Tuesday, April 21, 2026

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

Premier League Title Race Tightens With Big Money on the Line

The Stan Kroenke-controlled club is now in a tight battle for the league title.
Apr 8, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Kevin Hart reacts after teeing off on the eighth hole during the Par 3 Contest at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Coachella-ization of the Masters Has Golf Purists Concerned

Some recent changes at Augusta haven’t sat well with traditionalists.
November 28, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.

Former NFL Pro Adam Thielen Is Betting on the Youth Sports Boom

“We want to help athletes get better wherever they’re at.”
Seattle Torrent @ Vancouver Goldeneyes at Pacific Coliseum

How PWHL’s Gold Plan Takes Tanking Off the Table

The system determines which team earns the top PWHL draft pick.

Featured Today

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
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.
Sponsored

Paying a Premium: Super Bowl LX Is a Hot Ticket

Super Bowl LX ticket prices are among the highest of the decade. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are buying.
Sponsored

Olympic Hockey Betting Preview: USA and Canada Take Center Ice

Olympic hockey betting odds shift as USA and Canada dominate early action, per BetMGM’s 2026 Winter Games preview.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
January 26, 2026

Wearables Like Whoop Banned at Tennis Grand Slams—for Now

Alcaraz, Sinner, and Sabalenka were all told to remove theirs.
Sponsored

Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of Sports Media

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Dec 23, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Overall view of Frost Bank Center during the second half of a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
December 26, 2025

Kalshi Purges Social Media Affiliates With Antisemitic Posts

The affiliate badge program on social media continues to cause controversy.
Sponsored

The Hidden Tech Behind Every Touchdown

Nearly two-thirds of NFL stadiums already rely on Cisco networks, and the Super Bowl will showcase the full scale of the partnership.