Daily Insights: Updates on Crypto, Blockchain, NFTs, Web3, and Play-to-Earn Gaming

Stardust's new and innovative Wallet-as-a-Service (WaaS) feature is changing the way web3 gaming and NFT work. Stardust makes it easy to manage digital assets across multiple EVM-compatible chains. This gives developers more freedom than ever before. WaaS makes it easier for users to get started and makes games more accessible, while Stardust Vault protects custodial wallets with multiple layers of security. Stardust is paving the way for a future where blockchain-based games do well. It is positioning itself as a driving force in the evolution of the metaverse, as partnerships like MetaDOS show.

Zynga, a prominent mobile game developer, has introduced its first Web3 game called 'Sugartown,' which utilizes Ethereum-based NFTs known as Ora tokens. This move signifies Zynga's entry into the blockchain-based gaming space after achieving success with popular titles like Farmville and Words With Friends.'Sugartown' is set in a fantastical world where players use Ora NFTs to access the game and participate in various activities and minigames. These NFTs also have the unique feature of being "staked" to earn in-game currency. The game's storyline revolves around imaginative creatures called Oras that transform Sugartown into a vibrant hub of entertainment and engagement.Zynga's Vice President of Web3, Matt Wolf, expressed excitement about the launch of Sugartown, highlighting the company's commitment to creating sustainable and enjoyable experiences within the Web3 framework. The game is designed to cater to the Web3 audience while also evolving over time to meet the preferences of Zynga's existing user base.Zynga's foray into Web3 gaming aligns with the broader trend of blockchain technology's integration into the gaming industry. The company's history of innovation, combined with the adoption of NFTs and Ethereum, sets a precedent for other major players in the gaming sector to explore similar avenues.The unveiling of Sugartown serves as a significant step towards Zynga's goal of establishing a strong presence in the decentralized gaming landscape, potentially influencing the future trajectory of the industry as a whole.

The partnership between Immutable and Polygon Labs marks a significant advancement in the world of Web3 gaming through the implementation of zkEVM technology. Immutable, a pioneer in Web3 gaming, has developed the Immutable zkEVM (Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine), which aims to address challenges related to scalability, compatibility, and accessibility on the Ethereum blockchain. By collaborating with Polygon Labs, this innovative project aims to revolutionize the gaming landscape.The initiative was set in motion when Immutable announced its collaboration with Polygon Labs, with the shared objective of enhancing gaming experiences on the Ethereum blockchain. The zkEVM, powered by zero-knowledge proofs, ensures secure transfers between itself and the Ethereum network. This sophisticated security protocol provides developers a safe environment to test the mainnet version of the network. A standout feature of Immutable's zkEVM is its compatibility with all Ethereum applications, facilitating seamless migration for developers and optimizing the benefits of the new ecosystem.The partnership has garnered support from more than 20 prominent gaming companies, including industry giants like GameStop, TokenTrove, Kongregate, and iLogos. This collective enthusiasm highlights the transformative potential of zkEVM in the gaming realm. Notably, several games have already embraced the zkEVM network for developing Web3 games, with titles such as CoinArcade, Galaxy Commanders, and MetalCore leading the way. MetalCore's beta launch on the Immutable zkEVM platform is scheduled for September 15, showcasing the tangible progress achieved through this technology.Alex Connolly, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Immutable, plays a pivotal role in shaping the platform's vision and innovation. He envisions that developers will be drawn to the zkEVM network due to its potential for enhancing game popularity. Connolly's optimism stems from recognizing that the zkEVM network, along with its suite of platform products, offers a comprehensive EVM solution for gaming success. The ecosystem has already attracted interest from developers, players, and partners, positioning itself to shape the future of Web3 gaming.Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum's creator, has taken note of zkEVM discussions beyond Immutable's confines. Buterin acknowledges the potential benefits and challenges associated with zkEVMs. He highlights the technology's capacity to enhance Ethereum's scalability, while also acknowledging potential issues related to data handling and speed.This discourse between innovators and visionaries underscores the delicate balance between creativity and practicality. As Immutable continues to develop the zkEVM network, Buterin's insights reinforce the notion that this technology holds the power to significantly impact Ethereum's future trajectory.The Immutable zkEVM chain introduces a transformative shift in blockchain gaming. Unlike generic chains, this dedicated network is tailored specifically for gaming purposes. Boasting compatibility with EVMs, low costs, scalability, and enterprise-level security, Immutable zkEVM combines Ethereum's capabilities with zk-rollup technology, streamlining the utilization of its gaming product suite.Immutable zkEVM is tailored to cater to the unique demands of the gaming industry, prioritizing speed, scalability, and user experience. Its overarching goal is to empower game studios by enhancing revenue streams, ensuring community safety, and delivering a seamless gaming experience. With the launch of Immutable zkEVM Testnet, developers gain the tools to create or migrate smart contracts, design in-game assets, experiment with economic models, and utilize platform products in a risk-controlled environment.As the collaboration between Immutable and Polygon Labs unfolds and more games find a home on the zkEVM network, the gaming community anticipates the revolutionary impact it promises. The Immutable zkEVM project represents a pioneering leap toward the maturation of Web3 gaming, offering easy integration of Ethereum applications, attracting major gaming partners, and securing the endorsement of Ethereum's founder.In summary, the partnership between Immutable and Polygon Labs is set to reshape the landscape of Web3 gaming with the introduction of zkEVM technology. This collaboration addresses key challenges and has garnered significant support from major players in the gaming industry. The Immutable zkEVM network offers a purpose-built solution for gaming, and its implementation is poised to catalyze a transformative shift in the Web3 gaming ecosystem.

