​🖼 Game Studio Behind Matr1x Fire Raises $10 Million for NFT Mobile Shooter

Matr1x, an NFT gaming company based in Singapore, has raised another $10 million in funding for its mobile gaming projects, the firm announced Thursday. Folius Ventures led the latest A-2 round, with fellow crypto VC firm SevenX named as a co-lead investor. ABCDE Capital, Jambo, Initiate Capital, and Find Satoshi Lab—makers of Stepn and the upcoming Gas Hero game—also invested, according to a statement. Matr1x has now raised $20 million in VC funding overall, with Thursday’s round doubling the game studio’s $10 million raise completed in 2022. “Matr1x has real potential in exploring the uncharted for this industry,” Folius Ventures founder Jason Kam said in a statement. Referring to the broader downturn in the crypto industry, he added, “It strikes an elegant balance that may—in the best case—help it achieve critical scale, appeal to the mass market, [and] become sustainably lucrative while side-stepping the Web3 death spiral altogether.”. Matr1x Fire, the studio’s flagship product, is a first-person shooter game for mobile devices where players select from a roster of playable characters and compete on five-person teams to eliminate enemies.

📁 Options for BTC and ETH for a total of 6.52 bln will expire on the Deribit exchange on November 24 at 8:00 UTC.

This is one of the largest expirations in BTC and ETH options this year.

​💰 CoinDCX enters into a collaboration with The Sandbox to develop metaverse and Web3.0 understanding

CoinDCX, a VDA company, has announced its collaboration with The Sandbox, a blockchain gaming platform under Animoca Brands. Reportedly, this partnership will take centre stage in BharatBox, a metaverse hub in The Sandbox spotlighting artists and brands from India. According to an official release, unveiled at Unfold 2023, India’s Web3.0 event, the partnership was announced through a video. Following this, it was reported that the VDA platform is set to become an Ecosystem Partner. Sources suggest that CoinDCX and BharatBox will host exclusive game nights, along with co-hosting AMAs and co-creating knowledge repositories, which will include an Ambassador Program to promote the metaverse, engagement in giveaways and contests, and community-building activities across platforms such as Discord and Twitter. It’s believed that CoinDCX and BharatBox will develop metaverse projects and IPs tailored for the Indian audience, buildathons for creators to develop on the Sandbox platform, quests to attract users to the Indian neighbourhood in metaverse, grants and bounties for BharatBox-related activities, and an SDK for both The Sandbox and Bharatbox, compatible with Android and iOS applications.

​🔫 UNITAR Unveils Metaverse Experience for 60th Anniversary

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of a pioneering initiative in celebration of its 60th Anniversary - the UNITAR Metaverse. This immersive virtual journey marks a significant milestone as the first United Nations native Metaverse, harnessing technology to advance UNITAR's mission and bring its initiatives to a global audience. UNITAR's unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in Agenda 2030. UNITAR strives to remain at the forefront of innovation and to set an example of how virtual environments can be harnessed for educational and informational purposes. The UNITAR Metaverse pays tribute to UNITAR's 60-year legacy, raises awareness about the SDGs, and provides an immersive educational journey. The experience begins at the quintessential Alley of the Flags, as the visitor approaches the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Once inside, visitors can explore and interact with several different rooms and universes, completely immersing him/ herself in each experience, and learning along the way. The entire experience culminates in empowerment, as the visitor leaves more knowledgeable, and able to make an impact as a "UNITAR Virtual Ambassador for Positive Change".

​🖼 Bitdeal Unveils Cutting-Edge Multichain NFT Marketplace Development Solutions

Bitdeal, a leading NFT Marketplace Development Company, announced the launch of its new Multichain NFT Marketplace development services.  With 8+ years in blockchain technology and NFT Solutions, Bitdeal offers customized solutions for NFTs and blockchain creation, Likewise, They stepped into a new era which is nothing but Multichain NFT Marketplace development services from conceptualization. The company will now offer end-to-end Multichain NFT Marketplace creation, from conceptualization to launch and beyond.  At Bitdeal, It specializes in crafting NFT marketplaces that seamlessly support multiple chains. Its expert NFT marketplace developers embed the capability for the product to operate across various blockchain networks. This design choice enhances the overall development process, providing a versatile and inclusive platform for NFT enthusiasts. Security is paramount in the world of NFTs, and at Bitdeal, they prioritize it through discrete smart contract development. For each chain they engage with, its dedicated team ensures the creation of secure smart contracts.

