The finance industry has experienced a seismic shift in the last couple of years. We are seeing how the traditional finance model, although still very much prevalent, is experiencing quite a disruption with the rise of Decentralized Finance (DeFi). DeFi has emerged as a powerful alternative to the centralized control of banks and financial institutions. Powered by blockchain technology, DeFi provides lending, borrowing, and investment services for digital assets without the need for a conventional facilitator—which is the practice in the traditional finance industry. 

In this article, we will move through the exciting world of DeFi, some of its applications, and how it's shaping the future of finance. 

The Power of Decentralization

The Traditional Finance (TradFi) system is thought of as centralized because it is run by organizations and governing bodies that manage banking services, including lending and trading. Customers and consumers go through several intermediaries to access financial services as simple as home loans and as sophisticated as bonds. DeFi is disrupting this. The core tenet of DeFi is the concept of decentralization. The picture this paints is a financial system without intermediaries and gatekeepers. A system that gives individuals complete control over their assets. This painting is brought to life by blockchain technology with its core principles of transparency and immutability. 

DeFi runs on a peer-to-peer dynamic. Individuals can access everyday financial services like loans, asset trading, mortgages, and complex contracts. These transactions carried out between peers are recorded on a public ledger (re: blockchain), and they are accessible to everyone, completely erasing the need for intermediaries. This potential to transform the financial sector and its systems with a significant increase in transparency, accessibility, and security has seen impressive growth in DeFi in a short time. At the time of writing, the total value locked in DeFi stands at around $99.30 billion, demonstrating its rapid growth and potential to disrupt traditional finance.

Unlocking Opportunities with DeFi Tools

DeFi provides a variety of opportunities for businesses and investors. With DeFi, companies can gain access to global markets without needing to go through intermediaries. This lowers the cost and increases efficiency, creating new economic opportunities. According to a World Bank publication in 2021, about 1.7 billion people worldwide cannot access the financial system. These people are unbanked. There's been improvement in financial inclusion as previously unbanked people are gaining access to financial services. Most of these people now have access to DeFi platforms like Unibit and BRC20X. The former helps users move their valuable Bitcoin-based assets effortlessly into the vibrant DeFi ecosystem, unlocking a world of decentralized finance opportunities previously inaccessible. The latter offers DeFi tools & services in the BRC-20 blockchain (a popular standard for tokens on the Bitcoin network) and beyond, focusing on helping and improving the Bitcoin user's journey.

Because DeFi automates processes by eliminating the middleman, it reduces the cost of transactions. This results in lower user fees and an increased level of efficiency in business. Transparency also facilitates this efficiency. The risk of fraud reduces as all transactions are recorded on the blockchain and this increases trust in the system. Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) provide access to trading cryptocurrencies without needing intermediaries. These exchanges are non-custodial, which means that users have full ownership of their assets and aren't required to store them on the exchange. It is this proposition that is attracting more users, with the number of users expected to reach 22.09 million by 2028, and user penetration to hit 0.28% in that time.

Earning Through DeFi 

The DeFi industry is in its nascent stages, and because of this, this period has seen use cases and innovations churned out regularly. These use cases open up new ways for DeFi investors to earn passive income. Some of these passive income means include DeFi staking, DeFi lending and borrowing, and DeFi yield farming. With staking, you commit your DeFi asset as a resource to confirm and execute transactions over the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. With lending, you can lend your assets to borrowers and receive interest on payment. You can also borrow assets by putting up your tokens as collateral. Yield farming uses the highest yield opportunities between different DeFi protocols. You provide liquidity, lend, or borrow across DeFi platforms to enable you to earn interest on your tokens. An example of a yield farming platform is Libera, a multi-chain high Annual Percentage Rate (APR) farming platform with a hyper deflationary mechanism. With yield farming, it is necessary to be cautious and well-informed as high APRs often come with increased risk, so responsible research is crucial. 

DeFi Access For Everyone

One of the biggest challenges facing DeFi is accessibility. The complex user interfaces and the fragmented nature of the blockchain industry (multiple blockchains not seamlessly interacting) can be intimidating for newcomers. In addition to this, scalability issues affect the speed of transactions. The ability to support high transaction throughput cannot be overstated as it is an essential aspect of the growth of the blockchain. 

Layer-1 solutions are doing a good job of fixing this problem. Dubbed on-chain scaling solutions because they require changes in the code based on the blockchain network, they focus on improving the block size limit or reducing verification time. Self Chain is a popular layer-1 platform doing this. It is a user-friendly Modular Intent-Centric Access Layer-1 blockchain and keyless wallet infrastructure service using MPC-TSS/AA for multi-chain Web3 access. It simplifies the DeFi process and allows everyone to participate in the revolution.

Combining DeFi with Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

DeFi and AI are two exciting niches shaping the future of the crypto industry. We are seeing a lot of financial opportunities and inclusivity because of the combination of the principles of DeFi and the power of AI. It is a game-changing synergy that is driving the evolution of the DeFi industry. A major use case of AI in DeFi is in trading and asset management. AI-backed tools analyze data related to price, identify market trends, and make trading decisions based on the analyzed data. With this, emotions and bias are thrown out of the window and rational and efficient trading takes the front seat.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global artificial intelligence in fintech market size valued at $9.45 billion in 2021 is expected to reach $41.16 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.5% from 2022 to 2030. AI automates trading processes, which enables continuous trading and helps traders be early to great opportunities in the fast-paced cryptocurrency markets. Some of the advantages DeFi platforms powered by AI offer include:

Expanding market reach and research Improved trading capabilityStrategic vision for the long-term Liquidity management Access to advanced predictive model

Apart from DeFi, AI can be adapted to other niches in the blockchain industry as seen with YOUR AI Protocol in the e-commerce sphere. YOUR AI is the world’s first open-source protocol that brings creators, curators, node operators, and content distributors together to collectively provide AI-driven product content in e-commerce markets.

DeFi and Healthcare 

DeFi applied to the healthcare industry disrupts with great impact. In 2018, the global size of the healthcare market was worth over $8.45 trillion. A number that has continued to grow. Medicine went digital with the onset of the Covid-19 global pandemic, and it has evolved in ways since then. Web3 and DeFi have taken root in the health industry, especially in the fitness and well-being niche. We've seen numerous projects offer blockchain-based health solutions, and Aniborgs is the latest one. It is a Web3 Move2Earn health app that combines fitness and fantasy. Users can acquire exclusive NFT characters and earn rewards as they prioritize their well-being. 

Conclusion: The Future of Finance is Decentralized

The potential of the DeFi industry is undeniable even as it is still in its nascent stages. The niches and projects mentioned in this article represent just a glimpse into an emerging exciting ecosystem. What they prove is DeFi's ability to empower individuals, democratize finance, and create a more transparent and inclusive financial system. As the technology continues to mature with the emergence of user-friendly solutions, DeFi has shown that it has the potential to reshape how we interact with money.

JAKARTA - Bambang Soesatyo, Chairman of the Indonesia People’s Consultative Assembly and Vice Chairman of the influential Golkar political party, has voiced strong support for Creo Engine, a homegrown web3-based gaming project. Emphasizing in-house game development, Creo Engine has garnered praise for its innovative approach, focusing on quality and interoperability.

One of Creo Engine's platforms, CreoPlay, offers users a suite of services. These include a gamepedia featuring high-quality web3 games from across the globe, an In-game Asset Swap feature for converting in-game assets into cryptocurrency, staking options, a marketplace for NFT trading between users, and a store for direct purchases of in-game assets from developers.

Recognizing the gaming industry's potential to boost the economy, Soesatyo expressed full support for Creo Engine's mission and aspirations. "As an Indonesian crypto project making waves both domestically and internationally, Creo Engine has my backing," he stated after an internal meeting with the team in Jakarta on Wednesday (3/13/24).

The Creo Engine team, led by CEO and Co-Founder Javier Tan, CTO and Co-Founder Darrel Wijaya, and COO David Salim, received additional support from Commission X member of DPR-RI Robert Joppy Kardinal and Chairman of the Indonesian Crypto Consumer Association (ICCA) Rob Raffael Kardinal.

In his capacity as the 20th Chairman of The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia and former Chairman of House Commission III for Legal Affairs, Human Rights & Security, Soesatyo elaborated on CreoPlay's diverse gaming portfolio. The platform hosts over 17 games, including notable in-house developments like 'Evermore Knights' and 'Slime Haven' by Creo Engine, alongside games from America, Europe, and Asia.

Soesatyo highlighted the success of 'Evermore Knights,' which has garnered nearly 250,000 downloads on the Google Play Store and boasts a monthly user base of 65,000. With a total user count of 8,000 accounts, the CreoPlay platform presents a promising opportunity for game developers to join.

As Chairman of the Indonesian Crypto Consumer Association and Head of the Polhukam KADIN Indonesia, Soesatyo emphasized the rigorous feasibility testing undergone by the governing token $CREO. Certification, conducted by Bappebti using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method in 2023, aligns with Bappebti Regulation (PerBa) Number 4 of 2023, governing the list of crypto assets traded in the physical crypto asset market.

$CREO has secured listings on reputable crypto exchanges, including Tokocrypto, the leading local crypto exchange, in January 2024. Operating on the BNB blockchain, $CREO continues to shine in the local web3 gaming project arena, as evidenced by its recognition at prestigious events such as the Huobi Hackathon 2022, Crypto Expo Asia, Singapore 2022, Tokocrypto Sembrani Blockchain Acceleration 2022, and the Global Blockchain Congress, Vietnam.

EstateX, a distinguished multi-award-winning project at the forefront of real estate tokenization and pioneering crypto-based payment solutions, is thrilled to unveil a partnership with the visionary entrepreneur, Brock Pierce.

Brock Pierce is a renowned entrepreneur, impact investor, and venture philanthropist, known for his significant contributions to the blockchain and digital currency industry. As an early investor in Bitcoin and one of the largest investors in the Ethereum crowd sale, Pierce has established himself as a leading figure in the cryptocurrency world. 

Long before the birth of Bitcoin he founded IMI Exchange, the largest marketplace for digital currency in games with more than $1B in annual transactions, which was acquired for over $100 million in 2016. Pierce also founded ZAM, a major gaming media property acquired by Tencent, and IGE, the pioneer of digital currency trade in games.

Brock is no stranger to digital securities and crowdfunding as he founded Blockchain Capital, the first venture fund focused on blockchain technology which went on to become the first security token (BCAP) with its third fund issuance. Brock was also an advisor to T-zero during their issuance of the first tokenized bond offering. Additionally, Brock was Chairman of the world's first ICO with Mastercoin in 2013, co-founder of Tether, the first stablecoin, co-founder of Block.one, which conducted the largest-ever crowd sale (EOS), raising over $4 billion. He has co-founded and advised numerous other ventures. His work has earned him recognition as a driving force in the adoption and development of blockchain technology, finance, and sustainable development globally.

