UK video game retailer GAME has experienced significant turbulence in recent months, reportedly losing a substantial portion of its head office workforce following its integration into parent company Frasers Group in August 2024. According to industry reports, the downsizing has left the company struggling with operational inefficiencies, stock shortages, and diminished customer service capabilities.
Sources suggest that approximately 80% of GAME’s head office staff have been laid off, reducing the department to around 20 employees from its previous count of over 100. This dramatic reduction has reportedly left store managers without dedicated area managers, requiring them to directly coordinate with the already strained head office team.
Since being acquired by Frasers Group, formerly known as Sports Direct, in 2019, GAME has undergone a gradual transformation. Many standalone stores have closed, replaced by smaller concessions within Sports Direct outlets. 2024 has seen further shifts, including the discontinuation of GAME’s long-standing pre-owned business, the cessation of physical currency card sales, and the termination of in-store pre-orders for new releases.
The operational restructuring appears to have exacerbated issues in stock management and logistics. Reports indicate frequent delays in delivering new game releases and hardware, with some key titles, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Silent Hill 2, arriving late or in insufficient quantities. Frasers Group’s leadership, reportedly inexperienced in gaming industry logistics, has struggled to align stock orders with release schedules, leading to widespread shortages.
Staff at GAME have expressed frustration with the shortages, stating that popular titles and new hardware often arrive in numbers too small to meet demand, forcing them to turn away more customers than they serve. Even high-profile launches like the PS5 Pro have been affected, with stores receiving significantly fewer units than expected.
As GAME continues to grapple with these challenges, the long-term viability of the retailer remains uncertain. The changes under Frasers Group point to a broader shift in strategy, but the apparent lack of industry expertise and resource allocation raises questions about the company’s ability to remain competitive in an evolving market.
The European gaming market saw a 12.4% year-over-year increase in October, with an impressive 18.5 million video games sold. This spike was largely driven by the highly anticipated launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which debuted in October, unlike its predecessor, Modern Warfare 3, which launched in November last year.
Call of Duty Dominates the ChartsThe latest installment, Black Ops 6, recorded a 5% increase in unit sales during its first two weeks compared to last year’s Modern Warfare 3. However, when measured against 2022’s Modern Warfare 2, launch sales were down by 28%. A major factor influencing these numbers is the inclusion of Black Ops 6 in Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service, where digital downloads on Xbox and PC are not tracked. This has led to a sharp decline in premium sales for Xbox but a notable 26% sales increase for PlayStation versions compared to Modern Warfare 3, hinting at a significant growth in overall player numbers.
Newcomers Drive ExcitementEA Sports FC 25 secured the second spot, with sales just 2% below last year’s title. Meanwhile, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero achieved a monumental debut at No.3. With launch sales more than double those of 2020’s Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, it has become the fastest-selling title in the franchise’s history.
At No.5, Super Mario Party Jamboree made a strong impression, although its physical sales were 6% below 2021’s Mario Party Superstars. Following closely, Silent Hill 2, a remake by Konami, landed at No.6 but fell short of other horror remakes like Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space, with sales down 57% and 31%, respectively.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard debuted at No.7, performing well in the UK but lagging in other European markets. First-week sales trailed behind recent RPGs such as Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth. Closing out the Top 10 was the indie boxing game Undisputed, which demonstrated robust demand for licensed boxing titles.
Beyond the Top TenJust outside the top ranks was Metaphor: Refantazio, a new IP from Atlus, which outperformed previous Persona titles despite trailing behind the launch of Persona 5 Royal. Meanwhile, Sonic X Shadow Generations landed at No.16, doubling sales of last year’s Sonic Superstars but falling short of 2022’s Sonic Frontiers.
Hardware and Accessories DeclineThe hardware market contracted significantly, with console sales dropping by 26% year-over-year to 422,000 units. The PS5 saw a 29% decline, Switch sales fell by 10%, and Xbox numbers plummeted by 49%. Accessories fared slightly better but still experienced a 13% drop, with 1.4 million units sold.
