What started as an experiment in art, scarcity and demand is now the most expensive NFT collection in the world – with a collective value of over $770,000,000 USD.
These NFTs are called CryptoPunks.
This group of 10,000 on-chain pixel avatars have transcended their artistic value to become cultural icons, status symbols, and a landmark piece of internet history – but what exactly are they, what should you know about them, and why exactly are they so expensive?
Here’s our complete 2024 guide to CryptoPunks.
What are CryptoPunks?
CryptoPunks is one of the earliest and most influential NFT projects on the Ethereum blockchain.
Created by Canadian developers Matt Hall and John Watkinson of Larva Labs in June 2017, the collection contains 10,000 unique pixel art avatars known as “Punks.” Each Punk is algorithmically-generated, possessing its own distinct set of attributes, making each of them one-of-a-kind.
The Punks are primarily human characters, divided into 6,039 males and 3,840 females, each with a variety of accessories, such as hats, sunglasses, earrings and more. There are a number of non-human Punks that have become highly coveted:
Zombies: 88 Zombie Punks have green skin and zombie-like featuresApes: 24 Ape Punks have brown fur and ape-like facesAliens: 9 ultra-rare Alien Punks have light-blue skin, and are the most valuable in the collection
The aesthetic draws inspiration from the 1970s punk movement, giving the collection a raw and edgy vibe that resonates with many in the crypto community. With 87 possible attributes, and a single Punk having anywhere from zero to seven traits, the uniqueness and rarity of each Punk has greatly contributed to their mass appeal.
Why are CryptoPunks so expensive?
When CryptoPunks were minted in 2017, NFTs were a long way from mainstream attention.
Matt Hall and John Watkinson wanted to experiment with how blockchain technology could impact the scarcity and demand of digital art. CryptoPunks were free to claim to anyone with an Ethereum-supported wallet.
Initially, interest was modest, with only 800 to 1,000 claims in the first week, but after coverage from Mashable, all 10,000 CryptoPunks were soon claimed – and from then on, interest only grew.
Some early collectors include many names that will be familiar to NFT fans – Pranksy, 6529, and seedphrase – and their involvement helped attract a larger community to the CryptoPunks collection.
When NFTs began to hit the mainstream in late 2020 and early 2021, CryptoPunks were seen as the gold-standard of the medium – and soon, CryptoPunks became the world’s most valuable NFT collection, with individual Punks selling for staggering prices.
CryptoPunks hold 6 of the top 10 most expensive NFT sales of all time, including CryptoPunk #5822 selling for $23.7M USD (8,000 ETH) in February 2022, and CryptoPunk #7523 selling for $11.7M USD (4,700 ETH) in June 2021 at a Sotherby’s auction.
Despite this success, CryptoPunks have faced a number of challenges.
V1 Punks – the original NFT collection for CryptoPunks – contained a bug in its smart contract, leading to the adoption of V2 Punks as the main CryptoPunks collection you know today. V1 Punks lives on, despite Larva Labs distancing themselves from the collection.
There has also been uncertainty regarding the intellectual property rights of holders, leaving many unsure about how they could use their Punks. This was resolved when Yuga Labs acquired the management of the CryptoPunks collection in March 2022, subsequently giving the IP rights to the holders.
What’s next for CryptoPunks?
Since the acquisition of CryptoPunks by Yuga Labs – creators of the popular Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection – in March 2022, CryptoPunks have largely remained untouched – with one notable exception.
In February 2023, Yuga Labs announced their “Punks in Residence” program, partnering with mainstream artists to create derivative works based on the CryptoPunks brand – though it all went up in smoke at the first attempt.
Nina Chanel Abney is a celebrated artist, with her work featured in multiple high-profile galleries across the world – but online backlash to her “Super Punk World” collection was so strong that Yuga cancelled the auction, gave all 500 NFTs away via a random airdrop, and hit pause on the Punks in Residence program altogether.
Despite this, CryptoPunks continues to be both the most valuable and the most highly-regarded NFT collection, and Yuga’s largely hands-off approach has helped to bolster the collection’s status, prominence and recognition.
Whilst the NFT market is famously volatile, the historical significance of CryptoPunks makes its future as a top collection secure. Combined with its dedicated community – with motivated creators, influencers, and celebrities alike – CryptoPunks will surely be a leading project for many years to come.
I love driving. I love the physical act of it — controlling this big, sophisticated machine like it’s an extension of me. But I also love the poetry and adventure of long-distance drives — the freedom, the self-reliance, the gradually changing landscape, the sense of limitless possibilities.
Video games are fantastic at capturing the first of these things, in Gran Turismo and countless other racing games. Sometimes, they try to do both things at once. Open-world driving games like Forza Horizon deliver a compressed and heightened dose of the pleasures of the road trip, while the Truck Simulator series offers a more workaday, realistic take on it — and Desert Bus infamously parodied the boredom inherent in the idea of simulating long drives.
