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PlayPlay NYC Office: Careers, Perks + Culture

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PlayPlay Reviews 2024: Details, Pricing, & Features

Bringing the world closer together through play. As the world’s first instant play gaming company, we create games that billions of people can play together.

Playco

PlayPlay is the video creation platform that enables marketing and communication teams to turn their messages into memorable videos. Whether you need to promote an event, share company news, or boost talent acquisition, video is the most impactful way to do it.

PlayPlay | LinkedIn

PlayPlay allows enterprises to simplify and scale the creation of engaging video content. Using the company&#x27;s innovative SaaS solution, organizations can unleash the power of video to communicate and engage with key stakeholders, including prospects, fans, employees, and candidates.

PlayPlay raises $55 million to transform the video content creation ...

We commission, develop and produce new plays from the U.S. and around the globe, to create contemporary theatre experiences that reflect and respond to our NYC home and today&#x27;s interconnected world. We encourage ambition and experimentation in both form and content, championing new and marginalized ...

About Us - PlayCo - The Play Company

The Play Company is an award-winning off-Broadway theatre that has brought a global perspective to American stages for over twenty years, introducing New York City audiences to some of the world’s most vital playwrights · 321 West 44th Street, Suite 801

The Play Company (PlayCo)

Typical PlayPlay customers are described as communication, marketing and social media teams in mid-to-large companies, brands and organizations. “Big brands such as Axa, Heineken, and Orange use PlayPlay every day to feed their communities; their fans on Facebook and Instagram, stakeholders ...

PlayPlay raises €10M to help brands easily produce 'high quality' ...

PlayPlay has 5 employees across 3 locations and $10.82 m in total funding,. See insights on PlayPlay including office locations, competitors, revenue, financials, executives, subsidiaries and more at Craft.

PlayPlay Company Profile - Office Locations, Competitors, Revenue, ...

The Play Company is a New York based theater company dedicated to advancing an international view of contemporary playwrights. The company was formed to address the lack of access to plays from other parts of the world, and to promote theatre as a means to engage with the ideas, issues and ...