​🖼 Van Gogh NFTs Sell For $2.5 Million

Two digital NFT artworks, inspired by the iconic Vincent van Gogh, have taken the crypto world by storm. The two artworks have fetched over $2.5 million combined. One NFT, a digital reinterpretation of Van Gogh’s work, sold for an astounding $1.3 million. The other followed closely, earning $1.27 million. These sales, conducted in Bitcoin, also highlight a burgeoning interest in classical art NFTs. These high-profile sales are a revitalizing force for the NFT market. The market experienced a downturn in recent months. These Van Gogh-inspired NFTs, identified as numbers 132 and 283, were sold for 35.9999 BTC and 34.9999 BTC, respectively, on the Bitcoin network. This sale not only underscores the increasing value of Van Gogh-themed digital art but also highlights the growing significance of Bitcoin in the NFT marketplace. Amidst this surging interest, the Musée d’Orsay announced its unique digital collectible venture. Inspired by the great artist, they will mint exclusive NFTs on the Tezos blockchain. This project also includes an augmented reality experience and a digital artwork by French artist KERU, mirroring Van Gogh’s artistic flair. In conclusion, as traditional art meets modern technology, these sales mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of art collecting in the digital age.

​🖼 Square Enix announces auction dates for Symbiogenesis NFTs

Final Fantasy game developer Square Enix has announced auction dates for its upcoming Symbiogenesis nonfungible tokens (NFTs). In a Nov. 24 social media post, the team said it would sell the NFTs in three batches. The first batch will be auctioned from Nov. 27 to 28, the second from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, and the third from Dec. 2 to 3. Symbiogenesis is Square Enix’s upcoming blockchain game that features Ethereum-based NFTs. According to the game’s documents, the first phase will include facet and mesh characters and will only allow “stakeholders” to participate. This seems to imply that only early investors will be able to participate in the Nov. 27–28 phase. The second and third phases will be available to participants in an “allowlist entry campaign,” the documents state. The game’s team ran the allowlist entry campaign from Nov. 7 to 21. Collectors were asked to participate in a series of quizzes, as well as a “treasure hunt” that took place within a prototype version of the Symbiogenesis game world. The participants earned NFT “relics” as a result of these activities, and they scored points toward participating in phase 2.

​📊 Metaverse Market Size to Surpass USD 3409.29 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 69.2%

The global metaverse market size was valued at USD 234.04 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 3,409.29 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 69.2% during the forecast period. Fortune Business Insights™ displays this information in a report titled, “Metaverse Market Forecast, 2023-2027.” Metaverse is a simulated digital environment created with the help of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), mixed reality, blockchain, and other advanced technologies. Many e-commerce organizations are availing digital world services to show their offerings in the virtual world and create a real-world experience for their customers. These companies are also increasing their investment in these services, thereby fueling the metaverse market growth. For example, in November 2021, Nike, Inc., a shoe and retail apparel giant, collaborated with Roblox Corporation to create a virtual world named Nikeland. Nikeland enables dressing up with individual avatars in Nike’s branded apparel and sneakers. Roblox Corporation acquired 3D Avatar creator Loom.ai, which supported the capabilities of the metaverse. This acquisition helped Roblox develop a real-time facial simulation that is equipped with advanced computer vision, deep learning, neural networks, and visual effects.

​🔫 Spacenet Enterprises India Enhances Foothold in E-Gaming with String Metaverse Investment

Spacenet Enterprises India, a fintech company listed on the NSE with a primary focus on trade and trade finance, has disclosed a strategic investment of Rs 10 crore in String Metaverse. This company, renowned for operating cutting-edge Web 3.0 e-gaming platforms, has witnessed Spacenet Enterprises acquiring approximately 9% of its equity by purchasing about 1.1 crore shares at Rs 9 each. This disclosure was made by Spacenet Enterprises in a communication to the NSE. The investment made by Spacenet Enterprises is geared towards capitalizing on emerging digital opportunities. The company aims to position itself as a dynamic force in the continually evolving realm of e-sports. The strategic move aligns with Spacenet Enterprises’ commitment to staying ahead of the competition in the dynamic landscape of digital gaming. Earlier in the year, Spacenet Enterprises had undertaken another strategic investment, this time in BillMart.com, a Mumbai-based fintech platform specializing in bill discounting. These strategic moves signify Spacenet Enterprises’ proactive approach to diversifying its portfolio and exploring avenues with substantial growth potential.