In the context of the resurgence of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), the realm of Web3 gaming is strategically incorporating the principles of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) to accelerate the adoption of web3 technologies and blockchain systems.The ascent of the metaverse and the influence of blockchain have propelled Web3 onto the global stage. Although universal adoption of Web3 is still on the horizon, it has garnered substantial support, particularly from tech enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Web 2.0 advocates continue to demonstrate their value proposition.Distinctive Advantages Offered by Web3:Digital Ownership:Web3 introduces a revolutionary concept of true digital ownership, overturning the asset-rental model that prevailed during the Web 2.0 era. Users can monetize various online activities, such as creating and selling art, trading digital assets, renting out items, and securing digital possessions.Decentralized Control:In contrast to the centralized nature of Web 1.0, Web3 liberates users from single entry points for data, programs, and resources. Individuals gain complete control over their online experiences.Despite its merits, the adoption of Web3 has been gradual, primarily embraced by crypto and blockchain enthusiasts. Notably, the gaming industry presents a promising arena for such technologies, even as developers cautiously transition from centralized models to decentralized Web3 alternatives.The Resurgence of NFTs:2023 has witnessed a resurgence in NFT sales, fueled by innovative projects and an optimistic outlook. NFTs representing digital or physical assets like sports cards, avatar art, wearables, and in-game items are in high demand across diverse applications. NFTs, through asset tokenization, decentralized finance, and Web3 gaming, empower players as both owners and creators, driving their increased adoption.Web3 Gaming's Impact:The popularity of Web3 gaming is exemplified by instances like Valve's NFT restrictions resulting in substantial losses for the CS:GO community. Novel generations of engaging games are in development, where NFTs' properties can be dynamically altered to track gameplay history. The blockchain's immutable record ensures perpetual access to ownership, and players are rewarded for their efforts during NFT transactions.The Role of Digital Currencies:Prominent cryptocurrencies like Ether and Bitcoin, alongside NFTs, have demonstrated growth in 2023, albeit with volatility. Regulatory frameworks for digital assets established by various countries signal a maturing landscape, with crypto-friendly domains in the UK, Switzerland, and Hong Kong.Evolving Web3 Landscape:Web3's evolution includes promising applications like AAA games, where NFT statistics can adapt to gameplay changes. The blockchain's transparent recordkeeping ensures accountability, paving the way for a digital economy where NFTs derive value from utility and market demand.The Influence of DAOs:DAOs, powered by smart contracts, are reshaping the landscape, fostering communities, and enabling stakeholder-driven governance. DAOs empower players and collectors to confer real value upon NFTs, departing from Web 2.0's centralized control paradigm. DAOs' collaboration and competition dynamics encourage Web3 adoption, transcending gaming to fintech and other domains.DAO Applications:DAOs extend beyond gaming to areas like fintech, enabling fast and cost-effective peer-to-peer transactions. These decentralized structures empower collective ownership, particularly suitable for non-hierarchical groups pursuing common goals.Web3 Games' Essence:Web3 games mirror fundamental human desires for empowerment, autonomy, and achievement. Healthy competition and cooperation within these games enhance engagement, aligning with users' desire for agency. The integration of DAOs amplifies these elements by granting players financial authority and group management.Summary: DAOs' Role in Web3's NFT Resurgence:Amidst the renewed prominence of NFTs, DAOs are being harnessed to enhance Web3's capabilities. The fusion of NFTs' resurgence and DAOs' influence is reshaping decentralized experiences, accelerating web3 and blockchain adoption. The conjunction of NFTs' return and Web3 gaming is driving a paradigm shift, ushering in a dynamic digital economy built on decentralized principles, collaboration, and interactive entertainment.

