Ornella Hernandez

<div id="highlights-block_632b7fa4230ad" class="highlights">
        <ul>
                <li>Vulcan Forged game studio closes $8 million Series A round led by Skybridge Capital</li>
                <li>Bored Ape Yacht Club and Azuki NFTs have had the top NFT sales within the last seven days</li>
            </ul>
    
</div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">NFTs for healthcare</h3>



<p>NFTs are tackling the UN’s sustainable development goals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Women in Innovation Fund (WiN Fund), co-founded by Reckitt, is using the proceeds from NFTs sales to invest in women-led healthcare startups in Africa, addressing the UN’s third such goal — good health and well-being.</p>



<p>NFTs for good causes is a growing concept, and the benefits of blockchain for healthcare and democracy are being explored in countries with unstable leadership.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Women are more attuned to the healthcare needs of their community, according to Corinne Momal-Vanian, the executive director of the Kofi Annan Foundation. “Women entrepreneurs – from what we&#8217;ve seen in Africa — can drive innovation, can drive efficiency and can really have a place in the healthcare ecosystem that governments cannot fill,” she said at a UN-adjacent roundtable discussion in New York this week.</p>



<p>Representatives from the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum also participated.</p>



<p>WiN Fund co-founder Pradeep Kakkattil, reminded the audience of an “unacceptable” statistic: Only 2% of venture capital investments globally go to women-led enterprises, despite the fact that women-led businesses deliver 35% higher returns and create 6 times more jobs. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#39;It takes an entire ecosystem to build an entrepreneur.&#39; &#8211; Pradeep Kakkatill, Co-Founder WIN Fund <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedNations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedNations</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WiNFUND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WiNFUND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WiNFUNDAFRICA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WiNFUNDAFRICA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFTsforhealth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFTsforhealth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalGoals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalGoals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitingBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitingBusiness</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/JPQQH8wc2c">pic.twitter.com/JPQQH8wc2c</a></p>&mdash; winfund (@winfundNFT) <a href="https://twitter.com/winfundNFT/status/1572242503159382020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Coinbase partners with ENS&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Coinbase has teamed up with the Ethereum Naming Service (ENS) to create its own Web3 usernames.</p>



<p>Built on top of ENS infrastructure, Coinbase usernames are ENS subdomains that contain a ‘.cb.id’ at the end, rather than ‘.eth.’</p>



<p>Users can then replace their 42-character address with a personalized wallet address.</p>



<p>Users who already own an .eth domain now have the option to transfer the ownership of the ENS name to a Coinbase Wallet and choose between a Coinbase username or an existing ENS username as the primary username for that wallet.</p>



<p>A .cb.id username is not tied to Ethereum and can be used on multiple networks to send and receive crypto.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🤝 Yes to ENS &amp; yes to cb․id<br><br>We’re making web3 more accessible for everyone, so we’ve partnered with <a href="https://twitter.com/ensdomains?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ensdomains</a> to create cb․id usernames, a free-to-claim web3 username!<br><br>Now available on Coinbase Wallet extension <a href="https://t.co/E6X81Owq20">pic.twitter.com/E6X81Owq20</a></p>&mdash; Coinbase Wallet (@CoinbaseWallet) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoinbaseWallet/status/1571948476639887361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Simplified wallet addresses have recently surged in popularity during the last few months of the bear market. Since July, ENS registrations have increased by 200%, and the total volume of NFT sales has increased by 80% in the past three months, as per <a href="https://nftgo.io/collection/ens-ethereum-name-service/overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFTGo data</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Latest NFT loyalty program: Scotch &amp; Soda</h3>



<p>Amsterdam-based lifestyle brand Scotch &amp; Soda is upping its consumer loyalty program by launching NFT-based membership for <a href="https://web3.scotch-soda.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Club Soda 3.0</a>.</p>



<p>Holders are granted exclusive access to merchandise and events, as well as the ability to co-create clothing with Scotch &amp; Soda partners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each NFT acts as a membership card to what is called the “Free Spirit” community of Scotch &amp; Soda lovers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The wait is over! Find out which Founders Pass NFT you got now. Look out for our 10 unique 1-of-1 and our 100 rare tokens.🔮 Reveal your NFT now: <a href="https://t.co/zcffIcKGsA">https://t.co/zcffIcKGsA</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ScotchandSoda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ScotchandSoda</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFTs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFTs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/web3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#web3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFTCommunity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFTCommunity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFT</a> <a href="https://t.co/8HLqMkBuHZ">pic.twitter.com/8HLqMkBuHZ</a></p>&mdash; Scotch &amp; Soda (@scotch_soda) <a href="https://twitter.com/scotch_soda/status/1572606073655021568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Cloud software company Salesforce chose Scotch &amp; Soda to debut its <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/salesforce-pilots-cloud-based-nft-service/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pilot NFT Cloud service</a> to help companies make and manage NFTs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">NFTs back in Minecraft?</h3>