Play Company - NYC-ARTS

PlayPlay

playplay

Authors:
(1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan;
(2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan;
(3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan;
(4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.;
(5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan;
(6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad;
(7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction 2 Background & Related Work 3 Challenges in Real-world VPN Detection 4 Adversary Model and Deployment 5 Ethics, Privacy, and Responsible Disclosure 6 Identifying Fingerprintable Features and 6.1 Opcode-based Fingerprinting 6.2 ACK-based Fingerprinting 6.3 Active Server Fingerprinting 6.4 Constructing Filters and Probers 7 Fine-tuning for Deployment and 7.1 ACK Fingerprint Thresholds 7.2 Choice of Observation Window N 7.3 Effects of Packet Loss 7.4 Server Churn for Asynchronous Probing 7.5 Probe UDP and Obfuscated OpenVPN Servers 8 Real-world Deployment Setup 9 Evaluation & Findings and 9.1 Results for control VPN flows 9.2 Results for all flows 10 Discussion and Mitigations 11 Conclusion 12 Acknowledgement and References Appendix 2 Background & Related Work VPN tools create private networks across the public Internet through encrypted tunneling. Although many VPN protocols are being used, such as IPSec and WireGuard, OpenVPN remains the most supported and trusted protocol among commercial VPN providers [6]. Due to its versatility and opensource nature, OpenVPN has been used as the underlying protocol in numerous VPN products, which often advertise the protocol for its proven security [66]. In addition, OpenVPN’s popularity continues to rise with the trend of users choosing to self-host open-source VPN tools [65]. OpenVPN Protocol. OpenVPN was first released in 2002 with the aim of creating a tunneling protocol focusing on security, while also being free and fast over the standard TCP and UDP [34]. When the OpenVPN tunnel is active, raw IP packets being sent to or from the tunnel to the final destination are encapsulated inside OpenVPN packets. To achieve secure communication, OpenVPN leverages the OpenSSL library as its cryptographic layer. Two methods for authentication and key exchange are provided to establish trust with peers: either pre-shared static key(s) or TLS-based negotiations. The latter has been adopted by the majority of commercial VPN services. Two separate channels are used for key exchange and data transfer, both sharing a single multiplexed TCP/UDP stream. In the control channel, the client and server engage in a TLS-style exchange of key materials. As TLS is designed to operate over a reliable transport, OpenVPN provides its control channel with a sequential, reliable layer based on an explicit acknowledgement and re-transmission mechanism. The negotiated key from the control channel will be used to encrypt packets transferred in the data channel, which does not provide any reliability guarantee. Figure 1 presents a typical initialization sequence of OpenVPN packets leading to a fully encrypted data channel. Tor, Proxy, and VPN Detection. The ongoing arms-race between the GFW and Tor has been extensively studied and is most representative of the conflict between censorship & surveillance and circumvention tools [9, 11, 12, 55, 56, 71]. Censors started by blocking Tor’s website and public relays, which Tor responded to by deploying website mirrors and private, unpublished bridges. Next, censors moved to blocking with DPI by fingerprinting Tor’s TLS handshake, e.g. cipher suites. Tor used Pluggable Transports (PT) obfuscators, such as Obfsproxy and meek [39], to mask the handshake. In response, censors deployed active probing to complement DPI-based fingerprinting to detect Tor and certain obfuscators. There is limited previous work focusing on VPN traffic detection. Hoogstraaten [19] explored server-side VPN detection methods, ranging from using existing information databases (e.g. WHOIS, rDNS) to fingerprinting TCP options (e.g. advertised MSS). Webb et al. [70] proposed detecting proxies and VPNs based on traffic timing and latency. Their approach relied on the hypothesis that when a service is accessed through a proxy, the RTT measurement will be different from the RTT of a direct connection. Another class of previous work uses computational and machine learning models to passively detect VPN traffic [3,14,15,17,24,26,68], leveraging flow-level statistics such as connection duration and packet interval. Most of this work uses the same synthetic ISCXVPN2016 dataset [17]—which contains a balanced mixture of VPN and non-VPN traffic—to train and test a variety of machine learning and neural network classifiers in an offline, lab-setting. In contrast, our work primarily focuses on whether ISP-level adversaries can identify OpenVPN flows in near real time, and whether they can do so at scale, under practical constraints, and with minimal collateral damage. For this reason, we omit a full analysis of ML-based work, and only compare them with our approach in terms of false positives (falsely blocking legitimate traffic). Obfuscated (Open)VPN. Various traffic obfuscation techniques have been examined in previous work. Wang et al. examined the detectability of Obfsproxy, FTE, and meek [67]. Using attacks based on protocol semantics, packet entropy, and timing-related features, they concluded that a determined censor could detect all three obfuscators reliably. Houmansadr et al. demonstrated that popular mimicry-based obfuscation tools failed to achieve unobservability because seamlessly simulating another protocol is extremely challenging [20]. Previous studies have suggested censors can use active probing to detect proxies that obfuscate traffic [1,11,71]. In response, “probe-resistant” proxies were developed, which remain silent when being probed by an unauthenticated adversary. However, researchers have demonstrated that carefully designed probes could still identify these proxies [13]. There is a marked demand for an emerging class of services called “stealth” or “obfuscated” VPN, especially from users in countries with heavy censorship or laws against personal VPN usage [60, 63]. Most obfuscated VPN services use OpenVPN as the underlying protocol for security and routing, with an obfuscation layer overlaid to avoid detection [2, 66] [1]. OpenVPN’s core developers prefer that obfuscation remains a separate project operating alongside the vanilla/core protocol, as they “do not want to play the cat-and-mouse game [as Tor]” [35]. The absence of a standardized obfuscation solution has led to a plethora of obfuscators implemented by different VPN providers, who often claim that their obfuscated services can remain undetected by ISPs and censors alike. For example, TorGuard introduces their obfuscated VPN service as “Engineered from the ground up to be impossible to detect” [54]. BolehVPN claims that their VPN obfuscation “...keeps you out of trouble, even in China” [5]. Common obfuscation strategies adopted by commercial VPNs include employing XOR-based scramblers, wrapping OpenVPN inside encrypted tunnels, or using proprietary protocols. OpenVPN XOR Patch: Originally developed by Clayface as a patch for vanilla OpenVPN, the XOR patch scrambles a packet by either xor-ing bytes with a pre-shared key, reversing the order of the bytes, xor-ing each byte with its position, or a combination of these steps [36]. Notably, OpenVPN developers discourage its use due to the lack of code audit [57]. OpenVPN over Encrypted Tunnels: Some VPN services wrap OpenVPN traffic inside encrypted tunnels to prevent DPI fingerprinting. Some of the adopted obfuscation tunnels are Obfsproxy (obfs{2/3/4}), Stunnel, Websocket Tunnel, and encrypted proxies (shadowsocks, V2Ray). Proprietary Protocols: A few VPN providers have developed proprietary obfuscated protocols, some of which are built on top of OpenVPN with a proprietary obfuscation layer added, such as VyprVPN or Astrill [2, 66]. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to explore the fingerprintability of commercial and/or obfuscated OpenVPN services on real traffic. Our unique study highlights the practicality of such fingerprinting, which has profound real-world security implications on end-users expecting certain privacy and anonymity guarantees from using these services. This paper is available on arxiv under CC BY 4.0 DEED license. [1] There are discussions on obfuscating WireGuard [72, 73], but to the best of our knowledge, they have yet to be deployed by any commercial VPNs Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. Authors: Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction Abstract and 1 Introduction 2 Background & Related Work 2 Background & Related Work 3 Challenges in Real-world VPN Detection 3 Challenges in Real-world VPN Detection 4 Adversary Model and Deployment 4 Adversary Model and Deployment 5 Ethics, Privacy, and Responsible Disclosure 5 Ethics, Privacy, and Responsible Disclosure 6 Identifying Fingerprintable Features and 6.1 Opcode-based Fingerprinting 6 Identifying Fingerprintable Features and 6.1 Opcode-based Fingerprinting 6.2 ACK-based Fingerprinting 6.2 ACK-based Fingerprinting 6.3 Active Server Fingerprinting 6.3 Active Server Fingerprinting 6.4 Constructing Filters and Probers 6.4 Constructing Filters and Probers 7 Fine-tuning for Deployment and 7.1 ACK Fingerprint Thresholds 7 Fine-tuning for Deployment and 7.1 ACK Fingerprint Thresholds 7.2 Choice of Observation Window N 7.2 Choice of Observation Window N 7.3 Effects of Packet Loss 7.3 Effects of Packet Loss 7.4 Server Churn for Asynchronous Probing 7.4 Server Churn for Asynchronous Probing 7.5 Probe UDP and Obfuscated OpenVPN Servers 7.5 Probe UDP and Obfuscated OpenVPN Servers 8 Real-world Deployment Setup 8 Real-world Deployment Setup 9 Evaluation & Findings and 9.1 Results for control VPN flows 9 Evaluation & Findings and 9.1 Results for control VPN flows 9.2 Results for all flows 9.2 Results for all flows 10 Discussion and Mitigations 10 Discussion and Mitigations 11 Conclusion 11 Conclusion 12 Acknowledgement and References 12 Acknowledgement and References Appendix Appendix 2 Background & Related Work VPN tools create private networks across the public Internet through encrypted tunneling. Although many VPN protocols are being used, such as IPSec and WireGuard, OpenVPN remains the most supported and trusted protocol among commercial VPN providers [6]. Due to its versatility and opensource nature, OpenVPN has been used as the underlying protocol in numerous VPN products, which often advertise the protocol for its proven security [66]. In addition, OpenVPN’s popularity continues to rise with the trend of users choosing to self-host open-source VPN tools [65]. OpenVPN Protocol. OpenVPN was first released in 2002 with the aim of creating a tunneling protocol focusing on security, while also being free and fast over the standard TCP and UDP [34]. When the OpenVPN tunnel is active, raw IP packets being sent to or from the tunnel to the final destination are encapsulated inside OpenVPN packets. To achieve secure communication, OpenVPN leverages the OpenSSL library as its cryptographic layer. Two methods for authentication and key exchange are provided to establish trust with peers: either pre-shared static key(s) or TLS-based negotiations. The latter has been adopted by the majority of commercial VPN services. Two separate channels are used for key exchange and data transfer, both sharing a single multiplexed TCP/UDP stream. In the control channel, the client and server engage in a TLS-style exchange of key materials. As TLS is designed to operate over a reliable transport, OpenVPN provides its control channel with a sequential, reliable layer based on an explicit acknowledgement and re-transmission mechanism. The negotiated key from the control channel will be used to encrypt packets transferred in the data channel, which does not provide any reliability guarantee. Figure 1 presents a typical initialization sequence of OpenVPN packets leading to a fully encrypted data channel. OpenVPN Protocol. Tor, Proxy, and VPN Detection. The ongoing arms-race between the GFW and Tor has been extensively studied and is most representative of the conflict between censorship & surveillance and circumvention tools [9, 11, 12, 55, 56, 71]. Censors started by blocking Tor’s website and public relays, which Tor responded to by deploying website mirrors and private, unpublished bridges. Next, censors moved to blocking with DPI by fingerprinting Tor’s TLS handshake, e.g. cipher suites. Tor used Pluggable Transports (PT) obfuscators, such as Obfsproxy and meek [39], to mask the handshake. In response, censors deployed active probing to complement DPI-based fingerprinting to detect Tor and certain obfuscators. Tor, Proxy, and VPN Detection. There is limited previous work focusing on VPN traffic detection. Hoogstraaten [19] explored server-side VPN detection methods, ranging from using existing information databases (e.g. WHOIS, rDNS) to fingerprinting TCP options (e.g. advertised MSS). Webb et al. [70] proposed detecting proxies and VPNs based on traffic timing and latency. Their approach relied on the hypothesis that when a service is accessed through a proxy, the RTT measurement will be different from the RTT of a direct connection. Another class of previous work uses computational and machine learning models to passively detect VPN traffic [3,14,15,17,24,26,68], leveraging flow-level statistics such as connection duration and packet interval. Most of this work uses the same synthetic ISCXVPN2016 dataset [17]—which contains a balanced mixture of VPN and non-VPN traffic—to train and test a variety of machine learning and neural network classifiers in an offline, lab-setting. In contrast, our work primarily focuses on whether ISP-level adversaries can identify OpenVPN flows in near real time, and whether they can do so at scale, under practical constraints, and with minimal collateral damage. For this reason, we omit a full analysis of ML-based work, and only compare them with our approach in terms of false positives (falsely blocking legitimate traffic). Obfuscated (Open)VPN. Various traffic obfuscation techniques have been examined in previous work. Wang et al. examined the detectability of Obfsproxy, FTE, and meek [67]. Using attacks based on protocol semantics, packet entropy, and timing-related features, they concluded that a determined censor could detect all three obfuscators reliably. Houmansadr et al. demonstrated that popular mimicry-based obfuscation tools failed to achieve unobservability because seamlessly simulating another protocol is extremely challenging [20]. Previous studies have suggested censors can use active probing to detect proxies that obfuscate traffic [1,11,71]. In response, “probe-resistant” proxies were developed, which remain silent when being probed by an unauthenticated adversary. However, researchers have demonstrated that carefully designed probes could still identify these proxies [13]. Obfuscated (Open)VPN. There is a marked demand for an emerging class of services called “stealth” or “obfuscated” VPN, especially from users in countries with heavy censorship or laws against personal VPN usage [60, 63]. Most obfuscated VPN services use OpenVPN as the underlying protocol for security and routing, with an obfuscation layer overlaid to avoid detection [2, 66] [1]. OpenVPN’s core developers prefer that obfuscation remains a separate project operating alongside the vanilla/core protocol, as they “do not want to play the cat-and-mouse game [as Tor]” [35]. The absence of a standardized obfuscation solution has led to a plethora of obfuscators implemented by different VPN providers, who often claim that their obfuscated services can remain undetected by ISPs and censors alike. For example, TorGuard introduces their obfuscated VPN service as “Engineered from the ground up to be impossible to detect” [54]. BolehVPN claims that their VPN obfuscation “...keeps you out of trouble, even in China” [5]. Common obfuscation strategies adopted by commercial VPNs include employing XOR-based scramblers, wrapping OpenVPN inside encrypted tunnels, or using proprietary protocols. OpenVPN XOR Patch: Originally developed by Clayface as a patch for vanilla OpenVPN, the XOR patch scrambles a packet by either xor-ing bytes with a pre-shared key, reversing the order of the bytes, xor-ing each byte with its position, or a combination of these steps [36]. Notably, OpenVPN developers discourage its use due to the lack of code audit [57]. OpenVPN XOR Patch: OpenVPN over Encrypted Tunnels: Some VPN services wrap OpenVPN traffic inside encrypted tunnels to prevent DPI fingerprinting. Some of the adopted obfuscation tunnels are Obfsproxy (obfs{2/3/4}), Stunnel, Websocket Tunnel, and encrypted proxies (shadowsocks, V2Ray). OpenVPN over Encrypted Tunnels: Proprietary Protocols: A few VPN providers have developed proprietary obfuscated protocols, some of which are built on top of OpenVPN with a proprietary obfuscation layer added, such as VyprVPN or Astrill [2, 66]. Proprietary Protocols: To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to explore the fingerprintability of commercial and/or obfuscated OpenVPN services on real traffic. Our unique study highlights the practicality of such fingerprinting, which has profound real-world security implications on end-users expecting certain privacy and anonymity guarantees from using these services. This paper is available on arxiv under CC BY 4.0 DEED license. This paper is available on arxiv under CC BY 4.0 DEED license. available on arxiv [1] There are discussions on obfuscating WireGuard [72, 73], but to the best of our knowledge, they have yet to be deployed by any commercial VPNs

Study Reveals OpenVPN Fingerprintability, Threatening VPN Privacy Guarantees

HSBC, the banking giant, is finally entering the ring with its new app, Zing (launched in January 2024 in UK). It aims to disrupt the international money transfer space currently dominated by fintech players like Revolut and Wise. But is this a genuine challenge, or just a latecomer trying to play catch-up? The answer lies in the margins. Fintech companies have been steadily eroding traditional banks' profits with their user-friendly apps and competitive fees. James Allan, CEO of Zing, acknowledges this shift:
"It's time for a new kind of solution, one that combines cutting-edge tech with the trust of a global bank like HSBC." Is It a Smart Move for Younger Audience? Analysts see Zing as a strategic move for HSBC. Benjamin Toms of RBC believes it's a “defensive play” to attract younger, tech-savvy customers who might become lifelong HSBC clients. Unlike existing HSBC FX services, Zing is free to download for everyone. But, lemme clear one thing! Zing operates under the FCA as an e-money institution, not a bank. This means your deposits won't be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, something to consider before diving in. Despite these uncertainties, Zing's arrival signifies a critical shift in the financial world. As established institutions adapt and innovate, consumers stand to benefit from a more competitive international payments ecosystem. HSBC, however, has global aspirations for Zing. Nuno Matos, CEO of their wealth and personal banking division, added:
‘‘We want to become a leading platform for international payments, which aligns perfectly with HSBC's overall payments strategy. Expect to see Zing launching soon in Asia, the Middle East, and EU markets." This focus on innovation and trust is key for Zing. This will attract customers who value fintech apps’ convenience while seeking the security. Feature Comparison - HSBC’s Zing vs. Revolut & Wise Feature