Renowned for his role in shaping the blockchain industry, Pierce's involvement propels EstateX into a new era of innovation and global prominence.

Award-Winning Excellence

Recently named the "Best RWA Project," EstateX solidifies its position as an industry leader in innovation and excellence, showcasing its commitment to revolutionizing the real estate sector.

Under Brock Pierce's strategic guidance, EstateX is revolutionizing the future of real estate investing, lending, and ownership. Making it possible for anyone, anywhere, to invest in property  with as little as $100, EstateX is breaking down barriers and democratizing access to real estate opportunities.

One of EstateX’s key features is Property Fractional Ownership, empowering users to buy, sell, and lend against real estate seamlessly through an unified app. EstateX Pay offers the convenience of using investment portfolios for everyday expenses with payment cards and instant liquidity. Additionally, LaunchX introduces a streamlined process for buying and selling real estate through its Initial Real Estate Offering (IREO) platform, making transactions as effortless as online shopping.

The partnership between Brock Pierce and EstateX signifies a groundbreaking shift in the company's trajectory.

Brock Pierce, boasts a remarkable career marked by founding, advising, and investing in disruptive businesses including an extensive real estate portfolio throughout Europe, Puerto Rico and the USA. He is set to bring a range of prominent properties to the platform in alignment with its upcoming launch. This partnership underscores a strategic move towards innovation and expansion for EstateX.

EstateX CEO, Bart de Bruijn, expressed excitement and shared: "Brock Pierce's involvement is a game-changer for EstateX. His expertise, guidance, network, and commitment to innovation align perfectly with our vision of making the world a better place and empowering individuals through cutting-edge  technology."

Brock Pierce stated: "I believe in the power of technology to transform lives positively. Joining EstateX is an opportunity to contribute to innovations that make a difference in the world."

EstateX: Revolutionizing Real Estate Investing, Lending, and Ownership

As EstateX embarks on this unprecedented journey with the strategic guidance of Brock Pierce, the future is brimming with promise and potential. With a shared vision of innovation and empowerment, EstateX is poised to redefine the landscape of real estate investment, lending, and ownership on a global scale.

Sign up to the EstateX Platform here: join the whitelist, receive exclusive perks and insider updates. The TGE is planned for March 2024.

Website: https://estatex.eu/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/estatexeu 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/estatex-eu/
Telegram: https://t.me/estatexofficial 

Images:

Brock Pierce and Steve Lawrence (CMO at EstateX) in front of the Bitcoin whitepaper

Have you ever thought of gaming as only racking up imaginary points? Think again. Forget the dusty cartridges and pixelated heroes of decades ago. I need you to unlearn what you know about games for one reason only. Gaming has changed. Blockchain technology is reshaping the concept of gaming and is transforming it from a passive pastime activity, into a thrilling arena where your wins and successes translate to real-world value. 

The days when you grinded for virtual jewels that vanished with the next server reset are fading out, fast. Blockchain gaming is creating a new reality where your skill, passion, and strategy can earn you crypto rewards. This cutting-edge technology is also blowing the doors wide open on ownership and accessibility. In this article, we will explore blockchain gaming and how it is revolutionizing the gaming industry. 

Blockchain Technology in the Gaming Industry

Blockchain technology with its disruptive power is creating a paradigm shift in the gaming industry. The technology is helping players to become active participants in thrilling virtual worlds with real-world results. A far cry from when players were mere consumers. A key tenet of the blockchain is that it cuts out the middleman from transactions. With the rise of more blockchain-based games, this model is spreading fast. It is disrupting the traditional models that favor publishers and developers by decentralizing the whole thing. Now, players directly own in-game assets via NFTs. With the play-to-earn model, players can earn and trade NFT-based assets like virtual lands, weapons, and powerful characters with real-world values. In 2021, Axie Infinity, a blockchain game with an NFT reward system, generated over $4 billion in revenue, with many players earning a living from it.

A direct result of blockchain technology in gaming has been the fostering of vibrant communities, a profound sense of ownership, and a fairer distribution of value. Gamers are seeing the advantages of moving to the blockchain, and this is evident in the fact that in Q3 2023, nearly half of all blockchain activity stemmed from gaming. In the same year, a report by research firm DappRadar showed that about $2.3 billion had been invested in blockchain gaming projects. By 2025, the global blockchain gaming market is expected to reach a staggering $23.2 billion, showcasing its rapid growth. 

Go From Fans to Financiers With Watch2Earn 

The blockchain gaming model, although still in its nascent stages, is evolving rapidly. There are many gaming mechanisms now as a result of continuous innovation and improvement. Like play-to-earn and move-to-earn, Watch2Earn is an example of these mechanisms. Let's face it, the current creator economy on YouTube leaves many fans feeling like glorified viewers. But what if you could contribute to the success of your favorite creator's channel and reap rewards for it? Enticing right? This is what platforms like XCAD are about. 

YouTube's active users are estimated at 2.1 billion, which makes it a huge platform for everyone to earn. Until now, YouTube only rewarded creators on the platform but XCAD is pioneering the Watch2Earn revolution by empowering viewers with $XCAD tokens for simply engaging with their favorite creators and channels. With platforms like this, you are no longer a passive audience, you become an investor and a direct contributor to the content you love. One other thing this innovative model does is foster deeper connections between fans and creators and build a sustainable ecosystem where everyone wins. 

Democratizing eSports 

Short for electronic sports, eSports is a form of competition through the use of video games. These competitions are usually in the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions between professional players, individually or as teams. The eSports viewership is growing worldwide. This is backed by estimations suggesting there will be over 577 million viewers and $1.6 billion in market revenue by 2024. A highly competitive ecosystem for mostly professionals, this exclusivity is being torn down by blockchain game studio, QORPO. 

QORPO is a blockchain-powered developer that understands the power of decentralization, and its mission is to make eSports accessible to everyone. They are powering the team-based hero shooter game Citizen Conflict. Citizen Conflict is a game that merges fast-paced gameplay with eSports intensity for ultimate competitive action. Powered by blockchain technology, the game is leveling the playing field by rewarding skill and dedication. With its transparent in-game economies and accessible NFT assets, anyone can enter the area and earn their way to eSports glory. 

Web3 Shooter Games

Web3 Shooter Games are another facet of blockchain gaming that's providing gamers with great value for their time. They blend the adrenaline rush of classic traditional games with the revolutionary potential of the blockchain, creating explosive playgrounds where every bullet carries the weight of real-world value. 

Imagine wielding NFT-powered weapons, securing territory to earn crypto rewards, and competing in skill-based tournaments for lucrative prizes. These immersive worlds blur the lines between playing and earning and transform the player's victories into tangible gains. Great examples of these types of games are KeresVerse and Night of the Living Dead. 

KeresVerse is a futuristic, adrenaline-pumping game that blends its win-to-earn model with skill-based gameplay and stunning Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) graphics. By navigating dystopian cityscapes, outsmarting opponents, and collecting valuable $KERES tokens with every well-placed headshot, KeresVerse proves that it isn't just about racking kills; it is about strategic execution and teamwork. 

Built on the Solana blockchain, Night of the Living Dead is an innovative and thrilling addition to the Battle Royale genre. It combines the excitement of PvP combat with the relentless threat of the undead and boasts unique features, engaging gameplay, and a commitment to community feedback. 

Fantasy Meets Crypto

Crypto is taking fantasy sports to a new level with blockchain-based powered platforms. Blockchain fantasy games provide you with a platform where you can own, trade, and battle with NFT-based player cards that reflect their real-world performance. This is a dynamic marketplace where your fantasy prowess translates to real-world gains and redefines your experience with your favorite sports. An excellent example of a blockchain fantasy gaming platform is Rarity Rush. The platform offers individuals opportunities to transcend their roles as spectators, stepping into the shoes of team owners, managers, and strategists. 

Conclusion

The blockchain is reshaping the gaming industry. The lines between play, earn, and community blur with each innovative project. Whether you're a die-hard eSports fan, a passionate creator, or a thrill-seeking PvP warrior, the blockchain offers a new landscape where your skills, engagement, and passion can lead to real-world rewards.

In recent years, Web3 technology has emerged as a transformative force. This has fundamentally altered how people interact with financial tools/services, social networking, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through the rise of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Web3 and blockchain technology have redefined finance. The DeFi market size declined to less than US$50 billion in April 2023. Even though this was a significant drop from its all-time high of US$248 billion in November 2021, it shows just how much growth there has been in the industry. 

This growth has disrupted the conventional financial landscape, otherwise characterized by centralized institutions and limited access. This same Web3 effect is being felt with AI and social networking. Today, AI is being absorbed into diverse applications and we are seeing the rise of user-centric social networking platforms. These platforms are empowering users with the ability to govern their presence online with trust and transparency. In this article, we will explore the impact of Web3 across these critical sectors, shedding light on how this innovation has disrupted conventional norms. 

Redefining Finance With Decentralization

A seismic shift is being felt in the financial sector. This shift is driven by the advent of DeFi and backed by the introduction of innovative blockchain-based financial instruments. The concept of DeFi lies at the heart of this disruption. This concept has democratized finance by providing unprecedented access to a wide range of financial services. These services like lending, borrowing, and trading digital assets, are now being seamlessly provided within a trustless ecosystem. For a sector still in its nascent stages, the Total Value Locked (TVL) in DeFi which signifies the level of adoption is impressive. As of the time of writing, the TVL in $$ is US$38.2 billion. 

The days of relying on traditional banks and financial institutions who act as gatekeepers to these services are fading away, fast. This removal of the 'middleman' has seen transactions carried out in an efficient, fast, and safe manner. Facilitating the removal of these intermediaries are DeFi platforms. Their growth has been nothing short of remarkable. DeFi platforms offer users plenty of financial products and services like Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs), yield farming, liquidity provision, etc. These platforms, which are based on open-source and blockchain concepts, provide security, accessibility, and transparency.

Manilla Finance is a shining example of a DeFi platform operating on these guiding principles. The platform provides a service that seamlessly integrates utility tokens into everyday life by enabling utility bill settlements in native cryptocurrency tokens. This innovative approach not only showcases the utility of blockchain technology but also paves the way for a transition from Web2 to Web3 in financial technologies. 

Web3 AI-Powered Solutions

Artificial intelligence is one technology that has found it easy to settle in in the Web3 space. The introduction of AI in the ecosystem has unlocked unprecedented innovations in data analysis, automation, and decision-making. It has also given rise to conversational AI interfaces like chatbots. This helps to facilitate interactions with various crypto markets, ultimately enhancing user experiences. In an interview with NASDAQ recently, Eric Pulier, founder and CEO of Vatom, a leading Web3 technology said, "The fusion of AI and Web3 is more than just a technological milestone; it's a stepping stone towards a more equitable, efficient, and secure digital world."