Keep Driving, an in-development indie game by Sweden’s YCJY Games (Sea Salt, Post Void), takes a different approach, aiming to capture both the romance and the tedium of long drives while jettisoning the part where you actually control the vehicle. Instead, it borrows from another video game genre that is all about voyage, adventure, and progress: old-school role-playing games that are all about the hero’s journey.
In the game’s demo, which is available now, the aim is to drive across an unnamed, fictional country that looks vaguely like the America of a thousand road-rip movies to your friend’s house for a night of playing video games. The drive will take four days in-game, and somewhere between one and two hours in real life. After packing your trunk (a Resident Evil-style grid inventory), you choose your next stop from a map and hit the road. Then you sit back and watch your car eat up the miles as the world scrolls by from right to left.
On each leg of the journey, events crop up that threaten to impede your progress: a slow tractor, potholes, or rain puddles, for example. These threaten to eat away at your three resources: gas, the durability of your car, and your energy as a driver. There’s an abstract turn-based event system where you use skills and items from the glovebox to eliminate threats (perhaps owing something to Oregon Trail) that appear at the bottom of a screen as a row of color-coded icons. Skills like “relax” and items like duct tape target particular patterns of icons, so there’s a light puzzle-game element to these events.
Environmental conditions affect these events, too, applying buffs and debuffs. Rain increases gas drain, while a beautiful forest inspires you, removing the energy cost of some skills. And you can also pick up hitchhikers, who come with additional skills but bring their own idiosyncrasies — a wandering songwriter gets offended if you don’t use his skills; a cool young woman fills your trunk with useless trash. At rest stops, you can refuel, shop for items that replenish resources or counter debuffs, or sacrifice time to take a job and earn some much-needed gas money.
Image: YCJY Games
Image: YCJY Games
Image: YCJY Games
Image: YCJY Games
Keep Driving is deeply nostalgic. It’s set in the early 2000s, you’re just past your teen years, and you’ve bought your first car — perhaps a dilapidated 1970s muscle car or a boxy 1980s saloon that looks like a 200 Series Volvo. The car has a CD player spinning garage-band indie rock and you can fill the trunk with bottles of Coke, guitars, and crates of beer. Skills are represented by blurry Polaroids held by bulldog clips. Occasionally, moments of introspection will come upon you as you drive: My back hurts, I should call my parents, what am I doing with my life? Multiple-choice answers to these questions apply status effects — some bad, some good.
It’s a very specific, strong atmosphere that summons that rootless time in life when driving for three days just to play video games with a friend seems not just feasible but a good use of time. It reminds me of when, just after my 21st birthday, I set out in my little red Fiat to tour some far-flung friends’ houses one hazy, aimless summer. The pixel-art cars, moody landscapes, and boho hitchhikers are well observed, channeling the feel of a hip, late-’90s coming-of-age movie.
In the moment, the abstract game mechanics are a little hard to get your head around. Applying patience (a skill) and chewing gum (an item) to navigate a tricky road surface is a bigger mental leap than using spells and swords to defeat a monster, at least for me. But over a couple of hours, Keep Driving perfectly evokes the precarious freedom of a long drive when you have no money and all the time in the world. It’s a game about guzzling coffee to sustain all-night drives, sleeping in the back seat, and holding yourself and your car together with pizza and duct tape. Over the 15-20 hours the developers promise for the finished article, Keep Driving could end up the perfect video game road trip.
Olivetree Ghaelen Elli Buffy Beale Petlove and Marcus Llewellyn. (Image courtesy OpenSim Community Conference.)
The clock is ticking for virtual world enthusiasts and creators looking to share their innovations at this year’s OpenSimulator Community Conference. Potential presenters have until October 29, 2024 to submit their proposals for the twelfth annual gathering of the OpenSim community.
“We hope that you can join us for our twelfth year celebrating the current and future use of open source virtual worlds through creativity, technology, artistry, and education,” said conference co-chair Cynthia Calongne, also known as “Lyr Lobo” in-world.
The two-day event will take place on December 7 and 8, featuring presentations about creative, educational, technical, and experiential topics related to OpenSimulator and the open metaverse.
“We’re interested in your wonderful content, insights, and accomplishments,” Calongne told Hypergrid Business.
Core Developers of OpenSim. (Image courtesy OpenSim Community Conference.)
Organizers are particularly interested in presentations that showcase innovative content, significant accomplishments in the OpenSim ecosystem, future visions for open source virtual worlds, and creative applications of OpenSimulator technology.
Each speaker session will be 20 minutes long. The conference will also feature community-sponsored tours, an Expo, content giveaways, and hypergrid exploration.