HSBC’s Zing

Revolut

Wise



Primary Function

Foreign exchange & international money transfer

Multi-currency spending & international money transfer

International money transfer



Number of Currencies Supported

10

Over 140

Over 40



Debit Card

Yes (physical & virtual)

Yes (physical & virtual)

Yes (physical & virtual)



Fees

Conversion charges and currency exchange

Free standard plan (limited features), paid plans with higher limits & features

Transaction fees based on amount & currency



Focus

Simplicity & ease of use for occasional international transactions

Multi-functionality for everyday spending & travel

Cost-effective international money transfers Recruiting Top Talent for the Challenge To compete effectively, HSBC is building a strong team. They've recruited key personnel from their fintech rivals, like Neil McKeown (ex-Monzo) and Dario De Angelis (ex-Revolut), to leverage valuable industry expertise. Additionally, Eduardo Mercer, a software engineer veteran from Wise, strengthens Zing's technical core. This increased competition injects a healthy dose of competition into the European cross-border payments scene. Ultimately, consumers benefit from more options, potentially lower fees, and a continued push for innovative solutions in the international money transfer market. James Allan, CEO of Zing, says,
"It's a win-win for everyone who wants a simpler, faster, and more reliable way to manage their money internationally." Can Zing Outshine its Competitors? HSBC's strategic investments, focus on user experience, and global ambitions suggest they're serious about the game. Only time will tell if they can woo customers away from the current fintech champions. The battle for dominance in international money transfers has just become even more interesting. Potential Pros & Cons! Aspect

Potential Pros

Potential Cons



Brand Recognition

Leverages HSBC's established brand and reputation for security

May not have the same brand awareness as Revolut or Wise



User Experience

Focuses on user-friendliness for a smooth money transfer experience

Needs to prove its app is as intuitive and user-friendly as competitors



Global Reach

Ambitious plans for global expansion, offering services in new markets

Initial launch is limited to UK customers only



Team Expertise

Recruited top talent from fintech rivals, bringing industry knowledge

Needs to demonstrate its team can deliver a competitive product Key Takeaways from this New and Improved Competition! This head-to-head competition is a game-changer in the cross-border payments market, especially in UK. Here is what will you get: HSBC offers established banking security, but Revolut and Wise are known for their cutting-edge tech. Zing aims to bridge this gap, offering both trust and a tech-savvy experience.
With more options, fees may drop, and features may become more user-friendly. This may include faster transfers, better exchange rates, and a smoother overall experience.
This competition between big banks and fintech companies will benefit you the most. It can include a wider range of services, lower costs, and a constant push for innovation. Stay updated for more updates about the fintech industry! For now, share your thoughts in the comments. HSBC, the banking giant, is finally entering the ring with its new app, Zing (launched in January 2024 in UK). It aims to disrupt the international money transfer space currently dominated by fintech players like Revolut and Wise. But is this a genuine challenge, or just a latecomer trying to play catch-up? HSBC, the banking giant, is finally entering the ring with its new app, Zing (launched in January 2024 in UK). Zing The answer lies in the margins. Fintech companies have been steadily eroding traditional banks' profits with their user-friendly apps and competitive fees. James Allan, CEO of Zing, acknowledges this shift: "It's time for a new kind of solution, one that combines cutting-edge tech with the trust of a global bank like HSBC." James Allan, CEO of Zing, acknowledges this shift: "It's time for a new kind of solution, one that combines cutting-edge tech with the trust of a global bank like HSBC." "It's time for a new kind of solution, one that combines cutting-edge tech with the trust of a global bank like HSBC." Is It a Smart Move for Younger Audience? Is It a Smart Move for Younger Audience? Analysts see Zing as a strategic move for HSBC. Benjamin Toms of RBC believes it's a “ defensive play” to attract younger, tech-savvy customers who might become lifelong HSBC clients. Unlike existing HSBC FX services, Zing is free to download for everyone . defensive play” Zing is free to download for everyone But, lemme clear one thing! But, lemme clear one thing! But, lemme clear one thing! Zing operates under the FCA as an e-money institution, not a bank. This means your deposits won't be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, something to consider before diving in. Despite these uncertainties, Zing's arrival signifies a critical shift in the financial world. As established institutions adapt and innovate, consumers stand to benefit from a more competitive international payments ecosystem. HSBC, however, has global aspirations for Zing. HSBC, however, has global aspirations for Zing. HSBC, however, has global aspirations for Zing. Nuno Matos, CEO of their wealth and personal banking division, added: ‘‘We want to become a leading platform for international payments, which aligns perfectly with HSBC's overall payments strategy. Expect to see Zing launching soon in Asia, the Middle East, and EU markets." Nuno Matos, CEO of their wealth and personal banking division, added: ‘‘We want to become a leading platform for international payments, which aligns perfectly with HSBC's overall payments strategy. Expect to see Zing launching soon in Asia, the Middle East, and EU markets." ‘‘We want to become a leading platform for international payments, which aligns perfectly with HSBC's overall payments strategy. Expect to see Zing launching soon in Asia, the Middle East, and EU markets." This focus on innovation and trust is key for Zing. This will attract customers who value fintech apps’ convenience while seeking the security. fintech apps’ convenience Feature Comparison - HSBC’s Zing vs. Revolut & Wise Feature Comparison - HSBC’s Zing vs. Revolut & Wise Feature

HSBC’s Zing

Revolut

Wise



Primary Function

Foreign exchange & international money transfer

Multi-currency spending & international money transfer

International money transfer



Number of Currencies Supported

10

Over 140

Over 40



Debit Card

Yes (physical & virtual)

Yes (physical & virtual)

Yes (physical & virtual)



Fees

Conversion charges and currency exchange

Free standard plan (limited features), paid plans with higher limits & features

Transaction fees based on amount & currency



Focus

Simplicity & ease of use for occasional international transactions

Multi-functionality for everyday spending & travel

Cost-effective international money transfers Feature

HSBC’s Zing

Revolut

Wise Primary Function

Foreign exchange & international money transfer

Multi-currency spending & international money transfer

International money transfer Number of Currencies Supported

10

Over 140

Over 40 Debit Card

Yes (physical & virtual)

Yes (physical & virtual)

Yes (physical & virtual) Fees

Conversion charges and currency exchange

Free standard plan (limited features), paid plans with higher limits & features

Transaction fees based on amount & currency Focus

Simplicity & ease of use for occasional international transactions

Multi-functionality for everyday spending & travel

Cost-effective international money transfers Feature HSBC’s Zing Revolut Wise Feature Feature HSBC’s Zing HSBC’s Zing Revolut Revolut Wise Wise Primary Function Foreign exchange & international money transfer Multi-currency spending & international money transfer International money transfer Primary Function Primary Function Primary Function Foreign exchange & international money transfer Foreign exchange & international money transfer Multi-currency spending & international money transfer Multi-currency spending & international money transfer International money transfer International money transfer Number of Currencies Supported 10 Over 140 Over 40 Number of Currencies Supported Number of Currencies Supported Number of Currencies Supported 10 10 Over 140 Over 140 Over 40 Over 40 Debit Card Yes (physical & virtual) Yes (physical & virtual) Yes (physical & virtual) Debit Card Debit Card Debit Card Yes (physical & virtual) Yes (physical & virtual) Yes (physical & virtual) Yes (physical & virtual) Yes (physical & virtual) Yes (physical & virtual) Fees Conversion charges and currency exchange Free standard plan (limited features), paid plans with higher limits & features Transaction fees based on amount & currency Fees Fees Fees Conversion charges and currency exchange Conversion charges and currency exchange Free standard plan (limited features), paid plans with higher limits & features Free standard plan (limited features), paid plans with higher limits & features Transaction fees based on amount & currency Transaction fees based on amount & currency Focus Simplicity & ease of use for occasional international transactions Multi-functionality for everyday spending & travel Cost-effective international money transfers Focus Focus Focus Simplicity & ease of use for occasional international transactions Simplicity & ease of use for occasional international transactions Multi-functionality for everyday spending & travel Multi-functionality for everyday spending & travel Cost-effective international money transfers Cost-effective international money transfers Recruiting Top Talent for the Challenge To compete effectively, HSBC is building a strong team. They've recruited key personnel from their fintech rivals, like Neil McKeown (ex-Monzo ) and Dario De Angelis (ex-Revolut) , to leverage valuable industry expertise. Additionally, Eduardo Mercer , a software engineer veteran from Wise , strengthens Zing's technical core. Neil McKeown (ex-Monzo Dario De Angelis (ex-Revolut) Eduardo Mercer a software engineer veteran from Wise This increased competition injects a healthy dose of competition into the European cross-border payments scene. Ultimately, consumers benefit from more options, potentially lower fees, and a continued push for innovative solutions in the international money transfer market. cross-border payments James Allan, CEO of Zing, says, "It's a win-win for everyone who wants a simpler, faster, and more reliable way to manage their money internationally." James Allan, CEO of Zing, says, "It's a win-win for everyone who wants a simpler, faster, and more reliable way to manage their money internationally." "It's a win-win for everyone who wants a simpler, faster, and more reliable way to manage their money internationally." Can Zing Outshine its Competitors? Can Zing Outshine its Competitors? HSBC's strategic investments, focus on user experience, and global ambitions suggest they're serious about the game. Only time will tell if they can woo customers away from the current fintech champions. The battle for dominance in international money transfers has just become even more interesting. Potential Pros & Cons! Aspect