Investors showed keen interest in Web3 gaming during July 2023, injecting a substantial $297 million into the sector. This surge in investments was attributed to strategic partnerships and significant developments in both the Web3 and Metaverse realms. The previous month had witnessed a stark drop, hitting a mere $68 million, partly due to regulatory issues involving major players like Binance and Coinbase. Although the count of daily active wallets experienced a slight 0.5% decline, Web3 gaming retained its significance, constituting 41% of the total industry activity. Notably, infrastructure projects received the lion's share of funding, amounting to $187 million. Prominent companies like Google recognized the transformative potential of Web3 gaming, solidifying its appeal to investors.DappRadar's report delved into various aspects of this ecosystem, highlighting unique gameplay mechanics and innovative monetization strategies such as virtual item sales and the "play to earn" concept. The gaming sector accounted for 41% of all blockchain transactions, with WAX boasting the highest count of unique active wallets. Collaboration between entities like CyberKongz and Ronin, along with shifts to platforms like Arbitrum by Mighty Bear Games, shaped the Ethereum Layer 2 gaming landscape. Notably, Google's decision to embrace Web3 games in its Play Store, albeit with specific conditions, signified a pivotal step forward. The migration of games, like "Mighty Action Heroes," to platforms such as Arbitrum demonstrated their growing adoption.Despite market fluctuations, July underscored the industry's resilience and growing confidence. Investments not only reflected optimism in the Metaverse and virtual realms but also showcased faith in the potential of blockchain technology. The trajectory of blockchain's integration into gaming was exemplified by notable projects on platforms like Ronin, reflecting a paradigm shift that promises to redefine the industry's future. As the month unfolded, the impact of these investments on product development, user engagement, and market expansion remained a focal point. This convergence of gaming, blockchain, and the Metaverse holds tremendous promise for the future, as demonstrated by the substantial strides made in July 2023.

PayPal has made a groundbreaking entry into the world of crypto by launching its own stablecoin, potentially setting off a significant trend in the crypto space as it transitions towards the web3 era. This move has garnered attention from prominent players in technology and finance, who are considering their own stablecoin offerings in partnership with Paxos. These developments indicate a growing interest in stablecoins backed by tangible assets, like the US dollar.Walter Hessert, Paxos' Head of Strategy, has revealed ongoing discussions with major corporations about integrating stablecoins into their operations. The popularity of stablecoins, digital assets supported by collateral and pegged to established currencies, has surged. Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) are among the top cryptocurrencies. PayPal's entry into this domain is also bolstering Paxos's white-label service.Stablecoins' rising prominence is evident in Tether's substantial profits and Circle's growing asset base. While the demand for dollar-pegged tokens might not be extremely high, the potential of the stablecoin market is significant. This trend aligns with PayPal's strategy to expand payment flows and explore new revenue avenues beyond traditional trading.The introduction of PayPal's native digital currency, PYUSD, for merchant-customer transactions marks a bold venture into the uncertain territory of stablecoins. This step aligns with the broader trend of tokenizing financial instruments and highlights the evolving nature of information exchange. As the total transaction capitalization of stablecoins hits $130 billion in 2023, institutions and governments are becoming more intrigued by asset-backed tokens, suggesting a potential shift in mainstream crypto payments.The launch of PYUSD could also trigger regulatory discussions on stablecoins, potentially influencing how cryptocurrencies are governed. PayPal's stablecoin addresses various concerns by offering person-to-person payments, purchases, and transfers, all fully backed by the US dollar. This comprehensive approach could impact stablecoin regulations and the overall cryptocurrency landscape.In summary, PayPal's entrance into the stablecoin market has the potential to initiate a transformative trend within the crypto sector as it navigates the web3 era. The move towards stablecoins, tokenized financial instruments, and the introduction of PYUSD demonstrates the shifting dynamics of digital finance and its intersection with regulatory considerations.

