The NIFTY Show

Originally aired on June 30, 2023

IconX Racing is a blockchain-based racing game that aims to provide the thrill of racing to the majority of racing fans who do not participate in real racing. The game allows players to have a stake in the game and offers a unique car collection system where players can customize their cars and characters using their NFT collection. IconX Racing combines simulation and arcade elements to create a skill-based game. The game’s strategy for onboarding mainstream gamers involves presenting it as a regular racing game with digital goods and assets, rather than emphasizing crypto and NFTs. The game has a sustainable monetization model that includes in-game purchases, cash earnings, and partnerships with brands.

Shifting into web3 Gear with IconX Racing:

• What is IconX Racing and its goal?
• How does the game combine simulation and arcade elements?
• How does the game incorporate NFT customization?
• Where does IconX Racing stand on the spectrum of racing games?
• What is the strategy for onboarding mainstream gamers?
• How does the game monetize itself?

Watch this episode to find out all this and more from IconX Racing.

Originally aired on June 23, 2023

Chia blockchain has announced the development of a framework called Chia Open Digital Economy which aims to develop an interoperability standard that allows users to own their digital identity and transfer it along with their assets from one world to another. This will be achieved by unifying all the information associated with a user’s identity and assets, ultimately incentivizing collaboration across creators building applications using Chia’s blockchain technology.

Democratizing the Metaverse with Chia

• Chia announces Chia Open Digital Economy to develop an interoperability standard.
• The framework aims to deliver seamless ownership of digital identities and assets in the metaverse.
• Chia’s goal is to incentivize collaboration across creators using Chia’s blockchain technology.
• The Chia Open Digital Economy plans to ensure interoperability across games and digital worlds.
• The framework seeks to eliminate central parties and offer trading of digital assets without using marketplaces.
• Chia sees the visual presentation layer of the metaverse’s world as a manifestation of what that particular world supports.

Originally aired on June 5, 2023

Metalcore is a massive multiplayer FPS game that includes looting, crafting, and progression. It features high-octane action with different vehicles and infantry fighting to control the map. The game is currently in semi-public playtesting, with more scheduled before its main release later this year. Metalcore is partnered with Immutable to integrate Web3 into the game and has an NFT infantry Genesis collection out on OpenC. The game’s uniqueness comes from the stats, and the properties of the NFTs can be unique, with different combinations of stats.

Web3 integration in Metalcore

• Metalcore burst onto the scene in 2021, and the studio was able to crank out this massive game in a short amount of time.
• Metalcore is partnered with Immutable to integrate Web3 into the game, with plans to integrate characters, vehicles, and land in the future.
• The game has an NFT infantry Genesis collection out on OpenC, with unique properties for each NFT.
• Immutable will be working with Metalcore to integrate the game with their products, such as Passport and their Network.
• The game has had a very close relationship with Polygon, who recently formed an alliance with Immutable in the Web3 gaming space.
• Metalcore has prioritized delivering an alluring gaming experience before integrating into Web3.

Originally aired on May 25, 2023

In this episode, we look at a presentation on the past, present, and future of NFTs given at NFT NYC 2023.  Lord Travis Wright and Joel Comm of the Bad Crypto podcast discuss the exploration of NFTs, the rise and fall of NFT marketplaces, and the importance of cross-operability.

What are the past, present and future of NFTs?

• The past: The first NFT was on Namecoin in 2011, with CryptoKitties and CryptoPunks rising to popularity in 2017.
• The present: NFT marketplaces have experienced ups and downs, with WAX emerging as a strong proponent of green NFTs due to low gas fees. Blur has also taken off as a popular marketplace.
• The future: Cross-operability between chains is crucial for NFTs to thrive, and NFTs must move beyond purely monetary value as influencers and celebrities have been promoting them without understanding their true value.

Originally aired on May 12, 2023

Decimalist is introducing a Cardano-based game called PFP Pit Brawl that allows NFT collectors to battle with their profile pictures. The game is designed to provide utility to NFTs and unify different communities invested in Collectibles, and aims to bring all communities together on a single platform to showcase their tribalism and their passion for their NFT collections.

Can non-crypto users play this game?