Eric's view about AI and Web3 cannot be more right. The convergence of AI and Web3 provides users with friendly interfaces that connect centralized and decentralized financial markets. Through these AI-driven interfaces, users have direct access to diverse financial services, can automate transactions, receive real-time data and insights that simplify complex economic activities, and enhance accessibility across both traditional and emerging decentralized ecosystems. An example of a Web3 AI-powered platform is GT-Protocol. It is a Web3 AI execution technology that provides users with access to CeFi, DeFi, and NFT crypto markets through an all-in-one conversational AI interface. 

Social Networking in the Non-Custodial Ecosystem

Web3 has introduced the concepts of decentralization, permissionless innovation, and non-custodial control in the social networking space. These social networks grant the users ownership of their data and interactions. This is a departure from the centralized models of traditional platforms. Web3 has shown a remarkable ability to connect these domains with a single decentralized ecosystem and this has ushered in an era of interconnected innovation, creative collaborations, and innovative business models.

Phaver, a Web3 social app purpose-built for the permissionless and non-custodial ecosystem within the next-gen Internet is an example of a social networking platform in the Web3 ecosystem. In an AMA with CyberConnect hosted by CoinTelegraph in August, CEO & co-founder of Phaver Joonatan Lintala said, "We already have 250,000 unique users and we want to bring the next billion people to Web3." 

While it is impressive just thinking of the boundless opportunities that await, challenges like scalability, security, and compliance with regulatory frameworks must be navigated responsibly as the ecosystem keeps evolving. With social networking done well, transparency, trust, and innovation will all be realized without sacrificing ethics or security.

Conclusion
 
Web3's Impact on Finance, AI, and Social Networking underscores the groundbreaking transformations that are reshaping these critical domains. Web3 heralds a future where DeFi democratizes access to financial services, AI-powered interfaces boost seamless interactions, and user-centric social networking prioritizes privacy, transparency, and control.
The Web3 ecosystem's future, where innovation knows no bounds, is represented by this. We must, however, recognize that there will be difficulties ahead. To fully realize the potential of Web3, issues relating to security, scalability, and regulatory compliance will present significant obstacles that must be carefully negotiated and overcome.

There has been a groundbreaking paradigm shift in the gaming industry in recent years. The emergence of play-to-earn games powered by blockchain technology in recent years has in large part, been the main reason for this. These innovative blockchain games have transformed the way we see and interact with gaming platforms. 

Players now earn real-world assets and other tangible rewards from their time spent playing these games. And this has effectively put to bed the days when gaming was solely a pastime activity; today, it has grown into a standalone industry of its own and has become a lucrative avenue for financial freedom and the ownership of digital assets. 

Blockchain technology powers this revolution and with it has come decentralization, true ownership, and transparency in the gaming ecosystem. The capabilities that the blockchain's immutable ledger and smart contract provide are leveraged to create play-to-earn games in a secure and trustless environment where players can earn and trade in-game assets and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). 

Tactical Trading Card Games (TTCGs) are a gaming model that has stood out among the diverse genres of gaming within the ecosystem. These games combine the strategic depth of traditional trading card games with immersive 3D gameplay and the possibility of earning real-world assets to provide players with an overall unique and captivating experience. 

In this article, I will be exploring the world of play-to-earn gaming with you, with a specific focus on a groundbreaking TTCG where players' cards come to life in thrilling battles. I will also mention other notable gaming projects that are pushing the boundaries of this rapidly evolving landscape. 

Evolution of Play-to-Earn Gaming

The gaming industry used to be just players spending time playing their favorite games for the fun of it. Today, there's been a shift and now players not only have access to games on a decentralized network, but from their gameplay, they earn assets that can be converted to real-world earnings. These earnings and virtual assets can be traded and monetized with the emergence of NFTs and decentralized marketplaces. It is this decentralization, transparency, and security that the blockchain provides serves as the backbone of this revolution. 

Of the different genres of games on the blockchain today, one that has quickly become a favorite within the play-to-earn ecosystem is the TTCGs. These games combine collectible card mechanics with strategic battles that offer a blend of skill, creativity, and financial opportunity. One unique quality of these games is the ability for players to see their cards come to life in vivid 3D battles, thereby immersing themselves in a captivating gameplay experience. 

Dynamic Gameplay and Strategic Depth

A key appeal of TTCGs is the strategic depth they offer. This gaming model provides players with a robust and intricate gameplay experience. Cards in the game possess their own strengths, weaknesses, and synergies, allowing players to create synergistic decks and develop unique strategies.

The 3D Augmented Reality (AR) environment truly shines in battles. Players witness their cards come to life with powerful abilities and intense combat. Tactical battle decisions made by players can determine victory or defeat as players position their cards strategically, cast spells, and exploit their opponent's weaknesses. The immersive nature of the gameplay provides players with a sense of satisfaction with each hard-earned victory. All of these are qualities that Aradena: Battlegrounds possess. 

Aradena is at the forefront of the dynamic TTCG landscape and their game "Aradena: Battlegrounds" is a revolutionary game where player's cards come to life in strategic, 3D gameplay. Aradena: Battlegrounds is Aradena's flagship game and it offers a unique, immersive, and compelling battle system that is deeply strategic and insanely fun. 

The Growing Play-to-Earn Ecosystem

While Aradena: Battlegrounds is an exceptional example of a TTCG within the play-to-earn landscape, there are several other notable projects in different genres that are pushing the boundaries of this exciting ecosystem. 

One such project is Mogaland, an immersive play-to-earn Metaverse game in the education niche that helps users learn in a fun way. Unlike other games, Mogaland uses real-world financial data to allow you to develop actual abilities. And unlike trading platforms, you learn this in a gamified way that entertains and enables new ways of making money for yourself as a player. 

In the Role Playing Game (RPG) genre, a project that is pushing the next frontier of gaming is Project Lambo. Project Lambo incorporates Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and NFT Sharing to provide gamers with cutting-edge and immersive gameplay. 

In the Massive Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game (MMORPG) space, Xandar is a standout game. Xandar is a Web3-powered adventure and arena-based MMORPG with the concept of Inter-Metaverse Operability and spectacular arena warfare. Xandar provides users with a one-of-a-kind gameplay experience in which they can explore the enormous realm of the Xandar multiverse, acquire rare artifacts, and combat other players in arena battles. 

Finally, in the fitness scene, gamified fitness platform Fitburn is leading the pack with its awesome game mechanics. This is an AI-powered burn-to-earn fitness platform that is revolutionizing the health and lifestyle industry. Users can use the Fitburn platform to achieve fitness goals with the platform's cutting-edge AI mechanics in addition to their NFT rewards system. 

These projects, alongside Aradena: Battlegrounds, demonstrate the breadth of innovation and creativity within the play-to-earn gaming ecosystem, providing players with a variety of engaging and rewarding experiences.

The Future of Play-to-Earn TTCGs

As play-to-earn gaming continues to gain momentum, TTCGs are poised for improved growth and continuous evolution. Blockchain technology, augmented reality, and immersive technologies converging will massively enhance the general gameplay experience of players, improving the visuals of battles and in-game engagement.

Furthermore, as more games continue to integrate cross-platform compatibility and interoperability in their mechanics, we will see more players be able to use their earned assets across multiple gaming universes, thereby amplifying the value of their investments and fostering a thriving ecosystem.

Conclusion 

The provision of an opportunity to earn real-world value in exchange for time spent enjoying captivating gameplay experiences by play-to-earn gaming platforms has transformed the gaming industry. TTCGs like Aradena offer a unique blend of strategy, immersion, and financial empowerment. And as the genre continues to evolve and expand, the play-to-earn gaming landscape will become even more dynamic and enticing.

We live in a world completely driven by innovation and one of the best innovations this world has seen —blockchain technology— continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. Since its inception, the blockchain industry has produced impressive sub-industries within it. That in itself is one of the amazing things about living in a world where a technology like the blockchain exists. The ability to have technology upshoots from this umbrella industry. 

Today, there is Decentralized Finance (DeFi) which has proven to be a significant means of alternative finance, there is the Metaverse, blockchain gaming, and more recently Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this article, we will explore how these cutting-edge technologies are being used to create unparalleled products and user experiences while revolutionizing the entire blockchain scene and the world at large. 

In the last 3 years, adopting blockchain technology for businesses playing in the payments and exchanges, smart contracts, and digital identity has attained an impressive level of popularity. In the first half of 2022, this improved popularity brought with it an increase in investments by venture capitalists. For context, in 2021, the total inflow of capital in the blockchain industry was $30.5 billion. By July of the next year, 2022, that figure was surpassed, with a total inflow of $31.3 billion. 

Made up of a network of data (ledger) that are decentralized and distributed, the blockchain has brought with it a shift from the traditional, centralized systems of carrying out financial transactions to an alternative peer-to-peer finance system that is backed by decentralized technologies. These technologies boast of platforms offering financial services like lending and borrowing platforms, financial instruments, and a vast network of protocols. 

With a Total Value Locked (TVL) of $45.41 billion, DeFi has proven to be the sector in the blockchain industry with the most use cases for all (individuals and institutions alike). 

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) in DeFi 

Decentralized Exchanges are peer-to-peer marketplaces where users in a non-custodial manner can trade their cryptocurrencies without needing an intermediary to help with custody of the funds or facilitate the transfer of said funds. With DEXs, traditional intermediaries like banks, payment processors, brokers, etc are replaced with smart contracts that are blockchain-based and facilitate the exchange of assets. 

One positive of DEXs is that compared to the traditional finance sector where transactions are opaque and coordinated by intermediaries who offer limited or no insight into their decisions and actions, DEXs provide the user with full transparency into the movement of their funds and the mechanisms that facilitate the exchange. DEXs also reduce the risk associated with transactions by stopping the passage of user funds through a third party's crypto wallet during trading. This decreases the centralization risks plaguing the cryptocurrency ecosystem. 

Perpetual DEXs 

Perpetual DEXs are blockchain-based cryptocurrency exchanges. They are decentralized, permissionless, and non-custodial. These exchanges use liquidity pools for liquidity, allow leveraged perpetual contract trading, and incorporate order book models. Just like how Bitcoin is used to democratize currencies, perpetual DEXs are used to democratize exchanges because:

They are transparent and accessible

Because these DEXs are built with smart contract codes on the blockchain, they are fully transparent and anyone can review the code at any time. As a result of being on the blockchain, all trades on the exchange are visible on the blockchain network. Perpetual DEXs also do not discriminate and anyone, anywhere in the world can access a perpetual DEX anonymously with a Web3 wallet and a VPN (if they are located in a country that is resistant to blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies). 

They are secure 

With perpetual DEXs, there are no centralized points of failure because they are distributed across the blockchain. As a result, unlike centralized exchanges, perpetual DEXs are protected from the risks of recklessness, fraud, and negligence. When using DEXs, the user always controls their funds as they alone retain their crypto keys. 

