Weekly Digest

June kicks off with explosive news as the biggest brands are making a statement when it comes to Web3 and gaming. Apple remains in the headlines as does Nike with their. SWOOSH platform and collaboration with EA. The SEC continues to throw its weight around by naming prominent gaming tokens as securities - Is It time to be greedy when others are fearful?

Also in our weekly digest:

• Jump Crypto and Google set a date for Web3 Gaming Week in Singapore

• Gala Games unveils Mirandus, a fantasy MMO with a rich storyline

• Fungiball Tennis may have set the bar for Web3 sport

• Sui and IntellaX launch the most amount of games in May

• Led by a 22yr old CEO Argus raises $10M in seed funding

• Is Web3 tech the perfect solution when it comes to rebooting a gaming franchise?

The most in-depth research on the future of E-sports, Web3 gaming and crypto by Yoda Labs

Co-authored by BGA & DappRadar & Sura Gaming

Web3 Gaming News 🎮

• SEC classification of gaming tokens impacts Web3 gaming ecosystem, claims to ensure investor protection and market integrity, but raises compliance concerns and challenges

• Jump Crypto and Google Cloud launch "Web3 Gaming Week," promoting Web3 gaming, blockchain technology, and innovation through events, networking, and gaming experiences.

• Apple's AR headset is expected to revolutionize gaming and the metaverse with advanced features and exciting capabilities.

• Paima Studios introduces Web3 engine containing additional features geared to port legacy games onto Cardano

• Gala Games unveils Mirandus, a blockchain-powered fantasy MMO with a rich storyline and player-driven economy.

• Gaming blockchain COMBO surges 90% after announcing its ecosystem fund to support builders.

• Ev.io introduces an in-game event for collecting BONK tokens, exclusive to NFT-based character skins, deposited into Solana wallets.

• Pink Moon Studios unveils "KMon: World of Kogaea," an immersive gaming experience featuring KMon monsters and captivating visuals.

• Pancake Protectors introduced by PancakeSwap is to enhance gamers’ engagement by introducing exclusive NFTs with additional benefits to enrich the gaming experience further in Season 2.

• Worlds Beyond goes live with playtests for two multiplayer games, where players earn Infinity Credits by participating and redeeming them for Loot Chests, Mining Keys for WBITS, NFTs, and more

• Ultimate Champions game guide is now available to all allowing players to create teams, earn points, purchase, and trade the in-game NFTs.

• Nike and EA Sports partner to integrate .SWOOSH platform's NFT sneaker collection for enhanced customization options but insists NFTs will not be in the games.

• Champions Ascension introduces "Old Sally" as the first slayable boss, and invites various gaming communities and guilds to participate in the gladiatorial combat game built inside a virtual world.

• Fungiball the Web3 tennis game offers NFT cards' where rarity and worth change when real-life tennis players perform, delivering a dynamic and interactive gameplay experience.

The Future of Web3 Sport Sims

Has Web3 fantasy tennis game Fungiball just set a benchmark on how to execute sports sims on the blockchain? It certainly makes a compelling case. The game simulates professional tennis players and gamers can collect and exchange player skill cards to create a tennis champion to compete against others. Usual gaming mechanics are in play where Silver, Gold, and Platinum NFT scarcity leagues exist.

But here comes the twist. A gamer can compose a tennis player with real ATP/WTA statistics. This extra level of engagement entices players to defeat their opponents, develop the best player and add the resource cards like coaching, and sponsors, it takes personalized gameplay to a new level.

Standard features like leaderboard, tournaments, and career mode throughout the season still exist but Fungiball has managed to partner with over 80 top 1000 tennis players, including Zhizhen Zhang, Constant Lestienne, Jaume Munar, Dusan Lajovic, and Edouard Roger Vasselin.

With negotiating set to continue to bring on board more than 300 player associations the team behind the project is working closely with these athletes ensuring authenticity and a healthy tennis ecosystem. The revenue-sharing strategy supports player careers while gamers enjoy a truly engaging gaming experience. The team is certainly making a name for itself.

• Web3 games gain popularity on iOS, despite Apple's reluctance to use NFTs, generating billions in revenue.

• Nvak Collective and Annika Rose collaborate on an interactive NFT music video game, showcasing the growing intersection of music and NFTs.

