Thursday, September 24, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

NFT Video Game Developer Recovers Large Sum After $625M Hack

  • The hackers have been linked to a North Korean unit known as the Lazarus Group.
  • Blockchain analyst Chainalysis helped in the recovery.
Shutterstock

Video game developer Sky Mavis has recovered $30 million worth of cryptocurrency tokens with the help of U.S. authorities following a hack of its NFT-based title “Axie Infinity.” 

In March, “Axie Infinity” was hacked, causing Sky Mavis to lose $625 million. The title saw an exodus of players after it restricted the ability to transfer money out of the game. 

  • Blockchain analyst Chainalysis helped in the recovery.
  • Hackers stole a total of 173,600 Ethereum tokens.
  • The hackers have been linked to a North Korean unit known as the Lazarus Group.

In April, Sky Mavis raised $150 million to help alleviate losses caused by the hack and a decline in daily active users. Led by cryptocurrency exchange Binance — whose tokens are used in “Axie Infinity” — the round was used to partially reimburse players and improve security.

Other investors in the round included software and venture firm Animoca Brands, VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, Switzerland-based capital enterprise Dialectic, and crypto-focused VC firm Paradigm

Taking Action 

On Friday, Sky Mavis landed a deal with Google Cloud to secure its blockchain network.

As part of the multiyear pact, Google Cloud will help validate transactions within Sky Mavis’ gaming network.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 3, 2026 Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in action during the race
Exclusive

Dolphins Owner Nearing Deal to Sell 20% Stake in Miami F1 Race

Stephen Ross has owned the Miami Grand Prix since 2021.
First at FOS

Albert Pujols Says He Pursued MLB Ownership

The three-time MVP said his group was outbid for multiple franchises.
Golf - The 2025 Ryder Cup - Bethpage Black Golf Course, Farmingdale, New York, United States - September 27, 2025 Team USA's Russell Henley and Team USA's Scottie Scheffler react on the 18th green during the foursomes REUTERS/Paul Childs

Annual Presidents Cup–Ryder Cup Schedule Presents Challenges for U.S.

The Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup teams are not run by the same organization.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/24/26 – NFL Ratings Rebound, Dart’s Season Over, Haliburton Flies Southwest

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
Sponsored

The Football Marketing Offensive Playbook

How to activate during the moments that matter most to football fans.
Sponsored

World Cup Betting Preview: Big Kickoff in USA, Canada, and Mexico

A look at the key betting storylines with BetMGM heading into the tournament, including favorites, dark horses, and top scorer odds.
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
Sponsored

How Ryan Smith Is Building the Future of Sports in Utah

Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner talks from tech to team ownership.
Sponsored

How the Premier League is Rewiring Fan Engagement With AI

Inside the Premier League’s AI-powered effort to bring fans closer to the game through personalized experiences.
Sponsored

How Microsoft and the Premier League Are Making Fans Feel Closer to the Game

The Premier League reaches fans in 189 countries. Now, with Microsoft, it is making global fandom more personal through AI.
Sponsored

Fueling Dreams with Spectrum Business

Behind every league, team, and major event are the communities and small businesses helping power the business of sports.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.