At the core of decentralized finance lies perpetual DEXs that provide users with unmatched efficiency in executing transactions. A great example of a perpetual DEX is Rexbit. Rexbit Exchange is a platform where users can trade perpetual cryptocurrency futures with advanced orders, copy trading, and other features. Rexbit's on-chain order book is deployed on Polygon, Polygon zkEVM, and Arbitrum network. The asset prices on Rexbit use Chainlink data from dozens of exchanges and this helps to prevent manipulation. 

Rexbit is a by-product of Zilto which offers users the security of decentralized services (DeFi), 100% centralized experience, and traditional finance (TradFi) services. Zilto helps the user switch between crypto and traditional finance with ease, puts a stop to the manipulation and theft of user funds on centralized exchanges (FTX a recent memory), and eases the difficulty with accessing DeFi due to poor user experience and technologies. 

Tradable Utility Tokens in DeFi 

The rise of DeFi has seen an increase in the number of multi-faceted utility tokens. These tokens are built on the blockchain which ensures their security and transparency, thereby ensuring the immutability of the token transactions, ultimately preventing fraud. Leveraging smart contract technology, these tokens enable various functionalities such as staking and governance. 

An example of this token is the Mnl token. It is a tradable multi-faceted utility token that offers its community genuine DeFi experiences with its introduction of "real world" commercial enterprises with land-backed assets to the crypto space. Mnl provides its users with access to institutional-style involvement and interaction in a multi-trillion-dollar industry. 

With utility tokens like Mnl providing transparency and robust security infrastructure, users can confidently participate in the ecosystem, knowing that their assets are protected.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in DeFi 

AI in its most basic form is based on the idea of building software that aims to replicate the human capabilities of learning and problem-solving skills. To build machines like this, there is the need for the provision of large volumes of data because this increases the insight and accuracy of inferences gotten from the data. 

One of DeFi's advantages is its provision of large amounts of public data generated around financial transactions. This massive volume of financial data can be utilized to train, develop, and build intelligence models like arbitrage bots, which will assist users in maximizing gains on the movement of asset prices. DexCheck is an example of an AI tool in the DeFi space. DexCheck is a platform that seamlessly integrates advanced analytics, and cutting-edge AI-driven features with an intuitive interface, making complex insights accessible to everyone. 

The DexCheck tool is designed to cater to a diverse audience, from experienced investors to first-time traders, by providing comprehensive analytics, market data, and trend forecasts across decentralized exchanges (DEX), cryptocurrencies, and NFT marketplaces. With DexCheck, users can make informed decisions, identify market trends, and mitigate risks effectively. The integration of AI technology in blockchain analytics is revolutionizing how users interact with the ecosystem, and it is making the industry accessible and user-friendly for all.

Cloud Computing in DeFi 

Decentralized cloud computing is simply the decentralization of server capacity. What happens here is that rather than using a single server at one server center, datasets can be distributed across server centers that can be accessed at the same time by a large number of users from different parts of the world via the internet. Traditionally, Cloud computing is based on data centers rented out to consumers who access them via the Internet. 

The use of cloud-based infrastructure has grown a lot and this has led to the creation of solutions to address some problems regarding infrastructure. Popular amongst these solutions is the usage of decentralized/peer-to-peer technology. Solutions like these are built on the blockchain networks of cloud service providers. In other words, using cryptography to protect the security of a network providing DeFi and cloud services. 

An example of a platform like this is ToScale. ToScale is a multi-functional automated cloud platform used for digital asset management and professional trading on crypto exchanges in a single window. The platform allows users to securely store, manage and trade their digital assets in a decentralized manner while offering a full set of tools for professional traders, convenient monitoring, and the ability to offer users a passive increase in assets. 

Play-to-learn-to-Earn Gaming in DeFi 

Yea, I know you are wondering what this is. Worry not. This is simply the same play-to-earn gaming mechanic that you're used to but with a little tweak; learning. The Play-to-learn-to-Earn concept immerses users in a virtual world where they can learn about blockchain technology, trade virtual assets, and have fun doing these in an exciting and fun way while earning rewards at the same time. 

This learning method combines gamification with education and valuable rewards which in turn results in the gaming platform it is built on engaging more users and strengthening the overall ecosystem. An example of a Play-to-earn-to-Earn gaming platform is Mogaland. Mogaland provides an immersive Play-to-earn-to-Earn metaverse game that helps users learn in a fun way. 

Unlike other games, Mogaland uses real-world financial information to let you build real skills. And unlike trading platforms, they entertain and enable new ways of making money for the user. 

Conclusion

As I try to conclude this article that has taken us on an exploration of the groundbreaking ecosystem that is DeFi, it becomes evident that different tools, technologies, and platforms contribute their fair share to the creation and provision of an unparalleled DeFi experience. By seamlessly combining security, transparency, and efficiency, the ecosystem empowers users to unlock the full potential of DeFi while looking forward to and venturing into new frontiers of innovation. 

One of the main tenets guiding the creation of the Internet is the proper dispensation of information, knowledge, and effective communication. From its inception in the 1990s till date, the internet has been used to bridge information gaps and provide everyone with access to a world filled with knowledge. 

We have moved from the Web2 era which had those guiding principles of disseminating information to the Web3 era where we are now more conscious about the proper decentralization of ownership and decision-making to the people. In this article, we'll discuss these different eras of the internet and the need for bridging products that facilitate the transition from Web2 to Web3. We will also briefly discuss decentralization in the financial sector in web3, and how we can empower creativity and wisdom through blockchain technology. 

Evolution of Web2 and Web3 

When the internet was born in the early 1990s (aka Web1), it was mainly about people being able to browse static pages and find information there. Data were posted and users who needed them simply viewed or downloaded the content to view later. As time went on, however, users' needs grew and people needed to have more input in the content that was hosted on the internet. In some cases even, exert control over them. 

This saw the birth of Web2 where writable data became a thing. Because these websites and applications use user-generated content for end users, users now could write and provide their input to the Web. This period of the web, popularized by O'Reilly Media during the Web 2.0 Conference in 2004, was marked by a surge in user activity and better communication channels. 

Greater emphasis was placed on the ideas that were social networking, cloud computing, and general information sharing between users of the internet. This era saw companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple gain popularity by taking the basic principle that guided Web1 and making it mobile, user-friendly, and dynamic. These platforms empowered and encouraged users to create and interact with the websites, instead of just absorbing content. 

The revolutionary idea that is Web3 came about from the combination of the advancements from the Web2 era with the best of Web1. This led to a focus on spreading information, benefits, and decision-making among many and not just a centralized few. We saw world-changing advancements in technologies like cloud computing and internet speed in Web2 and Web3 are continuing in those trends while offering ownership to people who partake in this web. 

Web3 is a blockchain-based internet that operates on the same decentralized technology that backs cryptocurrencies to create a more secure and private decentralized Internet. To build a decentralized internet, components like blockchain technology, peer-to-peer networking, and decentralized data need to be available. And these are some of the core components of today’s Web3.

While Web3 has been around for over a decade, the adoption of the technology has been comparatively slower than expected. This is due to factors that we will talk about in another article. The financial space however has seen an explosion in the last couple of years. The potential to democratize financial systems by removing centralized institutions from the process and opening geographical borders on the Internet has seen Decentralized Finance (DeFi) in its short existence reach highs that could never have been predicted. 

Every day, we see new DeFi platforms and Decentralized Applications (DApps) hit the marketplace and we also witness the birth of new blockchains that proffer solutions like improved user experience and impressive use cases. Regardless of this growth, there has been a constraint on user activities on different blockchains due to the chain's limitations. 

These blockchains only allow users to do specific things they approve of. This is not ideal. In an ideal Web3 space, users should be able to carry out cross-chain transactions and interoperate. These features should be the underlying technologies behind the adoption of these blockchains. This however isn't the norm in today's Web3 scene as blockchain networks operate in isolation. 

The problem of interoperability especially among DeFi platforms needs solving and MNICorp with its utility token is a company looking into that.

Multi-Faceted Tradable Utility Tokens in DeFi

The rise of decentralized finance has seen an increase in multi-faceted utility tokens. One such token is Mnl's token. MnI is a tradable multifaceted utility token that offers its community genuine DeFi experiences by introducing "real world" commercial enterprises with land-backed assets to the cryptocurrency space. With the use of this token, anybody can have access to institutional-style involvement, interaction, and leadership inside a multi-trillion-dollar sector. 

Through a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), Mnl offers its holders access to and control over the entity. The DAO's use enables constant full transparency for all holders. Put simply, Mnl is a community-enhanced ecosystem smart contract token that is tradable on both Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges

Problem(s) With Decentralization in Web3

As much as web3 is championing the decentralization cause, there are still problems plaguing the technology in that regard. The web3 industry is still in its nascent stage and doing —what should be considered simple— things like transactions on some blockchains has proved difficult. The inefficiency and cumbersome nature of moving assets from one blockchain to another can be confusing for users that are new to the technology. There's also the issue of web3 being inaccessible to web2 developers. 

Building on web3 requires new skills and approaches because the applications are built to be decentralized. This is different from the traditional client-server models used in web2 and it requires the developer to learn new programming languages like Solidity in addition to learning how to interact with decentralized networks and writing smart contracts. The current relatively fragmented nature of the industry doesn't make it easy for web2 developers to start their Web3 journey. 

These are some of the problems in web3 that ZKCross is solving. ZKCross is a unique platform that is bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 without adding any redundant layer of complexity. The platform utilizes a WebAssembly (WASM) virtual machine (zkVM) as a cornerstone of its ecosystem. This is combined with a revolutionary Zero-Knowledge (zk) Shadow Layer. With zkVM, web2 developers can code in their preferred high-level programming languages like C or C++, or Rust.

Gaming Protocols in Web3 

Gaming is a big part of web3 technology. Backed by the blockchain, developers have built games that are more immersive and are a source of income for players. An essential part of the development of these games is gaming protocols. These protocols allow for interoperability which allows the movement of assets from game to game. 

An example of a gaming protocol is Winr Games. With the help of smart contract tools, a liquidity engine, and an incentive-based framework for developers, the Winr protocol is leading the charge to bring e-gaming to the web3. Using Winr's Software Development Kit (SDK), developers can build fast games on the blockchain.

Web3-powered Gaming in Web3

Gaming in web3 has taken a whole new level from where it was in web2. With its decentralized infrastructure, gamers now have full control of their assets in the games they play. Gamers can also trade these assets as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) on marketplaces. Wicked Moai is an example of such a game. It is a fully on-chain gaming world that is designed to bring gamers, web3 enthusiasts, and creators together on a journey filled with adventure and excitement. Built on the zkSync blockchain, the game boasts of a secure, transparent, decentralized, immutable, and scalable ecosystem. 

