NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are cryptographic data units stored on the blockchain, representing unique digital assets such as identity, contracts, rights, reputation, social relationships, etc. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, NFT assets are non-interchangeable, making each NFT a unique on-chain asset. NFT assets can be freely transferred, traded, and used as collateral on the blockchain, marking a new category of cryptographic assets.

NFTs have emerged as a groundbreaking force in the realm of digital assets. Widely acclaimed across various industries, from art and gaming to real estate and collectibles, they have garnered significant attention. However, despite the widespread interest, the NFT market is currently experiencing stagnation in its development and has not yet witnessed mass adoption. The issues surrounding NFT standards have become increasingly evident, highlighting the growing demand for well-defined NFT standards in the market.

In this post, we will delve into the importance of innovation in NFT standards and discuss how Mint is spearheading reforms in the NFT market in this regard.

Understanding NFT Standards
Non-Fungible Token (NFT) standards are the technical specifications that define how NFTs are created, traded, and interacted with on the blockchain. The smart contract and the properties of the token it issues are defined by a token standard. These standards define the essential attributes and behaviors of NFTs, ensuring compatibility and interoperability across different platforms and applications.

NFT standards are crucial in ensuring the interoperability, security, and functionality of NFTs in the broader blockchain ecosystem.

The Current State of NFT Standards
NFT standards play a pivotal role in shaping the digital asset ecosystem. The most well-known standards, ERC-721 and ERC-1155, established on the Ethereum blockchain, have set the foundational rules for NFT creation and operation.

ERC-721: ERC-721 was first used in the CryptoKitties game. Tokens created from this standard are unique because the token ID and the contract address pair must be unique. The downside of ERC-721 is that bulk transfer of NFTs is not possible. If an account wants to send 10 NFTs, they have to make 10 transactions.

ERC-1155: ERC-1155 is a multi-token standard that allows the transfer of multiple tokens of different types in a single, smart contract. NFTs and fungible tokens can be transferred in a single transaction, saving time and reducing costs by 90%. ERC-1155 is widely used in games. There are fungible assets such as gold and wood and non-fungible items such as a rare sword or armor in games. ERC-1155 allows the transfer of both types of items in a single transaction.

However, there are notable limitations to these existing standards. Challenges such as scalability, high gas fees, and limited flexibility have raised concerns among creators, collectors, and developers alike, hindering the NFT market's potential for further growth and innovation.

NFT Market Challenges - Current Standards Limitations Curb NFT Market Evolution
Despite the success of ERC-721 and ERC-1155, there are notable limitations to these existing standards.

Inflexibility in Asset Handling: ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards are not adequately flexible for managing a wide range of asset types, limiting their applicability in diverse markets.

High Gas Costs: The congestion on the Ethereum network, where these standards are primarily used, often leads to high transaction fees, making NFTs less accessible.

Limited Complex Interaction Features: These standards do not support more complex functionalities, like DeFi integrations, Supply chain applications, or sophisticated royalty mechanisms.

Impact on Adoption and Innovation: Such constraints restrict the wider adoption of NFTs and impede innovation, especially in areas needing dynamic and cost-effective solutions.

The NFT ecosystem's rapid expansion and current limitations have led to a demand for more versatile and adaptive standards that can overcome these challenges, promoting growth and creativity in the NFT market.

The Importance of Standard Innovation
To effectively navigate the challenges in the NFT market and realize the full potential of NFTs, the development and adoption of innovative and adaptable NFT standards have become imperative.

The NFT market is characterized by its rapid evolution, necessitating standards that are not just robust but also flexible enough to evolve with emerging market needs. Innovative standards are key to resolving current market issues, such as scalability and functionality limitations, thereby catalyzing the next phase of NFT adoption. This approach will pave the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and dynamic NFT ecosystem, unlocking new possibilities for creators, investors, and users alike.

Mint Blockchain's Role in Standard Innovation
We recognize the importance of NFT standard innovation and have taken significant steps to address these concerns. Through its NFT Improvement Proposal (NIP) and Mint Request for Comment (MRC) initiatives, Mint Blockchain is committed to revolutionizing NFT standards.