Proposal acceptance emails will be sent out on October 31. Accepted speakers must register for the conference by November 7 to secure their spot in the program.
The conference will kick off on December 6 with music and art events, followed by the main program on December 7 and 8.
Visit the OSCC’s Call for Proposals page to submit a presentation idea.
Hypergrid Business editor and publisher Maria Korolov is a science fiction novelist. During the day, Maria Korolov is an award-winning freelance technology journalist who covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise virtual reality. See her Amazon author page here and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and check out her latest videos on the Maria Korolov YouTube channel. Email her at maria@hypergridbusiness.com. Her first virtual world novella, Krim Times, made the Amazon best-seller list in its category. Her second novella, The Lost King of Krim, is out now. She is also the publisher of MetaStellar, a new online magazine of speculative fiction.
When it comes to luxury, fashion-specific items such as shirts lack the glitz and glamor like that of a watch or bag. But in the sphere of luxury fashion, a shirt can be an individual piece that is made to showcase the skills of the artisan, the exclusivity of the fabric, and the exclusiveness of the design. Stuffed with precious stones, woven with the finest silks, or made by the best masters, the most expensive shirts in the world are examples of how luxury can redefine a man.
Here we have narrowed it down to the 15 most expensive shirt in the world ever made and the narrations, designers, and features that go into these promising pieces of clothing. Expect nothing less than the royal touch and intricate detailing, which in fact transform these shirts into something more than art pieces.
1. Eton Paul’s Shirt
The Beatles and Eton project is a tribute to Paul McCartney. It is a shirt that is crafted from the silk twill with the style of stripping pattern in the color beige on the base of black. The replica is a lifesize version of the shirt that McCartney wore during the shoot of the documentary known as ‘Get Back’.
The shirt comes in a fine collector’s box, making it an ideal gift for both Beatles fans and collectors alike. The fabric is Sheffield Luster Weave, which is known for its soft gloss, excellent drape, and weight, and once again, the care for quality and detail.
2. Pique Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt
Engage yourself with a Ralph Lauren Purple Label Classic White Pique Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt and feel the casual luxury brand shirt for men in it. It is made from lightweight pique that is 100% extra-long staple cotton, which is double mercerized to high standards to offer strength as well as beautiful hues.
This piece is made even more classy by ‘Ralph Lauren’ engraved real pearl buttons as well as the Standing Horse logo. I remember coming across this particular shirt, and it does not only represent elegance but also simplicity, and the best part is it is comfortable to wear.
There are a number of traditional shades like Chairman Navy and black pieces, the Purple Label Pique Polo Shirt comes tailored for the man of today, who is particular about fine quality and fashionable appeal. It is versatile enough to be worn by itself or worn under a blazer, which makes it suitable for any occasion.
3. COTTON ASTI SHIRT
Create a more sophisticated look in the office by ditching your usual business shirt and trying the Stefano Ricci Cotton Asti Shirt. This shirt is for the chivalrous man and has one button collar called Asti, which has the timeless appeal of the traditional shirt with a hint of contemporary sophistication.
The comfort fit makes it possible to wear it for the whole day, and the octagonal buttons give an elegant touch to the general outlook of the cloth. The Du Sang & Fils collection is made from 100% premium quality cotton, and the delicate stripes add to its elegance and make it a fabulous piece for any suiting lineup. Present in many colors, the Asti shirt proves that it fits your sophisticated sense of fashion.
4. Barocco Sea Reversible Shirt
Introducing the Versace Barocco Sea Reversible Shirt, richness in its purest form that embodies the spirit of the fashion house as a luxury brand. This Barocco shirt possesses and expresses the distinctive heritage of the brand and reflects the identity of being audacious. The colors of blue and gold are exquisite and represent the seas directly, therefore, the piece is bold and luxurious whilst being something that embodies traditional but can also represent the modern look.
The last unique aspect of this shirt is that it can be turned inside out to have a different look all together. If you choose to wear the Barocco pattern, which is rather loud, or if you opt for a calmer design, this shirt will do just as well and serves as a perfect addition to your wardrobe. Made in Italy from only the highest quality fabric, the shirt can be appreciated not only for its looks but also for being pleasant to wear and having great sturdiness.
5. Essential white Giza 45 cotton twill formal shirt
Presenting one of the most timeless designs, the Essential Formal Shirt White Giza 45 Cotton Twill is here from Brioni. This shirt can be said to be made from some of the best fabric in the world, the Giza 45 cotton. The conventional white color and exquisite twill weaves are suitable for business and suit purposes.
With a point collar and rounded cuffs, it has a plain, elegant style that does not detract from the business suit worn beneath it. The latter provides a normal-looking customer yet does not hamper the wearer’s mobility in any way. The very high-quality touch characteristic of the shirt enhances the luxury in your casual wear.