This week's Web3 gaming industry updates cover a wide range of topics, including the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic, which has an effect on the tech and gaming industries as a whole. HyperPlay has improved its launcher by adding Web3 games and cryptocurrency wallets. Copenhagen Fashion Week and "Drest" are examples of metaverse shifts because they mix the real and digital worlds of fashion. Elixir Games and Gala Games work together to reach more people. Voxie Tactics is adding an in-game NFT market, and Phantom Galaxies is putting out an open beta with some interesting features. Upland goes all the way to Tokyo, connecting the digital and cultural worlds. Legal battles, partnerships, and new ideas for the metaverse are all part of how web3 gaming is changing.

Illuminati Capital, a trailblazer in blockchain and decentralized technologies, is making a profound impact on the emerging Web3 landscape. The prominent company recently raised a substantial $50 million fund dedicated to the Web3 ecosystem. Distinguished by its unique approach to venture investing, Illuminati Capital stands out among investment firms. Concentrating on early-stage startups and boasting a formidable consortium of partners, the firm is poised to wield significant influence in the ever-evolving Web3 realm. Let's delve into the key concepts and strategies that define this innovative venture capital enterprise.Unveiling Illuminati Capital's Accomplished Investor TeamIlluminati Capital boasts an impressive array of partners with diverse backgrounds and a long track record of achievements. The trio of investors collectively invested nearly $1 billion in blockchain-based startups. Notably, Vickaash Agrawal, a partner at the firm, has secured an exceptional reputation through over 120 successful blockchain investments. His expertise spans data analysis, infrastructure development, regulatory comprehension, and mining, all of which prove invaluable in the dynamic and intricate Web3 domain.Dhaval Parikh, another partner at Illuminati Capital, adds strength with his extensive experience in blockchain investment. With a comprehensive grasp of the Web3 landscape spanning more than five years, Parikh contributes significantly to due diligence, risk assessment, portfolio management, and trend analysis. His background in venture capital enhances his ability to pinpoint promising opportunities that harmonize seamlessly with the company's objectives.Completing the triumvirate is Laura K. Inamedinova, a partner and CEO of LKI Consulting. Armed with a marketing prowess cultivated through servicing over 250 clients, Inamedinova plays a pivotal role in supporting portfolio companies with community building, branding, marketing strategies, and user acquisition. This holistic strategy ensures that the projects backed by Illuminati Capital garner the requisite attention and traction for early-stage growth.Investment Focus and Forward-Looking StrategyIlluminati Capital directs its investments across a diverse array of projects, underscoring a commitment to diversification and seizing opportunities in varied technological domains. Its involvement in decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain gaming, artificial intelligence (AI), NFT infrastructure, and real-world assets (RWA) underscores the expansiveness of the Web3 landscape. Through this targeted approach, Illuminati Capital aspires to wield substantial influence in shaping the decentralized economy of the future.Setting itself apart from competitors, the firm's investment methodology is characterized by its partners' expertise and a history of astute blockchain investments. Illuminati Capital's investments of $30 million in various Web3 projects have appreciated to a combined value exceeding $150 million, illustrating its aptitude for identifying projects with considerable growth potential. Armed with this insightful data, the firm curates a portfolio that seamlessly aligns with its strategic objectives.Engagement and Holistic SupportIlluminati Capital's commitment to its portfolio extends beyond financial backing. The diverse backgrounds of its partners empower them to provide founders with tailored guidance and hands-on collaboration. Startups benefit from personalized advice informed by the partners' collective proficiency in data analytics, marketing, blockchain technology, and venture capital.Moreover, the firm actively aids portfolio companies through practical involvement. Illuminati Capital goes the extra mile to ensure the success of its investments, encompassing activities such as exchange listings, business development, public relations, and collaboration with key opinion leaders (KOLs). This comprehensive support system facilitates accelerated growth for startups, enabling them to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities within the competitive Web3 landscape.Linking Tangible Assets to the Digital FrontierAt the heart of Illuminati Capital's strategic vision lies the fusion of physical assets with the burgeoning digital realm. The company spearheads the utilization of blockchain technology to bridge real-world possessions and activities with the nascent digital landscape. Through investments in sectors like digital currency (DeFi), blockchain gaming, and NFT infrastructure, Illuminati Capital pioneers the connection between today's centralized economy and the decentralized economy of the future.Emerging as a dynamic catalyst, Illuminati Capital is propelling the expansion and transformation of the Web3 ecosystem. Its visionary investments, hands-on support, and commitment to shaping the decentralized economy distinguish it among venture capital entities. Backed by partners with comprehensive expertise spanning diverse domains, Illuminati Capital is primed to leave an indelible mark on the unfolding Web3 narrative.

