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

Urvit Goel of Polygon says that 2023 will be a big year for the Web3 industry and metaverse. He says that this is when we will see high-quality blockchain games.There are a lot of hopes for blockchain games, and many people expect them to live up to those hopes. Since 2023 is a "put up or shut up" year, it's likely that things will work out. But it's more likely that we'll see great Web3 games that are already being made by people with a lot of experience making games. Urvit Goel, Vice President of Games at Polygon, talked to VentureBeat about how important 2023 will be for the blockchain gaming industry. He also talks about the role that Polygon is playing in making the change happen.Goel said that 2023 will be a big year for the gaming industry, especially in terms of how blockchain technology is used. People will pay close attention to the promises made about upcoming games, and it's important that results start to show. Many developers are still in stealth mode and haven't put out any products yet. As more games come out, it will be easier to figure out how good they are and where the industry is headed. Polygon is making progress in the right direction, as it recently integrated Magic Eden into its chain. Additionally, blockchain games like The Sandbox, Decentraland, and more have embraced Polygon. However, it isn't as easy as it sounds, especially after the FTX collapse and the raging crypto winter. Despite the challenges, Dappradar reports that the Web3 blockchain gaming sector saw more than $500 million in investments. Goel facilitates the integration of cutting-edge technologies and marketplaces into the development process. He does this with a view to producing superior products. In support of this, Polygon has created a fund worth $100 million to invest in Web3 gaming and related sectors. A significant portion of this funding has been provided from the company's own resources, derived from a previous funding round that generated $450 million.Goel says that the blockchain gaming industry is growing up very quickly. At first, most people were interested in how blockchain and cryptocurrencies could be used to make money. This made games that were easy to understand and didn't impress serious gamers. Goel, on the other hand, thinks that the industry has reached a point where good games are being made. This shows a change toward becoming more mature and trustworthy.Goel says that the only developers left in the blockchain gaming industry are those who are very dedicated to making high-quality games that gamers will enjoy. Most of the time, these teams have a lot of money and all the tools they need to make great games. On the other hand, Web2 developers who move into Web3 projects are also likely to make a difference in the field. Even though the business has changed recently, Goel doesn't see any signs of a slowdown in the near future.

The first Web3 security breach makes headlines in 2023 as the blockchain game Sandbox gets compromised and sends phishing emails to users.The Sandbox Sends users are at risk of phishing or malware emails after an unauthorized third party gained access to an employee's computer.The popular metaverse firm, The Sandbox, has issued a warning to its community members about a security breach. In their recent blog post, the platform disclosed that an unauthorized third party has successfully evaded its security measures and could have obtained information about its users. The Sandbox has warned its community not to open any suspicious emails that could give attackers access to their digital assets. This is the first significant Web3 breach to make headlines in 2023. According to the official blog post, the email titled 'The Sandbox Game (PURELAND) Access' may have been delivered to the email inboxes of The Sandbox community members. The email has links to malware that can sneakily install itself on users' computers and access their data without their knowledge.The blog post further explains that an employee's computer at The Sandbox was unlawfully accessed by a third party. It allowed them to obtain several email addresses to which they sent the email. An unauthorized third party had gained access to the computer of an employee of The Sandbox. This enabled the third party to access a number of email addresses. It then sent an email targeting the community.The Web3 game ecosystem provider identified the security breach at the end of the previous month. It is now contacting users who may have received a malicious phishing email. People have told these people not to click on the links in the email, which means they shouldn't open, play, or download anything. To address the issue, The Sandbox has blocked the employee's accounts and access to their platform. Additionally, it reformatted their laptop, and reset all relevant passwords while requiring two-factor authentication. While the company has not discovered any additional impacts resulting from the breach, they are actively monitoring the situation.“We have blocked the employee's accounts and access to The Sandbox, reformatted the employee's laptop, and reset all related passwords including requiring two-factor authentication. We have not identified any further impacts. However, we are working to monitor the situation,” the blog added.The Sandbox has urged its community members to utilize a trusted antivirus program and reformat any affected systems. In 2018, Animoca Brands, a game software company based in Hong Kong, acquired The Sandbox, a mobile game firm. Moreover, Animoca revamped the platform with a metaverse twist.

