The post IOC shifts from Mario & Sonic games to NFTs, esports appeared first on AIBC.
]]>Several media reported Lee Coker, the producer behind the Mario & Sonic games, revealing that the IOC decided to explore other opportunities post the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. According to Coker, the committee aimed to internalise the project and seek new partners, including those involved with NFTs and esports. This strategic shift was driven by a desire to increase revenue by cutting ties with expensive partners like Nintendo and Sega.??
During 2020 and 2021, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) saw a surge in interest from various businesses and organisations, including the IOC. Although the NFT market has since cooled, the IOC’s initial interest led them to incorporate these digital assets into their plans. This pivot included the development of a new game for the Paris 2024 Olympics that integrates NFT collectibles.??
Replacing the traditional Mario & Sonic game, the IOC introduced “Olympics Go! Paris 2024,” a free-to-play game available on Android, iOS, and PC. Developed by nWay, known for its Power Rangers games, this title features 12 mini-games based on Olympic sports such as archery, swimming, golf, and fencing. Despite its release, the game has received limited promotion, leaving many potential players unaware of its existence.??
In “Olympics Go! Paris 2024,” players can earn NFTs, such as digital pins showcasing the Paris 2024 mascot. These collectibles can be traded on platforms like Magic Eden, with integration into Coinbase’s Onchain Summer event. Players need an ETH L2 Base-supported wallet to participate in these transactions, aligning the game with the growing digital economy.??
Last week, the IOC approved the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, with the inaugural event set to take place in 2025 in Saudi Arabia. The IOC said the decision was endorsed unanimously by the 142nd IOC Session held in Paris.? ??
The decision to end the Mario & Sonic series marks a significant shift in the IOC’s approach to gaming. Over two decades, six titles were released, tying in with the Summer and Winter Olympics, and bringing joy to fans of all ages. The collaboration between Nintendo and Sega, featuring once-rival mascots, became a symbol of unity and fun in the spirit of the Olympics.??
While the departure from Mario & Sonic games might disappoint many fans, the IOC’s new focus on NFTs and esports reflects a broader trend towards digital transformation. As the organisation navigates this new terrain, it remains to be seen how successful these ventures will be in engaging a new generation of fans and maintaining the Olympic spirit in the digital age.?
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]]>The post nWay to unveil Paris 2024 mascot NFT pins appeared first on AIBC.
]]>According to its press release, the collection features two distinct designs of the Paris 2024 mascot, available in both Epic and Legendary rarities. Collectors can claim these pins showcasing the mascot holding a flag or waving. Additionally, participants in the My Olympic? Rewards program can redeem points for an Epic pin featuring the mascot with the Paris 2024 emblem.?
Existing nWayPlay (NWP) community members and supporters of the Olympic Games Jam (OGJ) will receive all four pins, with the legendary pin being an exclusive reward.?
?? They’re here, and ready to cheer on the athletes! Own a piece of the Olympic Games with our Paris 2024 Mascot NFT digital pins.
Head over to our blog for more details ?? https://t.co/2jd5RL5IGA#Paris2024 #Olympics #Paris2024Mascot pic.twitter.com/sTV7aajSVY
— nWay (@nWayGames) July 9, 2024
The Paris 2024 Mascot NFT digital pins are designed to be non-transferable, requiring a Base-supported wallet for minting. The minting period for these collectibles starts on July 9 and ends on August 12, aligning with the Onchain Summer event.?
San Francisco-based nWay specialises in developing cross-platform games. According to its website, the company has a track record of creating AAA-quality games for mobile and console platforms, including titles like Wreck League and Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid.?
Onchain Summer, initiated in 2023, is a multi-week event encouraging creators to launch projects on Base, a secure Ethereum scaling solution by Coinbase. ?
As part of the Olympic Agenda 2020+5 initiatives, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has developed a global licencing programme to enhance the Olympic brand. The programme includes The Olympic Collection, The Olympic Heritage Collection, and The Olympic and Paralympic Games Collections, offering a range of official merchandise, collectibles, and souvenirs.?