Potential Pros

Potential Cons



Brand Recognition

Leverages HSBC's established brand and reputation for security

May not have the same brand awareness as Revolut or Wise



User Experience

Focuses on user-friendliness for a smooth money transfer experience

Needs to prove its app is as intuitive and user-friendly as competitors



Global Reach

Ambitious plans for global expansion, offering services in new markets

Initial launch is limited to UK customers only



Team Expertise

Recruited top talent from fintech rivals, bringing industry knowledge

Needs to demonstrate its team can deliver a competitive product Aspect

Potential Pros

Potential Cons Brand Recognition

Leverages HSBC's established brand and reputation for security

May not have the same brand awareness as Revolut or Wise User Experience

Focuses on user-friendliness for a smooth money transfer experience

Needs to prove its app is as intuitive and user-friendly as competitors Global Reach

Ambitious plans for global expansion, offering services in new markets

Initial launch is limited to UK customers only Team Expertise

Recruited top talent from fintech rivals, bringing industry knowledge

Needs to demonstrate its team can deliver a competitive product Aspect Potential Pros Potential Cons Aspect Aspect Aspect Potential Pros Potential Pros Potential Pros Potential Cons Potential Cons Potential Cons Brand Recognition Leverages HSBC's established brand and reputation for security May not have the same brand awareness as Revolut or Wise Brand Recognition Brand Recognition Brand Recognition Leverages HSBC's established brand and reputation for security Leverages HSBC's established brand and reputation for security May not have the same brand awareness as Revolut or Wise May not have the same brand awareness as Revolut or Wise User Experience Focuses on user-friendliness for a smooth money transfer experience Needs to prove its app is as intuitive and user-friendly as competitors User Experience User Experience User Experience Focuses on user-friendliness for a smooth money transfer experience Focuses on user-friendliness for a smooth money transfer experience Needs to prove its app is as intuitive and user-friendly as competitors Needs to prove its app is as intuitive and user-friendly as competitors Global Reach Ambitious plans for global expansion, offering services in new markets Initial launch is limited to UK customers only Global Reach Global Reach Global Reach Ambitious plans for global expansion, offering services in new markets Ambitious plans for global expansion, offering services in new markets Initial launch is limited to UK customers only Initial launch is limited to UK customers only Team Expertise Recruited top talent from fintech rivals, bringing industry knowledge Needs to demonstrate its team can deliver a competitive product Team Expertise Team Expertise Team Expertise Recruited top talent from fintech rivals, bringing industry knowledge Recruited top talent from fintech rivals, bringing industry knowledge Needs to demonstrate its team can deliver a competitive product Needs to demonstrate its team can deliver a competitive product Key Takeaways from this New and Improved Competition! This head-to-head competition is a game-changer in the cross-border payments market, especially in UK. Here is what will you get: HSBC offers established banking security, but Revolut and Wise are known for their cutting-edge tech. Zing aims to bridge this gap, offering both trust and a tech-savvy experience. With more options, fees may drop, and features may become more user-friendly. This may include faster transfers, better exchange rates, and a smoother overall experience. This competition between big banks and fintech companies will benefit you the most. It can include a wider range of services, lower costs, and a constant push for innovation. HSBC offers established banking security, but Revolut and Wise are known for their cutting-edge tech. Zing aims to bridge this gap, offering both trust and a tech-savvy experience. With more options, fees may drop, and features may become more user-friendly. This may include faster transfers, better exchange rates, and a smoother overall experience. This competition between big banks and fintech companies will benefit you the most. It can include a wider range of services, lower costs, and a constant push for innovation. Stay updated for more updates about the fintech industry! For now, share your thoughts in the comments. Stay updated for more updates about the fintech industry! For now, share your thoughts in the comments.

HSBC Throws Hat in the Ring - New App Zing Aims to Rival Revolut and Wise!

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are blockchain-based assets, each being unique and different from the others. In an NFT gaming system, players can purchase, trade, and use NFTs to represent items or assets within the game. These items range from unique weapons and armor to virtual real estate or pets. allowing users to confirm and track ownership easily. In addition, blockchain technology ensures that NFTs cannot be duplicated or counterfeited. The NFTs are stored on a blockchain, One of the key advantages of NFT gaming is that it allows players to own and control their in-game assets in a way that is impossible with traditional gaming systems. In traditional games, players do not have true ownership of their in-game items, and the game developers can alter or even take away those items at any time. With NFT gaming, players have complete control over their assets and can trade or sell them freely on the open market. NFT gaming is a new and exciting way for players to interact with and own their in-game assets, and it has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. As a type of digital asset, NFTs are unique and . Each NFT is or counterfeited. This contrasts with other digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies, which are interchangeable. cannot be replaced or exchanged on an equal level one-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated The unique nature of NFTs makes them ideal for gaming, where they can be used to represent unique in-game items or collectibles. For example, a player might own an NFT representing a rare sword in a fantasy game or a virtual piece of real estate in a virtual world. Because the NFT is unique, the player can be sure that no one else has an exact copy of that item and that it cannot be duplicated or counterfeited. How is NFT gaming different from traditional gaming? NFT gaming is different from traditional gaming in several key ways. One of the main differences is that NFT gaming involves using unique digital assets called non-fungible tokens to represent in-game items or collectibles. Another difference between NFT gaming and traditional gaming is that NFTs are unique and cannot be exchanged for other tokens the way a cryptocurrency can trade. As a result, each NFT is one-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated or counterfeited. In contrast, traditional gaming systems often use interchangeable digital assets that can be easily replicated and traded. NFT gaming offers players a new and unique way to own and control their in-game assets, and it has the potential to change the gaming industry. Walk-to-Earn in the NFT Gaming Space One example of innovation in NFT gaming is Walken, the walk-to-earn app. is a play & exercise to earn mobile app built by a team with over 50 million app store downloads and $10 million in annual revenue. Users are rewarded with WLKN tokens for exercise and in-app gameplay, and their characters in the game are NFTs, meaning that users can earn tokens and create NFTs that can be bought and sold in NFT marketplaces. Walken Walken's mission is to create an app platform and ecosystem to bring millions of new users into the crypto world through apps developed by the Walken team and 3rd party studios. As a result, it should be easy for users to experience the power of crypto to improve their lives while also providing improved stability for the WLKN token by encouraging investing and holding over selling. The platform will build the game around an NFT character they call CATthlete. Whilst working on this character, the team was inspired by Tamagotchi. At the moment, the game is in open beta testing. To level up a character, players need GEMs and WLKN tokens. Players can earn GEMs by walking, with 1,000 steps = 1 GEM. However, they don't need to walk with the app. Instead, they can give the app access to their Apple HealthKit on iOS and Android Health on Andriod. Then, the steps will be automatically converted into GEMs. Free-to-Play & Play-to-Earn Crossover, Play-and-Earn is another platform that adds innovative experiences to the blockchain gaming space with its sustainable P2E metaverse on the Polygon blockchain. The mobile metaverse takes place in the NEXUS, and players can own Buddies (avatars) and NEXUS Land (Land), which are non-fungible tokens. Affyn Land in NEXUS World is a digital depiction of virtual real estate mapped to the real world. Each plot of Land in the NEXUS World is distinct, with its unique attributes and real-world geolocation. For example, one plot, represented by a hexagon tile, is the smallest unit of Land. Each Land NFT corresponds to a specific geolocation. The more players engage in activities on your NEXUS World Land, the more benefits you gain. Players may increase player traffic as a Landowner by holding engaging events, activities, and campaigns. Each Land has its own set of natural characteristics. Land characteristics include mountains, waterfalls, rocks, and eggs. These characteristics are fixed items that cannot be replaced. Higher rarity Land has additional attributes that give advantages, such as creating rare Buddies. Each Land NFT is a Hometown. Players are the Mayor of the Hometown as the owner of the Land NFT, and every Hometown has a population cap. To earn in the NEXUS World, a player must enroll and become a Citizen of a Hometown, and players may apply to become Citizens for free. As Mayors, players can accept, refuse, or throw players out of their Hometowns. In addition, when Citizens make money in the NEXUS World, a percentage of their profits are taxed and given to the Mayor. World Building using NFT-based Assets is a decentralized platform that enables users to develop, share, and monetize their game experiences via blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs are one-of-a-kind digital assets kept on a blockchain that indicate ownership of a particular thing, such as digital art or a virtual gaming component. The Sandbox In The Sandbox, users may develop and modify their 3D games and experiences. Characters and Land are examples of in-game assets. Players may then share their creations with the community and win cryptocurrency prizes, especially the platform's native token, SAND. Players may also win prizes by participating in the platform's many challenges and events. Aside from generating and sharing game materials, gamers can use SAND to buy and sell NFTs on the platform's marketplace. Additionally, these NFTs can be used to create new worlds and experiences. For example, a player could build a fantasy-based world with unique NFT weapons, avatars, and clothing. Building gameplay-focused NFT games is a good step forward in NFT gaming. Play-to-Earn and NFT Gaming Play-to-earn is a gaming model where players can earn real-world value or rewards by playing a game. This is in contrast to the traditional gaming model, where players pay to play a game but do not have the opportunity to earn real-world rewards. In the context of NFT gaming, play-to-earn typically involves using NFTs as rewards for players participating in the game. For example, a player might earn a unique NFT by completing a difficult in-game challenge or reaching a certain level in the game. Because the NFTs are unique and valuable, the player can sell or trade the NFT on the open market for real-world value. Conclusion NFT gaming brings innovations and perks to the gaming industry. In addition, ownership of in-game assets can provide additional motivation for users to stay engaged with the platforms they are using.

