Crypto Gaming Console in the Works, Nikes Metaverse Plans
- Polygon and Ethereum-based NFTs were tested on some select Facebook users earlier this month
- Otherdeed was the most traded project on OpenSea in recent days, with 988 ETH on sale, an increase most likely due to the expectation of the upcoming Otherdeed meta-verse
The Web3 game console is met with mixed reviews
The Web3 company Polium is trying to build a game console that will support more blockchains and NFTs. The company seeks to “bring mass adoption into the Web3 site” to lure traditional players away from playing on PCs.
The console, called “Polium One”, will run games built on the blockchains ImmutableX, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, BNB Chain, Harmony, EOS and WAX. A multi-chain wallet for trading, exchanging and investing in cryptocurrencies will be available, according to press material.
The estimated release date is set for the third quarter of 2024, but the unit is still under construction. Many Twitter users have been quick to criticize the project.
After the Polium logo was named to resemble the Nintendo GameCube logo, the company has denied the similarity via Twitter and stated that a new original logo is in the works.
The intended specifications for the console include 4K Ultra HD resolution at 120 frames per second and a fingerprint scanner on the controller that was originally called Touch ID – until Twitter users pointed out that the term is an Apple trademark.
Polium aims to have a functional prototype in “a few months” that is “built by society.”
RTFKT provides new tool for Clone X holders
The Nike-owned RTFKT NFT (non-fungible token) collection has marked the beginning of a “new era” by granting full commercial rights to Clone X NFT holders. The company said owners will be able to use their clones to create fan art NFTs, create merchandise or music and create their own businesses.
RTFKT provides community members with the necessary files of their clones to render 3D models and animations on software such as Maya and Blender.
The company envisions an ecosystem where a new generation of creators can collaborate with 3D artists, become virtual YouTubers or design their own wearables.
“The PFP era is over, welcome to the Avatar economy,” RTFKT stated on Medium.
In addition, Nike recently filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on June 30 for “video game integration” of NFTs.
The filing states that Nike seeks to patent a method where a “virtual object”, such as a “shoe, clothing, headdress, avatar or pet” will be used in digital collectibles from basketball and football. Users will be able to unlock NFT sneakers called “CryptoKicks” for their avatars, and physical twins of shoes and clothing will be available for retail sale.
The application cites Nike’s main motives as a need to “more directly influence and / or control” the exclusivity and supply of digital objects in the virtual market as a way of dealing with counterfeit footwear and imitation goods. In addition, the sportswear giant sees making video games as an opportunity to promote physical brand engagement by influencing users in the digital realm.
Phones with built-in crypto wallets are the new trend
First, Solana Labs announced its plan to build a Web3 Android mobile phone, Saga, for easy cryptocurrency trading. The Ethereum scaling solution Polygon has now partnered with two other phone manufacturers to promote Web3 access for mobile users.
HTC is building HTC Desire 22 phone so users can connect with their Vive Flow virtual reality glasses and stream content from their phone screen to their laptop screen. Users will be able to manage their tokens and NFTs on Ethereum and Polygon via Vive Wallet and Vive Marketplace. The apps will offer “rich metaverse experiences without VR headsets.”
Polygon has joined forces with the telephone company Nothing to integrate its technology into Nothing Phone (1), which will be launched on 12 July. The smartphone will not be officially released in North America, but will work in the region.
Smartphone users will have access to apps and games on the Polygon platform, as well as the payment features and its proof-based identification solution, Polygon ID. Those who pre-ordered Nothing Phone (1) became part of an NFT member club and were able to receive Nothing’s Black Dot NFT, which provides early access to certain products, events and benefits.
Latest financing news
- Zigazoo, a social network for kids built on the Flow blockchain, recently announced a $ 17 million funding round in Series A. Liberty City Ventures led the increase, with the participation of venture capital firm Causeway, NBA, Dapper Labs, OneFootball, Medici VC, Animoca Brands, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Core Ventures, Spartan Group and TikTok stars Charli and Dixie D’Amelio. Zigazoo’s mission is to provide a “safe and positive online community” for children by helping them navigate the world of Web3, NFT and Metaverse. Capital will be used to expand Web3 offerings such as NFT drops, increase token tools in the app and build an NFT creation studio.
- The gaming-focused VC firm Konvoy Ventures has raised a $ 150 million fund to support its portfolio companies during the market downturn and support other gaming startups. The company plans to spend 20% to 30% of the money on blockchain-based games. The company has previously supported Sky Mavis, the developer of Axie Infinity, as well as Genopet’s NFT game and avatar platform Ready Player Me.
- Bonfire Union, the investment arm of Web3 protocol Mask Network, announced that it has raised a $ 42 million fund with the support of Binance, Alameda Research, Animoca Brands, Digital Currency Group, Arweave, HashKey Group and others. Mask Network is a Binance-supported startup that allows users to send cryptocurrencies and encrypted messages through platforms such as Twitter. The company plans to invest in the “social ecosystem” of Web3, inspired by a Chinese company Tencent, the creator of the WeChat app.
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Ornella Hernandez
Block works
Journalist
