By enabling users to deposit tokens from approved AI Agent projects, Virtuals Protocol allows participants to earn internal rewards called Virgen points. These points can be used for early access to upcoming token launches and allocations from unreleased AI initiatives on the platform.
Virtuals Protocol Announcing The Launch Of Their AI Agent Staking Program
Source: X (@virtuals_io)
Currently, the platform supports around 70 projects for staking, with several well-known names making the list. Some of the most recognized tokens include:
The Virtuals team has also emphasized that this list isn’t final. New projects can be added as long as they meet the platform’s technical, security, and compatibility standards.
This open-door policy is designed to promote innovation while ensuring user safety and platform integrity.
When users lock their tokens into Agent Staking contracts, they earn Virgen points, an internal metric that functions as more than just a vanity score. These points are central to the ecosystem, acting as a gateway for privileged access to token allocations of AI projects that are still under development.
This reward system is intended to encourage long-term engagement and provide tangible value to participants. Unlike traditional staking models that offer inflationary token rewards, these points are directly tied to future opportunities within the Virtuals network.
The introduction of Agent Staking comes after a challenging few months for Virtuals Protocol. Between January and March 2025, the protocol saw its token plummet from $4.60 to just $0.48, a staggering 90% drop that reduced its market cap from $4.6 billion to $284 million.
This sharp decline not only impacted investor confidence but also cast a shadow over the broader AI Agent sector. Many projects reliant on hype and speculation struggled to maintain relevance without offering functional features.
However, beginning in mid-April, VIRTUAL began a notable recovery. The token surged back to $2.00, pushing its market capitalization past the $1.3 billion mark.
The market has responded positively to the launch of Agent Staking. In the 24 hours following the announcement, Virtuals’ native token experienced a 10% price increase, reaching $1.90. Alongside this surge, trading volume spiked to $390 million, signaling a wave of renewed interest from retail and institutional investors alike.
The upward trend highlights a shift in sentiment, with the market now favoring AI projects that offer real-world applications and structured growth paths. Virtuals’ approach of combining staking with early access benefits appears to be resonating well with its community.
To participate in Agent Staking and begin earning Virgen points, users must migrate their eligible tokens into staking contracts by May 22nd at 3:00 P.M. (GMT+8). Only tokens staked before this cutoff will begin generating rewards, making the timing of this migration critical for users who want to maximize their returns.
After the deadline, staking will remain available, but rewards will only be distributed to tokens that were staked before the designated time. This mechanism encourages early adoption and creates a sense of urgency, which could further boost short-term engagement on the platform.
Ultimately, the Agent Staking feature aims to be a strategic move that Virtuals Protocol hopes can help position them as a leader in the Web3 AI landscape. With increased focus on usability, access to future projects, and community-driven rewards, Virtuals hopes to set itself apart from other protocols that continue to rely solely on speculative hype.
As the demand for practical AI and blockchain integrations grows, Virtuals Protocol appears poised to capitalize on this trend by offering users tools that are both rewarding and forward-thinking.
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