7-Day Market Moves

This week, the Forkast 500 NFT index ticked up by 1.3%, while total NFT transactions inched up by 0.64% to $23.9 million. Ethereum, however, slipped 3.7% to $15.56 million. On the flip side, Bitcoin's NFT transactions climbed by 8.56% to $2.74 million.

Yuga Labs' Bored and Mutant Ape Yacht Club NFTs topped the selling charts in the past 24 hours. Bored Ape edged up 1.12% to $3.07 million, while Mutant Ape leapt 23.92% to $1.05 million.

Despite large sales, investor caution remains due to the long-term value uncertainty of some projects. The Gods Unchained Cards NFT collection held its third spot even as transactions dropped 8.75% to $754,805. Meanwhile, the anime-inspired NFT collection Azuki is gearing up for a big event in Las Vegas, with eyes set on potential announcements.

In mainstream business, Swiss-based Nestlé and US snack brand Slim Jim have both announced plans for NFT collections, underscoring the sustained interest in this blockchain technology.

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Top Blockchain Games (7 Days)

Top NFT Marketplaces By Sales Volume (7 Days)

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Top  NFT Collections By Sales Volume

Gods Unchained Moves Into Epic Games Store

TL: DR

• NFT game Gods Unchained is debuting on Epic Games Store, opening to a larger audience.
• The game will maintain its existing gameplay and not require immediate crypto transactions.
• Expansion plans include new game modes, a major expansion pack, lore additions, and mobile versions
• Immutable won't include a mobile in-game NFT marketplace to avoid app store fees and simplify access.

NFT game Gods Unchained is set for a 2023 upgrade with new features and a debut in the Epic Games Store, potentially reaching a broader audience. Developers Immutable Games Studio announced the game's move to the Epic Games Store, which currently has 230 million total users and 68 million monthly active users. This allows Gods Unchained to be accessible to a larger user base and stand alongside other popular games.

Despite the move, Gods Unchained will keep its Hearthstone-like gameplay, not requiring immediate wallet sign-ups or crypto asset handling. Executive Producer Daniel Paez emphasized that familiar interfaces on platforms like the Epic Games Store can improve player comfort. Gods Unchained has plans for further expansion with new game modes, an expansion pack with new cards, lore expansion, and mobile versions on iOS and Android.

Immutable plans to navigate Apple and Google's app stores by not including an in-game NFT marketplace for mobile to avoid in-app purchase fees. The goal is to provide an easier entry into Gods Unchained and expand the player base. Despite the control these tech giants have, Paez hopes for increased user engagement, as seen with Hearthstone's move to mobile platforms.

In other news,

• Bored Ape creator unveils new mech game. Read more.

Zora Launches Layer-2 Scaling Network to Combat Ethereum’s Gas Fees

TL: DR

• NFT platform Zora launched its Ethereum layer-2 network, Zora Network, to reduce costs and improve user experience.
• The network is intended to counter Ethereum's high gas prices which have hindered adoption.
• Zora now focuses on providing an open-source protocol for creating NFT marketplaces.
• Zora has plans to establish a DAO, potentially financed through governance token sales.

Zora, an NFT minting platform, launched its Ethereum layer-2 scaling network to lower costs and improve user experience for creators and artists. Named the Zora Network, it's secured by the Ethereum blockchain, built on Optimism's tech stack, and supported by over 35 platforms, including Sound, Rainbow, and Thirdweb.

CEO and co-founder Jacob Horne noted that gas price has become an inhibitor to adoption, with 880,000 collectors and millions of NFTs minted on their platform. Zora's layer-2 network was created to alleviate these costs, making minting 25 times cheaper than Ethereum. Horne expressed that the need for a network tailored for art and media has become evident.

Founded in 2020, Zora has shifted from offering a service for musicians and artists to sell digital tokens tied to physical artifacts, to developing an open-source protocol that facilitates creating an NFT marketplace. The platform hosted high-profile NFT drops, including the Doge meme NFT and the Warhol Foundation. Zora plans to form a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), potentially funded through governance token sales.

In other news,

• Foundation fixes 'self-destruct' issue threatening NFTs. Read more.
• Puma, Gutter Cat Gang, and LaMelo Ball Collaborate on NFT sneaker launch. Read more.
• German Intelligence Agency releases NFT collection to attract cybersecurity talent. Read more.

RBL Labs Goes Big With Its New Roadmap

TL: DR

• RBL Labs released new roadmap for LegendsOfCrypto (LOCGame) targeting web3 casual gaming leadership - native token $LOCG up 21%
• Free-to-Play mode, Season 1 Launch, and blockchain-recorded progression are key features.
• Integration with Virtua Games Network and creation of AI-powered 3D characters planned.
• Two new casual games announced to expand gaming economy.

