NFT & GameFi Weekly (09/09/2022)

FIFA to launch Algorand-powered NFT platform. OpenSea to exclusively support NFTs on Ethereum’s PoS blockchain post-Merge. DappRadar data shows gaming makes up half of blockchain activity in Aug.

• The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just months away. To celebrate this event, global football association FIFA is partnering with Algorand to build its very own NFT platform. Named FIFA+ Collect, it will showcase soccer-themed digital collectibles that represent the greatest World Cup game moments.
• In preparation for the upcoming Merge, NFT marketplace OpenSea announced that it will exclusively support NFTs on the Ethereum proof-of-stake blockchain after the event. It also said it is preparing for any issues that may arise along with the upgrade, and will no longer support existing NFTs on the proof-of-work blockchain.
  
• Video game retailer GameStop doubles down on crypto, as it becomes the preferred retail partner of crypto exchange FTX US. This partnership aims to introduce more of its followers to the FTX ecosystem and community, and will kick off the deal by carrying FTX gift cards in some of its U.S. stores. 
• Recent data from DappRadar and Blockchain Gaming Alliance shows that gaming accounts for over half of blockchain industry activity in August, with hundreds of millions in transactions. While the figures show a decrease from the previous month, it indicates that top games are growing despite the market slump.
• X2Y2 recorded a +10% increase in sales and -24% decrease in transactions. Meanwhile, OpenSea‘s sales were positive at +23% and its transaction count also increased +23%.
• The total market cap for GameFi tokens now stands at US$8.97 billion, down -0.1% from last week.

Crypto.com NFT in the Spotlight

• Crypto.com NFT Collection Activity feature just got enhanced! Through this upgrade, users can now easily discover how an NFT ranks within its own collection, check out new data points, and directly place bids and make purchases. Try out the feature via Crypto.com NFT. 
• MetaBeat, a Music Community NFT platform, has partnered with Crypto.com to create the “MAMAMOO NFT Collection”. MAMAMOO’s drop will start on 19 September 2022 and collectors will be able to reveal one of eight types of NFTs by purchasing a mystery pack. Collectors will also receive access to exclusive redeemables in addition to their collectible. All holders will be eligible for a chance to receive exclusive NFT airdrops as well as physical goods, and will be offered early access to future MAMAMOO drops on the MetaBeat Platform.

NFT Highlights

• Ethereum domain names top NFTs as most traded asset on OpenSea
• Avalanche NFT marketplaces weekly volume has reached a 7-week high
• Sorare takes on NBA Top Shot with Ethereum NFT-based fantasy NBA game
• a16z’s latest bet on NFTs: Free licenses for everyone
• ConsenSys to launch ‘sustainable’ NFTs celebrating the Ethereum Merge
• Magic Eden CEO on the future of the billion-dollar NFT marketplace
• Decentralised NFT marketplace Sudoswap announces Ethereum token airdrop

GameFi Highlights

• Move-to-Earn game StepN to open regional offices at Hong Kong’s Cyberport
• Animoca’s Grease Monkey Games secures Epic MegaGrant
• Splinterlands: Details about Riftwatchers set and pre-sale dates announced
• ImmutableX and Kiraverse partner to deliver brand new game
• What are fan tokens? Crypto assets that give fans a voice

NFT Transaction Benchmark

The following chart shows select top NFTs and their historical floor prices:

Top Collections

The following table shows select top creators (by sales volume on each platform) and a sample of their art:

GameFi Top Gainers & Losers

Top Games Metrics

Daily Gamers by Blockchain

Authors

Research and Insights Team