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 Nov 20. Our focus will be on the following developments:
● Ubisoft x The Sandbox
● Phantom Releases Cross-Chain Swapping
● Animoca Brands x Ubisoft
● Blast: New L2 and its Upcoming Airdrop
● CZ Steps Down: Are Funds SAFU?
● Cool Cats Release its Animated Series
Ubisoft x The Sandbox
In a groundbreaking move that signals the convergence of gaming, entertainment, and blockchain technology, Ubisoft has teamed up with The Sandbox to launch a collection of unique NFT avatars inspired by its latest Netflix animated series, ‘Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix.’ This collaboration not only extends Ubisoft’s footprint in the blockchain space but also introduces iconic characters to The Sandbox metaverse, creating a novel and immersive experience for fans.
Captain Laserhawk, an anime-themed Netflix series, draws inspiration from Ubisoft’s popular game Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. However, what sets this series apart is its ingenious integration of characters and references from various Ubisoft franchises, resulting in a narrative that transcends traditional boundaries.
Set against the backdrop of the dystopian Eden of 1992, the series unfolds in a world tainted by propaganda and corruption. The storyline promises a captivating blend of betrayal, rebellion, and intrigue, with the central focus on Dolph Laserhawk. As a super-soldier reluctantly assuming leadership of a band of rebel outcasts on undercover missions, Dolph adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of the gaming and anime genres.
As part of the collaboration, Ubisoft and The Sandbox are releasing a limited collection of 1,866 unique player avatars as NFTs on the Polygon blockchain. Scheduled for release on November 29, these avatars feature a futuristic, cyberpunk aesthetic consistent with the show’s themes. Each avatar allows fans to own a piece of the Ubisoft legacy and showcase their favorite characters in the evolving metaverse of The Sandbox. Read more on this here.
Phantom Releases Cross-Chain Swapping
As the crypto market continues its bullish trajectory, with Solana standing out as a prominent player, users face the challenge of navigating across different blockchain networks. Phantom Wallet, a key player in the Solana ecosystem, has responded to this challenge with a groundbreaking feature – the Cross-Chain Swapper, powered by Li.Fi. This innovative solution not only addresses the complexities of cross-chain transactions but also positions itself as a next-generation bridge for secure and effortless blockchain interactions.
This feature offers several benefits to users:
- Seamless Bridging
- Optimized Performance
- Real-Time Information
- Refuel Mechanism
This feature, driven by user demand and community feedback, demonstrates Phantom’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its user base. As the Solana ecosystem continues to grow, innovations like the Cross-Chain Swapper play a pivotal role in fostering a user-friendly and efficient blockchain experience. Read more on this here.
Animoca Brands x Ubisoft
In a groundbreaking move towards advancing the Web3 gaming landscape, Animoca Brands has recently unveiled a collaboration with Ubisoft’s Strategic Innovation Lab. This strategic partnership, poised to revolutionize the gaming experience within the Mocaverse, a subsidiary project of Animoca Brands, is set to redefine digital ownership, user interaction, and the expansive possibilities of the open metaverse.
At the heart of this collaboration is the development of a cross-compatible meta-experience layer, meticulously crafted across Animoca Brands’ extensive network, which spans over 400 companies. This layer is designed to showcase various blockchain projects, with a spotlight on Ubisoft’s latest PvP game, ‘Champions Tactics’.
Furthermore, one of the cornerstones of this collaboration is the introduction of ‘Realm Points.’ Moca ID holders actively engaging with ‘Champions Tactics’ will have the opportunity to accumulate these points, creating a bridge between the digital and real worlds. These Realm Points serve as the key to unlocking exclusive privileges, providing access to a diverse array of digital and in-real-life rewards, curated by Animoca Brands, Mocaverse, and their expansive partner networks.
This partnership brings together Animoca Brands’ expertise in the metaverse with Ubisoft’s innovation. And given the industry giants’ active roles in the Web3 space, this partnership holds immense potential to shape the future of Web3 gaming and attract new users to the space. Read more on this here.
