Getting Started with Yield Guild Games

Yield Guild Games (YGG) is a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that invests in NFT gaming assets and coordinates players to use those assets in play-to-earn games. Founded in the Philippines in 2020 by Gabby Dizon, YGG became one of the most prominent names during the Axie Infinity-fueled play-to-earn boom. The native token is YGG.

What It Does

YGG operates as a gaming guild, a collective that purchases valuable in-game NFTs (land, characters, items) and lends them to players who might not be able to afford them. In exchange, earnings are split between the guild and the players (scholars). This "scholarship" model was pioneered during the Axie Infinity era when a single team of Axies cost hundreds of dollars.

Beyond scholarships, YGG invests in gaming tokens, partners with game studios, and runs competitive esports programs. The guild has expanded into a network of regional sub-DAOs (YGG SEA, YGG Japan, YGG LATAM, etc.) that operate semi-independently.

As of 2026, YGG has evolved significantly from its original scholarship model. The collapse of Axie Infinity's economy forced a strategic pivot. YGG now focuses more on gaming community building, competitive gaming, token investments, and partnerships rather than pure play-to-earn scholarships. The organization is still active but operates differently from its 2021-2022 peak.

How to Use It

Joining the Community

1. Visit yieldguild.io to learn about current programs.
2. Join the YGG Discord for community access and announcements.
3. Follow YGG on Twitter/X for partnership and event updates.
4. Check for regional sub-DAOs if you are outside the Philippines, they may have localized programs.

Becoming a Scholar/Player

• The traditional scholarship model (where YGG lends NFTs) has been scaled back significantly.
• Current programs focus more on competitive gaming teams and community quests.
• YGG runs "Quests" through its Guild Advancement Program (GAP), tasks and achievements in partner games that earn rewards.
• Apply through the official channels; availability depends on current game partnerships.

YGG Token

• YGG token is available on major exchanges (Binance, Coinbase, etc.).
• Holding YGG provides governance rights in the DAO.
• The token was historically used for staking and earning vault rewards, though these programs have been restructured.

Key Features

• Guild Advancement Program (GAP): YGG's main player-facing program. Complete quests in partner games to earn rewards and progress through guild ranks. This replaced the scholarship model as the primary engagement mechanism.
• Game Partnerships: YGG maintains partnerships with numerous blockchain games, providing early access, exclusive events, and organized competitive play.
• Sub-DAO Network: Regional guilds (SEA, Japan, LATAM, India, etc.) operate with local focus and sometimes their own tokens. Quality and activity vary by region.
• NFT Treasury: YGG holds a portfolio of gaming NFTs across many games. The treasury value has fluctuated with the broader NFT market decline.
• Competitive Gaming: YGG fields teams in blockchain gaming competitions and sponsors esports events.

For Developers vs Players

For Players

• The scholarship model that made YGG famous is largely a thing of the past. Do not expect to receive expensive NFTs to play with.
• The Guild Advancement Program offers a way to earn small rewards by completing tasks in partner games. Rewards are modest but the barrier to entry is low.
• YGG's value for players is now more about community, early access to new games, and organized competitive play than direct earnings.
• Sub-DAOs in your region may offer localized benefits and community.

For Developers/Game Studios

• YGG partnerships can provide a ready-made player base for new game launches.
• The guild's community of thousands can be activated for playtesting, feedback, and launch day activity.
• Partnership models typically involve YGG purchasing NFT assets, promoting the game, and organizing player engagement.
• Contact the BD team through yieldguild.io for partnership inquiries.

Common Issues

• Expectations vs Reality: Many people still approach YGG expecting the 2021 scholarship model where you could earn hundreds per month playing Axie. Those days are over.
• Token Performance: YGG token has declined significantly from its all-time high. DAO treasury value and token price have not recovered.
• Quest Availability: GAP quests are not always available for all games or regions. Check the platform regularly for new opportunities.
• Sub-DAO Quality: Not all sub-DAOs are equally active or well-managed. Research your regional guild before committing time.
• DAO Governance: While YGG is structured as a DAO, governance participation has been limited in practice. Major decisions are still largely driven by the core team.

FAQ

Can I still earn money through YGG? Earning opportunities exist through the Guild Advancement Program and competitive gaming, but do not expect significant income. Treat it as supplementary rewards for gaming you would do anyway.

Do I need to hold YGG tokens to participate? Not necessarily. Many community programs and quests are open without token ownership. However, token holders have governance rights and sometimes receive preferential access.

What happened to the scholarship model? The scholarship model depended on games with high entry costs and sustainable play-to-earn economics. As games like Axie Infinity saw their economies collapse, the model became unviable. YGG pivoted to community-based engagement.

Is YGG a good investment? This guide does not provide financial advice. YGG's treasury holds gaming assets and tokens, but the overall blockchain gaming sector has underperformed. Research the current treasury value, revenue model, and token supply before making decisions.

How is YGG different from other gaming guilds? YGG was the first and largest blockchain gaming guild. Its advantages include brand recognition, extensive game partnerships, and a global sub-DAO network. However, many competitors offer similar services, and the guild model itself has evolved.

What games does YGG currently support? The game roster changes regularly. As of 2026, YGG has partnerships with games across multiple chains including titles on Immutable, Ronin, and Polygon. Check the GAP platform for currently active games and quests.