The Paris 2024 Mascot NFT pins serve as a testament to the growing integration of digital assets in celebrating global events, providing fans with a modern way to engage with the Olympics.?
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]]>The post Philippines ranks among top 3 countries embracing Web3 game PixelPals appeared first on AIBC.
]]>With more than 76,000 players hailing from the Philippines, the country ranks third overall among 212 nations participating in PixelPals. Surpassed only by the United States and Vietnam, Filipino gamers have demonstrated their dedication and engagement, contributing significantly to the game’s vibrant ecosystem. Other countries among the top 10 users include Indonesia, India, Japan, Brazil, Nigeria, Singapore, and Hong Kong.?
Since its launch, PixelPals has experienced exponential growth, attracting a total of 480,000 unique wallets and boasting over 100,000 daily active players. Notably, 120,000 players have exhibited remarkable consistency by logging in for at least seven consecutive days.?
Described as a hyper casual pet and base management game, PixelPals offers players the opportunity to nurture and care for their PixelPal creatures while customizing their habitats. The efforts invested in improving habitats will lead to MON token rewards following the upcoming Mon Protocol token generation event (TGE).?
Available on both mobile and desktop platforms, PixelPals has captivated players with its accessibility and engaging gameplay. The game’s active development team continues to listen to community feedback, ensuring a roadmap filled with exciting features and improvements.?
The Philippines has a rich history of embracing Web3 games, with notable contributions to popular titles such as Axie Infinity and Pixels. PixelPals represents the latest addition to this legacy, signalling a promising trajectory for the game’s future.?
As season zero approaches its conclusion, PixelPals developers are gearing up for season one, which will introduce a turn-based card battle system, further expanding the game’s offerings and opportunities for players.?
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]]>The post Antara: The Intersection of Film, NFTs, and Decentralized Finance appeared first on AIBC.
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The post Antara: The Intersection of Film, NFTs, and Decentralized Finance appeared first on AIBC.
]]>The post Institutional adoption of digital assets: Keynote by Alexander Filatov appeared first on AIBC.
]]>While many focus on the price of Bitcoin, Filatov drew attention to the adoption levels of cryptocurrencies, which he estimates to be between 25 to 35 percent. He believes that crypto has now arrived and is here to stay.
Solutions around cross border payments, trade finance and supply chain management require bridges between legacy systems and blockchain networks to enable seamless interoperability and data transfer.”
He cited the example of the Plexus PayPal project and suggested that Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) can bridge the gap between companies and consumers, eliminating intermediaries like Google and Facebook.
A strong advocate for digital twins, Filatov sees their growing adoption as a significant driver for blockchain and crypto infrastructure development and performance. He noted enhanced performance in scalability, speed throughput, latency, finality, interoperability between chains, security, compliance, financial infrastructure integration, and institutional-grade custody solutions.
He mentioned banks in Switzerland that handle both fiat and crypto, and platforms like Coinbase and Gemini. He also discussed emerging trends in blockchain scalability, such as sharding, layer two solutions, sidechains, consensus algorithm innovations, quantum-resistant blockchains, state channel networks, off-chain computation, shard chains, blockchain inter-operability protocols, and layer three solutions.
Filatov acknowledged the recent solution by Solana, called Firedance, and discussed layer two protocols, swaps, and bridges, which he finds slightly controversial. He expressed intrigue over the latest solution from Chainlink and noted the increasing focus on inter-operability.
He warned of the significant amount of crypto being stolen each year and stressed the importance of security and compliance in smart contracts. Filatov is an advocate for advanced cryptography, smart contract auditing, secure key management solutions, and compliance features like identity management, KYC/AML processes, and regulatory reporting functionalities.
To conclude his keynote, Filatov reiterated the need for integrating blockchain infrastructure with traditional financial systems and the importance of institutional-grade custody solutions, secure storage systems, multi-signature wallets, and custody solutions complying with industry standards and regulations. He believes that these steps are crucial for the institutional adoption of digital assets and for boosting infrastructure.
Alexander Filatov is an entrepreneur and former corporate executive with over 25 years of experience in management and private enterprise. He gave his keynote at the AIBC Eurasia being held in Dubai this week.