RBL Labs, an Amsterdam-based web3 gaming studio, has shared the new roadmap for its primary trading card game, LegendsOfCrypto (LOCGame). With backing from prominent firms like Signum Capital, NGC, LD Capital, SL2, and Assensive Assets, RBL Labs plans to target billions of Apple and Android users, aiming for leadership in the casual web3 games market. RBL Labs has a successful track record that includes the launch of LOCGame in beta for Web3 and Android users, complete with NFT e-commerce and marketplace features. Partnerships with designers from brands like Prada and Burberry have enriched the game's character roster, and the company has also ventured into AI with their experimental Steam quest, 'I Know This Place?'.

Key aspects of the new roadmap include a Free-to-Play mode to widen access for web3 and web2 gamers, a Season 1 Launch in early 2024 with enhanced core gameplay features, and blockchain-recorded player progression. There's also mention of immersive, AI-powered 3D characters compatible with Apple's VR/AR devices. RBL Labs intends to boost its user experience by integrating LOCGame into Virtua Games Network's (VGN) Gamified Metaverse.

This ambitious roadmap also sees RBL Labs launching two additional casual games, extending the company's reach into broad demographics and fostering a vibrant gaming economy. The emphasis is on providing a high-quality gaming experience, focusing on a mobile-first casual GameFi experience. These upcoming updates and features aim to strengthen RBL Labs and LOCGame's position in the blockchain gaming industry.

Read more.

OKX Swings Into Hole One

TL: DR

• Crypto exchange OKX becomes global and Web3 sponsor for LIV Golf League's Majesticks GC.
• The partnership will focus on boosting fan engagement and experiences.
• OKX adds Majesticks GC to its sports portfolio, joining McLaren F1 Team and Manchester City.
• The Crypto Exchange, OKX is taking a swing into the sports industry by sponsoring Majesticks GC, a team in the up-and-coming LIV Golf League.

The sponsorship deal makes OKX the first global and Web3 sponsor of Majesticks GC, paving the way for fan engagement and enhanced experiences, according to the latest press release.

Ian Poulter, Majesticks' co-captain and an OKX ambassador, welcomed the exchange, praising its commitment to passion, tech expertise, and out-of-the-box strategies.

This recent golfing shot adds to OKX's ongoing expansion into sports, which includes partnerships with motor racing's McLaren F1 Team and football's Manchester City, the current titans of EPL and Champions League.

Haider Rafique, OKX's Chief Marketing Officer, was bullish about the deal's potential to revolutionize fan engagement through Web3 activations. "We're shooting for truly unique partnership activations with Majesticks GC, a top-tier team that shares our ambition and values," he declared.

In other news,

• Binance is set to launch a second C. Ronaldo NFT collection. Read more.

Anichess Secures $1.5 Million Funding to Transform Chess with Magical Twist

TL: DR

• Chess-inspired crypto game Anichess raises $1.5 million for development.
• Anichess adds a spell mechanic and esports elements to traditional chess.
• The game is developed with Magnus Carlsen's Play Magnus Group and Chess.com.

Anichess, a chess-inspired crypto game has raised $1.5 million in funding for further development. The oversubscribed seed round attracted investments from GameFi Ventures, The Operating Group, Koda Capital, Bing Ventures, 708 Capital, Asymmetry Capital, and others. Anichess aims to maintain chess's skill-based, free-to-play nature while adding layers of strategy through a spell mechanic. The game is set to launch a playable alpha test in Q1 2024, and the funds will be used to expand the team, develop the game, and grow the community.

Developed in partnership with Magnus Carlsen's Play Magnus Group and Chess.com, Anichess benefits from the expertise of over 30 chess grandmasters. It aims to cater to both experienced and casual chess players, as well as strategy game enthusiasts. The game's play-and-earn approach incorporates Lympo's SPORT token, allowing players to earn rewards. Anichess joins the ranks of other Web3 chess games like Immortal Game, which raised $12 million and offers optional play-and-earn mechanics along with unique NFT pieces. Immortal Game has also collaborated with Polo & Pan, French electronic musicians, to enhance the gaming experience for players.

With $1.5 million in funding secured and strategic partnerships in place, Anichess is set to deliver a distinctive chess experience that combines traditional gameplay with innovative features and the exciting world of crypto gaming. The upcoming alpha test in 2024 will provide a glimpse into the game's potential, attracting chess enthusiasts and strategy gamers to immerse themselves in the game.

In other news,

• Animoca Brand partners with Celo, a mobile-first, carbon-negative blockchain ecosystem to drive web3 adoption and sustainability. Read more.
• NFL Rivals records a huge milestone with 1M mobile game downloads. Read more.