ImmutableX will Provide its Blockchain Platform for the Mobile Web3 Game Blocklete GolfImmutableX joins hands with Warner Bros. to work on the Web3 mobile blockchain game Blocklete Golf, which will permit players to own NFTs.ImmutableX announces the expansion of its collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports. Warner Bros. will be utilizing the ImmutableX blockchain platform to power Blocklete Golf - a mobile Web3 game, created by Warner Bros. Discovery Sports. The game lets players use non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to buy, train, and trade unique virtual golfers. Andrew Sorokovsky, the vice president of global business development at Immutable, stated in a release that they were pleased to partner with a pioneer like Warner Bros. and will provide the blockchain infrastructure for Warner Bros Discovery and Turner Sports in the sports media sector. He also mentioned that their commitment to exploring new possibilities and embracing early web3 adoption demonstrates that decentralized solutions are swiftly moving toward mass adoption. This will offer millions of individuals, new and engaging methods of interacting with entertainment media while maintaining complete control over their digital assets.Blocklete Golf, which was first released on the Flow blockchain, is going to move to ImmutableX to take advantage of its fast transactions and gas-free non-fungible token (NFT) minting. Another reason for this shift is that it is supported by Ethereum's powerful security and decentralization. Warner Bros. Discovery Sports and Immutable have decided to keep working together. This comes after the launch of the first interactive trivia and fan loyalty program, which can be seen every week during the Inside the NBA show after an NBA game.

Dr Disrespect, a popular Twitch streamer and gaming personality, has joined the NFT craze by launching his own line of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These digital assets are unique and can represent anything from art to music to in-game items. Dr Disrespect's NFTs will likely appeal to his dedicated fanbase and could potentially become valuable collector's items in the future.Dr. Disrespect has recently tweeted his support for NFTs and blockchain gaming, and his Midnight Society studio is developing Deadrop.Despite the negative response and the ongoing criticism from a large segment of his followers, Dr. Disrespect is intensifying his efforts in the realm of blockchain games. Most people know the broadcaster for his aggressive behavior and controversial appearances on Twitch and YouTube, especially when he plays popular battle royale games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, PUBG, and COD titles in competitive matches. His recent tweets show his renewed support for NFTs and blockchain games. He came down hard on the skeptics and called them "brain-dead headline followers." Based on these circumstances, he was banned from Twitch on June 6 2020. The platform didn't care to provide information about the ban, just mentioning that it was against its rules of service. Dr. Disrespect said at first that he didn't know what had happened, but on August 23, 2021, he said that he had known what had happened for months and was going to sue.Dr. Disrespect was completely disconnected from the audience he had spent years developing and from several sponsorship opportunities as a result of this permanent ban. The streamer's most obvious move was to simply switch his brand somewhere, choosing the growing streaming section of YouTube Gaming as his preferred platform.Dr. Disrespect and Twitch both said that the fight was over on March 10, 2022. He further shared that he would not go back to Twitch after a successful migration to YouTube. As of December 31, 2022, he had reached over 4 million subscribers. Meanwhile, Dr. Disrespect made the headlines as he announced the launch of his triple-A gaming studio, Midnight Society. During the dispute with Twitch in December 2021:“Midnight Society is a new kind of triple-A game studio and publishing model over a decade in the making", the official description states. “We are a group of ambitious game industry veterans who see a future in which developers no longer create experiences in a vacuum and players share in a game’s success.”Earlier, he faced criticism from followers and supporters for promoting a number of different blockchain games. Many of the critics said that the streamer was promoting a product that would hurt the environment and make the wealth gap in the gaming industry worse. Because of this, the content producer has, at least temporarily, distanced himself from technology. However, in a recent tweet, Dr. Disrespect said: "Blockchain games are the future."