Filatov started his career at Procter & Gamble in 1994, and has since held several executive positions in strategy and M&A, including CEO roles in multibillion-dollar manufacturing corporations in various industries.
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]]>The post Tokenizing real-world assets: The future of Blockchain in Dubai appeared first on AIBC.
]]>Tokenization Defined
Tokenization –? the process of converting real-world assets, such as real estate or art, into a digital form that can be sold, traded, fractionalized, collateralized, and more. This broad definition encapsulates the essence of blockchain technology—taking anything and placing it in a new digital form.
The Value in Tokenization
The value of tokenization, particularly in providing access to capital for asset owners was also discussed. Traditional methods, such as mortgages, have limitations, making it challenging for many to participate. However, through tokenization, asset owners can create new ways of accessing capital by allowing individuals to own fractional pieces of assets, opening up opportunities for both asset owners and investors.
Real-world Applications
Illustrating the concept,? examples of tokenizing high-value art pieces and real estate were shared. By fractionalizing these assets, individuals can own a piece of iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, enabling exposure to operating profits and capital appreciation. This democratization of access to assets, combined with regulatory advancements, creates a hybrid approach that bridges traditional finance with cutting-edge technology.
“I’m a futurist. I love contemplating how tomorrow is going to be better than today. In the confluence of DLT tech – how can we use this in a way that actually makes a meaningful difference in the way society operates?” asks Scott Thiel.
He goes on to say, “The real potential of this tech is to fundamentally change the way the financial systems work – which are very exclusive. To democratize finance on both sides of the ledger – whether its asset owners or asset issuers. The traditional financial ecosystem only services a very small part of the community.”
Regulatory Framework in Dubai
Also highlighted was the importance of regulatory frameworks, particularly in Dubai, as a catalyst for the growth of the tokenization space. The emergence of Vara as a new regulator, unencumbered by traditional financial service regulations, has allowed for experimentation and iteration. Every virtual asset, including cryptocurrencies, digital art NFTs, and utility tokens, falls under the same definition of a virtual asset, providing clarity and certainty for market participants.
“I’m really passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. One policy, one change in regulation, can make a huge difference in the experience and lifestyle of an individual,” opines Mohammed J. Sear.
Advice for Individuals
As the conversation concluded,? advice for individuals looking to enter the tokenization space was put forward – emphasizing the significance of understanding the regulatory landscape and encouraged individuals to explore opportunities in a market where experimentation is welcomed.
These insights shed light on the transformative potential of tokenization and the unique position Dubai holds in fostering blockchain innovation. The intersection of regulatory advancements, diverse asset tokenization, and increased accessibility presents a compelling landscape for individuals and investors alike to explore the evolving world of blockchain technology.
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]]>The post Fastex’s ftNFT set to host celebration of digital innovation at inaugural international awards appeared first on AIBC.
]]>The ftNFT Annual International Awards, backed by the Fastex ecosystem known for its support of transformative projects, will spotlight achievements across several categories. These include NFT Project of the Year, Best Art Exhibition in Phygital Space, Rising NFT Star, and more. This initiative reflects Fastex’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the digital realm.
Excitement mounts as deadline (18 February) approaches, setting the stage for a memorable evening honouring the trailblazers in the realm of digital art and technology.. The awards ceremony promises to be a grand celebration of the industry’s best and brightest.
Fastex’s ftNFT has been at the forefront of the NFT industry, championing this event to highlight the significant contributions of creators, platforms, and other industry players. The awards aim to raise awareness of the exciting opportunities that NFTs offer and support the growth and development of the NFT industry..
The ftNFT Annual International Awards is the latest in a series of strategic initiatives by Fastex to foster innovation and creativity in the digital space. This event not only celebrates the achievements of the past year but also sets the stage for the exciting developments to come in the world of NFTs.
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]]>The post Nobody NFTs surge past 10 ETH in trading volume appeared first on AIBC.
]]>Celebrated for his legendary work in movies like “Kung Fu Hustle,” this collection has amassed an impressive trading volume, exceeding 9,695 Ether (ETH), equivalent to around $23 million, with a daily turnover of 2,713 Ether.