<p>Minecraft developer Mojang recently <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/web3-watch-yuga-labs-takes-voyagers-to-the-otherside-while-minecraft-bans-nfts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">banned NFT support inside Minecraft client and server applications</a>, but MyMetaverse has found a way around the new restriction.</p>



<p>The metaverse company re-implemented playable NFTs not only on Minecraft game servers, but also on modified versions of Grand Theft Auto (GTA).</p>



<p>Using NFTs running on Efinity, a Polkadot parachain developed by gaming platform Enjin, MyMetaverse works with developers who build third-party servers atop of Minecraft and GTA 5 core games.</p>



<p>Simon Kertonegoro, CEO of MyMetaverse, told Blockworks it works similar to how WordPress allows people to use their technology to create custom websites. “These servers are self-hosted, modified instances of the game, running independently of Mojang or Rockstar,” Kertonegoro said.</p>



<p>Thus, Mojang and GTA parent-company Rockstar have no official affiliation with the NFTs.</p>



<p>“The modified versions allow the game to connect with crypto wallets and recognize NFTs in the game, which the user can then use as in-game items,” he added.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">GameFi by the numbers</h3>



<ul><li>Blockchain gaming studio Vulcan Forged <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skybridge-capital-leads-series-a-funding-round-for-leading-metaverse-company-vulcan-forged-301629588.html?tc=eml_cleartime" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secured</a> $8 million in a Series A funding round led by the investment firm SkyBridge Capital, founded by former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. The round includes the option to invest an additional $33 million. Funding will go toward accelerating the growth of “Metascapes,” a play-to-earn feature that allows Vulcan users to build their own land in the metaverse. Vulcan Forged has about active 200,000 users across 15 games and decentralized applications (dapps).</li></ul>



<ul><li>Blockchain game Splinterlands sold out its newest card pack edition, Riftwatchers, in less than 2 minutes, pocketing $5.2 million on the sale of 500,000 packs. Within hours, members of the community had also purchased 30,000 previous card packs, according to the company. 25 million SPS — Splinterlands’ native token — was either immediately burned or sent to the SPS Foundation DAO.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Immortal Game, the company taking the game of chess into Web3, has <a href="https://venturebeat.com/games/immortal-game-raises-12m-to-build-out-web3-chess-platform/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closed</a> $15.5 million across two rounds, including a $12 million investment in July. TCG Crypto led the Series A round — backers Cassius, Greenfield One, Sparkle Ventures, Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s 35V, Blockwall, Kraken Ventures and Spice Capital also participated. It plans to use the funding to build out its platform, which is currently in beta form for users who wish to opt in to the game’s play-and-earn system.</li></ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Start your day with top crypto insights from David Canellis and Katherine Ross. <a href="https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire">Subscribe to the Empire newsletter</a>.</strong></p>


Web3 Watch: NFTs Return to Minecraft, Coinbase Provides ENS Usernames

<div id="highlights-block_62ea94dee70fe" class="highlights">
        <ul>
                <li>CryptoPunks had the most trading volume on OpenSea in July</li>
                <li>Otherdeed, the Bored Ape Yacht Club land NFT collection, become the fastest NFT collection to reach $1 billion in sales volume in July</li>
            </ul>
    
</div>



<p>The Web3 world this week saw a collaboration between luxury jeweler <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/tiffanys-wants-cryptopunk-holders-to-buy-matching-bling-for-50k-eth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiffany &amp; Co. and the CryptoPunks</a> collection, while Solana-focused NFT marketplace <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/solana-marketplace-magic-eden-to-offer-ethereum-nfts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magic Eden added support for Ethereum tokens</a> hours before a major <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/solana-based-wallet-users-drained-in-suspected-exploit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solana hot wallet hack</a>.</p>