Spreading Wisdom and Meeting Your Idols Via Web3

Until I came across this platform, I didn't think this was a thing in Web3. I didn't think there was a need to spread 'wisdom' using blockchain as a medium. But Sadhguru Sadupdesh thinks differently. 

Sadhguru is a private organization that is using blockchain to disseminate knowledge in order to create events and works of wise creative art that are both remarkable and sustainably rewarding. The company creates educational videos, songs, and event performances and promotes them across social media platforms with the collaboration of its partners to make their campaign reach as many as possible. 

This is a unique use of the blockchain that I find interesting and I'm very impressed with. Another unique use of the blockchain is what the guys at Idols are doing. Idols is an entertainment company in the Web3 space that offers users exclusive access to some of their favorite celebrities and Idols. According to CEO, Xerxes Frechiani (Double X), "Through Idols' tokenization, we offer exclusive benefits, experiences, and access to our holders. Idols provide something unique that the market has never seen. Where we merge the physical and digital worlds for the first time". 

Conclusion 

The internet has come a long way from its Web1 years to what we have now. Web3 still has some way to go as the technologies on which it is built are all still in their early stages. The coming-up of an alternative form of finance in DeFi points towards a bright future for the web3 space. As the industry evolves, solutions are going to be provided for the issues of interoperability and cross-chain transactions. 

Blockchain gaming is another pointer that the industry is changing lives for good and I'm confident it will continue to do so. I encourage you to explore the Web3 ecosystem today as many brilliant innovations are being churned out daily. 

If you say blockchain technology changed the world, I wouldn't consider you a sensationalist and I believe you wouldn't you wouldn't consider me one if the positions were reversed. The whirlwind changes we have seen in different industries —but mostly the financial sector— are enough facts to back both our positions on this. 

Blockchain technology has been revolutionary, to say the least. The status quo of industries has changed in their adaptation to technology. It has mainly affected the financial space but recently industries like health, fashion, cybersecurity, and even entertainment have taken to using blockchains for their operations. The reason for this migration is clear too. 

Some major tenets of blockchain technology are transparency, security, and elimination of intermediaries and these are all driven by the vehicle of decentralization. In essence, the Blockchain is an immutable ledger that makes it easier to execute transactions, record them, and track assets in a corporate network. And to do all these in a trustworthy manner, the network has to be managed by entities that can be trusted. This brings us to decentralization in blockchain technology. 

Unlike traditional finance where a nation's currency is managed by a central bank, the blockchain, seeing as it is changing the landscape of finance, is doing the opposite of that. On the blockchain, no one entity owns or controls the network, instead, the task of managing the network is distributed across nodes (re: computers) that operate a cryptographic protocol known as Proof-of-Work (PoW).

A blockchain is made up of blocks of data with information about transactions. A block of data in the chain is used to prove the validity of the next block, hence the name. By using the PoW mechanism to validate, users can add blocks to the blockchain and since this information is public, it can be viewed by everyone. 

Other blockchain protocols in existence are the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and the Proof-of-Authority (PoA) consensus. Proof-of-Stake is a mechanism that works by selecting validators according to the size of their holdings in an associated cryptocurrency. The need for validators to own some quantity of the blockchain's tokens makes it so that for an attacker to mount an attack on the blockchain, they have to acquire a large fraction of the tokens on the chain. One thing PoS has over PoW is that it is more energy-efficient as it requires less computational power from the validator network. 

Coined by co-founder of the Ethereum blockchain, Gavin Wood in 2017, Proof-of-Authority is an algorithm that is used on blockchains to deliver fast transactions through a consensus that is based on trustworthiness. In PoA, nodes have to earn the right to become validators on a network by attaching their identities as validators and passing through a strict vetting process. This way, the Validators are incentivized, to be honest, and uphold the transaction processes on the network, especially as they do not want to have a negative reputation attached to their identities. 

An example of a blockchain that is backed by Proof-of-Authority consensus is the Kaichain. Designed to bring programmability and interoperability to the blockchain, Kaichain runs on a PoA consensus system that supports short block time, and lower transaction fees in addition to its EVM compatibility and eco-friendliness. On Kaichain, the most bonded validator candidates of staking become validators and produce blocks. Security, stability, and chain finality are guaranteed by double-sign detection and other cutting logic. Read more about Kaichain here. 

Blockchain Blurring The Boundaries of DeFi and Gaming 

In line with the idea of decentralization, a sub-industry known as Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has been built in the financial sector. In DeFi, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are used to carry out financial transactions. By cutting out the middleman (centralized financial institutions) and substituting them with platforms that support peer-to-peer procedures, this sector aims to democratize financial services. These platforms also provide a wide range of financial services like loans, mortgages, asset trading, and everyday banking to name a few.

Decentralized Finance is powered by Decentralized Apps known as dApps. These dApps handle transactions mostly in Ethereum (ETH) because Ethereum is a much more adaptable network and is open to a wide variety of uses. One way in which DeFi can be used is lending. With DeFi, people can borrow funds from a pool of lenders and pay back with interest which the lenders receive yield from. This service is traditionally one that is predominantly gotten in financial institutions like banks. Still, DeFi has opened this up to people worldwide, regardless of their access to banking. 

A service that has been to be the lifeblood of DeFi protocols and enables DeFi apps to function effectively is Liquidity Pools. Liquidity pools are a collection of digital assets that are accumulated on a Decentralized Exchange (DEX) to enable trading on the exchange. These pools are a very important part of decentralized exchanges because they provide the liquidity that enables the exchanges to function. The Total Value Locked (TVL) in DeFi as of April 2023 is $48.65 billion.

A DeFi platform that provides these services and more is Finblox. Finblox is a super-app that is built with gamified features to help its users grow their digital assets by earning rewards in simple and fun ways. With Finblox, users can earn in-kind or universal rewards by simply participating in the ecosystem. Finblox also provides market prediction services, yield generators, trading, launchpad, P2P marketplace, etc. 

In recent times, DeFi protocols like Finblox are being integrated into play-to-earn gaming platforms and this has fast-tracked the transition towards a crypto-focused gaming ecosystem. This gaming ecosystem is populated with games that are known as DeFi games. These games provide players with a fun way to interact with the realm of decentralized finance while playing games and making money. 

In these games, in-game assets can be earned, bought, and sold like real-world assets. This opportunity to earn from playing games has been met with so much enthusiasm and this is evident by the fact that in 2022, gaming represented 49% of all daily blockchain activity. Some of these blockchain gaming platforms include Octo Gaming and HyperMove. 

Built on the Solana blockchain, Octo Gaming is the first gaming platform in the world to release a double reward system that is based on a competitive economy. The platform currently has over 3 million users worldwide and rewards them with tokens or real-life prizes. HyperMove is a gaming platform that promotes mental and physical health by allowing users to exercise, improve fitness and play games on the platform while earning crypto as a passive reward. The platform combines the play-to-earn (P2E) and move-to-earn (M2E) mechanics to encourage players to get active and stay fit and earn real-world rewards at the same time. 

Conclusion

The common theme in blockchain technology, decentralized finance, and gaming is decentralization. It guides every action, product, and blockchain being built and so far it has proven to be the way to go. The entire blockchain industry is still in its nascent stage which points towards the thinking that there would be more innovations and sub-technologies built on the foundation of the decentralization that guides the blockchain.

Anyone can invest early in the most promising projects. Here’s why 👇

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE SCENES

The Web3 industry is meant to be a haven for decentralization and financial inclusiveness as one of its core principles is to eliminate middlemen and democratize access to investments.

But in the shadow of this ethos, the reality is far from that. The ecosystem is plagued by a lazy core that puts an astonishing concentration of power in the hands of influential players (venture capital firms, influencers, business angels, and even some exchanges) that enjoy exclusive opportunities and access to early-stage investments, in the form of pre-sales.

Due to the gatekeeping practices of these dominant players, promising projects without proper connections struggle to raise funds.This reduces the diversity and innovation of the market and ultimately spoil the whole ecosystem.

The lack of transparency also makes it difficult for individual investors to evaluate and invest in hyped projects. Information asymmetries between these insiders and regular investors perpetuate cycles of inequality. 

YOU CAN INVEST EARLY TOO

However, investors not hopeless as IDOs (which stands for Initial DEX Offerings) have emerged as a promising way for them to invest in solid companies.

IDO launchpads such as Polkastarter or the LearnPad from GAINS Associates provide a unique and comprehensive platform for retailers interested in early-stage projects that would not normally be accessible to them.

Vetted projects are carefully selected based on their feasibility, team credibility and marketability, thus giving investors access to a curated list of quality projects, while minimizing the risks associated with investing.

By participating in these IDOs, people are finally able to invest in popular projects and diversify their portfolios while supporting an ever-growing Web3 ecosystem. Consider joining an IDO launchpad today!

Interest in Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) reached a high in late 2021, as the market saw a 21,000% growth rate to reach $17.6 billion. You could say NFT was a buzzword and you wouldn't be wrong. When the term Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) first broke out, it was immediately on everyone's lips. People found it "catchy" and used it a lot. Even major brands found ways to jump on the NFT hype (after acting as cynics for a while). All these are proven by Google Trends which showed that the word “NFT” was one of the most searched words in 2022. This was even more than “crypto”.

If you didn't already know, NFTs are tokens that are unique and can't be replaced because they are non-fungible. Physical money and even cryptocurrencies can be exchanged or traded which makes them fungible. NFTs can be in the form of digital assets like artwork, videos, audio, trading cards, fashion and games (both of which we will talk about as this article progresses). 



How NFTs Work

NFTs are assets that are built on the blockchain (this is a distributed public ledger that records and broadcasts transactions. Every NFT in existence contains unique codes that are used to distinguish them from other NFTs. This unique code is what makes the transfer of tokens between owners easier. It also helps with the verification of NFT ownership. 

Just like with physical assets, NFTs have a value placed on them and they can be bought and sold because they represent real-world assets like real estate and artwork. It is thought that tokenizing tangible assets like real estate and artworks, make the buying and selling of them more efficient in addition to reducing the eventuality of fraudulent activities. 



NFTs in Fashion

With a reputation for being an industry to not miss a trend, it was only a matter of time before the fashion industry became completely engulfed in the NFT frenzy. NFTs provide an alternative means for artists and creatives to foster a community and generate extra revenue and fashion brands are taking full advantage of this. From design apparel that customers can wear in the virtual world (re:Metaverse), to exclusive launches of both content and virtual stores, NFTs in luxury fashion seem to be a budding niche in the industry and one that sure looks like it will be here for a long time too. 