Below are top 10 best-selling video games (Digital + Physical) in Europe in October 2024
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 62. EA Sports FC 253. Dragon Ball: Sparkling! Zero4. Hogwarts Legacy5. Super Mario Party Jamboree*6. Silent Hill 27. Dragon Age: The Veilguard8. Grand Theft Auto 59. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom*10. Undisputed
I’m A Celebrity star GK Barry recently revealed she’s dating a footballer – and, during her time in the jungle, she’s been very vocal about her gorgeous girlfriend, Ella Rutherford.
The couple met via social media after following each other on Instagram. And, speaking on the star’s podcast Saving Grace, Ella has since revealed that, when she slid into the DMs, she said: “Is now a good time to tell you that you’re beautiful?”
It’s a chat-up line that worked as the ladies have been going strong ever since. However, the I’m A Celebrity and Ipswich Town star Ella did keep their romance on the down low for a while…
GK Barry and Ella Rutherford are love’s young dream (Credit: ITV / Youtube)
How they met and got together
Grace was the first to follow Ella on Instagram. The footballer then slid into the TikTok star’s DM and thus began their romance.
Ella revealed she planned an elaborate proposal to ask Grace to be her girlfriend. She snuck into her house and stuck pictures of them together on the wall with candles everywhere. The footballer used rose petals to write “Be my GF” on Grace’s bed.
Grace said, the “thought of putting each rose petal down on the bed” was the “sweetest thing anyone’s ever done” for her. Of course, she said yes.
GK Barry on cute nickname for girlfriend Ella
Grace wanted to keep her girlfriend’s identity a secret when they first started dating. So she gave her the nickname ‘Eyelashes’.
The TikTok star would refer to Ella by her cute nickname in all her interviews. But it didn’t take fans long to find out who she was dating. They reportedly started dating in early 2024.
At first, Grace was very secretive about Ella. During an episode of her podcast, the I’m A Celebrity star said: “I’m not gonna say who it is, but I’m gonna give her a nickname called Eyelashes. So whenever I refer to Eyelashes, I am talking about the love of my life.”
However, in September, the couple finally opened up about their adorable love story on the same podcast. Ella revealed that Grace called her Eyelashes because “I have the best eyelashes out there”.
She was ‘traumatised’ by girlfriend’s hospitalisation
Ella underwent surgery before her girlfriend’s stint in I’m A Celebrity. And Grace did what any loving partner would do – went to pick Eyelashes up from the hospital.
However, the Loose Women star hadn’t “really” found herself in a hospital environment before, except for when she went to see her grandmother once. Then she was younger and “didn’t have any of the anxiety” that she said she experienced when she went to see Ella in hospital.
“I don’t know what’s happened but it’s got a lot worse. Mentally ill and, yeah, so anyway. I go pick Eyelashes up from the hospital and she… I walk in and she’s in the bed,” she said, according to the Daily Record.
“She’s in her own little room and she’s in the bed and I think she just looks so [bleep]ing sweet, like her little baby hairs are everywhere.”
Grace couldn’t wait to cuddle her girlfriend and the two were embracing each other when the room suddenly became a bit hot. She started to hear beeping and saw nurses run hurriedly.
“And before you know it, I’m having a panic attack. I’m not even there for a reason. I was there to pick her up. I’m like out the bed, like manually breathing like: ‘Babe, we’ve got to go,’” Grace said.
The TikTok star thought it was the end of her panic attack as she and Ella walked out of the hospital. However, she came across a “woman with a feeding tube” and her episode started “all over again”.
Unconventional parting gift
Unlike most couples who give each other plush toys or chocolates as gifts, Grace planned something different for Ella before entering the jungle.
In an interview with ITV, Grace said she gave Ella a cardboard cutout of herself. “I have got her a cardboard cut out of me so it’s not weird when I am away” Grace said.
Ella, who is rooting for girlfriend is “very excited” for her and thinks she’ll ace all the trials. Ella also gushed over how “proud” she was of Grace after her first trial.
GK Barry gets her mum’s seal of approval over girlfriend Ella
Speaking on Loose Women today (November 21), Grace’s mum Loretta told the panel how she met her daughter’s partner for the first time. And we can safely say Ella’s got the seal of approval.
“When we got back [from holiday], we went to her house and Ella was there. Grace said: ‘Mum, this is Ella…’ and we said: ‘Hi Ella!’ And to be honest with you, I am so pleased that she’s found someone that is honest and kind and hardworking…
“As long as they’re happy, I don’t care.”
