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

Blockchain gaming is changing the industry with things like true ownership, play-to-earn incentives, and integration with the Metaverse. NFTs let you own in-game items, which keeps the game's economy going. Decentralization lets developers be more creative and also encourages competition that focuses on quality and the user. Artists are helped by NFTs because they protect intellectual property and give out royalties. Through the Metaverse, blockchain links the real and digital worlds, making it possible for people to interact and own things in both. Emerging economies benefit from new business opportunities and stability. Blockchain gaming is changing the economy of the future by giving creators more power and bringing people from all over the world together in a seamless digital ecosystem.

Web3 gaming is changing the way people play games with blockchain, NFTs, and play-to-earn systems. This billion-dollar market that is growing quickly is changing the way the business world works. It's important to know about Web3 networks, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts. Games stand out because they have different ways to play, NFTs for in-game items, and play-to-earn incentives. The fact that Web3 is decentralized makes sure that assets are owned by the right people and that everything is clear. Building a strong community is important, and communication and trust are key parts of that. Interoperability makes it easy to move assets from one game to another. Scalability, user experience, strategic partnerships, and marketing must all be top priorities for success. By using "play-to-earn," players can turn their experiences into money. Web3 gaming has a bright future with a lot of growth and potential.

With "McNuggets Land" in The Sandbox, an Ethereum-based virtual gaming platform, McDonald's Hong Kong has made its first step into the metaverse. The goal of the collaboration is to find out what Web3 and virtual worlds can do so that people can interact with McDonald's in new ways. Even though people have different opinions, this move is the fast food giant's attempt to connect with its customers all over the world by taking advantage of how popular Web3 and NFTs are. McNuggets Land is a fun place to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Chicken McNuggets. It has characters made out of McNuggets and classic McDonald's mascots. Players can finish quests to get rewards in the real world and on the blockchain.

Ubunation, a new web3 platform based on community and positive change, is launching an exclusive NFT drop for early supporters and NFT fans. The Founders Badge NFT drop is set for July 30, 2023, and will give people the chance to become founding members of UBUNTION. This one-of-a-kind chance gives them access to a wide range of unique benefits, making them part of an elite group of people who benefit from the UBUNTION community. The platform focuses on a good cause in the web3 domain. This lets people in the web3 community become influential founding members and help the project succeed. Keep an eye out for this fun event and take advantage of the chance to be a part of something really special.

Art lovers, listen up! Star Atlas, Wild Flower, Galactic Council, and Skyborne Legacy will take you on an exciting journey into the world of NFTs. From July 19 to July 31, there will be an amazing line-up of mint releases in the NFT world, which has collectors, investors, and fans buzzing with excitement. This July, NFT will release a stunning set of mints that will appeal to art lovers, collectors, and tech fans alike. Get ready to see releases that will change what it means to be original and leave an indelible mark on the NFT industry, which is always changing. Mark your calendars and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime digital art and technology experience.

Together with Immutable, Eyeball Games was able to get $1.5 million in pre-seed funding for the development of the NFT-based game Eyeball Pool. White Star Capital led the fundraising round, which also included Polygon Ventures, Ocular, Great South Gate Ventures, and well-known angel investors. White Star Capital put money into the round from its Digital Asset Fund, which is backed by Ubisoft. Eyeball Pool was made by the same people who made the popular mobile game 8 Ball Pool. It aims to bring pool games into the 21st century with Web3 features and full asset ownership. The game will come out in a few months, but only NFT owners will be able to take part in a closed beta test before the official mobile launch in the first quarter of 2024.

In Q2 2023, Savvy Gaming Group, which is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), bought Scopely for $4.9 billion. Sega bought Rovio for $775 million. The Web3 gaming industry grew a lot, and deals worth more than $6 billion were made public. Mobile gaming was the most popular with 12 deals, while blockchain gaming got a lot of attention with 7 deals. Team 17, Sony, and Keyword Studios were all involved. In Q3, experts expect there to be a lot more mergers and acquisitions (M&A), public market growth, and interest in private equity.

Solana Labs has made GameShift API, an innovative web3 tool that makes making games easier and gives NFT solutions. GameShift was started by the original creators and developers of the Solana blockchain network. It gives game developers access to third-party crypto applications, making it easier for them to make games on the Solana platform and move existing games to the network without any problems. Play-to-own features and other web3 elements can be added to games using the API. This lets game developers add a "ownership layer" using blockchain technology. With Solana's network, players can really own in-game items as NFTs and trade them freely, breaking out of traditional games' walled gardens.