6. Devant cuir empreinte sellier” overshirt
Update your casual look with the opulent “Devant cuir empreinte sellier” overshirt of Hermès. This luxurious item is elegance that has not lost its touch with time and modernity, it is made from 100% wool and 100% sport calfskin leather.
Contemporary detailing on the simple carpenter jeans overlay is that the overshirt has a leather front with the “Devant cuir empreinte sellier” design. The front buttoned flap pocket with snap closure has an improved design on the aesthetic as well as the practicality of the bag. Made with great attention, this overshirt is sewn with a one gauge 5, 7 thread, it will fit perfectly and be very comfortable.
7. Intrecciato Leather Shirt
Check out the fabulous Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Shirt made for those who want the best only, Italian style fabrics and cuts. This shirt is made with care through the artistic Intrecciato weaving that the brand is famous for across the world.
Made from soft and smooth premium leather, on the shirt, there are mini ‘V’ threads at each horn button, albeit discreet, it clearly represents the brand story. This style is loose, so this piece can easily be worn over another garment. This piece can be worn over another item of clothing.
Comes in a fabulous shade of blue, this shirt not only brings timeless looks of elegance but is also most contemporary in its design! Although fashion always changes with season, the Intrecciato Leather Shirt gives a touch of polished class when it’s worn alone or over other reliable wardrobe staples.
8. Kiton shirt cashmere
Make your wardrobe smart-casually chic in this Brown Tartan Overshirt by the masters of fine luxury, Kiton, which is made from the fine combination of cashmere, virgin wool, silk, and linen. Decorated with the traditional ‘north face’ pocketing, the overshirt is a new necessity in western male attire inspired by the workwear aesthetic but with urban streetwear appeal.
Every one of them represents Kiton’s fine craftsmanship and comes out of the Naples laboratory after 22 manual operations. The fabric is well planned for a periodic pattern and then properly joined to sustain the pattern, the stitches used in sewing are hand stitched to provide a softness of fabric that any mechanical stitching can afford. The buttons of the shirt are also made from Sydney Pinctada Maxima hand-carved mother of pearl shell that comes from the clear waters of Australia to exquisite the shirt.
9. Luigi Borrelli – Napoli
Royal denim shirt gives your attire a more sophisticated look with the Luigi Borrelli Royal Denim Shirt, a work of art of male fashion. Worn with a slim fit, made with fine Italian quality by masters in Napoli, this shirt reflects tradition and modernity at the same time. Being tailor-made from 100% premium-quality cotton, it provides an excellent touch and a perfect fit for you to stay stylish.
Made with only hand, the T-shirt has mother-of-pearl buttons and is through 8 steps by hand to capture the essence of the luxuriousness of the brand. Whether worn with a tuxedo for a black tie affair or just to enhance your smart casual look, the Royal Denim Shirt should form part of every smart man’s wardrobe.
10. Tom Ford soft suede contrast western shirt
Indulge in luxury with the Tom Ford Soft Suede Contrast Western Shirt, a statement piece that combines rugged style with refined sophistication. Crafted from the finest suede, this shirt offers a supple and luxurious feel, ensuring both comfort and durability.
The Western-inspired design is elevated with contrast stitching, giving it a distinctive and contemporary edge. Available in classic black, this shirt is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life and aren’t afraid to stand out. Whether worn for a night out or as a bold addition to your everyday wardrobe, the Tom Ford soft suede contrast western shirt is a timeless investment in style.
11. GG embossed leather shirt
Feast your eyes on the Gucci GG Embossed Leather Shirt. Mixing tradition with trend, it is one of Gucci’s most iconic pieces. This perfectly nuanced shirt is with the GG monogram embossed on tender, light brown lambskin leather, ensuring inspiration from the founder and giving a modern touch. The shirt lacks lining and has a relaxed fit with the dropped shoulder as well as being able to accommodate the wearer’s style preference while giving comfort.
This features long sleeves, a chest pocket, a buttoned closure, and is very flexible in its usability and simplicity, yet it brings out the classy look in any clothing line. An Italian product, the GG Embossed Leather Shirt is not only just a piece of clothing but much more to do with a stylish and classy rendition.
12. Christian Dior Couture Overshirt
Before presenting the specificity of its detailed conception, it is necessary to start with the name of the item: this is the Christian Dior Couture Overshirt, A garment from the Winter 2024 collection. Designed in blue cotton denim, this overshirt is every inch the luxury item with its finely detailed construction.
The left chest patch pocket is also adorned with the Christian Dior Couture logo, which supplements the touch of class on the attire. Metal rivet details and Dior signature-engraved metal snaps give a touch of modernity to the shirt.
Elegant and universal, it complements many different types of jeans and is guaranteed to be fashionable and suitable for the modern woman’s closet. This 100% cotton overshirt is produced from Japanese fabric, which proves Dior’s concern with the quality and workmanship.