Blast: New L2 and its Upcoming Airdrop
Blast has emerged as the beacon of attention in the Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) space, captivating investors who have poured over $30 million in ETH and stablecoins into the project. This surge not only catapulted Blast into the spotlight but also cemented its position as the most hyped Ethereum L2 in Q4 of 2023.
Blast, built upon the robust foundation of Optimistic Rollup, presents itself as a solution grounded in the principle that markets naturally converge toward efficiency. In the competitive landscape of DeFi, efficiency translates to liquidity gravitating towards platforms offering the highest yields. This means that, unlike other L2 solutions, Blast introduces native yields that promise a more inclusive and lucrative staking experience for both ETH and stablecoin holders.
The driving force behind Blast is a team steeped in experience, drawing insights from notable projects like MakerDAO and BLUR Marketplace. The team’s prowess is further amplified by the backing of heavyweight venture capitalists—Paradigm, Standard Crypto, and Primitive Ventures. Moreover, with substantial financial backing, Blast has successfully secured $40 million through the utilization of BLUR, and an additional $20 million from private investors and individuals.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Blast ecosystem is the potential for users to earn Blast Points, possibly playing a role in the much-anticipated future airdrop. To participate, users need to follow a three-step process:
- Gain Early Access to Blast
- Bridge to Blast Layer 2
- Start Earning Blast Points
Although, it is crucial to note that all invested funds will be locked until February 2024, aligning with the tentative date set for Blast’s mainnet launch. Read more on this here.
CZ Steps Down: Are Funds SAFU?
In a stunning twist of fate for one of the crypto industry’s most prominent figures, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder and CEO of Binance, has announced his resignation from the helm of the leading cryptocurrency exchange. This surprising development unfolds against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny faced by Binance from U.S. regulators, culminating in a consequential criminal investigation that has now led to a substantial settlement.
Under the terms of the settlement, Binance is obligated to pay a substantial $4.3 billion fine. Additionally, CZ himself faces a personal fine of $50 million. While CZ retains his majority stake in Binance, the settlement imposes a three-year restriction on his ability to hold any executive position within the company. Also, another significant aspect of the settlement is the appointment of an independent compliance monitor to oversee Binance’s operations during this period.
Importantly, the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not allege any misappropriation of user funds or market manipulation by Binance, which comes as assurance to users. And this assurance was further affirmed by CZ as he highlighted that “Funds are SAFU”.
In the wake of CZ’s departure, Richard Teng, the former Global Head of Regional Markets at Binance, steps into the role of CEO. Armed with over thirty years of experience in financial services and regulation, Teng assumes the daunting task of guiding Binance through his vision that pivots on financial strength, security, and safety. Read more on this here.
Cool Cats Release its Animated Series
Cool Cats has boldly ventured beyond the conventional boundaries of the NFT space with the release of its animated series, “The Milk Chug.” This strategic move not only underscores Cool Cats’ commitment to offering the NFT community diverse and immersive experiences but also positions it as a pioneer in reshaping the narrative of what an NFT project can be.
“The Milk Chug” is the result of a collaboration between Cool Cats and the esteemed Los Angeles-based animation studio Titmouse. This animated series injects vitality into the beloved Cool Cats characters – Blue, Chugs, Jo, and Jardi. In the first “Episode 101,” the crew congregates at the Milk Chug, engaging in a friendly competition between Chugs and Ardi for the coveted title of the best coffee maker.
What sets “The Milk Chug” apart is the incorporation of Hollywood talents into the cast, bringing a level of sophistication rarely witnessed in the NFT space. Zeno Robinson lends his voice to Blue Cat, Chugs, and the Coffee Machine, while Dan Stevens takes on the role of Ardi, and Maggie Lawson brings Jo to life. This star-studded ensemble elevates the animated series to a world of creativity and professionalism that sets a new standard for NFT projects.
For eager fans, the first episode of “The Milk Chug” is now accessible on Cool Cats’ YouTube channel. This platform will serve as the primary hub for all future episodes of the animated series. Check out the animated series here.