<p>Blockworks recaps other notable stories that caught the eyes of the Web3 Watch.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The &quot;metaverse&quot; is going to happen but I don&#39;t think any of the existing corporate attempts to intentionally create the metaverse are going anywhere. <a href="https://t.co/tVUfq4CWmP">https://t.co/tVUfq4CWmP</a></p>&mdash; vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalikButerin/status/1553526863783657472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div><figcaption>Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin weighs in on Meta’s chances in the metaverse, saying “anything Facebook creates now will misfire.&#8221;</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Muse music goes on-chain</strong></h3>



<p>British rock band Muse’s upcoming new album will be released as a limited-edition NFT (non-fungible token) on the Polygon-powered platform Serenade, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/aug/01/muse-release-nft-edition-album-will-of-the-people-charts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as reported</a> by The Guardian. “Will of the People” is Muse’s ninth studio album, scheduled to be released on Aug. 26.</p>



<p>Serenade allows music fans to use their Bitcoin and Ethereum wallets to trade and collect NFTs tied to limited edition digital collectibles and digital pressings. Digital pressings, Serenade founder <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-shand-700a3ab5/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&amp;originalSubdomain=au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Shand</a> explained, “provide full length audio and unique artwork, paired with unlockable rewards and a list of first owners that publicly tie fans to the artists and releases they love.” </p>



<p>“It’s premium vinyl for the web,” <a href="https://twitter.com/max_shand/status/1554063146775625728?s=20&amp;t=x5LghcWxhZP4_6Ni4e4DEg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he tweeted</a>.</p>



<p>Back in 2020, Muse also worked with Dapper Lab’s CryptoKitties project to create digital collectibles.</p>



<p>Muse’s NFT-bundled album is the first new format to be added to the UK’s Official Charts Company (OCC) charts in the UK and Australia. And it’s the first release on the OCC where the vendor, in this case Serenade, is approved as a <a href="https://www.officialcharts.com/getting-into-the-charts/the-chart-retailers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chart return</a> digital retailer, meaning sales on the platform contribute to official numbers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>NFT Worlds takes the ‘N,’ ‘F,’ ‘T’ out of Minecraft</strong></h3>



<p>Microsoft-owned Mojang, the game studio behind the massively popular Minecraft, recently <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/web3-watch-yuga-labs-takes-voyagers-to-the-otherside-while-minecraft-bans-nfts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decided</a> to ban blockchain technology and NFTs on the title.</p>



<p>The move disrupted NFT and token integrations built by Web3 based game platforms such as NFT Worlds. The team’s associated token, WRLD, immediately tanked about 65%.</p>



<p>NFT Worlds <a href="https://routing.nftworlds.com/ipfs/QmXRLKdmEReiTWoESHFfUUrJoWkUX2obye3urL6x8zt5Bx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">responded</a> by creating its own game and platform based on many of the core mechanics of Minecraft, and they named it Miecra — having removed the letters that make up “NFT” from the name of its inspiration.</p>



<p>“This is not a rewrite of some open source Minecraft clone, which likely would violate the EULA [end-user license agreement] or still risk legal action, this is entirely from the ground up. This transition will additionally come with a public facing brand identity change that is more player friendly,” tweeted the company, adding, “this is a web2 vs web3 battle.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The updated WRLD tokenomics white paper <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTY0b4Uq6Yva32LofnsoPfYrAeeW8P8NkKocjpv1NWd1VWLtHrDsHaJM0VkyIbAnkmz0AssPTUAJ1QY/pub?start=false&amp;loop=false&amp;delayms=3000&amp;slide=id.g13fec2083ba_1_270" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outlines</a> how the startup will incentivize participants to keep playing, while increasing the utility value of their digital assets as they build up reputations as players, creators or builders in the game world.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Future Of NFT Worlds 🌎<br><br>Read our statement below through the attached Twitter thread, or here: <a href="https://t.co/w0nf1f2xxn">https://t.co/w0nf1f2xxn</a><br><br>A thread 🧵👇 <a href="https://t.co/Oy2T7oXQVg">pic.twitter.com/Oy2T7oXQVg</a></p>&mdash; NFT Worlds (@nftworldsNFT) <a href="https://twitter.com/nftworldsNFT/status/1550526127407452161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>KuCoin launches an NFT ETF&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220729005007/en/KuCoin-Becomes-the-First-Centralized-Exchange-to-Launch-NFT-ETF-to-Support-Blue-Chip-NFT-Investments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched</a> an ETF tied to blue-chip NFTs such as Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC).</p>