• InfiniGods cofounders emphasize mobile gaming's crucial role in Web3 adoption, targeting a massive user base and introducing blockchain technology to the gaming ecosystem.

• Sui and Intella X launch most games in May 2023, contributing to the blockchain gaming industry's growth and diversity.

• Machines Arena preview suggests it could be the next Overwatch, gains attention, and features fast-paced multiplayer battles and diverse characters.

• Aurory, a play-to-earn blockchain game, announces cross-platform expansion, attracting a wider audience and providing a seamless gaming experience across various devices.

• Gods Unchained mobile version offers immersive gameplay, collectible card mechanics, and cross-platform accessibility for players on the go.

• WinNFT Hero V2.1 is the blockchain equivalent of Teamfight Tactics with a successful playtest on 1st June, season 1 kicks of on June 15th where gamers a in with a chance to win a prizepool of $1M.

• Axis Mundi launches 72-hour NFT open mint, combining narrative-driven experiences with NFT technology for interactive experiences in blockchain.

• Gala Games launches Eternal Paradox playtest, showcasing mechanics, features, and gameplay before official release, revolutionizing blockchain gaming.

• Rainbox Six concept designer and DeLabs product director Choi believes Rumble Racing Stars is for grandparents and grandchildren and requires knowledge of the characters' skills and tracks.

• IndiGG and Metapixel collaborate on Gran Saga: Unlimited, a MMORPG on Aptos Labs Network, focusing on Web3 gaming and NFTs.

• Fractal launches FStudio, simplifying crypto integration for game developers, promoting wider adoption of blockchain technology and NFTs.

• Ember Sword, a blockchain-based MMORPG, reports progress in 2023, focusing on gameplay mechanics, universe expansion, and player experiences.

• Pegaxy Crypto Unicorns is an upcoming NFT brawl game featuring unique crypto unicorns, attracting collectors and gamers for an competitive experience.

• Scammers fake NFTs with EA Sports, FIFA, Madden, Nike branding, deceiving users with false claims, urging caution.

Web3 Gaming Trends 🚀

• NFTs enhance competitive strategy games by providing rare, powerful assets, enhancing player engagement, monetization strategies and authentication through blockchain technology.

• ZK scaling technology revolutionizes decentralized gaming by addressing scalability challenges and enhancing gameplay and security.

Scaling to the heights of supporting millions of users

It is no secret there is a consistent need for in-game personalization. One indicator of this ‘want‘ is the market for skins, which reached $50 billion in 2022. With many players owing tens, hundreds, or even thousands of in-game items Web2 gaming assets have always been a one-way street, where funds flow from gamers to developers and publishers.

Blockchain and true asset ownership puts players in control of their assets. Web3 disrupts by opening the in-game economy to players and letting them take their bespoke digital assets between games, turning gaming into an interoperable, immersive environment. But with games like Fortnite, League of Legends attracting million upon million of players, Ethereum like blockchains can only process 30 transactions per second. Way short of what is needed to accommodate the vast number of players.

This is where Zero Knowledge scaling technology is looking to address this scaling issue. ZkEVM technology offers global scale and security by bundling transactions for off-chain validation, reducing mainnet load, boosting throughput 600x, and lowering fees. This is vital for games with high-volume, low-cost transactions. These games will function like ecosystems, not isolated entities. Thus enabling assets, avatars, and profiles to move across platforms effortlessly, promoting user liquidity and access. Transactions will be streamlined to one or two clicks, removing the need for separate wallets. This enables unprecedented interoperability across all titles and services, revolutionizing traditional gaming.

• Ezzy Game introduces Web3 application combining M2E and P2E interactions for unique gaming experiences.

• Me3, Web3 gaming wallet, offers 15-second setup process, prioritizes user experience, and streamlines onboarding for efficient gaming.

• "Eternal" to become blockchain game, incorporating blockchain technology, digital ownership, and decentralized economies for engaging gaming experience.

Is blockchain the perfect medium for a reboot of a gaming franchise?

In 1981, American gamers were able to get their hands on Wizardry, a computer RPG. It is commonly considered the forerunner of modern role-playing games due to its emphasis on party management, maze exploration, monster combat, and character growth. More than 40 years after its initial publication, it is still widely regarded as a classic and is immensely popular all over the world.

