Virtual protocol tokens rise by 70%, but platform activities hit historic lows

not_your_keys · 2026-01-07T01:24:07+00:00

Although the Virtual protocol's token price has increased by 70% since the beginning of the year, platform activity has hit a historic low, with daily token issuance remaining sluggish. The protocol has introduced three different token launch mechanisms tailored to various development stages, attracting some investments. However, staking amounts have significantly declined, and overall demand has not improved, suggesting that the price rebound may be merely a short-term speculative move.

not_your_keys

2026-01-07 01:24:07

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Source: Yellow Original Title: The Virtual AI Agent Protocol Surges 70% Despite Platform Activity Hitting All-Time Lows

Original Link: Virtual has increased by 70% since the beginning of the year, despite a 75% decline from its all-time high. The AI agent protocol has launched three new token launch mechanisms, while staking levels continue to decline and the daily token creation volume remains at historic lows.

What’s Happening: Launch Framework

Virtual has introduced three different token launch models: Pegasus, Unicorn, and Titan. The protocol has abandoned a unified launch mechanism in favor of a differentiated framework tailored to specific development stages.

Pegasus targets developers seeking rapid market validation. Unicorn serves projects that require capital and transparency. Titan is aimed at mature teams with existing products or institutional support.

Virtuals Ventures invested in PredictBase, enabling the platform’s AI agents to participate in prediction markets, execute automated trading strategies, and optimize liquidity.

The price recovery coincides with the emergence of the micro-payment protocol x402. According to Layergg’s analysis, x402 allows autonomous agents to make small payments for services like purchases and market predictions.

Why It Matters: Speculative Rebound

The recovery in Virtual’s price has not led to increased platform activity. Dune Analytics data shows that in early 2026, only one or two tokens were launched daily, unchanged from previous lows.

Staking amounts have decreased from over 40 million tokens in mid-2025 to the current 25.8 million. The tokens launched on the platform have not achieved the same level of recognition as meme tokens on other platforms.

The broader AI token sector has also rebounded along with Virtual. Render (RENDER) surged 80% over seven days, while Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) increased by over 45% in the same period.

Without significant improvement in platform demand, the price rebound may lack sustainability and could be driven solely by short-term speculation fueled by the overall attention on the AI industry.

VIRTUAL-8,09%

RENDER-5,23%

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