Weekly Digest

August continues to be action-packed as the AAA team behind Grand Theft Auto is to release Sugartown on Web3, Immutable launches the public testing of its ZK-EVM powered by polygon tech and pushes gaming infrastructure further, AWS and Fantom partner up to help developers and Apple wins the right to appeal the Epic Games injunction regarding the App store policy linking to external payment systems and market places. How are some companies able to embrace the future whilst others hang onto the past?

Also in our weekly digest:

• Animoca's new game Wanderers opens its waitlist for players

• Hyperplay launches an updated platform for Web3 game distribution

• Virtual Property is limited as Uplands is to expand into Tokoyo

• $50M Web3 gaming fund announced by Dubai-based Illuminati VC

• On the tail of Apple, Sony files a patent for a VR headset

Yoda’s next instituional level in-depth research is here. The most comprehensive look at the Gala Games ecosystem and it’s future!

Web3 Gaming News 🎮

• Take-Two Interactive will release Sugartown, the publisher behind Grand Theft Auto gaming franchise will release its first Web3 game on Ethereum, Oras will be available for minting later this year

• The Epic Games vs. Apple legal battle raises questions about the future of NFTs and Web3 gaming, Apple's App Store control limits will continue to prevent links to external payment systems or marketplaces

• Immutable launches the public testing phase of its ZK-Ethereum Virtual Machine in collaboration with Polygon Labs to secure transfers, ensuring a robust and secure gaming environment.

Immutable X Boosts Web3 Gaming With zkEVM Testnet

As a leading layer-2 scaling solution for Web3 games, Immutable X launched a testnet for its zkEVM technology to further boost innovation in blockchain gaming. zkEVM allows Ethereum transactions to be processed off-chain while retaining Ethereum’s security guarantees.

The zkEVM testnet provides a significant advantage for web3 games built on Immutable X. It enables gas-free and highly scalable gaming experiences by handling transactions off the main Ethereum network. This is a major benefit for gamers who faced high fees previously.

For game developers, the zkEVM testnet provides an easy on-ramp to build world-class web3 games without the complexity of working directly with Ethereum. Immutable X makes minting NFT assets and integrating blockchain features like digital ownership seamless.

Immutable X already powers popular web3 games like Illuvium, Embersword and Guild of Guardians with more partnerships in the pipeline. The zkEVM testnet will further cement Immutable’s position as the leading platform for the next generation of blockchain gaming.

By tackling scalability and cost issues through innovations like zkEVM, Immutable X is delivering on the promise of true digital asset ownership, creative freedom and play-to-earn economics for gamers and game builders alike. The zkEVM testnet launch proves Immutable X is focused on supercharging mainstream adoption of web3 gaming.

• AWS and the Fantom Foundation have partnered to launch a developer workshop on creating decentralized fantasy games on the Fantom blockchain

• The Bornelss an FPS action shooter packed with a variety of gameplay modes in tearing up the charts on STEAM, the Web3 game built on Immutable is being embraced by traditional gamers

• Champion Ascension the high stakes skill-based arena RPG is now available on STEAM further cementing a changing of the tide and embracing of Web3 games

• OKX Wallet has partnered with Matr1x, a Web3 mobile shooting game, to offer users access to Matr1x Fire, a multiplayer shooting battle game set in a cyberpunk universe

• MetalCore is introducing Chibi SBTs, non-transferable tokens that serve as permanent proof of participation in their wallet. To earn a Chibi, individuals must possess at least two MetalCore Infantry NFTs

• CS:GO's popularity highlights the potential value of NFT gaming collectibles, issuing skins as NFTs could enhance the current system, ensuring creators receive royalties

• Hyperplay has launched an updated launcher for Web3 gaming distribution platforms, offering a comprehensive solution for managing and playing games

• Wanderers, the new game from Animoca brands and blowfish studios is getting closer as the team has announced the opening of the waitlist to play

• Upland, a virtual property trading game, is set to expand into Tokyo, Japan, offering players the chance to acquire over 20,000 properties and fifteen Terminals

• Racer Club Labs, a GameFi platform, is giving away $25,000 to highlight the utility of NFTs. The giveaway is part of Racer Club Labs' efforts to fuel the GameFi explosion

• Voxie Tactics has launched an official marketplace for trading character and equipment NFTs, and players can use VOXEL tokens earned in-game for purchases