Grace has also opened up about how she came out to her parents while in the jungle.
“It was by accident I found Ella, through a mutual friend and then I really liked her the first day I met her but I’d never told my parents. I’d mentioned: ‘Oh I’m just going to see my friend Ella’ or ‘I’m staying round Ella’s’ so they’d heard her name,” she told her campmates.
Speaking about a situation when her parents came down to her house to visit when Ella was there, they asked: “Who’s Ella?” and she told them: “Oh, she’s my girlfriend.”
She explained: “They just love her, they never had an issue with it. They’ve always said whoever you end up with we do not care, boy or girl we don’t care, as long as they’re not a [bleep].”
I’m A Celebrity airs every night at 9pm on ITV1.
Read more: Fans slam Bushtucker Trial for being ‘way too hard’ as they claim stars are being ‘set up to fail’
What do you think of Grace and Ella’s love story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.
Yo Joe! Get ready for an action-packed adventure with the iconic heroes of G.I. JOE with the Wrath of Cobra.
indie.io and Maple Powered Games are today bringing G.I. JOE: WRATH OF COBRA, a classic arcade beat ’em up, to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Previously available on PC via Steam, this nostalgic brawler is now ready to unleash its retro-inspired action on consoles, inviting players to join Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, and other legendary Joes in a fight against the forces of Cobra.
A New Mission for the Joes
In G.I. JOE: WRATH OF COBRA, players will embark on a mission to thwart Cobra’s latest evil scheme. Battle through iconic locations like Cobra Island, the Pit, and Cobra’s underwater base, facing off against classic villains like Cobra Commander, Destro, and Baroness.
With its vibrant pixel art, smooth gameplay, and high replayability, this game captures the spirit of classic arcade brawlers while adding a modern touch. We’ll let you know if it all comes together in our upcoming review.
Features That Will Make You Shout “Yo Joe!”
Iconic Characters: Play as your favorite G.I. JOE heroes, including Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Gung-ho, and Roadblock.
Classic Beat ‘Em Up Action: Experience the thrill of classic arcade brawling with a variety of combos, special attacks, and weapons.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Team up with up to four friends in local co-op mode and unleash a coordinated assault on Cobra’s forces.
Multiple Modes: Challenge yourself with Arcade Mode, Story Mode, and unlockable modes like Boss Rush, 1 Hit, and Double Trouble.
Retro Aesthetic: Enjoy pixel-perfect hand-drawn art and classic-style cutscenes inspired by the 1983 animated series.
Epic Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in an arcade-inspired soundtrack from legendary composer Tee Lopes and vocals by Johnny Gioeli of Crush 40.
A Nostalgic Return to Action
G.I. JOE: WRATH OF COBRA offers a nostalgic and action-packed experience for fans of the franchise and classic beat ’em up games.
With its smooth gameplay, challenging levels, and unlockable content, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Hopefully, a Better Mission Than Operation Blackout
While we’re excited for the console release of G.I. JOE: WRATH OF COBRA, we’re hoping it fares better than the previous G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout, which we found to be “perfectly serviceable but… tricky to want to get involved [with]“.
We’re eager to see if WRATH OF COBRA can deliver a more engaging and memorable experience for G.I. JOE fans.
G.I. JOE: WRATH OF COBRA is available now on PC via Steam, also launching today on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It costs around £20.99.
Will you be looking to join the fight, and help G.I. JOE defeat Cobra?
G.I. JOE: WRATH OF COBRA Description
Cobra rears its ugly head yet again and it’s up to G.I. JOE to save the world! Embracing the 1980s era of the iconic universe, WRATH OF COBRA is a retro side-scrolling beat ’em up. Play as one of the legendary G.I. JOEs, including Duke, Scarlett, Roadblock, Snake Eyes, and more. Defeat hordes of Cobra troopers, Vipers, Crimson Guards and more of Cobra’s malevolent machinations. Bring Cobra down, striking back at the likes of Destro, Serpentor, Baroness, and Cobra Commander himself! Fight your own way: Rely on your fists and get up close and personal using each character’s unique combos and special moves or keep your foes at a distance with a variety of weapons!