Embarking on the Web3 journey offers brands an unparalleled opportunity to innovate and connect with their audiences on a deeper level. For those new to blockchain and NFTs, the journey begins with understanding the foundational concepts, akin to learning the rules of a new game. The key to success lies in creating NFTs that provide tangible value to customers, such as exclusive access, unique experiences, or special privileges, thereby fostering a sense of community and loyalty. However, navigating the Web3 space also presents challenges, including technological complexities, regulatory uncertainties, and the potential for market volatility. To mitigate these risks, brands must prioritize transparency, education, and a commitment to security. By adopting a balanced approach that combines innovation with customer-centric values, brands can confidently explore the vast potential of Web3 marketing, setting the stage for a new era of digital engagement and community building.

Decentraland fashion week, Champions Ascension tournament, NFTs making headlines, and Undead Blocks rolling out Play and Earn features in this week's Web3 gaming news. A lot of play to earn and blockchain gaming activity happened earlier this week. Several games like Undead Blocks, Champions Ascension, Decentraland, and more have come up with their updates. Now you can earn ZBUX by killing zombies, play Champions Ascension without a Web3 wallet, and more. We also saw the winner of Dookey Dash Key NFT making millions by auctioning it off. Moreover, we also have a Web3 metaverse fashion week coming up in Decentralnad. Mirandus also has a playtest open for players to test rolling dice. We also saw some big partnerships where Animoca Brands expands to the MENA region and join hands with Manga Productions and more.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 gaming, developers are on a quest to create decentralized applications (dApps) that not only captivate players but also secure a significant place in the competitive market. Achieving success in this innovative arena requires more than just a groundbreaking idea; it demands a strategic approach to development, community engagement, and market fit. Our series of titles guides aspiring and seasoned game developers through the crucial steps of crafting dApps that resonate with the gaming community. From essential development tips and strategies to insider secrets for building engaging and successful Web3 games, these insights offer a comprehensive roadmap. Whether you're transitioning from gamer to creator, or you're looking to elevate your existing game dApp, our focused titles provide the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges of Web3 gaming, ensuring your project not only launches successfully but thrives in this dynamic ecosystem.

Near Protocol is setting the stage for a revolution in the gaming and blockchain industries with its newly announced Blockchain Operating System (BOS). Launched at the ETHDenver 2023, this innovative platform is designed to significantly enhance the user experience on Web3, offering a seamless, integrated environment for both game developers and gamers. By providing a shared layer for browsing and discovering open web content, Near Protocol's BOS promises to streamline the development process, making it easier and more cost-effective to create games. It supports multiple blockchains, emphasizing interoperability and flexibility. Moreover, Near's focus on humanitarian efforts, notably through the Unchain Fund, showcases its commitment to leveraging technology for social good. With its user-friendly approach, enhanced security, and scalability, Near Protocol aims to bring the vision of one billion people on the open web to life, transforming the digital landscape for developers, gamers, and beyond.

The Funding is for Lowlife Forms, their Debut Blockchain game, and Web3 Game-verse platform VitalXP raises $3M in funds for its debut blockchain NFT game Lowlife Forms, it also plans to utilize funding for its Web3 game-verse platform. VitalXP has raised an extra 3 million dollars in pre-seed financing. The funding came for an action-packed gameverse platform and its debut game, Lowlife Forms. This huge funding, led by Streamlined Ventures and Marbruck Investments, demonstrated how people are still trusting Web3-based games, despite a cryptocurrency crash and challenging circumstances in the blockchain industry. The Round also shows that Web3 games and projects are still getting the funding and attention of investors. Lowlife Forms is set in a gritty yet amusing science-fantasy universe, populated by alien smugglers. The universe has droid bounty hunters, mercenaries, scam artists, and psychotic crime lords. The story resides at the nexus of mysterious shamanistic magic and alien technology.Tarik Malak, creative director for Lowlife Forms, explains how they are starting from the roots, all the way up. That includes the community, helping the players and fans to be part of the experience from day one. The game’s story and development are kind of open-ended, meaning it will develop along the way with the experience of all the factors involved.

