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 will transition to a delegated proof-of-stake model. In addition to powering its consensus mechanism and usage as a medium of exchange, RON will serve as the network's governance token. The token's initial distribution was via Ronin Network's flagship decentralized exchange, Katana. Starting with RON/ETH, those providing liquidity to Katana pools related to Axie Infinity assets will receive RON. Additional RON is distributed via staking rewards to validators and those delegating tokens to them.