13. Loro Piana Sweater Lp Shirt
Set your outfit to the next level by getting the Loro Piana Sweater Lp Shirt, perfect for style at its finest. This shirt is made from two-tone double cashmere jersey material that gives it the softness and warmth required. It has a shirt-like collar and actual button front closure with the refinement of a shirt and the warmth of a sweater.
Comes in classic Navy Blue/Gray Melange, this number is ideal for today’s man, who is a connoisseur of style and comfort. The Sweater Lp Shirt, which stands alone or under garments, is not only chic but is another example of the sophistication that Loro Piana has to offer.
14. Zilli Blue “casual” shirt, metallic signature on the sleeve, topstitched collar
Enrich your collection with the Zilli Blue Casual Shirt—a perfect combination of business-like formality and casual wear. Made from 100% fine cotton, this shirt is featherweight, ideal for business and formal wear as well as casual, elegant wear.
The Zilli Regular fit is slim but suitable for all figures to give you the perfect silhouette, and a topstitched collar enhances the top’s aesthetics. The midnight blue mother of pearl buttons with Zilli engraved, which have been procured from Australia, also add more class to this piece.
Crafted with the mastery of Italian artisanship, this shirt symbolizes the femininity, lightness, and sensibility of the house. This shirt perfectly represented classic Zilli’s style and could be a star piece in every gentleman’s closet.
15. Prada Sky Blue Cotton Shirt
But not everyone can afford to buy luxury items or doesn’t have the time to look at luxury items, but here’s an opportunity to own the Prada Sky Blue Cotton Shirt, which is a mark of elegance and sophistication. The simplicity of this shirt is evident of the effort that Prada puts into making wardrobe essentials that can be both formal and comfortable.
Made of pure cotton, Prada shirt is extremely soft and very comfortable to wear at work or for other occasions. So, it is no longer a color, it has become a declaration, a symbol of calmness and sophisticated elegance that is common to the modern man of gentry. It is a gentle shade that fits almost any kind of clothes, and that is why it fits for both work and evening wear.
Even the shirt’s construction is excruciating, with a point collar that ensures a formal look yet is very modern and fashionable. These collars are made to have some features, like stiffening to keep them the same shape so that they can always give you a smart look.
The button placket is integrated with the design, which has mother-of-pearl buttons, which gives the shirt a rich and luxurious look, while at the same time the color of the buttons provides a good contrast with the sky-blue material.
What Makes a Shirt Expensive?
Several factors of shirts make them so expensive and luxurious, and they include: First of all, the actual material distinguishes the price: if it comes from a specific rare material such as Egyptian cotton, silk, or cashmere, the price tag would be higher. There is also workmanship, which is another factor, hand stitching, fit and finish, and other relatively high-end features all add up to the price.
It is also important to note that the design and brand prestige play their part and contribute to the final price. It is for this reason that famous fashion houses/famous designers stay expensive because they are famous and the designs are few. New stocks also contribute to the cost as compared to what was bought earlier in the season, shirts that are of a specific design, like limited editions or specially designed shirts, increase the total cost by the added factor of uniqueness.
Thirdly, the background of a shirt, such as its tradition, can also increase the price. Original classic-styled shirts or shirts that are made in Paris, Milan, etc. cost more than the normal wind shelter shirts. Finally, high prices are another sign of investment, and some of the shirts can end up being collector items, which have the potential to increase in value with time. Altogether, the above-discussed factors collide to create not merely a shirt but a depiction of elegance and style.
Conclusion:
In a society where fashion is ever-changing, shirts are considered an ordinary aspect of the individual’s wardrobe, but these 15 shirts are a testament that proves how valuable and artistic a piece of clothing can be.
These shirts are proven to be works of art. These shirts are intricately stitched, the fabrics and designs are far-fetched, and most of these designs are for those who have a keen eye for luxury, and that is what these shirts represent. For those who are interested in fashion and for those who are interested in high-end luxury clothing, the story behind these iconic pieces is as exciting and enlightening.
As trends evolve and new innovations emerge, one thing that remains constant is that true luxury is not just about price but about craftsmanship, exclusivity, and the timeless desire to stand out in a world where trends come and go.
The AvatarLife Viewer now supports video conferencing for up to 5 participants, audio conferencing, screen sharing without video, and six-language support.
“We believe in empowering our users with the tools they need to communicate and collaborate seamlessly. Whether it’s for a small group chat, a business meeting, or sharing work on screen, our new features make AvatarLife the ultimate virtual platform for staying connected,” AvatarLife CEO and co-founder Sushant Chandrasekar told Hypergrid Business.
These new features are available at no additional cost for both Mac and Windows users.
AvatarLife Viewer. (Image courtesy AvatarLife.)
Video conferencing allows real-time video calls with up to five participants directly through the viewer, perfect for small meetings, virtual hangouts, or group discussions.