In an exciting leap forward for the digital world, Animoca Brands and Manga Productions have embarked on a pioneering partnership to revolutionize the Web3 and blockchain landscape in the MENA region. This collaboration marries Animoca Brands' expertise in blockchain and Web3 technologies with Manga Productions' rich storytelling and content creation prowess, setting the stage for innovative projects that leverage the best of both worlds. Aimed at enhancing digital property rights, promoting local talent, and fostering educational initiatives in blockchain technology, this partnership is a beacon of progress. It signifies a commitment to not only advancing the digital entertainment sector but also empowering the region's youth with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the burgeoning Web3 ecosystem. By integrating Manga Productions' captivating characters and stories into Animoca Brands' extensive gaming and digital platform, this alliance promises to bring a new era of immersive, culturally rich experiences to the global stage.

HyperPlay is a Blockchain Game Launcher in Early Access. Hyperplay is the first Web3 blockchain game launcher of its kind and is being made for MetaMask by Game7 and Jacob.eth.HyperPlay, a Web3 blockchain gaming launcher, is currently available for early access. The software was co-created by Web3 gaming DAO Game7 and former MetaMask operations lead, who goes by the pseudonym Jacob.eth. The app is available for all major platforms but is developed and optimized especially for MetaMask users.HyperPlay is the world's first Web3 game launcher. It lets users bring their wallets, NFTs, tokens, and achievements into any game they want to play. HyperPlay is really permissionless and was created for the Web3 community. Instead of charging developers fees, the new platform plans to make money through cryptocurrency services like exchanges and bridges. Jacob told Decrypt that HyperPlay is "fixing the distribution problem and freeing game developers from the fear of being de-platformed by major monopolies like Apple and Google, or Steam." He prefers to go by his first name or his ‘.eth’ handle in order to protect his privacy. Jacob explains that, unlike the Apple store, they prefer not to take the 30% share of the developer's in-game economy."We're an extremely developer-friendly product,” He clarified. Instead, Jacob stated that HyperPlay will make money by providing "convenient features" within the software; much like MetaMask does, rather than taking a percentage of game sales or transactions. At launch, HyperPlay will have a lot of games, such as Undead Blocks, DeFi Kingdoms, The Sandbox, Voxie Tactics, and The Bornless, to name a few. Both Web3 games and non-crypto games will be supported by the launcher.

The Sandbox Expansion will Bolster its Metaverse Gaming Experience With SviperThe Sandbox is growing by buying Sviper. This will help the Sandbox build its Web3 metaverse and make the blockchain game feel more real.The Sandbox, a Web3 blockchain game, continues to progress and expand as it reaches Germany in its newest acquisition. In its recent buy, The Sandbox has now Hamburg-based game development studio Sviper under its umbrella. Sviper boasts a senior-level development team, skilled engineers, and a creative talent pool. Sviper’s resource pool will now assist The Sandbox, a blockchain subsidiary company of Animoca Brands. The goal of the acquisition is to make the experience more immersive by adding more metaverse, social, and game elements. “The Sandbox’s German team is a creative powerhouse that is already advancing the gameplay possibilities available to our internal teams and The Sandbox creators at large,” Borget added. “From adding social features to designing rules creators can use to prototype game logic to implementing powerful multiplayer features, our Hamburg team is supercharging the metaverse’s creative potential.” In 2016, Sviper came to the scene and got famous for its creative collaborations with major brand partners and experienced team members. The acquisition now expects Sviper to enhance The Sandbox by introducing fresh social features, multiplayer gameplay choices, and Game Maker capabilities for content creators. Agnitio Capital served as the M&A consultant for Sviper in relation to this agreement.“We’ve built a high level of trust with The Sandbox Germany team as they’ve demonstrated tremendous innovation and quality by both working with major partners and ideating on new gameplay concepts," said Arthur Madrid, CEO of The Sandbox.

