Who was the creator of NFTs? Exploring the concise backstory of nonfungible tokens

A Concise Overview of the History and Evolution of NFTs: From Inception to Global Recognition

The origin of Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) dates back to 2012–2013 with the introduction of Bitcoin-based colored coins, which laid the groundwork for the NFT phenomenon that reached its zenith in 2021. An essential turning point in the journey of NFTs was the emergence of the Ethereum blockchain, which played a pivotal role in their popularization.

Although 2021 marked the peak of NFTs' popularity, it is crucial to note that their inception predates this period. Kevin McCoy pioneered the creation of the first NFT, named "Quantum," on the Namecoin blockchain in 2014. However, the concept of Bitcoin-based colored coins, which materialized in 2012–2013, set the stage for the development of BRC-20 tokens. This concept originally stemmed from a 2012 paper authored by Meni Rosenfield, laying the foundation for digital tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain.

The significant recognition of NFTs by the world occurred in 2017, primarily due to the arrival of the Ethereum blockchain, which addressed the limitations of previous blockchains in hosting NFTs. Ethereum not only offered a reliable solution for critical functions like token creation, storage, programming, and trading but also lowered the barriers for launching NFT projects.

The evolution of NFTs can be divided into key milestones:

1. The Origin of NFTs: Colored coins, initially designed to represent and manage ownership of real-world assets on the blockchain, introduced the concept of "nonfungible" elements, providing unique utility distinct from Bitcoin (BTC). These colored coins were comprised of tiny fractions of a Bitcoin, sometimes as minuscule as a satoshi. They showcased the potential of blockchains for issuing various assets, including property, coupons, digital collectibles, subscriptions, shares, and access tokens.
2. The Emergence of Ethereum: Ethereum's introduction brought forth a revolutionary shift, as it offered a more practical platform for NFTs. Projects like The Counterparty on Bitcoin and "Rare Pepes" NFTs paved the way for NFTs as artwork, while "Spells of Genesis" on Ethereum further contributed to the NFT landscape.
3. NFTs in Gaming and the Metaverse: Ethereum's token standards facilitated the integration of NFTs into the blockchain. Projects like CryptoPunks, CryptoKitties, and Decentraland marked the convergence of NFTs with gaming and the metaverse.
4. Expanding Beyond Ethereum: The NFT ecosystem witnessed a surge in 2021, with various blockchains introducing specific NFT standards. NFT trading skyrocketed during this time, with digital art playing a significant role. Renowned auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's moving online and the record-breaking sale of Beeple's "Everydays: the First 5000 Days" NFT further fueled the NFT craze.
5. NFT Market Rebounds: After a temporary dip in 2022 due to macroeconomic factors, the NFT sector experienced a resurgence in 2023. Innovations like Bitcoin-native NFTs, exemplified by "TwelveFold" from Yuga Labs, rekindled interest in NFTs, leading to a substantial increase in trading volume.

In summary, the history of NFTs traces a journey from their conceptualization in Bitcoin-based colored coins to their global recognition and continued evolution, with various milestones along the way, including their integration into gaming, the metaverse, and the emergence of Bitcoin-native NFTs in 2023.