For those who prefer voice-only communication, the audio conferencing feature enables crystal-clear voice conversations for private chats or group meetings without the need for external apps.
The screen sharing feature allows users to share their screens without video, ensuring those who wish to stay behind the scenes can still actively participate. It’s ideal for presentations or project collaborations while keeping personal visuals private.
Language support has been expanded to include Spanish, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Russian. Users can easily switch between supported languages for a smoother experience.
To access these new features, users can download the latest version of the AvatarLife Viewer for Mac or Windows here.
Hypergrid Business editor and publisher Maria Korolov is a science fiction novelist. During the day, Maria Korolov is an award-winning freelance technology journalist who covers artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and enterprise virtual reality. See her Amazon author page here and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and check out her latest videos on the Maria Korolov YouTube channel. Email her at maria@hypergridbusiness.com. Her first virtual world novella, Krim Times, made the Amazon best-seller list in its category. Her second novella, The Lost King of Krim, is out now. She is also the publisher of MetaStellar, a new online magazine of speculative fiction.
The officially licensed NFL Rivals, developed by Mythical Games, has launched its new Halloween event, “Monster Smash 2,” offering players a chance to compete in events, unlock rewards, and rewrite history with the game’s first-ever NFL Legend, Adrian Peterson. The program highlights Peterson’s legendary career and other NFL players who shined in October and runs from October 17 to November 14.
Adrian Peterson Takes Center Stage
NFL Rivals is a free-to-play mobile arcade-style football game where you manage your own NFL team with digital trading cards. In Monster Smash 2, players will find card packs, currency events, weekend Main Events, a Power Pass, and the program store with legendary, epic, and rare players.
Adrian Peterson, the former NFL MVP and one of the greatest running backs in league history, is at the heart of the Monster Smash 2 event. Players can relive Peterson’s greatest moments and unlock multiple special editions of his card.
Peterson’s cards are integrated throughout NFL Rivals, in various forms. For example, logging in allows players to claim a free base version of his card. He’s also featured in the Battle Pass, which players can progress through by completing challenges.
His Legendary and Mythical Player Editions are the top rewards of the event, purchasable with the game’s in-event currency, ‘candy’. However, players will have to choose wisely, as they can only purchase one of these top-tier cards.
Program Structure and Challenges
The Monster Smash 2 event comprises 40 milestones over four weeks, with daily and weekly challenges. These challenges allow players to earn ‘candy’ and unlock various rewards such as coins, gems, PFPs, player cards, and training resources.
The focus will be on currency-collecting events during the week and player-specific Main Events on the weekends, complemented by Mythical Events that offer additional bonuses based on the version of Adrian Peterson in the player’s lineup.
A major part of the event is its focus on ten running challenges. Since Peterson was a dominant running back, many of the challenges require players to rely on his editions to succeed. Players can relive iconic moments of Peterson’s career through these challenges, such as his game-winning touchdown against the Packers in 2008 or his record-setting 296-yard rushing game in 2007.
In addition to Peterson, the program also features other NFL stars who have starred in past October games. These players are available in packs and events, with varying rarities— 8 Legendary, 8 Epic, and up to 10 Rare. ‘Chase’ players, featured in weekend events and not available in packs, include seven special cards: four are event rewards, and three can be purchased using ‘candy’ in the program store.
Special Rewards and Halloween Atmosphere
After completing the “Adrian Peterson Challenge,” players will receive his Rare card as the final reward, which can be used in ‘Beast Events’ to unlock higher-powered versions. Additional rewards between challenges will provide RB training points to upgrade Peterson’s editions.
Beyond the individual player rewards, Monster Smash 2 enhances the Halloween vibe with special in-game effects and a spooky new stadium. Camera shakes and eerie effects await players using any version of Adrian Peterson’s card.
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.
Mumbai is often considered the “city of dreams” because it promises opportunity and success. Whenever something happens, the media always talks about the “Spirit of Mumbai” and how the city continues to function despite facing a lot of challenges. In Payal Kapadia’s “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT,” viewers are taken on an extraordinary journey about three migrant women navigating lives through a city steeped in mystery. What viewers witness next is a breathtaking tale of the thin line between dreams and reality, weaving a story that is as haunting as it is beautiful.
The movie begins with an introduction to our main characters: Prabha ( played by Kani Kusruti), and Anu (played by Divya Prabha). Prabha works as a nurse in a suburban Mumbai hospital and is estranged from her husband who lives in Germany. She lives with Anu, a younger co-worker, who is dating a Muslim boy named Shiraz (played by Hridhu Haroon). After spending most of their day in the hospital, the duo take some time off from their busy schedules to travel the city and spend some quality time with each other. Additionally, we get introduced to a woman named Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), who works as a canteen worker at the same hospital. At its heart, “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” is a meditation on the inner struggles of its protagonists, revealing their vulnerabilities, desires, and fears.