Google Play's most recent update to its policies for July 2023 allows digital assets to be tokenized and used in blockchain games. This is a big change for the web3 gaming industry. Even though developers are happy about this change, they must follow strict rules and be honest to get their games on the Play Store. Notably, the policy bans NFTs with gacha mechanics and sets rules for the content of gambling games that use blockchain technology. This change in policy could bring back the NFT hype, which has led to a lot of investment and criticism in the past. Even though some people think it's a delayed decision, experts are still optimistic about the impact of the industry.

Ubisoft, the game developer that made Assassin's Creed, is now working with Cronos as a node validator. This makes Ubisoft a bigger part of the NFT gaming world. With this partnership, Ubisoft is joining yet another blockchain network, which shows how committed the company is to using cutting-edge technology. Cronos is happy to announce that gaming giant Ubisoft will join the Cronos network as a validator. The company has promised to support and promote the Cronos network. Ubisoft will run a node on the open-source platform that works with both Ethereum and Cosmos. This will make sure that the network works well and is safe. Ubisoft is working with 27 other well-known validators, such as Crypto.com and Blockdaemon, to create and verify blocks as part of a decentralized gaming landscape.

The Play To Earn model is revolutionizing the gaming industry, offering players the opportunity to earn real-world value or in-game rewards through their gameplay. This article dives into the 10 most asked questions about Play To Earn, covering topics such as how it works, the benefits, popular games, getting started, safety considerations, and its impact on the future of gaming. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the concept, this article provides valuable insights into the world of Play To Earn, allowing you to understand the potential for monetizing your gaming skills and investments in this innovative gaming model.

Sparkball, Mighty Action Heroes, and Summoners Wars Chronicles are games that everyone will want to play this summer of 2023. Even though there are a lot of Web3 games, some players have trouble finding the right one for them. But the games above are likely to be interesting to gamers of all types. Sparkball is a competitive 4x4 "Mobrawler" game similar to League of Legends and Rocket League. In order to score goals, teams must find a balance between "balling" and "brawling." Sparkball promises to be a fun, action-packed game that gamers can play on the go. It has a lot of customization options, a tactical gameplay style, and a focus on teamwork.

Neopets, a beloved fan-favorite from 1999, had ambitious plans for its NFT game, Neopets Metaverse, after securing $4 million in funding and receiving CEO endorsement for play-to-earn games. However, the company shocked fans by abruptly canceling its NFT and play-to-earn vision. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, and speculation arises whether it was due to peer pressure, backlash from fans, media criticism, or the community's demands. Neopets Metaverse, which had already sold thousands of Solana NFTs, will now transition to a non-crypto mobile game called World of Neopets. This sudden change leaves fans wondering about the future of their favorite virtual pet simulator.

Own The Zone is a revolutionary Web3 women's football game introduced for the FIFA Women's World Cup AU NZ 2023. Developed by Reality+ and OTZ Sports, it leverages blockchain technology and real-time data to provide an unparalleled gaming experience. Players can strategize and make decisions based on live match data, offering an immersive football management experience. The game's integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) enables players to collect unique digital assets and earn rewards, enhancing their engagement. Own The Zone fosters community building, allowing enthusiasts to showcase their expertise and unite football fans worldwide in celebrating the excitement of women's football.

In a recent interview with Pocket Gamer, Immutable Games, the developer behind the successful NFT trading card game Gods Unchained, sheds light on the concepts of web3 gaming and its impact on the future of mobile and video gaming.Immutable Games' Chief Studio Officer, Justin Hulog, explains that web3 gaming is not solely about making players wealthy overnight, but rather about recognizing the value of players' time and money. The philosophy behind web3 gaming is to create a system that rewards players for their engagement and commitment. Unlike traditional Web 2 games, where in-game rewards might disappear with server shutdowns and items lack tradability or ownership rights, web3 games offer true ownership of in-game assets. This ownership extends beyond platforms and even allows players to trade or sell their assets when they choose.Hulog emphasizes that web3 technology enriches the gaming experience by empowering players to retain and enhance the value of their investments. The transition from Web 2 to Web 3 requires the expertise of web3 technology specialists, and ready-to-use product suites with integrated solutions can facilitate this transition. These solutions prioritize user-friendliness and security while providing real-time support tailored to each project.Immutable Games is optimistic about the role of web3 in the mobile gaming industry. As mobile gaming evolves from free-to-play models with loot boxes to "Play and Own" models that prioritize player community, web3 gaming is expected to play a crucial role. This approach maintains the flexibility and monetization aspects while allowing players to create and preserve value. Hulog suggests that the integration of subtle web3 elements into game design will lead to engaging titles that don't require players to grasp complex blockchain technology.Hulog also discusses Immutable Games' collaborations with development teams, focusing on integrating gameplay mechanics, tokenomics, and asset management. Drawing from their experience at Riot Games, Hulog emphasizes that web3 gaming will drive continuous growth, resulting in a diverse range of high-quality titles that seamlessly incorporate web3 elements.