Sony NFT Framework, The Sandbox and Gordon Ramsay, Amazon NFT Rumors Persist

Today’s Web3 digest will shine the spotlight on blockchain gaming, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and metaverse projects.

Here are the stories that shape Web3.

Top Stories

• Amazon: Crypto news site CoinDesk’s managing editor Nikilesh De recently received an email revealing e-commerce giant Amazon’s integration of digital tokens and NFTs. The Amazon Prime Video automatic renewal notice further fueled rumors that the company is launching an NFT marketplace. However, Amazon has remained silent on the issue since several reports started spreading like wildfire on the internet (CD). 

• Animoca Brands: Venture capital firm and game developer Animoca Brands has dismissed reports that it slashed its metaverse fund by $200 million. Furthermore, the company also denied that its valuation has decreased from $6 billion in 2022, to $2 billion in 2023. Animoca co-founder and chairman Yat Siu also pointed out inaccuracies in the leaked reports, which came from unnamed sources (CT). 

• Yuga Labs: Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) creator Yuga Labs has launched the “Second Trip” for its ‘Otherside’ metaverse experience. Yuga’s latest 3D virtual world endeavor enabled 4,500 users to interact in real-time. In addition, the project also offered 3D audio capabilities using metaverse infrastructure developer Improbable’s software. Improbable is a London-headquartered firm formed by two computer science graduates from the University of Cambridge (VB).

• Sony: Entertainment and tech conglomerate Sony’s video game arm recently filed a patent for a system that will enable gamers to utilize NFTs across various platforms. In essence, Sony Interactive Entertainment – the company behind video game console PlayStation – is pushing for an “NFT framework for transferring and using digital assets between game platforms” (CT).

Web3 Games

• Crabada: Play-to-earn NFT game Crabada, has kicked off the 39th installment of its weekly Arena Challenge. The tournament will run from March 27 to April 2. Top participants will get the chance to receive rewards in USDC, Rubie, Material Chests, Crystal Shells, and user EXP (TW).

• EgoVersus: Avalanche-based first-person shooter (FPS) game EgoVersus’ tournament sign-up phase is scheduled to end on the 28th of March. According to the team, 49 out of the targeted 64 participants have already enlisted. The competition will take place on March 29, with USDC and Nova NFT prizes awaiting the winners (TW).

• MetaOps: FPS metaverse game MetaOps made its presence felt at the recently concluded 2023 Game Developers Conference (GDC). The project’s booth at the annual electronic gaming expo gave gamers the chance to test out the title. “GDC has been a blast so far, and we’re stoked to see so many people giving our game a try!” the team tweeted (TW). 

• MetalCore: Futuristic shooting game MetalCore is giving away free sticker packs that the company will ship worldwide for free. “You don’t have to pay any money, and you don’t have to do anything other than tell us where to send them,” the team stated. The offer is part of MetalCore’s celebration of their GDC participation, some “alpha sneak peeks.” Additionally, the giveaway campaign also highlights the title’s partnership with Web3 gaming-dedicated blockchain ImmutableX (TW).

• Fenix Games: Web3 game publisher Fenix Games recently announced its selection of the Polygon blockchain in powering its portfolio of upcoming titles. The partnership aims to bring smoother Web3 gaming experiences to the mass market. “We have known the Polygon Labs team for a long time, and we’ve been consistently blown away by their top-tier capabilities,” Fenix Games chief business officer Rudy Koch stated (INN).

NFT News

• Balmain: French luxury fashion house Balmain has launched an NFT sneaker collection that draws inspiration from its Unicorn footwear line. Dubbed the ‘Unicorn Phygital Wearable Collection,’ the project features 130 digital sneakers that come with physical counterparts. Furthermore, collectors can avail of the NFTs from anywhere between $1,595 to $2,095 (NFT).

• Krypto Miners Club: Web3 company Krypto Miners Club has launched phase one of its Polygon-based NFT collection. Slated to run in four phases, the project consists of 8,888 digital collectibles that each possess unique characteristics and features. “We are thrilled to see such an overwhelming response to our KMC NFTs,” Krypto Miners Club CEO Yashodan Patil stated (YF).

• Lazy Lions/OpenSea: NFT project Lazy Lions has partnered with digital collectible marketplace OpenSea to launch exclusive NFTs. Set to drop on the 28th of March, the collection will introduce an ‘Open Edition’ mint that comes with an on-chain burning mechanism to maintain the assets’ deflationary attributes.  Moreover, participants can also collect ‘Dark Energy’ by purchasing more NFTs. Top Dark Energy holders will get the chance to battle the game’s main villain Glitch (NFTE).

Into the Metaverse

• Hadean: Metaverse infrastructure provider Hadean has raised an additional $5 million in a funding round. Investors that supported the project include Ericsson Ventures, Metrea Discovery, Sanctor Capital, Tirta Ventures, and VU Venture Partners. In essence, the Web3 firm aims to utilize the capital to advance its cloud-based solutions for virtual worlds (VB).

• The Sandbox/Gordon Ramsay: Metaverse game The Sandbox has launched its ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ experience with renowned chef and TV personality Gordon Ramsay. The project kicked off on March 14 with the allowlist (AL) registration for the Hell’s Kitchen NFT avatar collection. The minting took place on March 15, while the reveal happened on March 17. Allowlisted The Sandbox communities include Care Bears Avatar, Steve Aoki Avatar, The Playboy Party People Avatar, and The Rabbids, among others (TW).

• Decentraland/Metaverse Fashion Week: Virtual world platform Decentraland’s annual Metaverse Fashion Week (MVFW23) is set to run from March 28-31. The four-day event will feature fashion shows, parties, shopping, panel talks, and other “amazing experiences.” Some of the participant brands include heavyweights such as Adidas, Cristobal Balenciaga, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, DRESSX, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others (DC).