Divya Prabha and Hridhu Haroon in a still from ‘All We Imagined As Light’ (Photo Credit: Spirit Media)
One of the finest and boldest aspects of the movie is how it dives into the complexities of the human psyche, presenting a storyline that is both profound and self-examining. Although the non-linear narrative follows its protagonists navigating their personal lives and collective traumas, Kapadia doesn’t shy away from creating a world where reality blurs into fantasy. There are times when we tend to think about things that we can’t have and make scenarios in our head about how would we react if those desires were suddenly fulfilled. This is what the film is mostly about and deeply resonates with the people. Meanwhile, the depth of the storyline is enhanced by its universal themes of love, loss, identity, and self-discovery. The director does a magnificent job of crafting a compelling storyline for each of the film’s main characters. It not only allows viewers to get deeper into the lives of these characters, but it also provides them the opportunity to connect with them on a more personal level. Moreover, the decision to make the film shift between past and present gives it a dream-like quality that stays with audiences long after it ends.
The screenplay is another aspect that takes the movie to a whole new level. There are only a handful of Indian movies that feature a narrative that is both poetic and realistic. Payal Kapadia’s “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” is one of them and seamlessly blends elements of magical realism with human experiences that are grounded. Even though the dialogue is minimal, the impact they have on the audience is immense and enough to make them understand its significance. The film’s writing is a perfect example of “actions speak louder than words” and Kapadia should be lauded for this kind of approach. Her screenplay is loaded with metaphors and layers that reveal themselves in the end, making it a gratifying experience for viewers who like watching a film that is both intellectual and emotional.
Apart from writing and direction, the film excels in how it shows Mumbai and its landscapes. The cinematography is breathtaking and each frame feels like a painting. It helps in enhancing the movie’s viewing experience and also deepens its emotional resonance.
Kani Kusruti in a still from ‘ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT’ (Photo Credit: Spirit Media)
In addition to these elements, the performances by the cast of “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” are why this film feels like such a deeply emotional experience. Kani Kusruti as Prabha is mesmerizing in this movie and delivers one of the finest performances of the year. She doesn’t leave any stone unturned to show viewers what Prabha feels like in a situation and even though when a scene demands her to be stone-faced, viewers realize how she is feeling. Kusruti is a force to be reckoned with and deserves all the praise she is receiving for her impeccable skills.
Meanwhile, Divya Prabha adds another layer to the film with her stupendous performance. Her performance is nuanced and spontaneous. Her spontaneity is truly magnificent and makes her character look more relatable. The chemistry between Kasunti and Prabha is a highlight of the film and amplifies the film’s overall impact. On the other hand, Chhaya Kadam continues her golden run with this film. She took India by storm with an impeccable performance in “Laapata Ladies,” and delivered another wonderful performance in this film.
All in all, “ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT” is a rare Indian film that can be compared with titles that become big in the realm of world cinema. Payal Kapadia masterfully captures universal emotions while maintaining a vision both unique and personal. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the human condition in all its intricacies. The film is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memories and emotions. The narrative unfolds like a collection of fragmented memories, evoking a powerful sense of longing. It’s a testament to Kapadia’s vision and her ability to craft cinematic experiences that resonate on an emotional and philosophical level.
All We Imagine as Light premiered as the opening film of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, which began on October 18, 2024.
Batman fans can save $50 on the 2,049-piece Batmobile Tumbler Lego set for a limited time at Amazon. Technically, this deal is sold by Amazon-owned retailer Woot, but you’ll place your order on Amazon and it’ll be shipped from one of the retailer’s warehouses. The $220 deal price, down from $270, is one of the best deals yet for the Caped Crusader’s high-tech ride from Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. Amazon offered a similar deal earlier this month ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, but it sold out fast. If you’re interested in adding this Batmobile Lego set to your collection, we’d recommend ordering soon. For a cheaper Batmobile Lego set, check out Walmart’s 3-in-1 Lego Batman Gift Set, which was sold out for weeks but is now back in stock for $50.
Lego Batmobile Tumbler from The Dark Knight Trilogy
Lego Batmobile Tumbler
The Batmobile Tumbler comes with minifigures of Batman and The Joker. Because the Tumbler has a very angular design, this has translated well into a Lego model while retaining the signature style of those blocks. You have several panels, authentic details, and intimidating wheels on this beastly machine, and when you’re done building it, you can display it on a sturdy base with a nameplate that includes details of the model. It’s pretty big as well, measuring 17 inches in length and nine inches in width. If you want to go a step further, you can even grab LEDs that fit into the model from third-party sellers.