3 Interesting NFT Gaming Niches to Look Out for in 2023

Play-to-Earn games have already revolutionized the blockchain industry. GameFi and  metaverse have become the new buzzwords and blockchain games are now a real competitor to mainstream ones. Yet, despite the industry overall having great prospects, most Web 3.0 gaming projects fail. So what Web 3.0 games developers are missing? Why are people interested in Web 3.0 games? Web 3.0 relies on three main pillars: Play-to-Earn mechanics, blockchain technologies and the metaverse concept. The attractiveness of Play-to-Earn is quite obvious: usually it is the player who has to pay, in Play-to-Earn games the situation is reversed: players gain monetary rewards for their in-game activities. “Have fun and get paid for that” is a perfect selling point, isn’t it? Blockchain allows Web 3.0 to become decentralized and, which is probably more important for gamers, blockchain can ensure true transparency while preserving anonymity, full player ownership over in-game assets, and even facilitates creation of user-generated content helping to protect content creator’s intellectual property. In addition, blockchain essentially enables Play-to-Earn mechanics by making transactions fast, cheap, and secure and allows games to use NFTs. And finally, the metaverse concept - a rather old idea that has been reviewed due to progress in blockchain, virtual and augmented reality technologies. Metaverse is a universe where physical and virtual realities merge. Essentially, it is the metaverse concept that caused a recent surge in GameFi popularity. After all, blockchain-based Play-to-Earn games are not a new thing - games like have been overloading the Ethereum blockchain since late 2017. Progress in VR and AR combined with metaverse and GameFi concepts made blockchain games actually enjoyable. CryptoKitties However, while some projects successfully leverage most or even all the aforementioned advantages, most Web 3.0 games spectacularly fail to do so. Problems of modern Play-to-Earn games The first and most obvious issue of the GameFi industry today is that a lot of teams don’t even try to deliver a product to their audience. They just start a marketing campaign, mint some NFT, sell them and vanish with the money. Essentially, the situation is similar to what happened with ICOs in 2017-2018 - the most booming segment of the market attracted a lot of scammers. So the best advice for players is to avoid spending any money on projects that can’t offer at least an early-access version of the game. But even if developers really try to deliver a decent product to players, they fail to deliver entertaining and engaging gameplay more often than not. It seems that a lot of teams think that if there is a financial incentive to play the game, there is no point in actually making it fun. In the worst cases, the “gameplay” consists of clicking one button to roll some virtual dice. Sub-par graphics, lackluster sound and mediocre arts are also often a part of the course. Thus, blockchain games disappoint most “traditional” gamers that don’t want to touch GameFi products ever again. Also, despite the heavy use of the metaverse in marketing, most GameFi products don’t actually leverage it. It is hard to call a virtual world “metaverse” if it consists of a single game and nothing else. As a result, “metaverse” is often interpreted as a made-up thing that has nothing behind it. And finally, despite decentralization being at the core of blockchain technology, the ability of players to actually influence the game besides financial matters is usually limited. For example, NFT assets are usually sold “as is” without the option to upgrade or customize them. The way to success Fortunately, there are Web 3.0 games that actually manage to fully leverage all their technological advantages and deliver some fun. One of the best examples is Shards. It offers entertaining gameplay, far from AAA-quality, but great by indie standards, nice visuals and sounds. In addition, the developers constantly grow the metaverse of the game - new NFT collections and new media are being added along with new ways for players to interact. Axie Infinity Shards is a good proof that fun is the most important foundation for a Web 3.0 game - it is the most successful Play-to-Earn game on the market today. Axie Infinity There are also other Web 3.0 game projects that rely on gameplay and leverage metaverse advantages even harder than Axie Infinity. Take, for example, The Sandbox. This Web 3.0 game ventured in an entirely different direction. Sandbox is focused primarily on user-created content. It is a metaverse with plenty of land plots that players can buy and build whatever they want there. While it may look simple. games are extremely popular in traditional gaming as well, so it is no wonder the idea worked in Web 3.0. Besides, blockchain helps with protecting users’ creations immensely. Sandbox Even more ambitious is the ecosystem: a set of games, NFT collections and anime series united in the Andrometa metaverse. MNNT “The majority of Play-to-Earn [games] are honestly boring, resembling a game that should be called, “Work-to-Earn”. Our approach is different because we’re skill-based. Players face off against each other and fight for real cash prizes – where skills and strategy are as important as equipment, just like your skills and nerves in poker are as important as the cards you’re dealt.” – , the CEO of MNNT, explained. Michael Christine Moreover, MNNT developed a unique protocol to ensure interoperability of all NFTs across the entire Andrometa universe. For example, NFT characters can be played as in Meta Smash Fighters - the ecosystem’s fighting game, and also play their role in the We are the Outkast anime series. The series is also directed by NFT holders themselves. Today, Web 3.0 gaming is not even close to overthrowing traditional gaming companies. However, projects like MNNT’s Andrometa changes the established paradigm of the Web 3.0 gaming industry by providing users with enhanced experience and proving that Play-to-Earn can actually be fun. So it is very possible that the gaming world will change sooner than later.

Play-to-Warn in Web 3.0: What can Make a Game Successful

The gaming industry has had a revolutionary change in terms of Blockchain technology involvement which in turn has provided lots of benefits. The industry has grown to be quite a profitable one with the intrusion of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) and play-to-earn models in which players have a more secure and transparent environment that runs without the control of a central authority. Blockchain gaming has attracted more players, unlike traditional gaming which has the difficulty of having the ownership of in-game assets and also lacks the trust that the decentralized Blockchain delivers. In addition, players have to their advantage the ability to exchange their in-game assets for cryptocurrencies and money in real life. Apart from the above, earning rewards while playing games is a key possibility that is provided in Blockchain gaming. Unlike traditional gaming, where players play for hours with no expectancy of earning any reward whatsoever, and in some cases, they would be required to pay money to play the games or continue a game level. Blockchain games have put an end to that by allowing players to be able to monetize their skill and time used in playing games. Examples of assets are cryptocurrencies, NFT, coins, weapons, costumes, avatars, and e.t.c, not only do you get to earn such assets but you also get to have full ownership of them. Moreover, due to the advantage of earning while playing games, some people have made gaming a source of income. The trend of in Blockchain gaming has given the freedom for players to earn money, tokens, assets, and rights in the virtual world. Play-to-Earn There is also the Free-to-Play type of games, these type of games allows you to download and install games for free. Although you are not allowed to completely play the game for free, it has different models that grant you access. Let’s check out a list of the seven best play-to-earn games; 1. The Sandbox is a type of metaverse free-to-play, play-to-earn game that has an interconnected world filled with various game experiences. It can be played on a PC or MAC platform. It is an Ethereum Blockchain for creative people, where players can play, buy and sell lands and earn a reward or utility token called sand, build using a visual game builder and even monetize their virtual experiences. Having land is a key asset in The Sandbox. Likewise, the earned token, Sand can be converted to Ethereum (ETH). The Sandbox 2. Axie Infinity has become an important developed Blockchain game that has grown in the past year. Unlike The Sandbox, Axie Infinity is a play-to-earn game but not a completely free-to-play game. It can be played on a PC or Mac or Mobile platform. It is an Ethereum Blockchain that has a unique genetic code and is all about collecting and breeding creatures called Axies, to explore the World of Lunacia. The tokens earned are called   Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) and Smooth Love Potion (SLP). Axie Infinity 3. Gods Unchained is a collectible game of cards. The free-to-play, play-to-earn game enables players to compete against other players using a deck of cards. It can be played on a PC or Mac platform. The valuable cards which are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) can be earned or traded by other players. The game has its cryptocurrency named Gods. This cryptocurrency can be won in tournaments and then users can sell it in exchange to get better cards. Gods Unchained 4. Splinterlands is a trading card game that allows play-to-earn no matter the level you are at. It can be played on a PC or a browser platform. It uses the HIVE Blockchain and can also trade cards and tokens on the Ethereum Blockchain due to its cross-chain functionality. It is an NFT card game where the items, cards, and even the virtual lands are NFTs. The in-game tokens earned after competing with other players in tournaments are known as Dark Energy Crystals (DEC) and Splintershards (SPS), they are digital currencies that are used to buy items in the shop while playing. Splinterlands 5. Alien Worlds is known to be a decentralized metaverse that runs on Ethereum/ WAX and Binance Smart Chain. It is majorly about the existence of different planets that players colonize using NFT alien species. The planets can either join forces together or fight against each other or other planets. It is a free-to-play game and also play-to-earn. The token earned is named Trillium (TLM), this gives you the power in the Planet Decentralised Autonomous Organizations (Planet DAOs) where elections are conducted and voting takes place. The game also involves trading or mining TLM to either WAX, BSC, or Ethereum blockchains. Alien World 6. CryptoBlades The Binance Smart Chain has a blockchain RPG that is named . Players have to compete with each other in battles and also create a character or avatar in a fantasy costume that immortalizes into NFT. This blockchain game is not free-to-play in terms of converting Binance Coin to the game token but it is play-to-earn. The token earned is called Skill. It is used for payment in the marketplace and can also be used to unlock new characteristics and also improve weapons. CryptoBlades 7. Decentraland is a play-to-earn game that involves a virtual world. Players have access to digital assets, they can become a realtor that buys and sell land, and create avatars and any structure. Also, a player must have an Ethereum wallet to be able to play and earn the NFT games currency. The marketplace has in stock various digital goods and the token earned is called Mana coins. Decentraland gives players the access to pay other players to keep their land safe while they go offline. Other services are also delivered which come with payment. Decentraland Play-to-earn games have a model of an in-game open market based on blockchain where game developers, players and investors are found. This means that you can participate either by developing a game project, playing a game or investing in digital assets in terms of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) and each process has a financial reward for those involved. How do you choose the right agency to buy crypto for Play-to-Earn games? Or are you looking for an agency to help promote your recently released game? Here are some service tips to look out for in quest of gaming marketing agencies; Do they offer trading services? Do they involve digital currencies like Ethereum, Mana, Bitcoin, Sand and so on? Do they offer e-wallets or crypto wallets? Is their website easy to navigate? What percentage of commission do they offer? Do they offer marketing strategies based on your business goals? Can they run creative and production services in-house? The following are the top (3) gaming marketing agencies; Crowdcreate Big Games Machines Vicarious PR In Conclusion Play-to-Earn games have lots of benefits in making sure that players get financial rewards for their time, skill and efforts while playing a game. Although not all games are free-to-play, the play-to-earn model has given all those involved an investment gain. Also, for those play-to-earn games that require you to trade crypto, you will need to carefully choose a crypto marketing agency that will put you through the regulation and all that you need to know.