My Neighbor Alice has emerged as one of the most popular blockchain-based metaverse games since launching in early 2023, yet its creators have much bigger plans in store. Ultimately, they aim to make MNA so much more, creating a virtual universe that goes well beyond the existing game.
That’s according to the game’s business director, Antonio Palma, who was asked about what the team has in store for users in the coming year during his appearance at the GeckoCon 2024 Web3 gaming event earlier this week.
Put on the spot during a panel discussion, Palma said he’s happy to introduce three alphas that the My Neighbor Alice team has in the pipeline, with plans to introduce them all sometime in 2025.
In order to help the game scale and grow, Palma said his team is currently working on a “new technology” that will enable My Neighbor Alice to run on any device, including mobile devices and tablets. He didn’t say much about the tech itself, but we can imagine it involves some kind of cloud-based streaming, given the game’s existing requirements for a PC running with Windows 7 OS or newer, an Intel i5-6400/Ryzen 5 1600 or superior chipset, at least 8GB of RAM and 6GB of storage space, plus an Nvidia or AMD-based GPU.
“We’re probably one of the first Web3 games to experiment with this technology, and it will allow us to have our game on any device, as opposed to only running on Windows,” Palma said.
The other aspect of the plan is to streamline the onboarding process, which currently involves way too much effort for casual gamers.
“Right now I think we have seven clicks needed to get into the game and get started, from creating a wallet, signing up etc.,” Palma said. “But we will get to just one click in. We’ve been testing it, it’s really complex technology and hopefully it’s going to be ready next year.”
Those updates should help make the game much more accessible to the kind of non-crypto-native players that My Neighbor Alice says it’s trying to attract. The game itself is designed to introduce newcomers to the world of blockchain in a way that’s fun and enjoyable, gently easing them into concepts such as NFTs, wallets and crypto.
The game can be thought of as a kind of metaverse-based virtual world, similar to something like Minecraft or Animal Crossing, and allows players to create and explore virtual worlds, collaborate with others and take part in various activities, such as buying land, building, gathering insects, farming, fishing and beekeeping.
In the game, players’ land, avatars, buildings, plants, trees, flowers and animals are all represented by NFTs, and it provides various easy-to-use tools for them to personalize their virtual worlds and manipulate the landscape. Players can buy and sell these items through the in-game marketplace, spending ALICE tokens which are earned by completing missions, collaborating with others and winning competitions. Once players have created their virtual worlds, they can also monetize them in various other ways.
Palma said the way the in-game economy works is set to undergo some big changes. He revealed very little, simply stating that “we’re testing a new economy” and that we might have something to announce regarding this and the ALICE token next year.
Last but not least, My Neighbor Alice appears keen to leverage its status as one of the most popular Web3 games by taking the opportunity to partner with various other players in the industry, which could lead to various integrations in the coming months.
“We have secured a big partnership with one of the biggest IPs in the space,” Palma said. “We haven’t announced anything yet because we are still building the experience, and we never announce stuff until we have built something first. But this is in the making and coming soon.”
In honor of Nikolai Durov’s 44th birthday, the NikolAI project is launching its inaugural NFT series. Durov, a renowned mathematician, cryptographer, and co-founder of Telegram, has been a major inspiration for the initiative. This exclusive collection aims to pay tribute to his contributions while aiming to engage with its community in the TON blockchain ecosystem.
Blending AI and Blockchain Innovation
NikolAI ($NIKO) is a community-driven cryptocurrency inspired by Nikolai Durov’s work. It has quickly become one of the most popular AI meme coins on the TON blockchain. What sets NikolAI apart is its AI agent that actively interacts with users on platforms like X.com and Telegram. Within two weeks of its launch, $NIKO reached an all-time high fully diluted valuation of $180 million.
The upcoming NFT collection features 1,000 unique, limited-edition PFPs created using AI-generated art. Expected to be a hugely anticipated NFT drop for the TON ecosystem, the collection offers holders exclusive benefits.
To participate in the NFT mint, users need to be among the top 44% of $NIKO token holders on the TON blockchain. Those holding tokens on centralized exchanges can be transferred on-chain to ensure eligibility. The cut-off date for participation is November 28, 2024, at 23:59 UTC. After this deadline, eligible holders (the top 44%) will gain access to the free minting of these NFTs.