Because of how diverse the industry is, NFTs can be explored in fashion in many ways. Examples of how NFTs are being deployed in the fashion space include:

Virtual apparel that a customer can wear within a virtual environment

Digital content that the owners can interact with

Ownership of skins in the Metaverse etc

 

According to research by the Vogue Business Index, about 17% of the brands in its research had in one capacity or another worked with NFTs in 2021. Morgan Stanley's prediction of the luxury NFT market growing to $25 billion has seen the number of fashion-oriented businesses entering the luxury NFT space keep expanding.



Fashion in the Metaverse 

The Metaverse is no longer a concept. It is now being fully explored and has seen huge amounts of investments from some of the world's biggest companies in it. Organizations now see the advantages and opportunities that the Metaverse presents and this is why brands are taking part fully in the process of building these virtual spaces. Digital goods are now being worn by customers of some brands on blockchain-backed worlds like The Sandbox and Decentraland.

The first-ever Metaverse Fashion Week hosted on Decentraland was enough evidence to back the fashion industry's interest in the metaverse. The show which saw in attendance the world's most reputable fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger showcased collaborations between famous digital designers. Apart from these popular household names showing interest in the metaverse, one company with all of the potential to be great in the space is MetaWear. 

MetaWear in the real world is a fashion company that is implementing unmatched new ideas and practices in the industry's strategic purchasing, design, production quality control, marketing and sales branches by supporting cutting-edge digital technologies in one of the world's largest industries. The company creates virtualized clothes while transforming the real-world textile industry and its brands. MetaWear transforms the world's top fashion brand's clothing and collections for use in the metaverse. In essence, creating NFT 2.0 cross-platform metaverse wearable clothes and skins with 98.5% indistinguishably real looks and best qualities. 

Another NFT company that is set to take the fashion industry by storm is Seizon. Seizon is a fashion brand that is building a community of survivors through fashion, art and powerful storytelling. Founded by Minty, an entrepreneur who ran a $21 million business at the age of 20 and started the first and only Web3 consultation agency in East Africa, the Seizon team is from and is located in Niagara Falls Canada, and they run the Web2 fashion brand J-OH. Seizon's lead artist GodChi7d (Felix) is also locally famous in Niagara Falls. Having just completed a collaboration with fashion outfit Balmain, Seizon is bridging fashion between Web2 and Web3 backed by its large and experienced team and high-quality art. 



NFTs in Gaming 

NFTs have since their emergence become assets of value adapted to the gaming scenery. Now in-game items no longer have only in-game worth, they are also assets that can be redeemed for fiat or some other cryptocurrency, hence being valuable to the player outside of the gaming environment. The use of NFTs in games has enabled players to take ownership of in-game assets out of the control of the game's publishers. Aside from this, players can also use/transfer their assets on a blockchain to another game that supports that feature and on the same blockchain. 

Sidus Heroes is one gaming platform that epitomises the qualities that NFTs are bringing to the gaming space. Sidus Heroes is a futuristic NFT-oriented play-to-earn multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) with an amazing blockchain journey full of adventures and opportunities. Players in Sidus have ownership rights to all in-game items, which incentivizes them to play and progress through the game. Sidus' gameplay also brings players from different backgrounds and pushes them to find common ground. So for players to succeed in the game, they must collaborate. Players can also go on difficult missions together. 



NFTs For Fitness/Wellness

Yea, this is no joke. NFTs are also being used to achieve exercise and fitness goals. While the gaming niche has the play-to-earn mechanics going for it, the fitness niche has the move-to-earn paradigm and a perfect example of this is the FitBurn project. FitBurn is a platform that seeks to connect NFTs, gym training and play-to-earn mechanisms by rewarding users in cryptocurrency for being active on the platform and burning calories while at it. FitBurn aims to create its own "Eco Payment System" for the fitness industry. The platform has a native utility token known as CAL and it is used as the in-app payment option

for NFTs, gym memberships, vitamins,

accessories, etc. 

 

Conclusion 

NFTs are being adopted by many industries and because of this, they are slowly becoming an important aspect of the world's economy. NFTs are being used in art, real estate, music, gaming, fashion, tourism & travel etc. A perfect example of the latter is the Trippy Sailors Adventure club. Trippy Sailors Adventure club is the world’s first NFT travel community with real sailing perks. Trippy Sailors are Web3 frens and adventure lovers, looking to meet new people, travel around the world and have a great time doing it. This project offers people who are interested in travel and adventure a unique opportunity to own a digital asset that not only holds value but also has a real-world benefit. 



The club is in partnership with leading yacht and sailing company Catamaran Guru. They will organize hundreds of trips on a luxurious sailing catamaran while giving access to exclusive events and parties as well as offering travel discounts. Trippy Sailors was created by a marketing collective encompassing experienced Web3 marketers, developers and industry advisors who have built successful communities like Bitcoin Bay, CryptoChicks, and CryptoCamp and have helped to launch NFT projects for celebrities like Doja Cat and Steve Aoki.

"AI will completely change the way humans think within 30 years." 

This statement was made by the CEO of SoftBank, Masayoshi Son. It's not 30 years yet but Mr Masayoshi's take is becoming reality. Since the turn of the year, the only narrative populating the media has been that of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and rightly so I should say. 

Artificial intelligence refers to a computer's or a robot controlled by a computer's ability to perform tasks normally associated with humans. AI is the production of systems that exhibit intellectual qualities similar to humans like learning from past experiences, the ability to reason, generalizing etc. Another technology that has grown in leaps and bounds alongside AI is the blockchain. Side-by-side, these are two disruptive technologies, impacting the trajectory of people's lives in the last decade and will continue to do so over the next one. 

The global artificial intelligence market was valued at $58.15 billion in 2021. This figure is expected to reach $271.48 billion by 2027, registering a 31.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period of 2022 - 2027. This is according to Mordor Intelligence, a market intelligence and advisory firm. In the same vein, with an increase from $3 billion in 2020 to $39.7 billion in 2025, the blockchain market is estimated to experience a 67.3% increase in its CAGR. 

Hailed as two of the best technological advancements to date, artificial intelligence sees its applications in a wide range of industries which ranges from medicine to finance, to commercial organizations. Blockchain technology is a decentralized, immutable ledger that makes it easier to record transactions and track digital assets in a business network. A blockchain's architecture makes it possible to trace and exchange practically anything that may be of substantial value while reducing risk and costs. 

AI & Blockchain Technology 

Understanding, manoeuvring, and implementing investment strategies require a lot of dedication and hard work. These traders and investors are increasingly looking at artificial intelligence to help make trading and investing in the crypto space worthwhile, especially as more tech tools become accessible. 

AI and Blockchain technology are two powerful and formidable pieces of tech, and they've shaken up and enhanced almost all the industries in which they are used. Because cryptocurrencies are built using blockchain technology, AI can be used on the blockchain to help out with different issues. For example, Artificial intelligence is now being deployed in the security architecture of the blockchain. A company at the forefront of this is SynergyAI. 

SynergyAI is building a platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to protect blockchain users from being defrauded in Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Synergy's mission is to provide affordable but sophisticated and super-advanced analysis and security tools to the everyday retail investor. 

With SynergyAI, investors will be able to discover projects before their peers, which will allow for the making of investment decisions based on the metrics provided by artificial intelligence, and evaluation of risks more accurately. This way, users will also be safeguarded from rug-pulls and other fraudulent activities by bad players in the space. SynergyAI's models scan smart contracts to identify relevant features that could prevent purchases or mint new tokens.

While artificial intelligence is an amazing concept and something that's set to change the world, it is generally not cheap (even with the best efforts of the guys at SynergyAI). AI is not affordable to most people and businesses except for large corporations. Not many researchers, individuals and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) cannot afford some of the resources needed to develop and apply technologies like AI which further widens the gap between the big institutions and everyone else. This is one of the negatives that NuNet is hoping to correct. 

NuNet allows for the optimal placement of AI processes, interfaces, and data within the global network, as well as the establishment of machine-to-machine payment and data streaming channels. NuNet is creating a global decentralized computer framework by combining the latent computing power of independently owned devices around the world into a dynamic marketplace of compute resources. Individuals will be rewarded through a tokenomic ecosystem based on the NuNet utility token NTX.

Another company that is successfully utilizing both AI and Blockchain technologies is OpenFabric AI. Known as the Layer-1 for artificial intelligence, OpenFabric is a company with a mission to introduce a powerful and exciting paradigm shift to how people perceive the field of AI. They are doing this by creating an ecosystem that sees innovation as its most valuable currency. OpenFabric provides a platform where participants from different backgrounds can contribute their quota of knowledge and skill to achieve success and solve complex problems through the use and power of AI solutions. 

We've seen the strides being taken in the merging of AI technology with blockchain technology. The immediate future points towards the fact that there would be many more products that will incorporate artificial intelligence and blockchain technology and I am excited about that. I however feel it is important that I talk about those companies that are still crushing it in their worlds. One such is Source Protocol. 

Source Protocol is a comprehensive blockchain technology suite that allows individuals, developers, and enterprises to easily develop decentralized applications. The ecosystem of this protocol includes a full DeFi suite, a rewards program for its members, and white-label integration capabilities with existing Web 2.0 platforms. Put simply, the protocol is an ecosystem that houses a wide-ranging technology that converts centralized web tools and other financial instruments into decentralized ones.

The Source chain is a public, permission-less, and interoperable blockchain network that allows enterprises, developers, and individuals to create and use scalable apps, smart contracts, and tools for the spread of Web 3.0 technologies, DeFi, NFTs, and other technologies.

Another company doing great is Avem blockchain. Avem blockchain aims to bring real-world assets onto the blockchain by using the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), like commodities, stocks, real estate, and fine art. Avem is a regulatory framework that helps projects build on their blockchain to ensure compliance with regulations and to help establish trust between network participants.

And then there is the Metaverse. The role of artificial intelligence in the Metaverse can not be overstated. Because AI is an important aspect of the technologies that combine to power machines to learn and act at a human-like level of intelligence, it becomes hugely important in the Metaverse. Metaverse ecosystem, Metafluence is an embodiment of this. 

Metafluence is a platform in the Metaverse that gives influencers the ability to monetize their influence, creativity and social media power in the Metaverse. This platform is the world's first influence-to-earn platform and it enables influencers, their audience and the brand they influence to thrive in Web 3. Ultimately, Metafluence's vision is to build an ecosystem in the Metaverse that is influencer-focused where social media influencers, their audiences and brands can engage in a transparent and incentivized manner with ease. 

Conclusion

AI and Blockchain technologies will play (are already playing) an integral part in the direction the world is headed. These technologies are important building blocks to solutions that produce authentic and customized experiences while solving real problems for people. AI and Blockchain tech has come to stay and there is a long way to go in discovering just how much of their respective potentials can be reached. 

"AI will completely change the way humans think within 30 years." 

This statement was made by the CEO of SoftBank, Masayoshi Son. It's not 30 years yet but Mr Masayoshi's take is becoming reality. Since the turn of the year, the only narrative populating the media has been that of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and rightly so I should say. 

