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

Welcome to the future of gaming with Web3, where Animoca Brands and Saudi Arabia are making waves! Imagine playing games like Pixels, where not only do you have fun farming virtual crops, but you also earn real cryptocurrency. This isn't just any gaming; it's where the treasures you collect or earn are genuinely yours to keep, trade, or sell. Animoca Brands is leading the charge into this new era, partnering with Saudi Arabia to tap into a gaming community that's passionate and spends big on their favorite hobby. Web3 gaming is still growing, facing its share of challenges, especially with the ups and downs of cryptocurrency. But just like the evolution from simple mobile games to today's epic adventures, Web3 gaming is on its way up, promising a world where gaming is more than play—it's a real adventure. Get ready to be part of this revolution!

In an exciting development for the gaming world, Animoca Brands has partnered with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to revolutionize the web3 and gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to establish a Web3 Hub in Riyadh, serving as a beacon for innovation, education, and technological advancement. By leveraging Animoca Brands' expertise in blockchain and digital entertainment alongside KACST's pioneering role in science and technology, this partnership is set to create a vibrant community of developers, entrepreneurs, and gamers. Together, they will focus on developing immersive gaming experiences, fostering local talent through education and training, and driving forward the adoption of blockchain technologies. This initiative not only signifies a significant leap towards digital innovation in Saudi Arabia but also positions the country as a key player in the global gaming industry, promising a future where gaming and technology converge to create unprecedented opportunities.

In a dynamic leap forward for the gaming industry, significant funding rounds and strategic investments are setting the stage for a revolutionary future. Studio 369's MetalCore, a groundbreaking blockchain-powered game, has successfully secured a $5 million funding round, highlighting the growing interest in integrating blockchain technologies with gaming. Simultaneously, Starknet's $120 million fund aims to enrich the web3 gaming experience, signaling a robust commitment to innovation within the gaming ecosystem. Further enhancing the infrastructure, Blockus has garnered $4 million to streamline web3 gaming technologies, facilitating easier player onboarding and engagement. Amidst these developments, Saudi Arabia has announced a $120 million investment to foster local gaming and esports ventures, underlining the sector's global economic and cultural significance. Additionally, Gamer Arena's recent backing from DOMiNO Ventures showcases the escalating enthusiasm for competitive gaming platforms, emphasizing the blend of esports, AI, and blockchain as pivotal elements of the industry's evolution. This collective momentum underscores a transformative period, with these initiatives propelling gaming into new realms of engagement, technology, and investment.

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.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by the convergence of Web3 technologies and its forward-thinking Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the nation's economy beyond oil dependency. To achieve this, the country is actively embracing emerging technologies, particularly focusing on Web3 innovations such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as venturing into the gaming industry to foster economic growth and global influence.Vision 2030 and Web3 Interest:Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan designed to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.The nation is embracing Web3 technologies due to its young and tech-savvy population, coupled with a strong gaming culture.The Boston Consulting Group reports that Saudi Arabia contributes 45% of the Middle East's gaming industry, valued at over $1.8 billion, highlighting its potential as a gaming powerhouse.In 2017, the Saudi E-sports Federation was established to regulate and grow the gaming industry.Saudi Arabia's Investments in Web3 Gaming:The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia committed a substantial $38 billion to the gaming sector, signaling its intent to become a global gaming hub.However, challenges remain, including the absence of clear regulations governing cryptocurrencies and virtual assets, hindering the integration of Web3 technologies.Learning and Collaboration:Saudi Arabia actively seeks expertise from other areas to learn about best practices and strategies for Web3 adoption.Industry leaders, such as Yat Siu of Animoca Brands and John Linden of Mythical Games, acknowledge the gradual adoption of Web3 within the gaming sector.The Path to Web3 Mass Adoption:Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 involves more than providing digital wallets; it requires financial literacy and an understanding of digital assets.Users must comprehend the value and utility of their digital assets and participate in network effects to maximize their worth.The Future of Web3 Gaming in Saudi Arabia:The Web3 gaming sector holds great promise, with Saudi Arabia expected to play a significant role in its evolution.John Linden predicts that the Web3 gaming segment could onboard 50 to 100 million players in the next two years.Mythical Games aims to reach 10 million players for its titles by the end of 2023.Clear regulations for cryptocurrencies and virtual assets are crucial for fostering innovation and growth within the Web3 gaming landscape in Saudi Arabia.

In an exciting leap forward for the digital world, Animoca Brands and Manga Productions have embarked on a pioneering partnership to revolutionize the Web3 and blockchain landscape in the MENA region. This collaboration marries Animoca Brands' expertise in blockchain and Web3 technologies with Manga Productions' rich storytelling and content creation prowess, setting the stage for innovative projects that leverage the best of both worlds. Aimed at enhancing digital property rights, promoting local talent, and fostering educational initiatives in blockchain technology, this partnership is a beacon of progress. It signifies a commitment to not only advancing the digital entertainment sector but also empowering the region's youth with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the burgeoning Web3 ecosystem. By integrating Manga Productions' captivating characters and stories into Animoca Brands' extensive gaming and digital platform, this alliance promises to bring a new era of immersive, culturally rich experiences to the global stage.