Having one of these NFTs is not just a digital art piece; it’s a ticket to exclusive opportunities within the NikolAI ecosystem. Holders will have a say in the project’s governance, early access to new tools, AI, and potential yield and airdrop rewards for future project developments.
As NikolAI grows, this NFT collection marks another milestone in its journey. By integrating AI-generated art with blockchain technology, the project is setting a solid foundation for future initiatives to enhance community engagement and technological innovation.
Inspired by Nikolai Durov’s achievements, the project hopes to embody a spirit of innovation and progress. According to the announcement, “NikolAI is no mere AI. Part genius, part jest, NikolAI isn’t here to simply “join” the AI wave. He is the wave.”
Editor’s note: Written with the assistance of AI – Edited and fact-checked by Jason Newey.
Jason Newey is a seasoned journalist specializing in NFTs, the Metaverse, and Web3 technologies. With a background in digital media and blockchain technology, he adeptly translates complex concepts into engaging, informative articles.
Published: November 21, 2024 at 9:37 am Updated: November 21, 2024 at 9:37 am
by Ana
Edited and fact-checked:
November 21, 2024 at 9:37 am
To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read original article for precise information.
In Brief
Bitfinex released its latest market analysis report, highlighting a major shift in the markets last week, with Bitcoin’s price surging to a new all-time high.
Bitfinex released its latest market analysis report, highlighting a major shift in Bitcoin markets last week. The price surged to a new all-time high (ATH), currently trading above the $97,000 mark, which pushed its market capitalization to $1.8 trillion. With this rise, Bitcoin has surpassed silver and is now the eighth largest asset in the world by market cap.
This new ATH followed a remarkable 39.5% surge within just nine days, marking the largest 9-day increase since January 2021. The rally is one of the most notable short-term capital inflows into any asset class in history, signaling that investor interest in Bitcoin is approaching levels typically seen with mainstream assets.
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) traded in the US have amassed $84 billion in assets under management, now representing 66% of the total assets of gold ETFs. While recent investor enthusiasm has cooled slightly, with approximately $640 million in net outflows over the final two trading days of the week, Bitfinex remains optimistic about Bitcoin’s long-term outlook. With institutional investment increasing and ETFs gaining market share, Bitcoin’s trajectory is poised for further growth, which could impact capital allocation strategies in the years ahead, according to the firm.
US Economy Shows Resilience Amid Inflationary Pressures And Rising Fiscal Concerns
These developments unfold against a backdrop of a resilient US economy but also emerging challenges, particularly regarding inflation. In October, inflation increased, driven by higher shelter costs and used car prices, although this was partially mitigated by falling energy prices.
The labor market remains strong, characterized by low layoff rates and rising wages, which have supported consumer spending. October’s retail sales exceeded expectations, benefiting from steady wage growth and household wealth, indicating ongoing economic momentum.
However, fiscal policies, such as proposed tariffs and increased government spending, have raised concerns about potential inflationary pressures. These factors complicate the Federal Reserve’s ability to pursue rate cuts. As markets adjust to these changes, the economic outlook remains optimistic but presents a delicate balance.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
More articles
Alisa Davidson
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
A New Chapter is a story quest of the Storybook Vale expansion in Disney Dreamlight Valley. It is one of the earliest story quests for Merida and players can initiate after completing the starting quest of the new expansion. This guide will walk you through the A New Chapter quest for Merida in Disney Dreamlight Valley.
How to Complete A New Chapter Quest – Walkthrough
Starting the Quest
A New Chapter quest for Merida becomes available automatically after completing the “Welcome to the Storybook Vale” quest. Go to Merida and speak with her to initiate the A New Chapter quest.
Gain access to the Bind by removing the Wall of Ink
Merida will be standing in front of the Wall of Ink when you speak with her. To remove the Wall of Ink, you have to use Story Magic (an exclusive currency in Storybook Vale). You can earn Story Magic currency by completing the Dreamlight Duties like removing Inkies, catching Snippets, etc. Make sure to claim the reward of Story Magic after completing the Duties.