Artificial intelligence refers to a computer's or a robot controlled by a computer's ability to perform tasks normally associated with humans. AI is the production of systems that exhibit intellectual qualities similar to humans like learning from past experiences, the ability to reason, generalizing etc. Another technology that has grown in leaps and bounds alongside AI is the blockchain. Side-by-side, these are two disruptive technologies, impacting the trajectory of people's lives in the last decade and will continue to do so over the next one. 

The global artificial intelligence market was valued at $58.15 billion in 2021. This figure is expected to reach $271.48 billion by 2027, registering a 31.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period of 2022 - 2027. This is according to Mordor Intelligence, a market intelligence and advisory firm. In the same vein, with an increase from $3 billion in 2020 to $39.7 billion in 2025, the blockchain market is estimated to experience a 67.3% increase in its CAGR. 

Hailed as two of the best technological advancements to date, artificial intelligence sees its applications in a wide range of industries which ranges from medicine to finance, to commercial organizations. Blockchain technology is a decentralized, immutable ledger that makes it easier to record transactions and track digital assets in a business network. A blockchain's architecture makes it possible to trace and exchange practically anything that may be of substantial value while reducing risk and costs. 

AI in Medicine 

Artificial intelligence has been deployed extensively in the field of medicine. Some of its applications include patient diagnosis, improved doctor/patient communication, remote patient treatment etc. When compared, computer systems (especially state-of-the-art algorithms) execute tasks more efficiently than humans and have achieved results with accuracies that are at par with humans in the medical field. This is why it is thought that it is only a matter of time before AI completely replaces humans in certain roles in the field of medicine. One company that is at the forefront of the AI in medicine bandwagon is Synergy AI. 

Synergy AI is a company that is developing deep learning with clinical software services that helps optimize the process of precision diagnosis & treatments. They provide actionable insights to help prevent progressive kidney function decline in patients. The company's first solution is the Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), also known as the "ADPKD Analyzer". They believe that with their renal-focused deep-learning-based software as a medical device, they can potentially prevent the occurrence of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). 

While artificial intelligence is an amazing concept and something that's set to change the world, it is not cheap. AI is not affordable to most people and businesses except for large corporations. Not many researchers, individuals and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) cannot afford some of the resources needed to develop and apply technologies like AI which further widens the gap between the big institutions and everyone else. This is one of the negatives that NuNet is hoping to correct. 

NuNet allows for the optimal placement of AI processes, interfaces, and data within the global network, as well as the establishment of machine-to-machine payment and data streaming channels. NuNet is creating a global decentralized computer framework by combining the latent computing power of independently owned devices around the world into a dynamic marketplace of compute resources. Individuals will be rewarded through a tokenomic ecosystem based on the NuNet utility token NTX.

AI & Cryptocurrency

Understanding, manoeuvring, and implementing investment strategies require a lot of dedication and hard work. These traders and investors are increasingly looking at artificial intelligence to help make trading and investing in the crypto space worthwhile, especially as more tech tools become accessible. 

AI and Blockchain technology are two powerful and formidable pieces of tech, and they've possibly shaken up and enhanced almost all the industries in which they are used. Because cryptocurrencies are built using blockchain technology, AI can be used on the blockchain to help out with different issues. One company that is successfully utilizing both AI and Blockchain technologies is OpenFabric AI. Known as the Layer-1 for artificial intelligence, OpenFabric is a company with a mission to introduce a powerful and exciting paradigm shift to how people perceive the field of AI. They are doing this by creating an ecosystem that sees innovation as its most valuable currency. OpenFabric provides a platform where participants from different backgrounds can contribute their quota of knowledge and skill to achieve success and solve complex problems through the use and power of AI solutions. 

We've seen the strides being taken in the merging of AI technology with blockchain technology. The immediate future points towards the fact that there would be many more products that will incorporate artificial intelligence and blockchain technology and I am excited about that. I however feel it is important that I talk about those companies that are still crushing it in their worlds. One such is Source Protocol. 

Source Protocol is a comprehensive blockchain technology suite that allows individuals, developers, and enterprises to easily develop decentralized applications. The ecosystem of this protocol includes a full DeFi suite, a rewards program for its members, and white-label integration capabilities with existing Web 2.0 platforms. Put simply, the protocol is an ecosystem that houses a wide-ranging technology that converts centralized web tools and other financial instruments into decentralized ones.

The Source chain is a public, permission-less, and interoperable blockchain network that allows enterprises, developers, and individuals to create and use scalable apps, smart contracts, and tools for the spread of Web 3.0 technologies, DeFi, NFTs, and other technologies.

Another company doing great is Avem blockchain. Avem blockchain aims to bring real-world assets onto the blockchain by using the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), like commodities, stocks, real estate, and fine art. Avem is a regulatory framework that helps projects build on their blockchain to ensure compliance with regulations and to help establish trust between network participants.

And then there is the Metaverse. The role of artificial intelligence in the Metaverse can not be overstated. Because AI is an important aspect of the technologies that combine to power machines to learn and act at a human-like level of intelligence, it becomes hugely important in the Metaverse. Metaverse ecosystem, Metafluence is an embodiment of this. 

Metafluence is a platform in the Metaverse that gives influencers the ability to monetize their influence, creativity and social media power in the Metaverse. This platform is the world's first influence-to-earn platform and it enables influencers, their audience and the brand they influence to thrive in Web 3. Ultimately, Metafluence's vision is to build an ecosystem in the Metaverse that is influencer-focused where social media influencers, their audiences and brands can engage in a transparent and incentivized manner with ease. 

Conclusion

AI and Blockchain technologies will play (are already playing) an integral part in the direction the world is headed. These technologies are important building blocks to solutions that produce authentic and customized experiences while solving real problems for people. AI and Blockchain tech has come to stay and there is a long way to go in discovering just how much of their respective potentials can be reached. 

Amidst all of the NFT craze and adoption, top quality has been their uniqueness in exclusive ownership. With Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), people now own pieces of art or other objects/assets of value entirely to themselves. And with the way NFTs are designed, exclusive ownership rights are a huge part of what makes the technology's proposition unique. 

As we continue to have newer ways in which NFTs are designed and presented to the market almost daily, the possibilities and boundaries of what is achievable on NFTs continue to be pushed. One of these innovations has been the ability for two or more people to own a piece of the same NFT through fractionalization.

What is Fractionalization in NFTs? 

Fractionalization in NFTs is the act of dividing the ownership of an NFT and each person interested in owning a share of that token, having controlling rights over smaller fractions of it. This way, several people can own one particular NFT. Fractionalized NFTs (F-NFTs) are increasingly becoming a regular fixture in the Non-Fungible Tokens space and this is because NFT collectors are seeing the value in owning a fraction of a very valuable NFT as opposed to fully owning a smaller not-so-valuable NFT. 

NFTs are different from cryptocurrencies in the sense that they are non-fungible tokens. What this means is that they cannot be exchanged for other NFTs. This is a problem that fractional NFTs are providing a solution to. With fractional NFTs, instead of being stuck trying to swap these tokens, a group of people can simply divide the ownership of an NFT. 

How Does Fractionalization Work in NFTs? 

As a result of the principles guiding the fractionalization in NFTs, they are mainly enabled by smart contracts. Because a major number of NFTs exist on the Ethereum blockchain, in this article, I will use Ethereum's ERC-721 and ERC-20 to explain how fractionalization works in NFTs. It is important to understand that these development standards on Ethereum can not be used to create the same kind of tokens. 

While Ethereum's ERC-721 is used to create non-fungible tokens which can be used to represent rare items like trophies, collectible game cards and even a house. The ERC-20 standard is used to create fungible tokens. These tokens represent items that are fungible like money, gold etc. Given that fungible tokens can be exchanged for other tokens of their kind, without there being any loss in value, smart contracts can be used to generate these ERC-20 tokens and link them to indivisible ERC-721 non-fungible tokens. With this technique, anyone who holds a piece of the ERC-20 token can own a percentage share of the ERC-721 rare and valuable NFT. 

Locking an NFT in a smart contract until certain predetermined conditions like the ones talked about in the paragraph above are met is the first step in fractionalizing an NFT. It is with smart contracts that the data that differentiates the fractional NFT from other NFTs can be met. In essence, an NFT locked in a smart contract on the blockchain can have its ownership represented by multiple fungible tokens that can be supplied to and owned by multiple people with governance by the smart contract.  

Imagine the Monalisa being made into an NFT and put for sale at a set price of $500 million. There are only a handful of investors who would be able to afford the iconic painting. By using a smart contract, the Monalisa NFT can be fractionalized into 10,000 ERC-20 tokens, making it possible for an investor to own a fraction of the most popular painting in history for $50,000. This will attract a larger pool of investors because $50,000 is more affordable than $500 million. 

Difference Between Fractionalized NFTs and Traditional NFTs

The difference between F-NFTs and traditional NFTs is clear for all to see. Owning a traditional NFT gives its owner full control and ownership of the NFT while owning an F-NFT means the owner owns a fraction of the whole NFT. Unlike traditional NFTs, F-NFTs reduce an investor's exposure to an asset. An investor can get a piece of an NFT he thinks has the potential to be very valuable in the future without having to risk it all by buying the whole thing. The investor benefits if his prediction comes true and if it doesn't, he only loses an amount that is commensurate to what he had invested for the fraction he got. 

In a notoriously illiquid market, fractionalization brings more liquidity. NFTs are being traded in smaller portions and an owner can sell part of their NFT while still retaining ownership over a major portion. This brings an increased level of confidence to investor behaviour (buying-wise). 

However, it is important to note that fractionalization can be reversed and an NFT that is fractional can be converted back into a whole NFT. This can be done with the help of the buyout option. This option is typically included in the smart contracts that get these NFTs fractionalized. With this option, the original owner of an NFT or an investor in the fractionalized NFT can purchase the entire fractions of the NFT which gives them the original NFT as a whole token.

Accessing Fractional NFTs

With the growing acceptance of F-NFTs, there has been a rise in the number of dedicated platforms where investors can purchase and create F-NFTs. One such platform is Tangible, a marketplace for assets that are not on the blockchain and a platform that allows crypto investors to buy, sell and trade tangible assets is at the forefront of. Tangible provides simultaneously both a marketplace for assets that are not on the blockchain and a platform that allows crypto investors to buy, sell and trade tangible assets.

They also have a product where investors with Real USD (USDR) can get in on real estate through NFTs by investing in NFTs that represent real estate like houses and lands. The USDR is primarily collateralized by yield-generating tokenized real estate. A first of its kind, USDR is a yield-bearing (8-12%), natively rebasing, and an overcollateralized stablecoin that is pegged to the US dollar. 

