Gaming Grid - PUBG's Creator new Web3 Game, Konami's New Hit Game, Mocaverse Raised $20 Million and Much More!!

Gaming Grid Newsletter is curated to share the latest gaming insights in the Asia region for all gaming enthusiasts. Our goal is to be an insightful gaming source that readers look forward to reading every week.

💡 This Week’s Highlights:

• South Korean game studio Krafton, known for PUBG, unveils its new Roblox inspired Web3 Game called ‘Overdare’ 🚀

• Konami, known for classics like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Castlevania, has made a cryptic entry into blockchain gaming with ‘Project Zircon’ 💎

• Sony Network Communications and Singapore’s Startale Labs are teaming up to develop a cutting-edge blockchain through a new joint venture 🤝

• Japanese gaming blockchain Oasys has unveiled its Web3 wallet called Oasys Passport 🎮

• GAMEE’s arcade gaming subsidiary, Arc8, has introduced ‘Beasties’ to its gaming app, allowing players to mint unique digital collectible companions at NO COST 🕹️

• Animoca Brands’ Mocaverse has secured $20 million in funding led by CMCC Global 💰

👀 GAMING INSIGHTS IN ASIA

South Korean game studio Krafton, known for PUBG, unveils its Roblox inspired game called ‘Overdare’ 🚀 

Formerly Project Migaloo, Overdare will soft-launch in December, powered by its dedicated blockchain, Settlus. Overdare, similar to Roblox, empowers creators with generative AI tools for crafting various games. The project, a joint venture with Naver Z, aims to create a “create-to-earn” game economy using NFTs, offering transparency and secure transactions. Krafton also revealed Settlus, a blockchain project using Cosmos SDK for USDC settlements. While an “digital asset licensing system” is planned, details remain undisclosed, and whether Settlus will introduce its own token is uncertain.

Konami, known for classics like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Castlevania, has made a cryptic entry into blockchain gaming with ‘Project Zircon’ 💎

The official statement hints at a new co-creation experience using blockchain tech, including digital collectibles trading, sparking excitement in the gaming community. Specifics are under wraps, but details are set to be unveiled on September 13 in their Discord community, followed by a formal presentation at the Tokyo Game Show on September 21. While the announcement was initially made through a new Twitter account, Konami's confirmation via their main Japanese account adds legitimacy to the news, even though it's not widely discussed on global digital collectibles platforms due to language barriers.

Sony Network Communications and Singapore’s Startale Labs are teaming up to develop a cutting-edge blockchain through a new joint venture 🤝

This blockchain is intended for high-end applications to promote the global adoption of Web3 technology. The partnership aims to integrate this blockchain into Sony’s existing services, spanning various business areas such as games, music, and more. The collaboration leverages Sony’s expertise in communication, IoT, AI, and solutions with Startale Labs’ Web3 knowledge, with the goal of creating a global infrastructure that fuels innovation in the Web3 era. This initiative builds upon their previous capital alliance formed in June 2023 and signifies their commitment to advancing Web3 trends worldwide.

Japanese gaming blockchain Oasys has unveiled its Web3 wallet called Oasys Passport 🎮

The wallet is developed by Web3 gaming firm Double Jump.tokyo. Currently in its alpha stage, the wallet offers support for Oasys’ Home Verse and Double Jump.tokyo’s flagship title, Brave Frontiers Heroes, with plans to integrate it into more Oasys games in the future. Oasys Passport aims to simplify onboarding and enhance user experience by unifying the look of digital collectibles, providing asset visualization for in-game earnings, and facilitating cross-Verse interactions for various games within the app. Oasys has also partnered with AGLD DAO to create the Lootverse project, promoting fully autonomous decentralized ecosystems in gaming, and will feature AGLD token integration to foster collaborative autonomous gaming experiences within the AGLD DAO ecosystem.

GAMEE’s arcade gaming subsidiary, Arc8, has introduced ‘Beasties’ to its gaming app, allowing players to mint unique digital collectible at no cost 🕹️

These in-game companions can be upgraded and converted into digital collectibles of varying rarities, offering in-game benefits. This move reflects GAMEE’s commitment to fostering genuine digital ownership in mobile gaming while bridging the gap between traditional mobile gaming and Web3. Arc8, GAMEE’s blockchain gaming platform, aims to onboard more Web2 players into the Web3 ecosystem, combining elements of both worlds. Bozena Rezab, CEO of GAMEE, emphasized their goal of introducing Web2 players to blockchain gaming and digital ownership, potentially claiming their first digital assets for free. Arc8 is available on iOS and Android devices, and it has gained recognition for its efforts to blend traditional and decentralized gaming while partnering with brands like Manchester City, NASA, and Guinness World Records.