How NIP & MRC works:
NIP (NFT Improvement Proposal): An innovative NFT asset protocol proposal on Mint Blockchain. On the Mint blockchain, any developer can freely initiate the creation of NFT standards by proposing NIPs (NFT Improvement Proposals). The proposed NIP protocol will be minted into a type called “NIP Ready” NFT.

MRC (Mint Request for Comment): The Mint blockchain’s NFT standard. $MINT holders vote to decide whether NIP Ready enters the NIP DEV list. NFTs entering the NIP DEV list are marked by the Mint blockchain as DEV status, entering the development process and corresponding open-source code work. The Mint Foundation conducts the final review, and upon completion, the new MRC protocol standard is officially released. The MRC protocol release includes comprehensive development documentation, code, and explanations of applicable scenarios.

After the new MRC protocol is released, anyone can use it to issue NFT assets on the Mint blockchain. The gas fee income generated by NFT assets on the Mint blockchain will be openly and transparently distributed, providing direct and effective incentives for MRC asset protocol developers.

Mint Blockchain is innovating in the NFT space with its NFT Improvement Proposal (NIP) and Mint Request for Comment (MRC). These initiatives are designed to refine and expand upon the existing NFT standards, addressing their limitations. NIP focuses on proposing enhancements and new features, while MRC gathers community feedback for these proposals. Together, they aim to create a more flexible, efficient, and inclusive framework, thereby catalyzing the next stage of NFT market development.

Catalysts for Change

NIP (NFT Improvement Proposal) and MRC (Mint Request for Comment) are poised to revolutionize the NFT market by introducing dynamic and responsive standards that adapt to the evolving ecosystem in the following ways:

Dynamic Standards: Driving NFT standards innovation and introducing various NFT standards that are adaptable and can evolve alongside the NFT ecosystem.

Enhanced Functionality: By encouraging community contributions, aim to develop more complex and nuanced NFT functionalities.

Broadened NFT Use Cases: Open up new creative and commercial possibilities within the NFT market, advance innovation in NFT use cases and the mass adoption of NFT assets in real-world business scenarios

Improved User Experience: The focus is on creating a seamless user experience, making NFTs more user-friendly.

Cost Reduction: NIP and MRC seek to make NFTs more affordable by reducing associated costs.

Community Dialogue: Promote open communication with the community to incorporate diverse perspectives.

NFT Market Growth: These improvements have the potential to expand the reach and value of the NFT market.

Through fostering an open dialogue with the community, encouraging contributions that can lead to more sophisticated and nuanced NFT functionalities. This can greatly improve the user experience, reduce costs, and open up new avenues for creative and commercial use cases, potentially expanding the market's reach and value.

NFT standards are essential to the development and mass adoption of NFTs. Mint Blockchain's NIPs and MRCs are poised to be catalysts for change, addressing current market challenges and making NFTs more accessible and versatile. As we look to the future, Mint Blockchain's commitment to NFT standard innovation could play a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape, making NFTs an integral part of our daily lives.

Future
At Mint Blockchain, the mission is to drive innovation in NFT standards, inspiring developers and creators worldwide to envision the future of NFT applications and market demands. We aim to unlock the full potential of NFTs, allowing the market to select and evolve, thereby establishing valuable and meaningful NFT standards for broad adoption and unleashing their true market value.

Perhaps one day in the future, you'll hold a digital NFT wallet that changes your lifestyle just like social media did. Imagine validating your NFT identity to enter your neighborhood, swiping your NFT membership card at the supermarket, using an NFT PASS card at the gym, validating NFT tickets at concerts, and even verifying your NFT digital membership for online content. All operating systems will support NFT asset validation and execution, granting everyone their unique NFT digital wallet. This will significantly enhance individual freedom across various aspects and provide better personal information privacy protection.

This day may still be far away, but we've foreseen the future and are determined to accelerate its arrival. Making NFTs a brand new digital way of life for humanity is Mint Blockchain's ultimate vision.

Minting the New Era for NFTs, Mint Blockchain.