On the same day, Chow, displaying his solidarity with the Nobody community, changed his profile pictures across various social media platforms to the distinctive Nobody Avatar. He sought engagement and suggestions from his followers, asking for ideas regarding community events. Encouraging his fans to follow suit, Chow ignited a wave of enthusiasm among supporters of the Nobody movement.
Looking ahead, the developers behind the Nobody project expressed their commitment to expanding the Nobody intellectual property (IP) ambitiously. Drawing from Stephen Chow’s prior successes and incorporating innovative strategies, they aim to propel the Nobody IP into the limelight through exemplary initiatives, aiming to bridge the gap between Web3 native IP and the conventional Web2 market.
Further bolstering the project’s momentum on 10 Jan, Chow teamed up with cryptocurrency exchange OKX to conduct a whitelist giveaway for Nobody NFTs. The response was overwhelming, with over 125,000 users participating in the airdrop, vying for a share of the 2,500 available Nobody NFTs. Notably, the total supply of Nobody NFTs is capped at 10,000 units.
According to developers, holders of Nobody collectibles are granted exclusive privileges, enabling them to actively contribute to the project’s evolution. These privileges include but are not limited to proposing ideas, engaging in co-creation endeavours, voting on crucial matters, and participating in the development of Nobody IP.
The inception of the Nobody collection traces back to 6 December 2023, when Chow announced his collaboration with Chinese-American rapper Jin Au-Yeung, also known as MC Jin, for the creation of Nobody NFTs. Hosted on the Moonbox platform, a Hong Kong-based AI and Web3 startup dedicated to launching AI-powered NFTs within the arts and film sector, this collaboration marks Chow as the platform’s pioneering content creator. Notably, Moonbox recently secured a $2.5-million funding round in August 2023, with a valuation of $50 million, spearheaded by OKX Ventures.
In summary, Stephen Chow’s “Nobody” NFTs have not only garnered remarkable trading volume but have also cultivated a vibrant and engaged community, poised to propel the project to even greater heights in the evolving landscape of NFTs and digital art.
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]]>The post Ana Maria Caballero’s poem ‘Cords’ sold for 0.28 Bitcoin at auction appeared first on AIBC.
]]>Ana Maria Caballero’s poem, “Cords,” fetched 0.28 Bitcoin or $11,430 last week at Sotheby’s Natively Digital auction. This achievement marked the first-ever sale of an individual poem by the renowned auction house.
The sale of Cords holds profound significance for Caballero, who perceives it as an affirmation of the intrinsic value of written poetry. In her view, this auction underscores the notion that words, language, and poetry possess inherent worth independent of any accompanying visuals or sensory experiences.
“This is an incredible opportunity to declare that words, language, and poetry have value on [their] clean,” Caballero told Decrypt after the sale.
“Not with anything else, not with visuals, not with sound, not with any other type of experience. It’s just the language of the poem, just its text, that was sold.”
Cords is crafted in the style of a villanelle, a poetic form consisting of 19 lines and five stanzas. This style is also characterized by the repetition of two rhymes and two lines. She used the centuries-old form to pay homage to Bitcoin’s complex chain, symbolizing the cryptocurrency revolution. The auction for Cords garnered significant attention, with over 40 bids submitted.
Exploring themes of motherhood, pregnancy, and embodiment, Cords holds added significance in a predominantly male-dominated space, according to Caballero.
Sotheby’s wrote on X, “Ana explores the influence of biology on societal and cultural rituals. Her work uncovers the reality behind romanticized motherhood, challenging the narrative of sacrifice as a virtue.”
As part of the acquisition, the purchaser of Cords will receive a signed print of the poem. The poem will also be featured in Caballero’s upcoming book, Mammal.
Caballero is renowned for her literary accolades, such as the Beverly International and José Manuel Arango National Poetry Prizes. In 2021, she made waves with the launch of the Verseverse, a digital poetry and NFT gallery.
The Natively Digital auction showcased not only Caballero’s poem but also an array of innovative artworks exploring the intersection of blockchain technology and creativity. Artists such as FAR, XCPinata, Nullish, Rudxane, Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, Popoki, Shroomtoshi, Des Lucréce, and Claudia Hart contributed to the diverse lineup.