📁 Coinbase and MicroStrategy shares hit a new high since early 2022.

​🔫 Veyond Metaverse Revolutionizes XR Digital Surgery with New AI Voice Command Technology

Veyond Metaverse, a trailblazer in extended reality (XR) healthcare technology, announces a development in digital surgery – the introduction of an AI-powered voice command system that works in tandem with dynamic digital twins in XR operating environments. This initiative follows Veyond Metaverse’s accomplishment of performing what has been recognized as the world’s first digital surgery in September, 2023. The AI voice command feature is poised to enhance the dynamics within XR operating rooms significantly. “Considering the anticipated growth of the surgical market, with expenditures expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2029, our focus on AI and XR technologies is crucial,” said Mohsen Rostami, CSO at Veyond Metaverse. “With surgical procedures in the US projected to reach 122 million by 2027, our innovative AI applications position Veyond Metaverse as a leader in this expanding field, enhancing surgical efficiency and precision to meet the rising demand for sophisticated healthcare solutions.” “Surgeons will be able to engage with digital tools and environments using straightforward voice commands, streamlining surgical procedures and promoting a progressive learning platform for medical professionals worldwide,” says Jimmy Silva.

​🔫 Datasonic Group and Virtual Tech Frontier Unveil Digital Education Transformation in Metaverse

Datasonic’s Chief of Special Projects, Datuk Syahril Abdullah, emphasized that the strategic partnership with Virtual Tech Frontier reflects a shared vision to elevate learning experiences through cutting-edge technological advancements. The Dasar Pendidikan Digital launch event provides a focal point for highlighting Datasonic’s commitment to driving the progress of digital education and aims to generate awareness regarding the vast potential of the metaverse for educational purposes. Syahril expressed the belief that the metaverse offers unparalleled opportunities to redefine learning environments, foster immersive engagement, and unlock new dimensions of interactive education. The collaborative effort seeks to inspire educators, learners, and institutions to explore the transformative capabilities of the metaverse within the realm of education. Through active participation in the Dasar Pendidikan Digital initiative, Datasonic aspires to catalyze a paradigm shift in the perception and delivery of education. The goal is to encourage stakeholders to embrace the metaverse as a dynamic and transformative tool in the educational landscape. The launch event is scheduled for November 28, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre.

​🇪🇺 EU lawmakers want metaverse strategy that supports the bloc's businesses

European Union lawmakers want the bloc to lead in developing virtual worlds that support EU businesses.  On Tuesday, the European Parliament's Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection voted in favor of a report that advocates for developing a metaverse strategy to reduce tech dependency on countries outside of the EU.  "As we step into web4 with the development of virtual worlds, we have to lay a foundation, rooted in strong EU digital rules, guiding principles, and values. The report called for a clear regulatory framework to support virtual world development. It stressed that most companies concerned with developing metaverse technologies are domiciled outside the EU. It added that the EU should "foster a level playing field to bolster European businesses." It was also noted that many metaverse projects have been developed by "a few companies based outside the EU, which have the necessary resources and financial capabilities." The report thus called for the bloc to take a leading role instead. The European Commission, the EU's executive body, has created a strategy on web4 and the metaverse.  In this strategy, virtual worlds are defined as "persistent, immersive environments based on 3D and extended reality (XR) technologies."

​🔫 H&M and Dept have won the Best Metaverse UX at The Drum Awards for Metaverse.

H&M conquers metaverse with its first virtual showroom. Together with Journee and DEPT®, H&Mbeyond created a first-of-its-kind virtual space for meaningful exchanges with the B2B target group (press/media, influencers), events and concerts for B2C, as well as immersively showcasing its latest collection. H&Mbeyond is the innovation hub of the well-known Swedish fashion company H&M Group. Together with startups and innovators, its team drives forward future-oriented projects. H&Mbeyond approached DEPT® with the idea of expanding H&M’s physical showrooms with a digital showroom. Based on the former, it should reflect the brand’s identity and values, just virtually instead of physically. A space without opening hours, where a wide variety of target audiences such as influencers and stylists, customers, employees, and the press can meet and learn more about H&M and its collections. The Virtual Showroom was to serve as a central point for meaningful exchanges in an immersive environment. Targeted tours by the H&M showroom team were intended to inform the audience about current trends and topics such as sustainability and new, innovative materials.