After gathering the Story Magic, go near the Wall of Ink and interact with it to remove the wall. It will give you access to the main area of the Bind biome in Storybook Vale. Once done, speak with Merida to continue ahead.
Remove Inkies and Catch Snippets
After speaking with Merida, remove 15 Inkies in the Bind and catch 5 Snippets. Go around the Bind biome and interact with the Inkies to remove them. Equip the Royal Nest tool and swing it on the flying snippets to catch them.
Once done, speak with Merida to report to her that Bind is already looking good.
Check on Goofy and Scrooge McDuck
As you clear out the Bind, Goofy and Scrooge walk into the Bind. Open the map to find them next to their stall and shop. Speak with them one by one to continue ahead.
Catch Fish/Seafood and Mine Gems/Minerals for Goofy and Scrooge
Go to the ocean water in the Bind biome to find the ripples (bubbles) and start fishing for any fish or seafood. Catch any 3 fish or seafood for Goofy. Once done, go to the wall edges of the Bind biome to find the mining nodes. Equip the Pickaxe to start mining the nodes and pick up any gems and minerals. Get 10 gems or minerals for Scrooge McDuck.
After gathering the goods for Goofy and Scrooge, go and tell them the good news.
Unlock Goofy’s Stall and Scrooge’s Store
Once done, interact with the Scrooge’s Signboard beside the Goofy’s Stall to unlock it. After that, go over to Scrooge’s store and interact with the sign to unlock Scrooge’s store. Unlocking these two shops will not cost you any money.
After dealing with Goofy and Scrooge, return to Merida and speak with her.
Open the mysterious beneath the bridge in the Bind
Interact with the mysterious door underneath the bridge to open it. Head inside and interact with a sparkling note on the floor to find the clue. Once done, speak with Merida and go through the dialogues. After that, go back inside Aurora’s Room and interact with the shelf in front to reveal a golden lever. Use the Royal Nest to rotate the lever and it will initiate a brief cutscene.
Place the foundation of Merida’s House in the Bind
After the cutscene and speaking with Merida, open the Furniture Menu and navigate to the Requests section to find Merida’s House Foundation. Place it anywhere in the Bind biome. Now, interact with Scrooge’s Signboard to build Merida’s House. It will cost you 5,000 Star Coins.
As you build Merida’s House, you will get to welcome her. Once done, speak with her again to conclude the quest.
Get ready to dive deeper into the criminal underworld of a galaxy far, far away as GeForce NOW brings the first major story pack for Star Wars Outlaws to the cloud this week.
The season of giving continues — GeForce NOW members can access a new free reward: a special in-game Star Wars Outlaws enhancement.
It’s all part of an exciting GFN Thursday, topped with five new games joining the more than 2,000 titles supported in the GeForce NOW library, including the launch of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and Xbox Gaming Studios fan favorites Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
And make sure not to pass this opportunity up — gamers who want to take the Performance and Ultimate memberships for a spin can do so with 25% off Day Passes, now through Friday, Nov. 22. Day Passes give access to 24 continuous hours of powerful cloud gaming.
A New Saga Begins
The galaxy’s most electrifying escapade gets even more exciting with the new Wild Card story pack for Star Wars Outlaws.
This thrilling story pack invites scoundrels to join forces with the galaxy’s smoothest operator, Lando Calrissian, for a high-stakes Sabacc tournament that’ll keep players on the edge of their seats. As Kay Vess, gamers bluff, charm and blast their way through new challenges, exploring uncharted corners of the Star Wars galaxy. Meanwhile, a free update will scatter fresh Contract missions across the stars, offering members ample opportunities to build their reputations and line their pockets with credits.
To kick off this thrilling underworld adventure, GeForce NOW members are in for a special reward with the Forest Commando Character Pack.
Time to get wild.
The pack gives Kay and Nix, her loyal companion, a complete set of gear that’s perfect for missions in lush forest worlds. Get equipped with tactical trousers, a Bantha leather belt loaded with attachments, a covert poncho to shield against jungle rain and a hood for Nix that’s great for concealment in thick forests.
Members of the GeForce NOW rewards program can check their email for instructions on how to claim the reward. Ultimate and Performance members can start redeeming style packages today. Don’t miss out — this offer is available through Saturday, Dec. 21, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Welcome to the Zone
Welcome to the zone.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the highly anticipated sequel in the cult-classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, is a first-person-shooter survival-horror game set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.