Yield Guild Games recently hosted the Web3 Community Summit, a gathering that showcased upcoming Web3 games like Gensokishi, Metacene, Mighty Action Heroes, SingSing, and XPLA. The event, presented in collaboration with Globe and GCrypto, offered attendees opportunities to explore and compete in these games while Web3 Jobs Asia facilitated job applications for over a hundred available positions within the Web3 industry. Despite market fluctuations, the summit underscored the community's steadfast enthusiasm for Web3 technology.Yield Guild Games has been pivotal in nurturing the local Web3 community since its inception in 2020. Their Web3 Metaversity educational initiative has empowered residents with essential skills and knowledge for navigating the metaverse. The organization recognizes that initial players who engaged with Web3 for gaming have evolved into dedicated YGG users. Initiatives like the Guild Advancement Program and SuperQuests have streamlined community engagement and learning about Web3 games.In an upcoming event, Yield Guild Games is set to host the Web3 Games Summit in November. The summit will encompass a hackathon, esports competition, conferences, and more, with attendees including global founders, developers, investors, community leaders, and content creators. YGG's CEO, Gabby Dizon, believes these efforts will enhance the recognition of Filipinos in the Web3 arena.Yield Guild Games, as the largest decentralized network of gaming guilds in the blockchain and Web3 education realm, has been instrumental in catalyzing the growth of gamers and blockchain enthusiasts. Through their various initiatives, partnerships, and forward-looking approach, YGG has solidified its position as a leader in the evolving Web3 landscape, demonstrating resilience and optimism despite challenges.

WAGMI Games is on a mission to revolutionize the world of Web3 entertainment, aiming to drive mass adoption of NFT games. Their strategic approach, combining cutting-edge technology, seasoned crypto professionals, and a community-oriented mindset, has garnered attention and anticipation in the industry. By integrating high-quality graphics, in-game economies, and active communities, WAGMI offers a distinctive and engaging crypto-gaming experience. Despite the colossal gaming industry having three billion players, Web3 games only capture a mere 3%, a gap WAGMI seeks to bridge.Unlike other companies, WAGMI prioritizes accessibility by allowing players to purchase assets with regular fiat currency, which could introduce a new generation of users to NFTs. This innovative approach underscores the concept of player-owned assets, expanding the web3 gaming market. The company has made key appointments to its team, notably Esteban Gil and Brent Pease, who bring extensive experience from successful gaming titles. Esteban Gil, renowned for his leadership in games like Garena Free Fire, now shapes WAGMI's business strategy, driven by his belief in web3 and NFT potential. Brent Pease, with a rich background in gaming and company building, takes on pivotal roles to bolster WAGMI's growth.WAGMI Games is committed to overcoming obstacles hindering web3 gaming's growth. By simplifying onboarding processes and enabling asset purchases with fiat currency, the company aims to make web3 gaming accessible to a broader audience. Their first project, "WAGMI Defence," exemplifies this approach with a fast-paced game loop and player-owned assets. With platforms like GamestopNFT facilitating asset trading, WAGMI embraces the decentralized ethos of the web3 ecosystem.The inclusion of AAA talents like Esteban Gil and Brent Pease reaffirms WAGMI's mission and potential, as expressed by CEO Ian Bentley. The company aims not only to realize its vision but also to be part of the historic evolution of the gaming space.

