocol fees to buy back MMF tokens and create liquidity pools. This mechanism aims to ensure sufficient liquidity and support the token’s value.

Main Features

• Low Trading Fees: MM Finance charges a 0.17% fee per trade, positioning itself as a cost-effective option for users.
• Trade Mining: The platform offers fee rebates through trade mining, rewarding users for their trading activity and encouraging higher trading volumes.
• NFT Integration: MM Finance incorporates decentralized finance and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), providing unique features and incentives for users.

The platform’s native token, MMF, is integral to its ecosystem, serving as a medium for rewards and participation in various platform features.

Ebisu’s Bay

Ebisu’s Bay is an NFT marketplace operating on the Cronos blockchain, allowing users to mint, buy, and sell non-fungible tokens. It serves as a platform for artists and collectors to engage with digital art and collectibles within the Cronos ecosystem. The marketplace supports various NFT collections, including the Mad Meerkat series, providing a space for creators and enthusiasts to interact.

Main Features

• Diverse NFT Collections: Ebisu’s Bay hosts a wide range of NFT collections, catering to different artistic styles and interests.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform offers an intuitive interface, making it accessible to both newcomers and experienced users in the NFT space.
• Community Engagement: Ebisu’s Bay encourages community by supporting various NFT projects and facilitating interactions among artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.

As the first NFT marketplace built on the Cronos blockchain, Ebisu’s Bay has established itself as a central hub for NFT activities within the ecosystem.

Development Tools

Cronos provides a range of tools and resources to facilitate dApp development and deployment.

Developers can use the following resources:

• Cronos SDK: Built on the Cosmos SDK, it allows for the development of scalable and interoperable dApps.
• EVM Compatibility: Cronos’s EVM compatibility enables developers to use existing Ethereum tools, such as Remix, Truffle, and MetaMask, for smart contract development and deployment.

Guidelines for Deploying dApps on Cronos

To deploy a dApp on Cronos, developers should follow these steps:

1. Set Up Development Environment: Install necessary tools, including Solidity for smart contract development and Ethereum-compatible wallets for testing.
2. Develop and Test Smart Contracts: Write smart contracts using Solidity and test them thoroughly in a local or testnet environment.
3. Deploy to Cronos Mainnet: Once testing is complete, deploy the smart contracts to the Cronos mainnet using compatible deployment tools.
4. Integrate Frontend: Connect the deployed smart contracts with the dApp’s frontend, ensuring easy interaction for users.
5. Security Audits: Conduct comprehensive security audits to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Highlights

• Cronos is an EVM-compatible blockchain built on the Cosmos SDK, supporting a diverse range of dApps.
• The ecosystem has experienced significant growth since its launch, with over 100 dApps and more than $2 billion in Total Value Locked.
• Notable dApps include VVS Finance, MM Finance, and Ebisu’s Bay, each contributing uniquely to the DeFi and NFT sectors.
• Cronos provides comprehensive development tools and resources, facilitating the deployment of scalable