The article predicts that by 2030, Dogecoin's market value will be surpassed by utility-focused cryptocurrencies Polkadot, Chainlink, and Avalanche, which are better aligned with the Web3 revolution and offer real-world usage and technological advantages.
Faraday Future invests $41 million in Qualigen Therapeutics to support its expansion into crypto and Web3, with plans to rebrand QLGN as CXC10 and focus on integrating Web2, Web3, AI, and crypto technologies, aiming to become a leading U.S. public company in this space.
Distinct Possibility Studio announced Reaper Actual, a large-scale persistent online military FPS for PC set on the island of Marova, featuring up to 200 players per server, faction-based gameplay, AI-driven dynamic objectives, and optional web3 integration for user-generated content and economy.
Cybersecurity experts have identified a scam targeting Web3 professionals using fake video conferencing apps to deploy the Realst information stealer. The attackers create fake companies using AI to appear legitimate, luring targets into downloading malicious software under the guise of business meetings. The malware, which affects both macOS and Windows, aims to steal sensitive data, including cryptocurrency wallet information and browser credentials. This campaign highlights the increasing use of AI by cybercriminals to enhance the credibility of their scams.
Kusama, Polkadot's experimental 'canary network,' has surged over 110%, reflecting increased activity and innovation in the blockchain ecosystem. This rise is seen as a precursor to broader trends, possibly linked to upcoming Polkadot developments and renewed interest in web3 solutions. Kusama's role as a testing ground for new ideas is attracting developers, exemplified by SubQuery Network's launch of decentralized RPCs, enhancing data retrieval and security for Polkadot and Kusama networks.
Readyverse Studios, co-founded by Futureverse and Ernest Cline, has announced "Open," a metaverse battle royale experience set to launch soon in The Readyverse, featuring game-show-styled collaborative modes and recognizable characters from iconic IP, including a Ready Player One biome. The experience is named after the principles of The Readyverse and leverages web3 technology, developed in partnership with Walker Labs, and is currently being developed for PC with early access sign-ups available.
Ernest Cline, author of Ready Player One, is co-founding a new battle royale game called Open, set to launch in 2024 and featuring nostalgia-infused biomes from iconic franchises. The game's success hinges on securing partnerships with well-known IPs, but its vague promises and integration of web3 technology have raised skepticism. Despite uncertainties, the project reflects the persistent push for the metaverse and potential financial gains, while also drawing criticism for its environmental impact.
Shiba Inu's lead developer, Shytoshi Kusama, has announced plans to boost the project's ecosystem, hinting at potential upmarket collaborations and a marketing campaign to attract more users. The cryptocurrency has experienced a significant uptick, trading at $0.00002614, up by over 170% in the past 7 days. Kusama urged the SHIB community to ignore "fud" and emphasized the project's potential, while the marketing lead highlighted Shiba Inu's focus on privacy and security in the Web3 space.
The Web3 gaming industry is maturing, with a shift towards infrastructure development rather than direct competition with Web2 games. Projects like Cronos and Oasys are focusing on providing tools and platforms for game developers, while initiatives like Azarus and Upland are bringing Web3 features to Web2 gaming. Newer games like MixMob and Upland are offering a more Web2-like experience for newcomers, making Web3 gaming more accessible and engaging.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to inform applicants about the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by January 3. Meanwhile, CryptoSlate has introduced CryptoSlate Alpha, a web3 membership offering advanced insights into the cryptocurrency space. Members can access premium content by staking ACS tokens through the Access Protocol, a web3 monetization paywall. However, CryptoSlate emphasizes that users must acknowledge the risks and terms associated with locking ACS tokens and that the platform is not liable for any issues related to the use of ACS tokens or digital wallets.
Decrypt Media Inc. and Rug Radio have announced their merger to create the world's largest decentralized publishing company, codenamed [REDACTED]. The alliance aims to revolutionize tech-media by combining content creation and consumption. Qualified members of Rug's community will collaborate with Decrypt's editors to create editorial content, while Decrypt's editorial staff will gain access to Rug's videocasting tools. The merger is expected to be completed by the end of January. [REDACTED] plans to introduce a token to establish a media ecosystem benefiting consumers, creators, and advertisers. The partnership with Arbitrum will create an ad-tech network. The merger represents a leap forward in democratizing the media sphere, blurring the line between content creators and audiences.
AAA gaming studio Ubisoft has partnered with blockchain game firm Immutable to develop Web3 games through its Strategic Innovation Lab. The collaboration aims to combine mainstream gaming development quality with Web3-enabled functionality, leveraging Immutable's blockchain infrastructure and experience integrating decentralized features into games. The partnership follows successful demos of Immutable's flagship titles and the recent launch of its zero-knowledge rollup gaming solution. Web3 games are gaining traction in the mainstream gaming space, with Illuvium Labs set to list its flagship title on the Epic Games Store.
Ubisoft is partnering with Immutable, the company behind the Immutable X blockchain, to create a "Web3 gaming experience" that will incorporate crypto infrastructure. The collaboration aims to offer players digital ownership through seamless integrations of NFTs. While details about the project remain scarce, it could involve a new blockchain game, an integration into an existing Ubisoft game, or a gamified experience where players can earn NFTs. This venture builds upon Ubisoft's previous forays into NFTs and blockchain gaming, including the release of Rabbids-inspired NFTs and support for Tezos NFTs in Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint.
Luxury phone manufacturer Vertu has launched its Metavertu II Web3 smartphone, targeting the crypto-rich with a range of Web3-friendly features such as a built-in crypto wallet and a dedicated decentralized operating system. Priced at $5,100 for the base model, the smartphone aims to cater to wealthy individuals who want to showcase their distinctive personalities through NFTs. The Metavertu II also introduces an I-DID identity system that links the phone's IMEI number to the user's decentralized identifiers, providing control over digital identity. The phone's hardware includes an "unhackable" secure element chip and zero-knowledge proof capabilities. Vertu CEO Gary Chan believes that combining AI with Web3 on a decentralized foundation can restore data sovereignty to individuals.
Canadian musician Grimes, also known as Claire Elise Boucher, revealed in an interview with Wired that she made more money from non-fungible tokens (NFTs) than from her entire music career. Grimes earned approximately $6 million in revenue by selling her "War Nymph" NFTs on Nifty Gateway, featuring digital artworks set to her music. Despite the decline in NFT trading volume, Grimes remains hopeful that NFTs can help artists profit from their work. She is also optimistic about Web3 and AI, having contributed to TikTok's NFT collection and planning to create a metaverse children's book with support from Web3 AI platform OP3N and Avalanche's development fund. Grimes even invited fans to use an AI version of her voice to create new music, offering a 50/50 split on royalties.