In July 2023, the NFT trading volume witnessed a significant decline, attributed to the volatile state of the blockchain and cryptocurrency market. Sales figures dropped by 29%, while the number of transactions decreased by 23%, according to a recent analysis by DappRadar. Despite this overall downturn, a glimmer of hope emerged from the realm of gaming NFTs towards the end of the month.The NFT market showcased remarkable diversity with various projects such as DMarket's Go skins, Gods Unchained's gaming NFT cards, Sorare's fantasy sports NFTs, and the innovative Watch2Earn program supported by NFTs. These NFTs extended beyond Ethereum and were also present on platforms like Mythos Chain, ImmutableX, and Binance.Amidst the challenging market conditions, it's important to recognize the progress NFTs have made. Even during this period of decline, there are opportunities for strategic investments in NFTs. While the market has been struggling, there are indications of eventual recovery.For instance, the CyberKongz Genkai mint experienced initial difficulties selling all 9,000 NFTs on Ethereum, leading to a reduction to 3,000 units. Notably, the Ronin faction successfully sold all 3,000 of their NFTs within an hour, revealing the presence of potential collectors.Cryptocurrency market volatility posed challenges for NFTs. Bitcoin-associated ordinals faced difficulty in sales, dropping to a ranking below the top five on the blockchain. The blockchain industry as a whole experienced a decline in rankings due to limited functionality and incentive for collectors to trade Bitcoin-related NFTs.July 2023 saw the lowest monthly sales total, amounting to $493 million, since June 2021. Despite this decrease, the market remained relatively close to the previous week's totals. Noteworthy NFT collections were analyzed:DMarket achieved substantial sales of around $5.2 million through skins for games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Team Fortress 2.ImmutableX's popular game, Gods Unchained, generated impressive sales of $4.8 million as players engaged with its immersive gameplay.Sotheby's new generative art platform debuted with Vera Molnar's NFT drop, resulting in price increases driven by market demand.Binance's PLAYNFT collection ranked high, generating $1.7 million in revenue, especially through their innovative Watch2Earn platform.While Ethereum sales increased by 18%, the total sales in July ($271 million) were the lowest since June 2021. Binance secured the third position with $6 million in sales, closely following AIWorld Nodes and PLAYNFTs.Polygon's reported $5 million in sales preceding the announcement of Palm blockchain's transition to Polygon was not yet reflected in volume.Mythos and ImmutableX occupied the fifth and sixth positions, demonstrating the capability of gaming NFTs to compete with other major blockchains.Bitcoin's weekly sales dropped below $5 million, placing it as the ninth most profitable cryptocurrency.In an interesting turn, CryptoDickButts, a prominent NFT collection, announced the transfer of project administration to the largest holder of their new NFT series.In summary, the NFT market faced challenges in July 2023 due to market instability, yet a resurgence is anticipated, much like previous years. Gaming NFTs stand as a promising sector, buoyed by the launch of engaging games. Despite current setbacks, the diverse and evolving nature of the NFT landscape suggests a potential rebound in the future.