• Eldarune Dungeons, the first game in the Eldarune universe, has been launched on the mainnet, offering a dungeon adventure mode called "Eldarune — WoE" Dungeon mode

• The co-founder of Superchief Gallery, Ed Zitron, discusses the challenges and opportunities in the NFT and blockchain gaming industry

The Challenges of Using Ownable Assets Within Games

NFTs, are poised to transform the video game industry, offering both unique opportunities and challenges. At the forefront of these challenges is the quest to develop NFTs that strike a balance between in-game value and utility. Players need motivation to pursue these digital assets; hence, if an NFT lacks value, there's minimal drive to collect it. Moreover, if it doesn't enhance the gaming experience or offer a tangible in-game benefit, players may not see its ownership appeal.

Equally concerning is the security of these digital assets. The potential for NFTs to be lost or stolen poses significant risks. Losing an NFT might mean a player is denied access to certain game content or features, and in the event of theft, their financial investment could be wiped out. Other hurdles include the absence of a standardized system for NFTs across games, making interoperability a complex issue. Additionally, the creation and minting process for NFTs is energy-intensive, raising environmental concerns.

Despite these obstacles, the integration of NFTs in video games can be game-changing. They promise heightened ownership and control for players over their in-game assets, paving the way for a gaming landscape where players can freely trade, sell, or utilize their assets. This decentralization can also birth novel monetization strategies for developers, such as selling NFTs linked to exclusive game content. Moreover, NFTs can elevate gaming immersion and engagement levels, allowing players to craft custom avatars or items.

While the future of NFTs in gaming holds immense promise, it's crucial that the associated challenges are addressed. Only then can this technology truly propel Web3 gaming.

• Morra Games is introducing a limited-time free NFT minting opportunity in its "The Awakening" game, aiming to attract players and build a community

• Wolf Game, a popular P2E game, has partnered with Pixel Vault, a blockchain project, to introduce the Reboot Protocol

• Parallel is launching a new NFT card battles project that combines complex gameplay mechanics with a futuristic science fiction narrative

• Zed Run, the Web3 horse racing game, is introducing Sit N' Go tournaments without qualification, aiming to increase accessibility and engagement for players

• Content creator FlyKitesJay has taken the time to introduce Square Enix’s SYMBIOGENESIS a nice thread and short video to bring you upto speed in advance of the upcoming Treasure Hunt launch

Web3 Gaming Trends 🚀

• Asia is leading the world in the adoption of Web3 gaming; the rest may have to catch up

• The Sandbox launches its mobile interface, a significant step in making metaverse experiences more accessible to a wider audience

• Ethereum-France President suggests that blockchain games need account abstraction to improve usability as they struggle to compete with Activision Blizzard and Ubisoft

Web3 Funding News 💸

• FC Barcelona has raised $132 million through its Web3 studio initiatives, showcasing the growing interest in sports, entertainment, and blockchain technology

• Illuminati Capital, a Dubai-based venture capital firm, has launched a new $50 million fund to invest in Web3 games and NFT infrastructure

• Blockchain gaming saw a $297 million surge in funding in July, driven by strategic collaborations and announcements. The sector currently has 712,611 unique active wallets

• Jump Crypto, a leading blockchain and crypto investment firm, has led a $13 million seed round for ZTXS, a metaverse platform

Exploring the Metaverse 🛸

• Sony has filed a patent for a VR headset that uses audio cues to detect and recreate real-world objects in a virtual space

• Bit Hotel, a gaming metaverse that offers social interaction and the potential to earn through NFTs. Players, known as "hotel guests," can accumulate digital assets and forge new connections

• Affyn, a blockchain-based gaming and metaverse platform, has entered a long-term partnership with the Grand Prix Season Singapore 2023

• The BSV blockchain is being explored for its potential to create a robust and scalable metaverse, catering to various industries like gaming, entertainment, and art

Alpha Test, Early Access & Hands-On Gaming ⚒️

Soul Savers Open Beta Test, Season 2 (August 16)

Waven Early Access (August 16)

The Heist Season 2 (August 16)

Destabilized: Synthopia NFT Sale (August 16)

Mighty Action Heroes Android Launch (August 16)

Upcoming Free Gaming Mints ⚒️

Engines of Fury VIP Key NFT Mint (August 16)

DExCAT (August 18th)

BYTE CITY GENESIS (August 23rd)

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

^{"Always in motion is the future”}
-Yoda

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

Yoda Labs team