Top 7 Play-to-Earn Games and  3 Top Gaming Marketing Agencies

Interview with Metaplan - Play-2-Earn and Decentralization The Last Country is the first blockchain-based game in the MetaPlan series and a construction and management simulation game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Understanding the Future of Play-2-Earn and GameFi Ishan Pandey: Hi Kamil, welcome to our series “Behind the Startup.” Please tell us about yourself and the story behind Metaplan? Kamil Boruszkowski: Hi Ishan, thank you for having us. I’m the founder & CEO of Metaplan. I began my journey into the crypto world by buying, selling, and trading centralized CSGO items for profit using Bitcoin. The problems associated with centralized game items made themselves apparent when Valve decided to change the way they could be traded, forcing owners to abide by their restrictions and destroying a healthy, vibrant, fun, and profitable community. We decided to build a game to help educate players on the advantages of decentralization through the use of NFTs, DAOs, and blockchain as a medium to ensure that ownership stayed with the players in every regard. Building on a foundation of fun, free-to-play, and play-to-earn (GameFi), we aim to revolutionize this genre to showcase its potential beyond the headlines, giving players of all ages and experience an opportunity to enter into the magical world of blockchain-based gaming in their own pace and willingness to learn. : Vested Interest Disclosure The author is an independent contributor publishing via our . Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story.  HackerNoon has reviewed the story for quality, but the claims hereon belong to the author. #DYOR brand-as-author program Ishan Pandey: How will the traditional gaming industry be affected by the introduction of blockchain gaming, and do you think this might lead to mass blockchain adoption? Kamil Boruszkowski: The traditional gaming industry will be revolutionized through critical changes such as the decentralization of core game decisions in addition to the ability to earn a passive income through the play-to-earn model. Instead of spending money and not realizing a return, players will be able to earn while enjoying their favorite games. Through democratic voting in DAOs, players will truly own their game and not be subject to decisions made by a single party but rather the entire community. The advantageous features of blockchain can most readily be seen in blockchain-based games as they seamlessly incorporate many blockchain technologies in one package, such as NFTs, DAOs, and cryptocurrencies. They will be the leading incubators leading to mass blockchain adoption. Ishan Pandey: What are the most significant issues with the gaming industry today, and how can blockchain-based gaming combat them? Kamil Boruszkowski: Today’s centralized nature of the gaming industry does not allow for player control. Many novel uses are introduced with blockchain-based gaming, such as bug bounties through open-sourced code audits, decentralized funding, and unique opportunities to be involved with the game through token staking, farming, and mining. Blockchain introduces an entirely new dimension of the economy into traditional games, which they currently lack. DAOs allow for unprecedented control of the game by the players. They are one of the main advantages compared to traditional gaming. Ishan Pandey: What was the driving force behind developing the MetaPlan-DAO also, please tell us a little bit about the hardcore blockchain simulation game - The Last Country? Kamil Boruszkowski: DAOs represent the future of gaming by decentralizing critical decisions by giving players the power to decide the fate of their own game. Case in point: World of Warcraft. The controversy surrounding this game and its updates hit the headlines around the gaming world as players were unhappy with the decisions implemented by a single, controlling party: Blizzard. We respect the opinions and wishes of our players and as such will allow them to decide how their game progresses with regards to all aspects of gameplay such as updates, features, nerfs and so forth, allowing for decentralized, democratic voting. The Last Country is the first blockchain-based game in the Meta Plan series and a construction and management simulation (“CMS”) game set in a post-apocalyptic world. By playing the game and completing the quests, players receive NFTs and tokens as rewards that can be used as their income or utilized as credentials in the DAO. Power to the players! Ishan Pandey: What exactly is GameFi, and how does it vary from the traditional gameplay we are used to? Kamil Boruszkowski: GameFi is the introduction of player income into traditional gameplay. Play-to-earn is the primary definer of GameFi and incubates passion, interest, and further development of the game by incentivizing players to do so. NFT game items can be resold without limitations on-chain, tokens can be staked for voting in the DAO, and fundraising is simplified through player-funded games. Ishan Pandey: While NFTs reached an all-time high in the latter half of 2021, blockchain games came into popularity due to their capacity to generate revenue for gamers just by participating. What are your views on the current blockchain gaming industry as a whole? Kamil Boruszkowski: It is in its infancy and requires education to lead to mass adoption. Players are unaware of the advantages of blockchain gaming, as the space can be very daunting and complicated to get into. With Metaplan, we’ve built it from the ground up as a free-to-play, play-to-earn, and play-to-learn game. We have designed the game to be fun and easy to get into regardless of any previous blockchain experience or knowledge. Being a free-to-play game, players can learn about more complex topics such as DAOs, different chains, DEXs, CEXs, and more at their willingness to earn. If they are not interested in learning, they can still enjoy the fun gaming experience that Metaplan offers. Furthermore, most blockchain games are currently browser-based, limiting the user pool. Having Metaplan being launched on Android (with iOS and PC following soon), it will be much easier for players to get started with their journey into this space. Ishan Pandey: Web 3.0 is a digital breakthrough that has been significantly impactful. According to you, what are the selling points of Web 3.0? Kamil Boruszkowski: The paradigm of Web 3.0 is user creation, user ownership, user control, and protocol allocation. In other words, in Web 3.0, the ownership of digital content created by users is owned by users and controlled by users. The value created is distributed according to the agreement signed between users. Under this system, these digital contents are no longer straightforward data but digital assets because their rights are guaranteed at the asset level. Web 3.0 respects and protects individual digital property rights and exchanges values based on smart contracts. Ishan Pandey: Blockchain gaming is a relatively new concept in the industry. In this regard, what does the roadmap ahead look like for GameFi and the blockchain gaming industry as a whole? Kamil Boruszkowski: Unifying traditional gaming models with an intricate, diverse, and expansive economic model, allowing for greater creativity and control for and by the players. Blockchain gaming is rapidly developing from simple card-based games to more intricate developments with broader use cases and appeal to traditional gamers. It is only a matter of time before traditional games shift towards blockchain and the metaverse. Don’t forget to like and share the story!