Fine art fintech startup Artfi, is another company playing in the fractionalized NFT space. Artfi tokenizes blue chip artworks that are created by renowned artists and sell them to the public as NFTs. With Artfi, investors can now own as little as $500 worth of a $5 million painting. Artfi accepts on consignment only blue chip artworks from sellers who have a history of consigning their artworks to only auction houses or conducting private sales. Artfi then puts up the artwork for sale to the public as NFT collections and at a price. When collectors purchase these NFTs, they purchase ownership shares in the artwork on consignment. 

With a strong focus on quality user experience, Reel Star is another company that boasts of a deep level of expertise in the blockchain industry with their cross-section of experts and formidable international team. With the use of Reel Star's vast range of products and services, people can benefit from the numerous opportunities within its "everything application" to earn and gain value with little or no technical or financial knowledge. One of these products is Reel Star's NFT licensing and smart contract capabilities that allows users to mint their own NFTs or that of others and either put them up for sale as a whole or in fractions. 

Another project playing in the fractionalized NFT space is the NFT project, Seizon. Investors can come together to own fractions of the Seizon NFTs. 

 

Conclusion 

Fractionalized NFTs are a great way to begin your journey into the world of NFTs as they are easy to understand and affordable. They also exist on other major blockchains apart from Ethereum. Blockchains like Polygon, Solana and Cardano are some of the blockchains you can get fractionalized NFTs on. These blockchains also have the added advantage of faster transaction speed and lower gas fees. 

Investors can purchase as little as a tenth of an NFT which can help in portfolio diversification. In conclusion, F-NFTs are levelling the NFT playing field and it can only get better from here. 

While the market is drowning in the sea of red quotation marks, more digital apps and users are turning to crypto and decentralized finance. What will ensure the survival of this market? I have some ideas.

Personalization and blockchainization of social media

 

It is difficult to overlook how life-changing blockchain is, and its nature extends beyond monetary concerns. Yes, money is crucial for both consumers and content creators, but the true strength of blockchain lies in preventing fraud and creating unique, trackable identities. Social media platforms take cues from these opportunities, for example, there is a ‘coming soon’ project that incorporates blockchain into its rewards distribution system and sustainable economy, as well as the development of really individualized NFTs and customization possibilities. Furthermore, in terms of AI-powered news feed suggestions, this GameFi short video platform draws on the finest practices of traditional social platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The app's makers encourage users to adopt crypto by making it more available to them so that they can earn money while watching, creating, and playing on the blockchain-based platform (read on to the end).

Crypto mass adoption is moving forward 

The crypto market is still far from broad adoption, and the failure of significant players such as Luna, Celsius, 3AC, Voyager, and FTX has slowed the progress. However, the current situation of the industry is a plateau in which the unstable and poor ventures have been weeded out, leaving room for those that are putting their best efforts and time into longevity and product. The projects that provide their users with a free NFT, Free-to-Play mode and in-app crypto wallet will boost the influx of newcomers to crypto. These guys will surely kick off the next bull run. Look for projects that have values, rather than just a desire for obtaining users and their money.

Shift from “money crypto” to “tech crypto”

Tech crypto becomes increasingly helpful due to two trends: 1) the shift of money from centralized to decentralized financial applications, and 2) the emergence of non-financial decentralized apps such as DeSci, social media, consumer incentives, and others. As a consequence, rather than only token (money crypto) acceptance, a developing foundation of Web3 (tech crypto) adoption will emerge. As more cash is held in transparent financial apps rather than shady centralized alternatives, this will lay the groundwork for the next bull market and help buffer against violent market cycles in the future.

Security, privacy, and digitized identity

With the rise of reputation projects, social networks, and decentralized identities, AML/KYC solutions will be brought down to the wallet level. In 2023, there will be a greater emphasis on reputation and identification, as well as stronger regulation and consumer protection for DeFi use (at least in the US). Off-chain credentials and attestations will become the data standard, with an emphasis on free, inexpensive, and privacy-first choices that users may choose to release. What direction will these solutions take? The first version of scalable reputation systems constructed with technologies like MetaMask Snaps, DIDs, and VCs will be seen.

Rise of the attention economy

The most crucial value in the twenty-first century is attention. As communication technologies advance, this resource is becoming more and more limited. Most Internet users' attention is currently focused on social networks, and among all other platforms, short video platforms are growing the fastest. Although they are all vying for the viewers' attention, none have compensated viewers for their time thus far. 

However, a project that is currently in the pre-launch phase believes that this scenario is unfair and contends that not only the video creators but also their viewers, should receive compensation. This is Cheelee that will soon totally alter how we see social networks and crypto mass adoption.

The P2E trend of the previous year required users to walk, play, or engage in other activities in order to earn money. But Cheelee rewards users for their attention, a radical breakthrough in the social media industry and the Internet as a whole. The GameFi short video platform is based on the principles of the attention economy and Watch & Earn mechanics. The app will be released this winter already.

The issue of attention deficit has been discussed for a long time. Huge corporations as well as lone bloggers spend unfathomable sums of money to compete for your attention. Only Cheelee had the bright idea to reward the network's user, who was the center of attention, encouraging them to utilize this particular platform. New people joining from all social networks will create a sizable fan base for $CHEEL, the governance token of the platform. A similar level of popularity was expected for Libra, a cryptocurrency that Facebook planned to introduce but was prevented from doing so by regulators.

It appears that the concept of Cheelee will be able to lift the crypto community out of its protracted coma. The influence of a social network, where users are paid for their time spent there, on the other hand, can help crypto gain widespread adoption. Additionally, this will occur naturally. The user flow will be very familiar: users scroll through the newsfeed before, logically, becoming interested in cryptocurrencies; after all, they must find a way to withdraw their earnings.

It seems like the times when you could study for a certain profession and devote your whole life to it are irrevocably becoming a thing of the past. According to experts, the old professions take off about 100 million jobs, while the new ones give only 10 million, and only for highly qualified personnel. Nine out of ten fired, in fact, have nowhere to go and no one to retrain — there is simply no adequate replacement for such a huge number of jobs.

The reverse  of progress looks exactly like this: according to the WEF forecast, up to 75 million people will lose their jobs by 2023. And this is the reality in which we live today.

Autopilot technology is making  taxi drivers and trucker professions unnecessary.  Ever received commercial product offers by phone from robots? You'll agree that sometimes you could confuse them with a living person. This proves how far along Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come and how much of a threat the technology is becoming.  In India for example,  there are about 1.5 million people  working as call centre operators. This is 1.5 million jobs that could be lost if AI becomes the norm. 

Call centre operators aren't the only ones that should feel threatened by this growing tech.  Other creative professions are under threat too. From Software Developers to Graphic Designers to Content Writers, none of these professions are entirely exempted from the phenomenon that is AI. In just a couple of seconds, AI generates stunning paintings that can compete with man-made works of art. This obviously, is not in the  favor of humans who work as artists.

Looking at new ways to earn a living would be a solid solution to combating this AI problem for creatives. There are no guarantees for the safety of one's job (there weren't before AIs) and it would become much worse now that AI is becoming an option.  Again, looking for new and creative ways of earning is strongly advised, because in the near future,  5-7 years spent on  tertiary education would not give any guarantee that a person will  be employed..

Attention Economy: the New Millennium's Gold

All of these changes happening now aren't coming as a shocker to people who have been paying attention. In fact, they were predicted.  In the last century, Nobel laureate Herbert Simon came out with the theory of the attention economy. Its main idea of the theory is that a person's attention can and should be converted into income. One of the principles of Simon's theory  is that you pay attention to what you are interested in and get paid for it. Because attention has a specific value, it becomes the main currency, and therefore, the main resource of the future economy.

A Solution from the Gaming Industry

Today technological progress has made it possible to bring Simon's ideas to life. The GameFi's global “Do-smth-to-earn” trend set by blockchain games  between 2021 and 2022 allows you to earn money regardless of age, education and profession. The essence of the Play-to-earn idea boils down to the following: for paying attention and spending time on a gaming platform, the player gets tangible and not-entirely-virtual profit. 

Despite the abundance of growth triggers, there are restraining factors that are still present in GameFi. One of them is an excessively expensive entry into the industry . As a norm, a user has to pay from hundreds to several thousand dollars to get on board. Such investments are not affordable for everyone. Despite this obvious onboarding problem, a lot of players from low-income countries still do whatever they can to get on these play-to-earn games.  This is not surprising as the average salary in such countries is often less than the possible earnings in the games.

A project embodying the ideals of the play-to-earn mechanism is Dexsport. Dexsport an innovative betting protocol. Transactions and gameplay in the online betting industry can be daunting and this proves troublesome for regular users and small organizations. The decentralized structure of Dexsport however prevents any single entity from having a monopoly, unlike centralized companies. The platform offers sports betting, market prediction, P2P betting, and Non-Fungible Token (NFT) art collection services.

Attention economy doesn’t have only the gaming sphere going for it. The content-making industry is also a part of this economy. In our world today, information is no longer a limited resource. What is limited is attention and this is what is being tapped into to earn content providers money. An example of a company making moves in the attention economy today is Cheelee.

Built with GameFi mechanics, Cheelee is a platform for short videos where users can earn by watching videos on the feed. Cheelee's economy is thoughtful and sustainable due to income diversification. Advertising, brand collaboration and in-game purchases provide 40% of it, while 100% of the income from NFTs and internal transactions go to the stability fund. As a result of this, the platform is less dependent on the market vagaries and influx of new users.

These platforms (Dexsport and Cheelee) have features of NFTs where players earn them and in other to sell or swap them for tokens and/or fiat would need a marketplace. Ayoken is such a place. Ayoken is the digital collectibles marketplace that is dedicated to empowering and connecting creators to global audiences. The platform has a vision to onboard 10 million new crypto users & digital collectible owners, as it aims to catalyze the mainstream adoption of crypto in emerging markets.

Move2Earn

Move2Earn (M2E) appeared as the ‘2Earn’ trend grew. With Move2Earn, you need to perform certain actions in real life to receive rewards in tokens. In 2022, even amidst the bear market, M2E managed to attract a huge army of users. However, after the general euphoria, a common problem emerged.

The M2E projects payback, which was impressive at first, now takes six months, or even a year. This happened with the sensational StepN whose tokens' value grew first, and then collapsed, leaving many holders with a huge minus and deceived expectations. And all because of an ill-conceived economy, where the project's development was completely tied to the new users' influx — which is by the way, the main feature of Ponzi schemes.

Nevertheless, it is Watch2Earn, the only viable of the 2Earn concepts so far, that seems destined to become the solution to the problem that is the disappearance of old jobs. Watch2Earn looks to be hoisting the attention economy’s flag high. 

Conclusion

Automation is taking millions of jobs without offering enough alternatives in return. There will be ten times fewer new professions, and only for highly qualified specialists. That is why projects that make it possible to monetize your attention look promising to become an absolute trend soon. Look for new opportunities. As we can see, they have already begun to appear.