​🖼 Malta implicated in €23 million NFT fraud investigated by Italy

Italian authorities are delving into a sophisticated financial fraud involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and digital currencies, with 80 individuals under investigation, including 38 financial agents, in connection to the disappearance of €23 million. The fraudulent scheme, orchestrated by a Financial Technology company based in Treviso, promised clients a 10% return on investments in NFTs and crypto. Italian investigators, in collaboration with global authorities, are conducting a wide-reaching effort to recover funds, including reaching out to Malta. NFTs, unique digital files like paintings or music bought through digital currency, were exploited in a fraudulent cycle where promised returns failed to materialize. The company’s three founders, Christian Visentin, Emanuele Giullini, and Mauro Rizzato, are now facing charges of criminal association and fraud and are suspected to have fled to Switzerland and Dubai. Last summer, when expected returns did not materialize, around 700 formal fraud reports were filed, amounting to €23 million in losses. However, the true extent of the fraud may be much larger, with an estimated 4,000 victims and approximately €300 million invested in the scheme.

​🖼 Vitalik Buterin-themed NFT collection causes brief spike in Ethereum gas fees

A Vitalik Buterin-themed NFT collection that stores the image data directly on Ethereum became the blockchain's top gas guzzler on Friday and caused a brief spike in Gwei. The project, dubbed Buterin Cards, had used up 13.1% of the total gas units over the past three hours as of 3:00 p.m. ET, ranking it above the Uniswap universal router address and Tether's public address, according to the Ethereum blockchain explorer Etherscan. The collection triggered transaction fees of 318.31 ETH worth $665,670 over the past 24 hours.  The Buterin Cards project aims to upload 2,015 NFTs paying homage to Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of the Ethereum blockchain. The project uses an NFT minting process called JPEG mining, which stores image data on-chain as opposed to a typical NFT that only stores metadata on-chain. "To prevent miners from uploading arbitrary data, the smart contract verifies the data's correctness by computing its hash. Thanks to progressive JPEG technology, the NFT image is gradually revealed as it is mined," the project's website states. "In return for their work, miners receive a card featuring an image of Vitalik Buterin at varying quality levels," it added.

​🔫 Enterprise use cases set to drive metaverse momentum

The metaverse is defined as a virtual immersive environment that mirrors our reality through technologies such as AI, blockchain, 5G, community and power platforms, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and so-called digital twins - virtual replicas of existing physical objects, systems or infrastructures—will drive the growth of the enterprise metaverse, industry experts said. According to them, the consumer side was the more visible and hyped side of the metaverse. According to a PwC India report titled ‘Our Take - Embracing the Metaverse’, published in April, out of 150 Indian businesses surveyed, 25% are planning to embed the metaverse into their organizational activities within a year. Chand explained how a digital twin will be of use in the metaverse -- an automaker building a factory in the metaverse can do a lot of scenario planning and product improvements that are difficult in the real world. He also mentioned deployments in logistics, manufacturing, BFSI, quality assurance, and remote support, highlighting the impact on training and collaboration.  Comprehensive infrastructure development is also necessary to support widespread adoption of the enterprise metaverse.

​🔫 Five interesting online courses on metaverse for beginners

The concept of the Metaverse was initially established in 1992, but it only made the list of famous new words in 2021. Companies such as Meta (formerly Facebook Inc.) and NVIDIA made bold comments and initially made efforts toward the parallel virtual universe. However, other technological giants need to catch up. Google, Microsoft, Epic Games, and, most recently, Intel have all joined the Metaverse.  The Metaverse is a virtual environment where you may construct whatever you want and communicate with people worldwide. You can go shopping, go to school, meet new people, and fall in love. The options are limitless! Moreover, Media projections indicate that the virtual reality (VR) business will generate $6.1 billion in sales by the end of this year. Furthermore, the global metaverse market is projected to reach $42 billion by 2026.  Students can study virtual reality (VR) foundations, applications, problems, history, hardware, and psychology in this course. In addition, students will learn about the fundamentals of 3D graphics, develop an understanding of the principles and technology of the VR world, and be able to design objects within it.

Today, Bitcoin breached $40,000, marking the first time in 19 months it’s hit that milestone.

Ethereum also rose past $2,200 for the first time in several months.

The two largest cryptos led the rally amidst a broader surge in the market, resulting in the retaking of a $1.5T crypto market cap.