The Best Features of Blockchain will be Realized in the Gaming Industry

P2E Public Relations Checklist for a Successful Campaign

Ask any gamer what their fondest memories of video games are and they’re likely to tell you about a game or a character or even a scene from the game that made such an impact on them that they can easily recall it many years later. Surprise, shock, awe, these games made such a mark on them because they created new experiences for people. Now, ask a gamer about the games they loved and hated the most, and you also can begin to draw comparisons between the games that people wish they’d never ever touched, and games that will always hold a special place in their heart. Why some games are loved Of course, everyone’s got a different favourite game. One of my favourites was the original PC designed by KOEI, with titles very loosely based on history, centered around momentous events and the characters that brought colour to the epics. These were designed in the late 1980s so there was very little to the music, and pixellated graphics and animations that left much to the imagination. But Nobunaga’s Ambition enthralled me with heroic notions of Japan’s medieval era. told sweeping tales of loyalty, brotherhood and treacherous politics in the unification of China. introduced to me me the names of ports and ships and international trade in the . Genghis Khan taught me who Uyghurs were long before I’d ever become familiar with their plight today. Historical Simulation Series Romance of the Three Kingdoms Uncharted Waters Age of Exploration They were hardly accurate, as I’d come to learn later. But that wasn’t important. These games and others after that latched onto my curiosity for the outside world, made history seem so much more interesting, and a single floppy disk would provide me endless hours of entertainment, with storylines and perhaps, more than I can admit, helped form part of who I am today as a person. I don’t play games anymore, and I never really was much of a gamer anyway, so I may never come to know the splendour of titles like or the entire series but I can certainly appreciate how they would appeal to this generation of young minds, thrust into a fantasy world that told epic stories in grand universes, with hyper-realistic graphics and sound to help immerse them. Red Dead Redemption Star Wars Why some games aren’t loved Then there were also the games I tried but could never bring myself to love. They weren’t any less addictive, even, I would say, but I knew friends who’d spent as much time with me playing Age of Empires, shall we say, who’d also pour in equal hours later on games like . Farmville I’ve found myself hooked on some of these games too, mobile games that initially drew me in and then sucked me into an addictive state of returning to get my fix. The thing is, I realised that there wasn’t really anything bringing me back to these games other than that deeply-ingrained psychology that I wanted to find out what was in the next level, or gain just more points to upgrade my character to become strong enough to overcome the next boss. I knew the levels weren’t inherently innovative, nor the bosses. Just rehashing of old maps and characters and items with higher statistics. Yet I kept coming back, just as my friends spent years growing their farms on Farmville. But once we did get out of the addiction, we all felt the same thing. That hollow sense of unfulfillment and lack of satisfaction. When I finished playing the games I loved, I even felt a sense of loss, because the pleasure and satisfaction I gained from them was no more. God forbid I ever feel the same way about Farmville. Few will look back fondly at Play2Earn Now I know it seems I was getting nowhere, but the reason I described the differences between games I loved and hated was to criticise the entire wrongness of the current P2E model. You’ll know from my past writings I’m not against blockchain games and not against and certainly, I’m not against earning as a part of player empowerment and inclusion into the revenue model. It is right, it is just, it is the future. NFTs But the entire concept of Play2Earn is so much at odds with the gamer mindset. I played games because I loved the experience, and I know many gamers do. An escape into a different reality. A sense of fulfillment. A deep, enjoyable and satisfying hobby. Aren’t those emotions and memories that we are willing -- and often do -- pay for? Why does a FIFA teenage boy save money every year to buy the next instalment of the game? Why do gamers spend salaries on skins and merchandise? Why do gamers lovingly upgrade their computers and even furniture to enjoy their games? Certainly not to go in and work and grind their way to earn tokens that may or may not make them rich. But P2E games are built ignoring the very psyche of the gamer. And then they act all surprised when their game suddenly drops dead from inactivity when their tokens crash in the market. When you have token buyers and speculators coming into the game , then shouldn’t you expect them to stop playing when they stop earning? to earn So I finally arrive at the point I wrote about in this article’s title. P2E games have completely overlooked the most important fact that matters in games with a token economy and earning model. That gamers earn to play. Play is the end game for them. Not earn. So in 20 years when you reminisce with fellow gamers about their favourite games, don’t expect anyone to look back with fondness on a random bland grindfest of a P2E game.

Play2Earn Forgot One Important Thing: Gamers Earn to Play

Recently, the total market cap for Play-to-Earn tokens reached a staggering $38 billion. This number is not just significant for crypto traders: By our approximation, GameFi has already obtained a twenty-percent market share of the total global . gaming industry With players switching to blockchain-based games at an exponential rate, investors have begun lining up to get in early on new opportunities. One popular way of doing this is through the purchase of Play-to-Earn tokens during special fundraising events called Initial Decentralized Exchange Offerings (IDOs). With so much happening in the space today, new GameFi IDO projects need to put a lot of effort into setting themselves apart. To help the founders of these projects out, the team at has prepared this guide to IDO marketing. Crypterius Test Your Idea with an MVP Before you get started building your platform and raising funds, you need to make sure that your game concept can actually succeed on the market. In our experience, the only way to be certain whether you should move forward with your project is to build a minimum viable product (MVP). really In the words of Steve Jobs, “people don't know what they want until you show it to them.” Your MVP does not need to be a finished game or anything technically complex: Try at least to create some initial artwork and some videos demonstrating gameplay. Then, carry out A/B tests with different audiences in order to confirm the business viability of your ideas across markets. An important thing to remember is that you should never spend more on user acquisition at this stage than you would during your fundraiser. User-acquisition costs (UAC) getting too high may be an indication that your initial concept is not as attractive to gamers as you initially thought. In order to track UAC, make sure you have Google Analytics and Tag Manager set up properly. Use these same tools to check where your traffic is coming from and ad-spend per source. Don't be afraid to throw out bad ideas — your aim at this stage is to build a 'lean startup,' and you should always be ready to pivot. At , we have helped more than a dozen crypto projects run their initial concepts through the complete customer development framework. We can help you to do the same. Crypterius Public Relations and Auditing In order to create a sense of trust around your project, get your smart contract audited as soon as it has been developed. If you procrastinate on this, your entire project might get labeled incorrectly as a scam. Another way to build legitimacy for your project is to start early on forming partnerships with companies in both the crypto and gaming industries. Every new partner represents a world of new opportunities for your project. Make regular announcements across your social channels about new partnerships, successful audits, and positive brand mentions. Get into the habit of writing press releases about every project achievement. You can publish these releases to a special section on your website and submit them to popular media. Get Your Tokenomics Right Something that many IDO project founders forget is that during your fundraiser, you are as much selling your token as you are your project. Your game idea might be fantastic, but if your tokenomics aren't right, traders will just not be interested. When preparing for your fundraiser, it's usually best to avoid too much innovation in terms of token mechanics. Research successful projects that are similar to yours and take inspiration from their token models and in-game economic systems. Watch for current trends in terms of token protocols. For example, Ethereum's recent introduction of token burning through EIP-1559 has led to a number of other projects doing the same thing. Basically, traders like to see fashionable tokenomics in new projects, and implementing them into your protocol will help to attract investors. Remember to always leave room in your tokenomics for adjustments further down the line, after your game has launched. You never know what new technological opportunities will arrive in the future. Develop an Informative Website Starting from the initial phases of your IDO on through to game launch, your website will serve as the primary 'front office' for your project. In our experience, it is preferable to develop a website that can easily and inexpensively be altered and added on to. Your lean startup needs to be designed for change. Don't refrain from using a content management system (CMS), such as WordPress. Many people make the mistake of thinking that platforms like these are too limited from a technical perspective. We have seen that this couldn't be further from the truth. In order to not confuse your target market — who may in fact be browsing dozens of project sites a day — try not to innovate too much with the structure and content of your site. On your home page, put priority on things that set your project apart, and near the top of the page, put a link to your white paper and tokenomics documents. Make sure also to include information about your team (with real photographs) and partners. Provide links to your MVP in a prominent location, but refrain from any heavy tech integrations that could negatively webpage loading times. Slow websites sink to the bottom of search engines. This is not something you want to happen to your project. Write a White Paper The cryptocurrency and blockchain industry is, in relative terms, still in its infancy. Nevertheless, the movement which started in 2009 with the release of the Bitcoin whitepaper holds to certain traditions. To this day, it is expected of new crypto projects to put out an initial manifesto that outlines project goals. As you prepare for your IDO, one of your very first steps will have to be the release of a white paper. ** ** While sitting down and writing out this lengthy document might seem like a needless distraction from the technical development of your platform, taking the time to clarify key project concepts can actually be very valuable long term. Not only will it give investors a better picture of what you are trying to build, but it will also help to get your entire team on the same page. Moreover, reading the document will enable your sales and marketing staff to understand exactly the message they need to get out to your target market. ** ** The development of this document is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Take some time to read the white papers of successful GameFi projects and try your best to imitate the way they are structured. At a minimum, your white paper should include an overview of your game's features, an explanation of what makes your game unique, and a description of the Play-to-Earn functionality. You must also provide an in-depth overview of your game’s internal economy and the role of your game's tokenomics. Make sure to put a lot of thought into your project's development roadmap. IDO participants want to see that your team has committed to building your game quickly and efficiently. ** ** You may also want to consider making shorter, more easily digestible documents, for more time-pressed readers. Many successful projects publish so-called 'litepapers,' which are 10-15 page documents that tell the main story from the whitepaper without all the technical details. Targeted and Search Advertising According to , advertising cryptocurrency, exchanges, and blockchain-based fundraisers on the search engine is prohibited. If you do decide to go down this route, it is essential that you tread carefully: advertise your game as a game — not as a crypto project of any kind. Google policy Most Play-to-Earn IDO projects, weighing their options, ultimately come to the conclusion that it is best to avoid Google's paid advertising products. If Google does end up blocking your project, it could be very bad for your game when you are more actively looking for players, post-IDO. For similar reasons, it may be best to stay away from targeted advertising on Twitter during your IDO. Twitter has very active gaming and crypto communities that you will want to have access to later on. Basically, include Twitter in your communications strategy, and only depend on it for organic leads, not sponsored ones. During your IDO, it may be a better idea to pursue targeted advertising through Facebook and Instagram. Still, to stay on these platforms' good side, drop words in your ads like “income,” “profit,” and “earnings.” Additionally, avoid references to top cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Make sure in your ads to include vivid imagery from your game. Pictures are always effective and, by , videos can increase conversions by as much as 20-30%. some estimates Crypto-Specific Advertising Networks Given that the goal of your IDO is to sell tokens, it makes perfect sense that you would want the viewers of your advertisements to be people who have a history of participating in token sales. You can find this audience through specialized cryptocurrency ad networks like Cointraffic and Bitmedia. For these generalized crypto audiences, make sure to not be too specific in your ads about gaming. Focus instead on the way your game innovates using NFTs and other advanced blockchain tech. Search-Engine Optimization New companies tend to underestimate the power of search engine optimization (SEO). If you have long-term plans for your Play-to-Earn IDO, you need to make sure you have optimized your website from the very start. If you take a look at any successful companies in the crypto industry, you will see that their websites are optimized for search engines. Cryptocurrency exchanges, for example, understand that a huge percentage of their users come through organic searches. For this reason, they invest significant resources into the production of educational content. SEO experts generally agree that in order to have your content featured at the top of organic searches, you should publish anywhere between 8 and 12 pieces of quality content per month. In other words, you should start soon! Of course, this represents a major time commitment for busy project teams. We at Crypterius specialize in streamlining the content production process for startups in the crypto space. Over the last four years, we have helped clients reach millions of organic leads through our SEO optimization and content creation services Brand Mentions and Backlinks Mentions of your website and project on external resources have massive importance for building SEO and brand awareness.  An integral part of your IDO marketing strategy should involve finding ways to increase the quantity and the quality of these mentions in the form of backlinks. These links back to your website are necessary to ensure that the indexing algorithms of search engines understand what your project does and that it has legitimacy within its industry. Many projects strive to get mentions from only the most popular media in their industry. While a few such publications are certainly worthwhile, access for new brands to such media is usually costly, and almost always marked as “sponsored.” A better strategy is to collaborate with agencies, like Crypterius, that have long-established partnerships with these industry-leading news sites and media. We offer strategies that maximize the online presence of your project while reducing UACs. IDO, IEO, ICO, and GameFi Ratings An excellent source of free organic traffic and backlinks are rating sites and calendars that list out and track token sales. Getting your project listed on one of these sites is not very complicated and generally doesn't cost anything. Some of the most popular sites include: https://playtoearn.net/ https://icodrops.com/ https://icoholder.com/ https://egamers.io/ https://www.icohotlist.com/ Influencer Marketing A major opportunity for traffic generation for your Play-to-Earn project is influencer marketing. Collaboration with top influencers in the spheres of crypto and gaming will not only grow your community in the short term but will increase your brand awareness for years to come. If you decide to engage with an influencer for your project, it is recommended to check into each potential new partner using tools like . Pay attention to metrics such as the number of new subscribers to the channel per month and the ratio of video views or impressions for each of these subscribers. https://socialblade.com If you, for example, see a drop-off in the number of subscribers over the last few months, that may indicate that the channel has recently done something questionable with which you probably wouldn't want your brand associated. If you see few subscribers per view, it may be an indication that the channel generally only focuses on spammy content and should be avoided. Additionally, Ad placements in popular Telegram groups and feeds have historically been an effective source of traffic for crypto projects, including Play-to-Earn IDOs. For Telegram advertising, take advantage of the excellent analytics platforms Telemetr and Tgstat. Key metrics on these sites include audience quality, engagement rates, and ROMI. Social Media, Forums, and Community Management The days when social media managers and CMM could just share company news and brand mentions across channels and leave it at that are behind us. The key aim today for content and SMM marketers should instead be to turn their communities into outstanding places for social exchange. Community managers involved in IDOs need to excel at combining elements of fun with the steady stream of informative content they provide to the growing network around the project. At a minimum, new projects should have a presence on Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, Discord, and Telegram. For Play-to-Earn projects, the social network of primary importance today is Twitter. Engagement, activity, and interest in GameFi among the Twitter audience is much higher than on other platforms. Youtube is useful as a means by which to host and distribute videos of gameplay. While not a social media site per se, Twitch is an extremely popular platform among gamers, and you may want to experiment with different ways of promoting your project there as well. In terms of community management, the focus of late has shifted from the traditionally crypto-friendly Slack and Telegram to Discord. Make sure to always have a community manager on duty who can answer questions, initiate discussion, and draw attention to important project developments. The same goes for popular crypto forums, such as Bitcointalk. Build Hype with Giveaways and Airdrops Airdrops are an excellent opportunity to build your community and add an element of interactivity to your fundraising campaign. Try assigning real-world tasks — perhaps related to your game's theme — that people can complete in order to receive tokens. Develop contests that engage with your audience, and reward participants for providing feedback on your game. Summary An expertly tailored marketing strategy is not just about planning campaigns and calculating a budget. It involves setting goals, identifying target audiences, choosing the right communication approaches, and conducting constant analytics and data-based optimization. This is a process that takes a lot of effort and experience.