Several smaller Batmobile Lego sets have released over the years, including the recent $60 model based on Batman: The Animated Series. This kit comes with 435 pieces and three minifigures: Batman, Mr. Freeze, and Harley Quinn. There’s also a 438-piece Lego Batmobile based on the 1989 live-action film starring Michael Keaton and directed by Tim Burton. The 1989 Batmobile comes with Batman and Joker minifigures. You can buy the 1989 Batmobile on its own for $38 at Amazon (was $48), or you can get it with Walmart’s Lego Batman vs. The Joker 3-in-1 Gift Set, which you can check out below:
$50
Includes 835 pieces, two vehicles, and five minifigures across three builds valued at $91 total:
On October 1, Lego released the Classic Batmobile, an 1,822-piece set based on the 1966 TV series. It sold out at major retailers at launch, but Amazon and Target recently restocked the cool building kit. If you’re interested in picking it up, you might not want to wait too long. The Lego Store still lists a 60-day delay for orders placed now, so even though Amazon and Target can ship it now, that might not be the case for long.
The Batmobile is one of the many gadgets included in Lego’s pricey Batcave Shadow Box. Released last year for $400, the 3,981-piece Batcave is the largest Batman Lego set in production now. But this will change soon, as Lego is retiring the Batcave Shadow Box. At the moment, you can still purchase the set from Lego–it’s a Lego Store exclusive–but it’ll be gone soon.
Sony has announced that the hugely successful Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will land on PC in January of 2025.
Aaron Jason Espinoza, Senior Community Manager at Insomniac Games, made the announcement in an official PlayStation Blog post, revealing that Sony-owned porting house Nixxes will be handling the project.
“Bringing Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales to a new audience on PC together with Insomniac and Marvel Games has been a great experience for us at Nixxes,” says Julian Huijbregts, Community Manager at Nixxes. “We are excited to continue this collaboration and bring Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 to PC with a suite of enhanced features, including enhanced ray-tracing options, to take full advantage of a variety of setups and configurations. Stay tuned for more details on features and recommended specs closer to launch.”
“Our amazing partners at Nixxes have once again done an incredible job bringing the world of Marvel’s Spider-Man to PC players,” says Mike Fitzgerald, Core Technology Director at Insomniac. “Our team put a lot of love into this game, and we’re excited that it will soon be enjoyed by a whole new audience with keyboard and mouse controls, ultra widescreen support, and numerous graphical options that make it feel at home on their platform.”
Unfortunately the blog post did not confirm what, if any, upgrades the PC version will get, although we can probably assume the usual suite of options such as widescreen support, higher framerates, DLSS and so on.
The blog post also confirmed that no new story content for Spider-Man 2 is planned.
“While we have no additional story content planned for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, we’re delighted to bring all of our previously released post-launch content to the PC version, including New Game+, new suits and color variants, Photo Mode features, and more.”
Sony will be hoping for a win here as their past couple of PC releases haven’t do so well. The remake of Until Dawn launched day 1 on Steam but peaked at a measly 2,607 players, and before that Concord crashed and burned.
Pack it up! When Diane von Fürstenberg gets dressed, a simple mantra guides her. The Brussels, Belgium native, 77, told ET her tips for nailing a chic look while celebrating the opening of the Diane von Fürstenberg: Woman Before Fashion exhibition at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California.
“I’ve always referred to the motto la petite valise while designing my collections and curating my own wardrobe. The french phrase, which translates to the little suitcase, is a symbol of dressing for ease and practicality; two factors I’ve always found imperative when creating the perfect outfit. If you know how to pack, you know how to live,” she explained.
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images
“The foundation of a woman’s closet should be practical staple pieces that never go out of style. Once you have your go-to classics, you can weave in statement pieces through bold colors, fabrics and silhouettes to coincide with each season. … It’s a simple way to add a little extra to any day-to-day look,” she added.
An absolute must-have? The designer’s beloved wrap dress, which has been worn by A-listers including Cindy Crawford, Madonna, Zoe Saldana, Kate Hudson, Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kendall Jenner and more.
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images
“While the designs and silhouettes have shifted throughout the years to keep up with the ever-changing trends, the core values of the DVF brand have always remained the same. We’ve kept our iconic designs, such as the wrap dress, but have found ways to elevate the styles to keep current,” the philanthropist noted.
von Fürstenberg is even influenced by her brand’s wearers when creating pieces.
“The Woman Before Fashion title of the exhibition explains it all. … DVF pieces are designed with the women wearing and living in them, first and foremost. … I constantly find myself inspired by the incredible women around me, which I then incorporate into my designs,” she said.
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images
“With every design decision I make, whether it be fabrics, colors or silhouettes, I hope to create iconic looks that inspire women to feel confident and free. … My designs are always about freedom, which can be seen within the looks showcased throughout the Woman Before Fashion exhibition.”
Visit the multidisciplinary exhibition from now through Aug. 31, 2025.
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