Sony Game Developers and Ex-EA Developers Comprise Avalon Corp TeamAvalon Corp.'s Digital Universe receives $13 million in funding to launch an AAA project in the Web3, metaverse, and blockchain gamingThe world is molding itself towards the crypto universe for investments as well as the future. Big companies are getting interested in blockchain and metaverse or AAA multiverse and looking for different ways to be a part of it. In a similar effort, Bitkraft Ventures has raised $13 million in funding along with other companies to fund Avalon Corp, a Web3 gaming startup working on Avalon universe. The companies included are Hashed, Delphi Digital, Mechanism Capital, Coinbase Ventures, and others. The round also received funding from some angel investors, including former Microsoft executive Charlie Songhurst and Twitch co-founder Kevin Lin.The big news is their team of developers, has worked in huge tech companies like Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Blizzard, and Sony. The studio's first game will be Avalon, which runs on Unreal Engine 5 and has some MMO and Web3 metaverse elements. However, CEO of Avalon Corp Sean Pinnock and Chief Product Officer Jeffrey Butler told Decrypt in an interview that they don't perceive Avalon as a metaverse. The main reason for the reluctance is how the term has been taken and misapplied in the digital world.Butler remarked of the term "metaverse" that "everyone's kind of leaping onto this word and just pounding the poor word to death," adding that practically every big brand, whether they be a fast food chain or fashion industry, has somehow associated themselves with the creation of their own metaverse.

The Major Rugby League MLR and OVAL3 partnership will bring a unique fantasy NFT game, a valuable addition to Web3 and blockchain gaming.Major Rugby League fans will get their hands on an exclusive Fantasy NFT game using blockchain technology. The official announcement came from OVAL3, a renowned name in Web3 and fantasy sports games, especially rugby. As for MLR, it is a top league in North America, and it recently entered its sixth season last month. OVAL3 intends to offer top-tier blockchain immersive experiences and Web 3.0 engagement to the expanding North American rugby fanbase. It aims to achieve it through the procurement of MLR's exclusive NFT and Fantasy licenses. NFTs are now making a solid transition from profile pictures to in-game valuable assets. MLR has witnessed progress in all major metrics since 2017, consistently captivating new fans to the sport every year. The U.S. securing the 2031 (Men’s) and 2033 (Women’s) Rugby World Cups hosting will result in unparalleled North American focus on the sport in the upcoming years. This is where Oval 3 pledges to provide long-term support to MLR and its followers. Leveraging its fantasy rugby background from global operations, particularly with the Ligue Nationale de Rugby, OVAL3 plans to develop MLR's inaugural official fantasy game. This one-of-a-kind and captivating game will connect rugby with NFTs. Additionally, it will also tackle contemporary gaming codes using a Play & Own approach. It will provide a distinctive and immersive experience for both rugby enthusiasts and gamers.

In a recent episode of Decrypt's gm podcast, Polygon Labs' President Ryan Wyatt shares his insights on the future of Web3 blockchain games. He believes gamers will eventually adopt Web3 adaptations, driven by improved gameplay and true digital ownership through NFTs. Despite initial skepticism and challenges, Wyatt emphasizes that gamers, being tech-savvy, are likely to embrace these innovations as technological barriers decrease. He discusses the potential of NFTs to revolutionize digital property rights in gaming, allowing players to buy, sell, and trade in-game assets freely. Wyatt also highlights the need for developers to create engaging and sustainable Web3 gaming experiences. As blockchain technology evolves, Web3 games might simplify the user experience and integrate seamlessly with traditional gaming models. Dive into Wyatt's vision for the future of gaming, where Web3 and NFT gaming are set to transform the industry.