This Week In Gaming | Sony Launches Soneium Chain, NFL Rivals Kicks Off Season 2, Pixelcraft Studios Unveils ETH Layer 3, Legend of Arcadia Secures $4M, and the Latest Free Mint & Airdrop Updates

Sep 02, 2024

CARV newsletter contains the hottest gaming news each week. Grab a chair, make yourself a coffee, and soak in the latest information on Web3 gaming.

Web3 Game Development

Sony Introduces Soneium: A New Blockchain to Accelerate Web3 Adoption Read More

Sony Block Solution Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group and Startale Labs, has unveiled Soneium™, a new Ethereum layer-2 blockchain designed to support web3 applications in entertainment, gaming, and finance. Leveraging optimistic rollup technology, Soneium™ aims to decentralize traditional internet power and foster a more autonomous digital ecosystem. With partnerships including Optimism, Circle, and Chainlink, Sony plans to integrate blockchain technology across its products, starting with a testnet launch on August 28, 2024, and a focus on onboarding developers and enterprises over the next three years.

Pixelcraft Studios Introduces Members-Only Ethereum Layer-3 Gaming Network to Combat 'Industrial Farming' Read More

Pixelcraft Studios, creators of Aavegotchi, announced the launch of Geist, an Ethereum Layer-3 gaming network designed to address the growing issue of “industrial farming” in crypto gaming. The network introduces a members-only model, requiring a monthly fee to access rewards, aimed at fostering a sustainable GameFi ecosystem. Geist will limit participation to verified players, reducing fake activity and enhancing the gaming experience for genuine participants. The platform is set to launch with four initial games and plans for expansion later in the year.

Arena-Z Launches as Comprehensive Web3 Gaming Platform for Developers and Gamers Read More

Arena-Z introduces a dedicated blockchain platform, AZ Chain, designed to accelerate the adoption of Web3 gaming. With a focus on scalability, security, and low fees, Arena-Z offers a robust ecosystem for both developers and gamers. The platform supports high-quality games, provides tools for easy onboarding, and offers marketing and community-building resources. Expanding on the success of the Web2.5 game League of Kingdoms, Arena-Z is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration within the Web3 space.

NFL Rivals Launches Second Season with New Features and PvP Mode Read More

Mythical Games' mobile football game, NFL Rivals, is set to launch its second in-game season, "Year 2," on September 5, coinciding with the start of the NFL season. The update introduces new game modes, including a highly anticipated player-vs-player (PvP) mode, and expanded NFT-related features. With over 5 million downloads and 115 million games played in its first season, NFL Rivals continues to enhance player engagement.

Mirandus Playtest Introduces New Challenges and Exclusive NFT Rewards in Rolling Hills Zone Read More

The immersive fantasy game Mirandus has launched a playtest in the new Rolling Hills zone, running from August 27 to September 1. Players, known as Exemplars, are invited to test survival and strategy mechanics by gathering resources, crafting, and engaging in hunting missions. The playtest focuses on refining core gameplay elements and offers exclusive rewards, including the Covenant of the Wild NFT for capturing the Golden Rabbit, and the A Terrifying Sight NFT for all participants.

DARKTIMES Partners with Sui for Seamless Web3 Alpha Launch at Korea Blockchain Week Read More

DARKTIMES, a Nordic-inspired medieval Brawler Royale developed by Blowfish Studios, has partnered with Sui for its upcoming web3 alpha launch. The game, which blends physics-based combat with RPG elements, aims to provide a frictionless experience by abstracting blockchain complexities. The first playtest will debut at Korea Blockchain Week, with NFT rewards available through the Rune Run campaign starting August 30. The full alpha launch is planned for late 2024, offering both crypto-native and traditional gamers an engaging experience.

Proof of Play Launches Boss Chain to Enhance Pirate Nation’s Multichain Ecosystem Read More

Proof of Play, the studio behind Pirate Nation, has introduced Boss Chain, the second chain in its multichain ecosystem, to support the growing player base of its popular onchain RPG. Set to go live on August 29, Boss Chain enhances horizontal scaling and ensures seamless gameplay for millions of users. This expansion follows the success of Apex, the first chain, which has reached capacity due to Pirate Nation's popularity. The new chain will enable marketplace interoperability and offer exclusive rewards for early adopters.

KOR Protocol Launches KOR Player to Simplify Integration of Licensed Music and IP in Games Read More

KOR Protocol, backed by Animoca Brands, has introduced KOR Player, a platform that enables game developers to easily integrate licensed music and IP-based digital merchandise into their projects. Utilizing an AI-driven music engine, KOR Player streamlines rights management and royalty distribution, allowing developers to innovate without traditional licensing barriers. The platform also offers artists new distribution channels and on-chain royalties, aiming to reshape the management and monetization of digital content. Early access to KOR Player is now available for interested developers.

Uprising Labs and Forthright Launch Web3 Version of Maelstrom with $1M Tournament Read More

Uprising Labs, in partnership with Forthright Entertainment, has announced the web3 version of the nautical battle royale game Maelstrom, supported by a $1 million prize pool in the Ultimate End-gamers League (UEL). Set to integrate blockchain features, the game offers players the chance to earn rewards, including Uprising points, by competing on Steam.

7 Days Left: Nyan Heroes Season 3 Playtest with New Maps and $NYAN Airdrop Read More

Nyan Heroes has launched Playtest 3 for Season 3 on the Epic Games platform, but there are only 7 days left to participate. This early access playtest features new updates, including the Erebus map, Payload game mode, and Scout and Mage classes. Players can earn rewards through Airdrop 3 by accumulating MEOW points and linking their accounts. With just a week remaining, Nyan Heroes encourages players to dive into the Battledome and explore the new features before the playtest ends.

Game Financing

Gameplay Galaxy Secures $12.8M in Funding to Expand Decentralized Gaming Ecosystem Read More

Decentralized gaming ecosystem Gameplay Galaxy has raised $12.8 million in a funding round led by Blockchain Capital, with participation from Merit Circle, Com2uS, Mysten Labs, Solana Ventures, Yield Guild Games, and Hustle Fund. The platform will allow users to earn money and in-game assets by competing in Trial Xtreme races, while also providing an enjoyable experience for those who prefer not to engage in these mechanics.

SnakeLite Secures Multi-Million Dollar Funding to Expand Blockchain-Based Gaming Read More

SnakeLite, a casual gaming project, has raised several million dollars in funding from investors including Ace Redpoint Ventures, One Piece Labs, Mirana Ventures, and others. The platform has launched a battle royale PvP game on the TON blockchain, featuring a mining mode integrated with Telegram, as well as PvE and PvP modes that allow players to earn tokens. SnakeLite supports multiple blockchains, including TON, Solana, Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Sonic.