In the game — which blends postapocalyptic fiction with Ukrainian folklore and the eerie reality of the Chornobyl disaster — players can explore a vast open world filled with mutated creatures, anomalies and other stalkers while uncovering the zone’s secrets and battling for survival.
The title features advanced graphics and physics powered by Unreal Engine 5 for stunningly realistic and detailed environments. Players’ choices impact the game world and narrative, which comprises a nonlinear storyline with multiple possible endings.
Players will take on challenging survival mechanics to test their skills and decision-making abilities. Members can make their own epic story with a Performance membership for enhanced GeForce RTX-powered streaming at 1440p or an Ultimate membership for up to 4K 120 frames per second streaming, offering the crispest visuals and smoothest gameplay.
Adventures Await
Vault 101 has opened.
Members can emerge from Vault 101 into the irradiated ruins of Washington, D.C., in Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition, which includes all five downloadable content packs released for Fallout 3. Experience the game that redefined the postapocalyptic genre with its morally ambiguous choices, memorable characters and the innovative V.A.T.S. combat system. Whether revisiting the Capital Wasteland, exploring the Mojave Desert or delving into the realm of Cyrodiil, these iconic titles have never looked or played better thanks to the power of GeForce NOW’s cloud streaming technology.
Members can look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week:
Towers of Aghasba (New release on Steam, Nov. 19)
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, Nov. 20)
Star Wars Outlaws (New release on Steam, Nov. 21)
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition (Epic Games Store, Steam and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition (Epic Games Store, Steam and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.
which sci-fi series or movie would make a great game? 🤔
— 🌩️ NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) November 20, 2024
Just imagine a fully immersive world where you can shop, work, attend concerts, create art, and even own land, all without leaving your home. This is the metaverse, a blend of virtual reality, augmented reality, and the internet that opens new doors for creativity, commerce, and community. Now, throw in cryptocurrencies, the digital coins that have already revolutionized finance, and you have the potential for a completely self-sustained, decentralized economy.
So, how do these digital coins work in this parallel universe? Let’s explore the exciting and ever-evolving relationship between cryptocurrencies and the metaverse.
What are Metaverse Cryptocurrencies?
First things first: metaverse cryptocurrencies are digital tokens designed to facilitate transactions and provide value within virtual worlds. These tokens can buy land, trade virtual goods, pay for experiences, or even serve as governance tools in decentralized metaverse communities. Essentially, they fuel the economic backbone of the metaverse.
Think of it this way: If the metaverse is a virtual city, then cryptocurrencies are its currency, ATM machines, stock market, and more. Coins like MANA (from Decentraland) and SAND (from The Sandbox) have gained massive traction as their respective platforms evolve into sprawling, user-driven ecosystems.
The Use of Cryptocurrencies in Virtual Worlds:
Picture Courtesy: robofi.io
Let’s explore the uses of cryptocurrency in the virtual world.
1. Facilitating Virtual Commerce:
Let’s talk about one of the most obvious applications: shopping. In the metaverse, commerce is not limited to a two-dimensional online store. Imagine walking into a virtual clothing store, trying on outfits on your digital avatar, and paying instantly with cryptocurrency.For instance, platforms like Decentraland allow users to purchase digital wearables using their native token, MANA. Every transaction occurs seamlessly, with cryptocurrencies acting as both medium and record, thanks to blockchain technology.
2. Buying and Selling Virtual Real Estate:
Yes, you read that right. Real estate in the metaverse is pricey! Platforms such as The Sandbox and Decentraland have become marketplaces where virtual plots sell for millions of dollars. People and businesses buy land to host events, create games, or even open virtual stores.Cryptocurrencies are at the core of these transactions. Users purchase land using native tokens like SAND or MANA. Blockchain technology ensures transparency and proves ownership of each digital plot, just like a real-world deed.
In 2021, Republic Realm bought a virtual plot in The Sandbox for a record $4.3 million, demonstrating how digital land has evolved into a lucrative investment vehicle.