Entertainment company Drecom purchased the copyrights to Wizardry6, Wizardry7, Wizardry8, and Wizardry Gold in 2020, as well as the domestic and international trademarks to the series title "Wizardry". Working with Dubia-based game publisher Zeal Nova DMCC a reboot of Wizardry is on the cards. Dubbed Eternal Crypt -Wizardry BC its a web3 game based on the Wizardry IP. Promising to be a fun and accessible way to enter the world of Web3 it is the perfect game to warrant a reboot.

Reviving a dormant franchise using Web3 technology would involve transforming in-game assets into tradable NFTs and incorporating Decentralized Finance to create an engaging in-game economy. Whilst leveraging a Decentralized Autonomous Organization, players gain a stake in the game's direction, fostering community involvement. The addition of interoperability through smart contracts and real-world rewards could enhance the gameplay experience. Lastly, integrating the game into the broader metaverse would provide a continuous, immersive experience, rekindling interest among new and old fans.

• Web game developer Dega's Metachains protocol and dev tool enhances the ability to spin up high-performance L2 blockchains in less than 24 hours whilst revolutionizing fundraising in the process.

• Nunu Spirit, an NFT game, aims to reduce carbon footprint by implementing sustainable practices and supporting renewable energy projects.

Web3 Funding News 💸

• Binance Labs and investors fund $6.6 million seed round for Fusionist, supporting early-stage Web3 gaming innovation.

• Transak raises $20 million in funding round, focusing on fiat-to-crypto payment solutions, expanding global presence, and driving web3 adoption.

• Illuvium secures $10 million funding from Framework Ventures, strengthening its position in blockchain gaming.

• Haun Ventures leads $10 million seed round for Argus, a web3 gaming studio, to support development and expansion, showcasing growing interest and confidence in the sector.

• Combo Network launches $80 million Combos Ecosystem Fund, supporting projects, teams, and initiatives for blockchain and DeFi advancement.

• Battle Infinity secures $3.5 million investment from VC firm, showcasing Web3 P2E platform's potential and generating income for the gaming industry.

Exploring the Metaverse 🛸

• Lamina1 advocates for an open metaverse, challenging big tech companies' dominance and promoting inclusivity and decentralization.

• GameStop and Illuvium partner to create metaverse opportunities in NFTs, showcasing a commitment to technology and digital trends.

• Tokens.com acquires Metaverse Group, strengthening its position in metaverse and blockchain gaming industry, expanding services and leveraging virtual worlds.

• Puma unveils "Black Station," a metaverse experience bridging physical and digital worlds, integrating fashion, gaming, and virtual reality for brand engagement.

• Sony launches Web3 incubator program, supporting startups in blockchain, NFTs, metaverse, fostering innovation and driving tech renaissance in Japan.

• The metaverse offers entrepreneurs and startups a unique opportunity to combine technology and tourism, creating interactive experiences and disrupting the industry.

• South Korea promotes the export of AI and metaverse-related technologies to boost economy, supporting local companies and fostering innovation.

• Daydream Company organizes Tina Turner tribute event in Decentraland metaverse, showcasing virtual reality and metaverse's potential for entertainment.

• Meta's metaverse headset's success reflects real-world applications, while hype diminishes, emphasizing practical use cases and sustainable growth.

• ANA launches NFT marketplace for digital collectibles, tapping into growing popularity and revenue streams.

• Top metaverse tokens like MANA, SAND, ENJ, and META are expected to grow as the metaverse industry gains momentum.

• MyLand Earth Metaverse launches Alliance Program for a Green Earth, promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness in the virtual world.

Upcoming Free Gaming Mints ⚒️

Wanderer
1st ever mobile casual game on Zksync

3VERSE
Battle other mechs using your PFPs in the ultimate PvP arena for casual and midcore players.

ArgusLabs
Argus is a game developer and publisher built around a collective of hackers and designers in pursuit of the next great paradigm shift in the video game industry. Thier mission: Trailblaze the Internet of Games.

Arcadia
Arcadia makes web3 gaming easy and accessible for everyone to play, compete, own, and earn

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Yoda Labs team