<p>KuCoin’s new ETF is a tether-dominated product that buys into derivatives of certain digital assets. Its portfolio will first cover fractionalized tokens representing partial ownership of BAYC, <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/tag/cryptopunks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CryptoPunks</a>, Koda NFTs, The Sandbox deeds and Ethereum Name Service domains.</p>



<p>The fractionalized tokens are issued by Fracton Protocol’s meta-swap NFT fraction exchange aggregator. KuCoin’s ETF won’t trade on traditional stock exchanges, however — the exchange has instead launched a specialized “Trading Zone” on which its users can trade the fund.</p>



<p>The NFT ETF Trading Zone, according to a statement, aims to “improve the liquidity of NFT assets and lower the investment threshold of blue-chip NFTs for over 20 million users.” It also intends to eliminate concerns associated with crypto wallets, smart contracts and NFT marketplaces.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5,750,000 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hiPUNKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hiPUNKS</a> SOLD OUT IN 3⃣ SECONDS!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CryptoPunks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CryptoPunks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueChipNFT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueChipNFT</a> <a href="https://t.co/cKYHIQWu4H">pic.twitter.com/cKYHIQWu4H</a></p>&mdash; KUCOIN (@kucoincom) <a href="https://twitter.com/kucoincom/status/1554413041705398277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Q&amp;A with Web3 social networking platform Lens Protocol</strong></h3>



<p>Lens Protocol is an open-source tech stack on Polygon for building <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/aave-launches-alternative-to-traditional-social-media/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decentralized social networking applications</a>. </p>



<p>Unlike Web2 social networks such as Facebook and Instagram, developers can build crypto-powered social media apps, marketplaces, recommendation algorithms and more on top of the Lens Protocol. And it’s powered by NFTs.</p>



<p>One contributor, for example: <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/pussy-riot-founders-unicorndao-to-make-space-for-women-lgbtq-nft-artists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pussy Riot</a>, the Russian feminist protest and performance art collective, created the “Proof of Protest” NFT collection to raise funds for seven US-based organizations that support women’s reproductive rights.</p>



<p>The collection, powered by UnicornDAO and the public charity foundation Endaoment, raised more than $110,000 in less than 72 hours after its July 7 release. Within that time, the collection minted 13,201 NFTs sent to more than 9,700 unique wallet addresses.</p>



<p>Blockworks reached out to Lens Protocol, operated by Aave, to learn more from <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-beltramini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christina Beltramini</a>, head of growth and partnerships at Aave Companies.</p>



<p><strong>Blockworks: </strong>How are <a href="https://cms.blockworks.co/?s=lens+protocol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lens Protocol</a> users interacting with its applications?</p>



<p><strong>Beltramini:</strong> Currently, Lenster, a new decentralized and censorship resistant microblogging and social networking service is one of over 100 applications built on the Lens Protocol leveraging NFT technology, allowing users to fully own their data and unlocking new ways for creators to monetize their digital content and own their relationships with their communities&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>With Lens, each user’s followers, community, and content are linked to their NFT profile and can be ported into any new app powered by the protocol, giving creators the ability to be truly multi-platform and go direct-to-community.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The protocol also provides a user and creator-first foundation for any application to plug into, and gives people full ownership over their profile, content and relationships with their community with no overhead power with regard to how they control their content or their data.</p>



<p><strong>Blockworks:</strong> How did Pussy Riot’s “Proof of Protest” NFT collection play out?</p>



<p><strong>Beltramini:</strong> The NFTs were available to be collected directly on Lenster, which utilizes Lens’ collect module. As soon as they were collected, the posts became NFTs by being minted as publications on Lens. Specifically for this drop, Lenster ensured that creators, like Pussy Riot, were able to express their views safely without the risk of being suspended or shadow banned.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Creators are currently experimenting with creator monetization tools on Lens using the “collect module.” The most recent example of this tool being used to generate a profit (or in this case a donation) is Pussy Riot.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They raised more than 150,000 MATIC ($138,000) across three days through three different drops. Additionally, engagement for the open and limited editions has rivaled blue-chip NFT projects. They were also in the top 20 most active NFT contracts on Polygon — even compared to high-usage NFTs for gaming such as Aavegotchi and Cometh.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Start your day with top crypto insights from David Canellis and Katherine Ross. <a href="https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire">Subscribe to the Empire newsletter</a>.</strong></p>
