In this recap of the crypto world, we will explore the events and news that had the most significant impact in the past week of Dec 11. Our focus will be on the following developments:
● Pudgy Penguins Unveils the Alpha Launch of Pudgy World
● Oh Baby Games x Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants
● Trump Launches Controversial ‘Mugshot Edition’ NFT Collection
● Bitcoin Shrooms Shining a Spotlight on the Ordinal Ecosystem
● Ledger Connect Kit Compromised
Pudgy Penguins Unveils the Alpha Launch of Pudgy World
In a move that promises to redefine the landscape of NFT gaming, Pudgy Penguins, the creative force behind iconic characters and revolutionary NFT collections, has officially announced the alpha launch of Pudgy World. This groundbreaking venture is set to propel Pudgy Penguins beyond the realms of traditional IP and brand development, transforming it into a fully immersive entertainment and lifestyle brand in the Web3 space.
Scheduled for a 2024 debut, the alpha version of Pudgy World comes with an invitation to Pudgy Penguins NFT holders, owners of Pudgy Toys (the brand’s innovative line of NFT-inspired toys), and adventurous gamers eager to explore a new dimension of interactive entertainment. While holding a Pudgy NFT or possessing a Pudgy toy is not a prerequisite for participation, those who do may enjoy certain benefits.
At its core, the alpha release of Pudgy World promises an open world, complete with customizable penguin characters, engaging story-driven missions, and the introduction of “Hero Characters” in the form of Pudgy and Peaches. These characters will guide players and drive the game’s narrative.
Furthermore, the announcement post also specifies that the alpha version will not include any trading between users. However, the announcement hints at subsequent updates that will introduce trading functionality and foster the development of the in-game economy.
Oh Baby Games x Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants
In a strategic move that has the gaming community abuzz, Oh Baby Games, a global game studio with an international network of developers, has entered into a partnership with Nickelodeon. This collaboration aims to bring the charm and humor of SpongeBob SquarePants to life in Oh Baby Games’ first gaming title, Oh Baby Kart.
As per the announcement post, players have the opportunity, for a limited time, to dive into the digital racing experience embodying characters like SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and more than 20 other iconic figures. They can navigate through 26 exhilarating courses, including a meticulously designed map situated in the underwater wonderland of Bikini Bottom.
Starting December 14th, Oh Baby Games welcomes eager gamers to sign up for the closed beta of Oh Baby Kart on their official website. This exclusive opportunity provides a sneak peek into the immersive world of SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired kart racing. As the closed beta unfolds, enthusiasts will not only get a taste of the SpongeBob SquarePants universe in a whole new light but will also become crucial contributors to the game’s development.
Trump Launches Controversial ‘Mugshot Edition’ NFT Collection
Former President Donald Trump has once again captured headlines with the launch of his latest collection, the ‘Mugshot Edition’. This release follows the unprecedented success of his previous two NFT collections, which amassed a staggering $9 million in combined sales.
The Mugshot Edition showcases the controversial mugshots taken during Trump’s arrest at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The arrest, tied to charges of obstruction of justice and violating the Espionage Act, adds a layer of intrigue and controversy to the collection.
This new collection comprises 100,000 NFTs. The tokens are being minted on the Polygon blockchain and are priced at $99 each. These digital collectibles provide enthusiasts and collectors with an opportunity to possess a fragment of a moment in American political history that is both historically significant and polarizing.
In terms of utility, Trump’s Mugshot Edition brings forth an innovative twist. By acquiring 47 cards in a single transaction, collectors can obtain a physical NFT card. Moreover, the first 200 individuals who purchase 100 NFT cards in a single transaction, will not only secure two physical cards but also gain VIP tickets to a gala dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Read more on this here.
Bitcoin Shrooms Shining a Spotlight on the Ordinal Ecosystem
Sotheby’s, the venerable auction house renowned for its prestigious sales, has made history by hosting the first public sale of select pieces from the Bitcoin Shrooms collection. This move not only provided art enthusiasts with a rare glimpse into the pixelated wonders of Bitcoin Shrooms but also marked a pivotal moment for the Ordinals ecosystem.
The Bitcoin Shrooms collection is an artful homage to the first 13 years of Bitcoin. Comprising over 200 meticulously crafted pieces, this collection seamlessly intertwines iconic characters and logos from beloved franchises like Batman and Super Mario. Each pixelated creation serves as a playful and masterful guide, offering a visual masterpiece that captures the revolutionary spirit of Bitcoin from the perspective of one who has witnessed its evolution since the early days.
The first three pieces to go under the virtual hammer at Sotheby’s have become digital artifacts of significant value. “S” for self-sovereignty, “The Sovereign Individual”, and the “BIP39 Seed”, each fetched substantial prices. The cumulative result was a groundbreaking total of $450,000, a testament to the allure and uniqueness of these digital creations. Read more on this here.
Ledger Connect Kit Compromised
In a recent turn of events, the cryptocurrency world was shaken by a significant security breach targeting the Ledger Connector, also known as Connect Kit, a pivotal element for various DApps. This breach, orchestrated by an unidentified attacker, has not only raised eyebrows but also prompted swift action within the crypto community.
The breach, which led to the compromise of the Ledger Connect Kit, resulted in the compromise of wallets, leading to a significant loss of $484,000. According to Ledger, the compromise stemmed from a former employee falling victim to a phishing attack. Exploiting this vulnerability, the attacker gained unauthorized access to the Ledger Connect Kit Library and injected a malicious bug. This manipulation led to the release of compromised versions of the Ledger Connect Kit, specifically versions 1.1.5 through 1.1.7. The compromised library exploited the Walletconnect project, diverting funds directly into the attacker’s wallet.
Responding swiftly to the incident, Ledger collaborated with Walletconnect to disable the rogue project and released the verified Ledger Connect Kit version 1.1.8. This emergency patch aimed to rectify the vulnerability and restore the integrity of the Connect Kit. Simultaneously, to fortify security measures, development teams relying on the Ledger Connect Kit from the Node Package Manager (NPM) were restricted to read-only access. This precautionary measure prevents direct package updates, ensuring that only verified versions are deployed.
In the aftermath of the breach, Ledger has taken proactive steps to address the situation comprehensively in their detailed post on X/Twitter. The company is actively engaging with affected customers, collaborating with law enforcement agencies to trace the attacker, and conducting a thorough analysis of the exploit to fortify defenses against potential future breaches. In addition to this, as an added layer of caution, Ledger has advised users to refrain from utilizing the Connect Kit for 24 hours.