• Pre-made heroes allow players to participate in the same ecosystem without a wallet or NFTs.
• PFP Pit Brawl does not require a wallet to play, but participants can connect their wallet to enable NFTs to be loaded into the game.

What is the gameplay like?

• The minimum viable product will be released within the next 14 days.
• The game focuses only on battling and climbing a leaderboard to achieve a higher honor rank in the Honor System.
• The game mechanics are mechanically deep with a great, robust skill system.
• The game offers damage over time effects, heal over time effects, interruptions, status ailments and combos.
• The gameplay consists of 2D assets as NFTs that are not animated with the addition of mechanics on top.

Originally aired on May 5, 2023

Originally aired on May

Bo Daly, CEO of Bazooka Tango, discusses the transition from Web 2 to Web 3 gaming and his partnership with Immutable on a new game called Shardbound. Daly, a former engineer with Rockstar, sees potential in Web 3 for giving players more control over their economy and creating games that last forever with blockchain technology.

Why did Bo Daly make the leap to Web 3 gaming?

• Daly believes in challenging assumptions and pushing boundaries.
• Web 2 monetization models are not always gamer-friendly.
• Web 3 allows players to control their own economy and sell back items they no longer want.
• Games can be built to last forever with the security of blockchain technology.
• Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) could take ownership of games that have run their course.
• Daly takes inspiration from World of Warcraft in building a successful metaverse.

Originally aired on April 21, 2023

The NFT.NYC 2023 event held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, in contrast to previous events that drew large crowds, saw less than 6,000 attendees. However, the event’s attendees were serious about learning about the industry instead of making easy money, and the speakers had significant information about the NFT market’s future. The event highlighted the importance of building products for non-blockchain gamers, and fewer suits should be in charge of game development.

The Future of Web3 Gaming

• The future of Web3 gaming is shifting, with fewer suits in charge of development, and more people with personal love for games leading the way.
• Axie Infinity’s success combined the fantasy of replacing day jobs with playing video games with the reality of how that can interact with the global economy.
• Building games that the mainstream does not care about and pretending that play-to-earn is the solution should stop.
• Scholarship programs fueled by the disparate income levels in different nations were integral to Axie Infinity’s success.
• While there will always be a place for Axie Infinity-type games that allow for generating income, greediness is dangerous for investing in the space.
• It’s crucial to build products for non-blockchain gamers to improve consumer rights and offer benefits that Web 2.0 gaming does not provide.

Originally aired on April 2, 2023

The Nifty Show announces a new NFT collection called Energize Pack, which offers a set of new AI-generated variations on 37 blockchain Heroes and Villains to existing blockchain Heroes holders, for no cost. The collection includes heroes, villains, rares, epics, legendaries, and a one-of-a-kind Genesis card. The collection will begin on April 4th, and will continue until all 2000 packs have been claimed.

Can existing blockchain Heroes holders get new collectibles for free?

• Existing blockchain Heroes holders can get up to 37 different Heroes through the Energize Pack.
• The collection includes heroes, villains, rares, epics, legendaries, and a one-of-a-kind Genesis card.
• To participate, holders need to visit the designated website and burn at least 20 of their existing blockchain Heroes’ commons from series 1,2 or 3.
• The tool requires a minimum of 20 commons to be burned per pack.
• The activity begins on Tuesday, April 4th, at 12 noon Eastern time and will continue until all 2000 packs have been claimed.

Originally aired on March 30, 2023

The Nifty Show discusses the potential for mass adoption of NFTs through gaming, with major players in the industry like PlayStation and Microsoft exploring the integration of NFT technology into their ecosystems. Despite negative impressions of NFTs in the gaming mainstream, historical evidence suggests that they will become commonplace and standard in games.

Can NFTs become mainstream in gaming?

• Major game companies like PlayStation and Microsoft are exploring NFT technology.
• NFTs have faced negative associations in the gaming mainstream due to use in scam projects.
• However, historical evidence suggests that new technologies tend to become adopted by the gaming mainstream regardless of initial resistance.

Originally aired on March 24, 2023

Sony PlayStation has recently filed a patent to allow NFT transfers between games, while Epic Games has close to 20 crypto games in the pipeline, marking a significant shift towards blockchain integration in the gaming industry. Other tech giants including Nintendo and Microsoft have also expressed interest and are actively exploring the potential of NFTs in gaming.

