The Ronin Network is an Ethereum sidechain launched in February 2021 by Sky Mavis — the developers of the hit GameFi title Axie Infinity. An Ethereum fork, the network facilitates the fast, cheap transactions required for play-to-earn gaming. Ronin was originally a proof-of-authority network, with validators selected from influential participants in the blockchain game and NFT niches. With the early 2022 launch of its native token, RON, the network transitioned to a delegated proof-of-stake model. In addition to powering its consensus mechanism and usage as a medium of exchange, RON serves as the network's governance token.