Bandai Namco has teamed up with the Oasys blockchain network to create a groundbreaking virtual pet game called RYUZO, centered around a collection of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Developed by Bandai Namco Research in collaboration with Japanese startup Attructure, the game offers a unique blend of AI technology and blockchain-based NFTs, published by Double Jump.Tokyo.RYUZO introduces players to a novel concept where virtual creatures called RYU are represented as NFTs. These creatures hatch from virtual NFT eggs called MARYU, which were airdropped to holders of Oasys' initial series of NFTs. Once hatched, RYU creatures become soulbound tokens, tied to their original wallets and unable to be transferred or sold. This mechanism ensures the uniqueness and authenticity of each RYU in the digital realm.Drawing inspiration from the classic Tamagotchi virtual pet game, RYUZO elevates the concept with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). RYU creatures develop distinct personalities and unlock various abilities based on their interactions with players. Gamers can engage with their RYU pets by feeding and racing them, fostering a sense of responsibility and attachment. Thanks to AI, these virtual creatures can learn, evolve, and provide a dynamic pet experience.An intriguing feature of Ryuzo is the ability for players to create successive generations of MARYU within the application. This feature encourages users to explore diverse combinations and traits, enhancing gameplay and expanding the range of digital pets. After a year of nurturing, RYU creatures continue to exist in the virtual world, offering long-lasting entertainment for players.Oasys, the gaming-centric blockchain network behind RYUZO, envisions not only an exceptional gaming experience but also collaborations with other notable game projects. The collaboration between Bandai Namco and Oasys showcases the gaming industry's willingness to embrace blockchain technology and NFTs. Prior to RYUZO, Bandai Namco ventured into the NFT space with "World of Den-On-Bu," further establishing its innovative approach to game development.Looking ahead, Bandai Namco's ambitious plans include creating a metaverse experience based on the popular "Gundam" anime franchise. As the collaboration between Bandai Namco and Oasys continues to shape the gaming landscape, RYUZO stands as a testament to the potential of combining AI and blockchain in creating engaging and evolving gaming experiences.

GameStop, a well-known video game retailer, entered the cryptocurrency arena with the launch of its own marketplace for NFTs and cryptocurrencies, aiming to establish a presence in this rapidly evolving space. However, the company's crypto journey was short-lived as it abruptly announced its withdrawal from the crypto market and the discontinuation of its marketplace. This unexpected decision was attributed to the "regulatory uncertainty of the crypto space."GameStop's foray into the crypto world involved the launch of its proprietary NFT marketplace and a commitment to support crypto games and innovation. Other gaming companies, such as Ubisoft and Square Enix, had also ventured into the NFT market to capitalize on emerging trends. However, GameStop's plans were disrupted by regulatory challenges and internal changes.The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies and NFTs has been rapidly changing, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) taking actions against major crypto exchanges. This regulatory uncertainty played a role in GameStop's decision to cease its crypto-related initiatives, including crypto wallet services.The departure of CEO Matt Furlong marked a turning point for GameStop's crypto strategy. Furlong had already indicated a shift in the company's stance toward the crypto industry, expressing caution about risking shareholder money in the volatile crypto market. The departure of crypto wallet engineers further indicated a shift in priorities away from the NFT sector.The decision to step back from the crypto landscape has implications for GameStop's future. As the gaming industry transitions toward digital delivery, GameStop's traditional business model faces challenges. The company's stock price has been volatile due to factors like the "meme stock" phenomenon, leading to questions about its sustainability.In summary, GameStop's venture into the crypto world through its NFT marketplace was short-lived due to regulatory uncertainties and shifting internal priorities. This decision reflects the challenges traditional companies face in adapting to the rapidly changing digital landscape.

For RYUZO, an AI-based game featuring digital creatures called RYU, Bandai Namco collaborates with blockchain network Oasys and Attructure. Players train and race their RYU pets, which use artificial intelligence to learn and evolve. Oasys airdropped 10,000 MARYU NFT eggs to NFT owners. RYU creatures are transformed into soulbound NFTs, providing holders with game stakes. Bandai Namco increases its web3 and metaverse presence, while Oasys collaborates with other game projects. Web3 technology is being embraced by the gaming industry, as evidenced by Bandai Namco's involvement and Ubisoft's Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles. This indicates the potential of blockchain gaming in the future.

Another exciting week in the world of Web3 gaming has come to an end, with a slew of updates in the metaverse, blockchain gaming, and NFTs. nWay introduces "Wreck League," a multiplayer fighting game that pits characters from the Bored Ape Yacht Club against one another. "Mojo Melee" has joined Amazon Prime Gaming, providing members with NFTs, exclusive skins, and champions. The British Museum enters The Sandbox metaverse by fusing centuries-old artifacts with NFTs. Immutable zkEVM is chosen by "The Medieval Empires" for MENA expansion. "Hunters On-Chain" introduces Season 0 with unique rewards, causing controversy due to its pay-to-win model. Web3 gaming's boundary-pushing evolution continues to captivate players and enthusiasts amidst the excitement.