Sony PlayStation Files Patent for NFT Transfers Between Games

• Sony is looking to allow NFT transfers between its devices, such as PS5, VR headsets, smartphones, and tablets.
• The patent also mentions the use of NFTs for cross-generational gameplay and tournament rewards.

Epic Games Has Close to 20 Crypto Games in the Pipeline

• Epic Games is embracing blockchain in the gaming industry and has multiple blockchain-based game projects in development.
• The move may be in response to Steam’s ban on blockchain-based games in its ecosystem.

Other Tech Giants are Actively Exploring NFTs in Gaming

• Nintendo has expressed interest in the potential of NFTs and the Metaverse, though they have not yet found a way to incorporate it into their games.
• Microsoft’s Xbox boss, Phil Spencer, sees potential in NFTs in gaming and has expressed caution towards the play-to-earn model.

Originally aired on March 13, 2023

Blockchain Heroes, the NFT collection, is expanding with a new release on the Quidd app, which pre-dates NFTs, in a move to introduce the collection to a wider audience. The Retro Rebellion set was initially under-appreciated and is now getting a new lease of life via the increasingly popular cryptocurrency-based art form.

Retro Rebellion Comes to Quidd

• Blockchain Heroes expands to Quidd
• Retro Rebellion set gets a new launch
• Quidd is a digital collectibles app
• Blockchain Heroes available on Ethereum and Opensea
• Quidd offers legendary heroes and villains that can be obtained nowhere else
• NFTs expand the Blockchain Heroes universe

Originally aired on March 10, 2023

The Nifty Show discusses how to bring NFTs into the mainstream and bridge the gap for mass adoption. The current state of the industry is fraught with false narratives and speculation, and there is a language barrier between the tech-savvy web3 world and the general public. To achieve mass adoption, NFTs need to solve real-world problems and provide value beyond speculative investment.

Bridging the Mass Adoption Gap

• Designing with the end in mind: solving real-world problems that people face
• Providing value beyond speculative investment by offering connection, belonging, and community
• NFTs as collectibles: changing the perception from right-click save as to digital ownership
• The language barrier: educating the public about digital ownership and the difference between owning a JPEG and owning an NFT
• Using web3 to solve common problems for non-tech-savvy people
• Achieving mass adoption through solving common problems and providing real value

Originally aired on February 28, 2023

Jeff Kelly, co-founder of the Edge of NFT broadcast and Outer Edge event, discussed the current state of the NFT market and the upcoming Outer Edge event. He noted that the community is focused on building, and there is a lot of optimism and momentum in the space. He also emphasized the importance of personal connections and education.

What are some key takeaways from the discussion with Jeff Kelly?

• The NFT community is currently focused on building, with a lot of optimism and momentum in the space.
• Personal connections and education are essential to the growth of the industry.
• The upcoming Outer Edge event is a great opportunity for people to network, learn, and get inspired.
• The event will feature speakers, art installations, and the Wales NFT collection, among other things.
• The Hackathon preceding the event is a chance for developers to build and collaborate.
• There are no guarantees in the NFT space, but the projects with strong values, skilled team members, and sufficient resources are likely to succeed.

Originally aired on February 21, 2023

The Nifty Show’s 200th episode features the CEO of Entertainmint, a collaborative storytelling platform that invites creators and fans to create and own content through NFTs. The platform integrates regulation CF and aims for full fractionalization and co-ownership by the fall of this year.

How does Entertainmint promote fan engagement through NFTs?

• Enables fans to buy tickets and get perks for engagement in a project
• Allows fans to have a say in the direction of the show and receive royalties for helping to launch it
• Enables creators to register project ideas and invite fans into the writers’ room using NFTs
• Offers full streamer capabilities, already flipped the first show to 2B and has a Distribution Hub
• Has a robust platform that looks like Netflix crashed into Open Sea crashed into Kickstarter and Cameo
• Is accessible to users even without owning a wallet, using just an email or credit card

Originally aired on January 28, 2023

Bluelight is a business simulator game based on the cartoon series “Take My Muffin.” The game is set in San Francisco Bay Area and involves managing teams and completing various projects to earn revenue. Players can own or rent offices and lands and use NFTs as in-game currency.

