Weekly Gaming News Digest with CARV

This is the weekly gaming news powered by CARV, covering the game updates, industry news, and industry report from July 10th to July 15th.

As a platform focusing on gaming, CARV consistently strives to stay updated with the ever-changing game industry. In order to ensure that you are kept abreast of the latest gaming news, we are delighted to present you with a review of last week's highlights.

📌 Industry News

Google Play Changes Policy on Tokenized Digital Assets, Allowing NFTs in Apps and Games [Read more]

Google Play has announced a policy change allowing developers to incorporate NFTs into their apps and games. The shift aims to promote user trust and loyalty through unique NFT rewards. Developers must disclose the presence of blockchain-based elements in their apps. However, apps that do not meet gambling eligibility requirements cannot promote buying in-game items for a chance to win NFTs. Google has shown a growing interest in Web3 and has taken steps to support Web3 developers.

Binance Labs Commits $15 Million Into Xterio Ecosystem to Expand Its Game Development Capabilities in AI and Web3 [Read more]

Binance Labs has invested $15 million into Xterio, a Web3 game platform and publisher. The funds will be used to accelerate game development, integrate artificial intelligence (AI), and launch tokens. Xterio aims to bridge free-to-play and on-chain gaming and plans to release a diverse suite of cross-platform games. The partnership with Binance Labs will support Xterio's growth, and Xterio's token will become part of the BNB Chain ecosystem. Xterio also intends to enhance its AI capabilities and develop AI-driven interactive experiences.

Line Next signs deal with Sega to make Web3 game for Game Dosi [Read more] Line Next, a division of Line, has partnered with Sega to develop a Web3 game for the blockchain gaming platform Game Dosi. Line Next will receive a license to use one of Sega's popular game IPs and transform it into a Web3 game. The collaboration aims to popularize Web3 gaming and will involve NFT production, digital payments, and marketing activities. Further details about the game will be announced later. Sega has decided to rely on third parties for Web3 game development while continuing to invest in the space.

MetaCene's Seed Round Completed With Portfolio of Renowned Investors [Read more]

Blockchain-based MMORPG developer MetaCene has raised $5 million in a seed fundraising round with support from both Web2 and Web3 investors. The company aims to create an accessible Web3 world, utilizing NFTs and emphasizing player-centric entertainment and governance. Notable investors include SevenX Ventures, Hash Global, WeMade, Emurgo, MixMarvel DAO Venture, Sinovation Ventures, and LK Venture. MetaCene has also formed collaborations with prominent entities and plans to release the Apostle NFT collection and conduct alpha testing in the near future.

Star Atlas Makes First Official DAO Proposal [Read more]

Star Atlas, a space MMO on the Solana blockchain, has introduced its first player governance step with a DAO proposal. The proposal, known as PIP-1, focuses on ratifying the DAO governance framework, including the Star Atlas constitution and the operations of the Star Atlas Foundation. Players with voting power can participate in the DAO by locking up POLIS tokens. Star Atlas aims to create a player-driven galactic MMO with space exploration, combat, land ownership, and graphic novels.

📌 Game Updates

Stepn Creator's Next Game Is a Social MMO Called Gas Hero [Read more]

Crypto startup Find Satoshi Lab (FSL) plans to release Gas Hero, a social massively multiplayer online game (MMO) playable on web browsers and mobile phones. FSL aims to improve the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) of crypto games while incentivizing player interaction. Gas Hero's lore is set in the year 2084 after a rogue AI causes a nuclear strike, and players become "Gas Heroes" powered by natural gas in a sci-fi world. The game will use Stepn's GMT token, have its own marketplace, and offer decentralized decision-making through player voting.

Mighty Bear Games will publish Mighty Action Heroes on Arbitrum blockchain [Read more]

Mighty Action Heroes Open Beta [Read more]

Mighty Bear Games is partnering with Treasure and switching Mighty Action Heroes to Arbitrum for enhanced accessibility and a sustainable economy. Open beta starts on July 13. Mighty Action Heroes' open beta lets players test the game and participate in play and earn events. It introduces supply crates, crafting, and a spectate mode. Rewards are based on performance.

Cool Cats Expands Gaming Push With Trio of Upcoming Titles [Read more]

Cool Cats, a popular cartoonish blue cat NFT project, has licensed its IP to develop three new games with nWay, iCandy, and Sync Studios. The games, set to release in the next nine months, include a competitive multiplayer arcade game, a browser-based 2D endless runner, and a mobile match-3 puzzle game. Cool Cats aims to develop into a globally known character brand and expand its storytelling and content. Other NFT collections, such as Bored Ape Yacht Club, are also exploring gaming-focused ventures.

You Can Now Earn Bitcoin for Playing Minecraft [Read more]

Bitcoin-centric payments startup Zebedee has facilitated an integration between the popular video game Minecraft and the Bitcoin-themed Minecraft server Satlantis, allowing players to earn Bitcoin while playing. The integration, currently available on the Java edition of Minecraft, enables players to accumulate Bitcoin rewards as they progress in the game. Players can withdraw their earnings to the ZBD wallet app and manage their Bitcoin. While the integration is not officially endorsed by Minecraft's developer or publisher, it offers an innovative gaming experience and promotes learning about cryptocurrencies.

Axie Infinity Launches New Player Profile Module With Axie Hangouts Feature [Read more]

Axie Infinity, the blockchain game, has introduced the App.axie player profile module and a new feature called "Axie Hangouts," allowing players to communicate with their digital pets and customize their profiles. The game has also released Axie Infinity: Origins on the Apple App Store, expanding its reach to a larger audience. These updates enhance the immersive and personalized experience for players, making Axie Infinity even more enjoyable and engaging.

Deadrop Releases New Snapshot [Read more]

Deadrop, an FPS game set in a dystopian future, has released Snapshot VI, featuring a new map, team play, NPC characters, and a vendor shop. Early supporters receive regular updates of the game's development versions. Deadrop aims to create a unique "vertical extraction shooter" experience. The game is accessible to those with a Founder's Pass or a Tower Key, and the Snapshot VI update introduces improvements to gameplay, user interface, and gear. Deadrop continues to generate hype with its innovative features.

📌 Must Read

Konvoy Gaming Industry Report - Q2 2023 [Read more]