3. Governance and Voting:
In the metaverse, users are not just passive participants, they have the power to shape the ecosystem. Many metaverse platforms operate as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), giving users a say in governance. Holding platform tokens often equates to voting power on matters like platform upgrades, content moderation policies, or revenue distribution.
For example, Decentraland’s DAO allows MANA holders to vote on critical issues, giving power to the community and promoting decentralized governance. This democratization ensures a metaverse driven by user interests rather than centralized corporate control.
4. Revolutionizing Gaming:
Gaming within the metaverse is where cryptocurrencies truly shine. Traditional games often lock users into in-game purchases with no real-world value. However, in the metaverse, digital assets and in-game items can be tokenized using non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Players trade these assets on secondary markets using cryptocurrencies, making gaming not only a hobby but a genuine source of income.
One standout example is Axie Infinity, a play-to-earn game where users breed, and battle creatures called Axies. Players earn tokens known as Smooth Love Potion (SLP) and can trade these for fiat currency. The rise of play-to-earn has transformed gaming into an economically rewarding activity, particularly in countries facing economic hardships.
5. Reward Mechanisms and Microtransactions:
Microtransactions in traditional games often involve small, one-time purchases for digital goods. The metaverse takes this concept a step further by enabling frictionless payments using cryptocurrencies. Players can buy upgrades, skins, or experiences directly from developers or peers, empowering creators and enhancing immersion.
Additionally, many metaverse projects incentivize user engagement by offering token rewards. Users can earn cryptocurrency by participating in community events, completing quests, or simply interacting with the virtual world.
6. Tokenizing Digital Art and Collectibles:
Creators are at the heart of any vibrant digital ecosystem. The metaverse has amplified the creative economy by providing new ways to tokenize digital art and collectibles as NFTs. Artists can showcase their work in virtual galleries and sell it to users using cryptocurrencies. Once bought, these digital pieces belong solely to the buyer, recorded immutably on the blockchain.
For example, CryptoVoxels allows users to create and exhibit art in virtual spaces while utilizing their native token for transactions. The connection between digital ownership and real-world value is more apparent than ever, opening the door for global artists and enthusiasts.
7. Royalties and Fair Compensation:
Unlike traditional models where creators lose control of secondary sales, blockchain-powered tokens allow for automatic royalties each time an NFT changes hands. Artists can thus earn a share of their work’s ongoing success without intermediaries—another example of how cryptocurrencies fuel a fairer creative economy in the metaverse.
8. Reducing Volatility with Stablecoins:
While cryptocurrencies like SAND and MANA are integral to the metaverse, their value can be highly volatile. To combat this, many platforms integrate stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar. This stability makes them an attractive payment option for everyday transactions within virtual worlds.
Users can buy and sell virtual assets or pay for services without worrying about value fluctuations. This reliability is crucial for building long-term trust in metaverse economies.
9. Cross-Platform Interoperability:
The dream of the metaverse is to unite various platforms and experiences into one seamless universe. Interoperability is key here, and cryptocurrencies facilitate this. Tokens built on standard protocols (like Ethereum‘s ERC-20) can be used across different platforms, creating a more connected virtual ecosystem.
Imagine using the same token to shop in Decentraland, attend events in Somnium Space, and trade collectibles in The Sandbox. The possibilities for frictionless interactions are endless, thanks to crypto-driven innovation.
Future Outlook: Where Are We Heading?
As the lines between the physical and virtual worlds blur, cryptocurrencies will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping metaverse experiences. From decentralized commerce and community-driven governance to creating rewarding ecosystems for creators and gamers, the potential is limitless.
Cryptocurrencies are not just a feature of the metaverse, they are its lifeblood. By enabling decentralized economies, ownership, and innovation, they provide users unprecedented power and flexibility in virtual worlds. As the metaverse evolves, the role of cryptocurrencies will continue to expand, unlocking limitless possibilities for economic and creative engagement in digital realms.
However, challenges remain. Security, regulation, and technological barriers must be addressed to ensure a safe, inclusive, and interoperable metaverse. But one thing is clear: cryptocurrencies and the metaverse are a match made in digital heaven.
What role do you see cryptocurrencies playing in your metaverse experience? Would you invest in virtual real estate, or perhaps create an NFT-based business? Let us know your thoughts!
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