How does Bluelight use NFTs as in-game currency?

• Almost all items in Bluelight are NFTs, including lands, offices, office items, and characters
• Players can earn in-game currency called Bucks or Kale, a crypto token available on Ethereum and BNB chain.
• The game is designed for players of all types, including free-to-play and hardcore crypto enthusiasts

What are the key features of Bluelight?

• Players manage teams with diverse skills to complete various projects
• The game involves trading cards with different stats representing skills and performance
• Players can own or rent offices and lands and earn revenue share from rented offices
• The game is based on the cartoon series “Take My Muffin” and designed to be humorous and fun
• The game is set in San Francisco Bay Area and incorporates landmark sites cryptified for the game

Originally aired on January 24, 2023

National Lampoon, known for its iconic films and magazines, has launched an NFT project that will tap into the web 3.0 community. The project aims to build a comedy community where new creators can deliver fresh content to new fans. With NFT holders, the company hopes to carve out a new path for comedy and media born out of web 3.

National Lampoon Launches NFT Project for Comedy in Web 3.0

• National Lampoon aims to build a comedy community in web 3.0 by tapping into new creators and fans.
• The project will leverage NFT holders to create fresh content and carve out a new path for comedy and media.
• The company hopes to cut out middlemen such as distributors like Netflix and Amazon to drive the growth of comedy in web 3.0.
• National Lampoon’s NFT project will produce new animation, stand-up comedy, and other comedy-related shows.
• The project plans to launch a show called “Touching Grass”, which is set up similar to “Interview with the Hot Wings” and will be interactive for NFT holders to decide the next guests.
• The NFT project aims to carve out a niche for National Lampoon in web 3.0 with fresh content and engagement with NFT holders.

Originally aired on January 21, 2023

Omar Siddiqui, CEO of Joy Ride Games, talks about the importance of bringing web 3 gaming to mobile devices and his approach to onboarding users to play blockchain-powered mobile games. Joy Ride Games has developed casual gaming experiences like Solitaire Blitz and Tennis Champs, which have had over six million players engaging with on-chain activity. The company’s approach is to focus on building scalable, approachable games that allow users to play first and discover crypto features later, rather than overwhelming them with barriers at first glance.

Mobile Gaming is Crucial for Onboarding Users

• Joy Ride Games is a cutting-edge web 3 gaming studio that is integrating unique NFTs into the mobile gaming experience.
• Mobile gaming is the mainstream means by which people engage with entertainment experiences.
• Creating casual and easy-to-play games, such as Solitaire Blitz and Tennis Champs, is key in terms of onboarding users who are not necessarily interested in blockchain and crypto.
• Joy Ride Games’ scalable and approachable games expose users to blockchain features as a function of the overall game experience.
• Users can earn tokens by competing in tournaments, and the tokens can be used for game upgrades and rewards.
• Joy Ride Games will continue to expand its ecosystem of skill-based games and introduce more NFTs.

Originally aired on January 14, 2023

Adrian Creon, CEO of Spielworks, discusses the Wombat.app, a comprehensive wallet designed to bring gamers into the world of Web3. With over 3.2 million users, the app allows users to play traditional and Web3 games, adding NFTs and crypto components to the games. By adding this layer of NFTs and crypto, Adrian was able to bring traditional Web2 gamers into the crypto space and introduce them to the world of NFTs and Web3.

Onboarding Traditional Gamers into Web3 with Wombat.app

• Wombat.app is a comprehensive wallet designed to onboard traditional gamers into Web3 gaming.
• With over 3.2 million users, the app adds a layer of NFTs and crypto components to traditional and Web3 games.
• By bringing traditional gamers into the crypto space, Adrian and his team have been able to expose them to the world of NFTs and Web3 through gameplay.
• The app allows users to play traditional and Web3 games, earning tokens that can be redeemed for NFTs and crypto.
• The step-by-step approach to introducing NFTs and crypto through gameplay allows traditional gamers to ease into the world of Web3 without feeling overwhelmed.
• The app currently supports multiple blockchains, including EOS, Polygon, and BNB.