Mocaverse has secured $20 million in funding led by CMCC Global 💰

The funding is intended to accelerate its Mocaverse project, advance Web3 adoption, and expand its gaming, culture, and entertainment ecosystem. Mocaverse focuses on creating Web3-native tools for users to develop digital identities, earn loyalty points, and access various experiences. This includes the upcoming launch of Moca ID, a non-transferrable digital collectibles collection enabling users to craft their on-chain identities and engage with the Mocaverse ecosystem. Animoca Brands, with a portfolio of approximately 450 Web3 investments, aims to drive accessibility and growth in Web3 through Mocaverse's developments.

🌎 GLOBAL HOT GAMING NEWS BY XGA LIN

Polkastarter Gaming has rebranded to GAM3S.GG following a successful $2 million seed funding round 🌐

GAM3S.GG, aiming to become the "IGN for web3," plans to use the funds to expand its platform, which currently hosts over 200 games across 15 chains and has attracted over 60,000 registered gamers since its November 2022 launch. The platform focuses on curating quality content for web3 gamers, reflecting a shift in the web3 gaming landscape towards high-quality gameplay over play-to-earn models. To enhance accessibility, GAM3S.GG is introducing features like social logins and direct in-game playing. With established gaming companies entering web3 gaming, GAM3S.GG aims to become the definitive hub for web3 gamers, supported by Polygon, Double Peak, ArkStream Capital, LD Capital, and other investors. 🚀

GameOn, the gaming startup, has partnered with LaLiga North America ⚽

Together, they will develop NFT-based fantasy games for the Spanish soccer league’s fans in the United States and Canada. Fans can purchase NFT packs of LaLiga players and build fantasy lineups based on their real-life performance. Digital gear like cleats and jerseys can boost in-game avatars. The LaLiga-branded web app is set to launch in early 2024, offering social chat features and prizes including cash, VIP tickets, and signed merchandise. GameOn plans to connect its Web3 gaming ecosystem with a token and has investors like Polygon Studios and Dapper Labs.

Venture firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is investing $15M in gaming startup Pahdo Labs, the developer of the anime-style action RPG, Halcyon Zero 💎

This game offers generative AI tools for players to create their own anime worlds within the game. A16z is particularly interested in anime-style games, noting their popularity and potential for revenue, as seen with titles like Genshin Impact. The use of generative AI in games is a growing trend, allowing players to easily create user-generated content, potentially transforming intellectual properties into dynamic, ever-evolving game franchises.

Zynga's Sugartown Game Sells Out Debut Digital Collectibles "Oras" 🍬

Developed by Zynga, a major player in casual gaming, Sugartown combines gameplay with digital collectibles. Oras, the inaugural digital collectible collection, consists of 9,999 digital creations, offering various benefits to collectors, from in-game rewards to exclusive features. This achievement underscores Zynga's ability to bridge traditional gaming and the blockchain realm. As Sugartown's universe expands, it promises to deliver more excitement to digital collectibles enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Mythical Games, in partnership with the NFL, is capitalizing on the 2023 NFL season to boost engagement in its NFL Rivals blockchain game 🏈 

NFL Rivals recently achieved the distinction of becoming the first Web3 title featured as the Game of the Day on Apple's App Store, leading to a surge in daily active users. Since its soft launch in April 2023, the mobile-based football game has attracted over 2 million players and generated over $1 million in trading volume. Additionally, Mythical Games is shifting its blockchain title Blankos Block Party to a mobile-first focus and has launched the open beta of the car racing game Nitro Nation World Tour, catering to both traditional and Web3 gamers.

🎮️ GAME OF THE WEEK: Mighty Action Heroes Open Beta

Mighty Action Heroes has launched its open beta, welcoming players to test their free-to-play, browser-based battle royale game, featuring digital collectibles integration. Players can participate in play-to-earn events, including a Greeting Quest with various objectives and a leaderboard-based tournament with $3,000 worth of prizes. The game now includes supply crates and crafting, primarily benefiting those who own Big Bear Syndicate or MightyNet Genesis Pass digital collectibles, which allow players to stake and earn MBITS rewards for crafting materials. Additionally, the game features dynamic crafting costs, an improved inventory system, and a spectate mode. Mighty Action Heroes combines on-chain and off-chain assets, with action hero-inspired characters, level progression, and a Season Pass system, along with plans for an ecosystem token named MGHTY.

Play on browser and Android here.

In an exciting pre-launch development, YellowPanther visited their office last Friday, adding a dynamic touch to the eagerly anticipated Mighty Action Heroes open beta.

🖥️ SOCIALS