The Ultimate IDO Marketing Toolbox for P2E Projects

Gaming, just as many other industries, has undergone massive changes since the day it was invented centuries ago. In the early days, gamers were perceived as lazy members of society. However, as time went by, people started appreciating gaming as an entertainment and educational tool, and it is now estimated that this market will . generate $175.8 billion of revenue in 2021 What is Play2Earn (P2E)? Many technologies have been tried in gaming to improve the sector and blockchain is amongst the latest technologies that is revolutionizing the sector. Play-to-earn games allow gamers to collect or farm crypto that they can sell on the market. Gamers who play regularly can accumulate items or digital tokens as a source of income. The gamification of earning can differ from platform to platform. However, most rewards typically come from farming a game’s currency, staking, or generating tradeable non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The older blockchain games applied the random chance technique when rewarding players. On the other hand, play-to-earn games have created business models and in-game economies where players work for an income. Virtual Economies in P2E Traditional gaming is not the same as crypto gaming, as the latter involves real money. The play-to-earn model is now allowing users to mix fun with earning an income. How will it feel when you exchange intrinsic rewards like fun for money? Fun is not as simple as winning. Paying to have fun is not the same as paying to win. Typically, players measure fun/reward on a scale of self-regard and achievement. Incentives are usually deployed in social environments, therefore, paying to win cannot elevate self-regard or constitute an achievement. According to behavioral economists, the following drivers constitute the underlying architecture of human motivation: — can be NFTs, money Drive to acquire — such as friends, guilds, DAOs Bond — metagames, minigames Invent — battles, ideology, territory Defend Developers must create ways to win considering these drivers of human motivation. Players who are driven by bonding and invention or want to defend will always supply liquidity and subsidize players with the drive to acquire. Utility maximization along the aforementioned four motivators is usually different for everyone. The game economist must match all heterogeneous preferences with different roles in a typical virtual economy. For an ecosystem to be balanced, it should have the right number of roles for every type of player. P2E Games Play-to-earn games are popping up daily. Some of these games focus on breeding NFTs, where a player uses two NFTs to create an offspring NFT. Some games are competitive skill-based that depends on if you win or how you place. It is also likely to find games that combine both mechanics. The following are some of the most popular P2E games: Axie Infinity Axie Infinity has been branded as one of the biggest play-to-earn games. This game also can be termed as GameFi as it converges gaming and decentralized finance. Several items are within this game to make playing and earning a reality: — these are the characters used in Axie Infinity. Axie NFTs — these are tokens that incentivize users and charge them. AXS and SLP The game’s economic activity relies upon two functions; breeding and battles. A player needs to hold an Axie team (3 Axie NFTs) to participate in a battle. Players will get rewarded with Small Love Portion (SLP) tokens after winning. There is a ranking mechanism that ranks the best players and rewards them with Axie tokens every month. Players interact with the network to spend SLP and AXS tokens through breeding (where they generate more NFTs for themselves). The players are then anticipated to stake their tokens. Such players thus earn through winning SLP or AXS tokens or the sale of NFTs. The Sandbox Sandbox is a virtual world where players own and customize 166,000 plots of land. These land plots are represented by NFTs and landowners can decide to build virtual museums or games or whatever suits them. Voxels are what makes the world of The Sandbox, making it somewhat similar to Minecraft. Sandbox offers everyone a chance to create a game and earn after completing quests. Everyone in Sandbox’s ecosystem can contribute and earn rewards. SAND tokens The Sandbox has 3 major components: — build NFT game assets. VOXEDIT 3D voxel art animation software — create gaming experiences in the Sandbox Metaverse. Game Maker Tool — buying and selling NFT assets. Marketplace Illuvium — Coming 2022 This is an open-world RPG adventure game that runs on the Ethereum blockchain. Players are put on a journey across vast and varied landscapes on their quest to hunt and capture creatures known as Illuvials. Players earn $ILV, and there are more than 100 Illuvials in this alien world. Each of these Illuvials comes with different classes, affinities, and abilities. Your task is to capture them, fuse them, and discover more powerful ones as you continue to earn. What are Guilds? Guilds are communities that allow patrons to contribute to support the open-source ecosystems that allow them to be successful. In this case, gaming guilds offer a platform where gamers can contribute to improving various games and loan assets to players to lower the economic barrier to entry. Guilds are also there to incentivize those new to blockchain or junior software engineers to learn the best practices of the community. Such developers also get a platform where experienced players can mentor them. Yield Guild Games YGC is a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) for investing in NFTs used in blockchain-based games and virtual worlds. YGC does the following: Creates a global community of gamers who engage competitively in play-to-earn games and collect in-game rewards. Creates a community where users participate in the DAO by voting and passing proposals. Produce revenue through the sale or rental of YGG-owned NFT assets for a markup. For instance, players can resell land in The Sandbox or rent Axies to various players through a model known as scholarship. Coordinate research and development for gamers in the Decentralized Autonomous Organization to arbitrage yield generation. Money earned through the Guild is distributed between players, managers, and the Guild. Managers acting on behalf of the Guild will identify various scholars and loan them assets to play games with. Gamers that partner with YGC find a robust and talented community that is well conversant with blockchain gaming. TheNeoGuild TheNeoGuild is a community that seeks to build, empower and educate society about blockchain and its various applications. The community aims to break the barriers of the adoption of blockchain-based games and allow players to earn. The guild supports scholars through scholarships that it announces often.

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