FAR, a prominent figure in the digital art scene proposed the curatorial theme of “archeology in the blockchain” for the auction. Collaborating with Taproot Wizards, FAR introduced “Genesis Cat,” a one-of-a-kind artwork within the Quantum Cats collection.
“I was in contact with Michael Bouhanna from Sotheby’s because he wanted to set up a sale for Ordinals. I thought the theme of conservation should be archeology in blockchain,” FAR said. So I thought having a poem would be interesting, and I invited Ana.”
This piece holds historical significance as Taproot Wizards’ inaugural public collection, featuring “3333 playful cats that will evolve alongside the Bitcoin protocol itself.” Notably, an inscription from the Quantum Cats collection fetched over $250,000.
In addition, Sotheby’s also unveiled three rare satoshis for sale in the auction, transforming ordinary satoshis into coveted historical artifacts. This concept of rare sats opens up a new avenue for collectors within the Bitcoin ecosystem, with the Sat Republic team partnering with Sotheby’s to provide expert insights into the historical significance of these rare satoshis.
Collectors interested in Bitcoin’s evolution were drawn to unique offerings such as the Black Rare and Rodarmor Rare Sat, which added a numismatic dimension to the auction.
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]]>The post Second edition of Web3 Festival returns to Hong Kong on April 6-9 appeared first on AIBC.
]]>One of the most successful crypto events in 2023, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, will return this year from April 6 to 9.
Just like its first edition in 2023, the event will once again take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC), a globally renowned venue in the heart of Asia’s World City.
In recent years, Hong Kong has actively pursued Web3 engagement, exemplified by ambitious initiatives such as articulating its virtual assets policy, establishing a Web3 task force, and more.
For its upcoming event this year, the Web3 Festival 2024 has forged a strategic alliance with the nation’s trade statutory body, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Furthermore, the event has revealed the multi-stage Web3 investment firm DWF Labs as its title sponsor.
With the event taking place in the innovation-rich city of Hong Kong, the Web3 Festival 2024 converges East and West ideologies. Furthermore, the event has renewed its commitment to Web3, finance, art and fashion, as it helps redefine the Web3 landscape with over 9,000㎡ at the iconic HKCEC.
The festival creates an ideal networking, sharing, and learning environment, bringing together professionals, investors, and enthusiasts. The event goes beyond a simple conference, as it unites industry leaders and game-changers to collaborate and illuminate the influence of Web3 and blockchain on the internet’s future.
Organized by W3ME and hosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs and HashKey Group, the event garnered over 50,000 global visitors in its previous edition. It has solidified its status as a leading crypto gathering, influencing Hong Kong’s Web3 landscape.
The first event, commencing from April 12 to 15, 2023, attracted over 50,000 offline attendees in total. The large number of attendees included 300 industry leaders, project founders, investors, representatives from regulatory agencies, as well as experts and scholars.
Previous speakers in 2023 include prominent figures like OKX President Hong Fang and Founder & of DFINITY Foundation chief scientist and founder Dominic Williams. The event also witnessed the participation of representatives from the Hong Kong government and agencies.
The representatives included Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, the Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member (Technology & Innovation Constituency). There were also Lillian Cheong Man Lei, Deputy Director of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, and Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
The festival has a habit of delving into the latest trends in Web3 and blockchain. Previously, it has addressed topics such as Decentralized Finance, Mass Adoption, AI, Social and Gaming, Hong Kong Regulations, Scalability, and Infrastructure Security. Whether an industry player, entrepreneur, or curious observer, this yearly opportunity should not be missed.
A new aspect has been introduced for the Web3 Festival 2024: the event will now use NFT tickets.
The new NFT ticketing system aims to create a digital network for ticket sales using Web3 and blockchain. Media/projects/KOLs with a significant following are encouraged to apply as NFT ticketing partners.
The festival also offers eight free community booths for top ticket sellers, providing a platform for NFT and regular ticket partners. Early Bird passes, priced at $399, are available until January 31, offering access to exhibition and conference areas and the coffee bar.
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