Daily Insights: Updates on Crypto, Blockchain, NFTs, Web3, and Play-to-Earn Gaming

Throughout the past week, several significant developments in the world of Web3 gaming have taken place, including updates from major players like Google, Gala Games, and various Web3 game titles. These updates shed light on the growing impact of NFTs, the expansion of Web3 technologies, internal strife within the industry, innovative in-game economies, and new gaming modes.Google on NFT Ads:Google made a substantial change to its advertising policies by allowing blockchain video games that incorporate Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to be advertised. This change, effective as of September 15, represents a significant step in endorsing the NFT gaming industry. NFT game developers can now market their creations globally, potentially reaching a broader audience. However, Google's revised policy restricts ads for crypto games involving gambling or token rewards, as well as games enabling players to stake or lock up cryptocurrencies or NFTs for long-term benefits. This move reflects Google's commitment to distinguishing between NFT games that enhance gameplay and those that introduce NFTs into gambling mechanics. It also emphasizes the importance of responsible gaming within the crypto gaming sector.Saudi Arabia Exploring Web3:Saudi Arabia is actively positioning itself as a leader in Web3 technologies, aligning with its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, aimed at reducing oil dependency and diversifying the economy. The kingdom is embracing Web3 technologies, including blockchain and AI, as part of its strategy. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a global gaming hub, with significant investments from its Public Investment Fund. However, challenges remain in integrating Web3 technologies, such as cryptocurrencies and virtual assets, due to regulatory uncertainties. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia's commitment to Web3 suggests the potential for significant growth in this sector.Gala Games Internal Legal Battle:Gala Games, a prominent Web3 gaming ecosystem, is embroiled in an internal legal dispute that is causing ripples in the industry. CEO Eric Shiermeyer and co-founder Wright Thurston are taking legal action against each other. Shiermeyer alleges that Thurston and True North United Investments were involved in a $130 million GALA token theft in early 2021. This alleged theft involved complex token transfers. Thurston, in turn, is accused of stealing Gala ecosystem node licenses and selling them. These legal battles have created instability within Gala Games and eroded investor confidence in the Web3 gaming sector.Heroes of Mavia In-Game Economy:Heroes of Mavia has introduced its "Mass Ownership Model," a departure from traditional "play-to-earn" games. Instead of offering cryptocurrencies as rewards, the game provides in-game tokens that players can use to create and sell NFTs within the game. This approach addresses the challenge of extracting value from a game's economy by allowing players to manage in-game items that can be converted into NFTs. Moreover, it bucks the trend of integrating external cryptocurrencies into Web3 games.Guild of Guardians Future Plans:Guild of Guardians recently outlined its future plans, focusing on the game's economy, transitioning Web2 players into the game, and enhancing Guardian NFTs within their ecosystem. The game developers have made Web3 functionality optional to attract a wider player base and have partnered with Immutable X to introduce the Immutable Passport. This aligns with the broader trend in Web3 gaming to appeal to Web2 players. The game's economy will revolve around dungeon exploration and crafting, encouraging cooperative gameplay and upgrades.Gods Unchained New Game Mode:Gods Unchained is set to introduce Sealed Mode on September 14, catering to trading card game (TCG) enthusiasts. Sealed Mode requires players to build competitive decks with limited and semi-random resources, a format familiar to TCG fans. Unlike previous temporary game modes, Sealed Mode will become a permanent addition to Gods Unchained, potentially reinvigorating interest in the game.These updates collectively demonstrate the dynamic nature of the Web3 gaming landscape, with advancements, legal challenges, and innovative features shaping the industry's trajectory.

Google has made significant changes to its advertising policies, opening up opportunities for NFT (Non-Fungible Token) games while imposing strict guidelines for certain crypto games. These changes, effective from September 15th, allow marketers to promote blockchain games that use NFTs, creating new possibilities for the NFT gaming industry. However, Google has introduced limitations, prohibiting crypto games involving betting or staking NFTs in exchange for real-world value. Games deemed to involve gambling will face additional regulations and may require gambling licenses.This update represents a pivotal moment for NFT game developers, as they can now globally advertise their games on Google's platform, potentially reaching a larger audience and gaining a competitive edge. Google is striving to strike a balance between supporting innovation in blockchain gaming and protecting users from potential harm. These changes align with Google's ongoing efforts to cautiously approach cryptocurrency-related advertisements, reflecting its commitment to consumer safety.The gaming community and NFT enthusiasts welcome these policy modifications, as they offer new monetization and marketing avenues for NFT games, potentially boosting the productivity of the industry and allowing developers to capitalize on their investments in NFT projects. This shift is expected to bring fresh players into the gaming market, further expanding the reach and influence of NFT games in the digital realm.