An Australian software engineer named Anthony Guerrera, going by the name [ynohthna92](https://github.com/ynohtna92) on GitHub, has successfully created a fork for the Bitcoin Ordinals protocol to support the Litecoin network. Consequently, ynohtna92 minted the debut Litecoin Ordinal, a first for one of the oldest cryptocurrencies in the world.

According to an 18 February r[epository posting](https://github.com/ynohtna92/ord-litecoin) on GitHub, the new Ordinals protocol on Litecoin now allows for non-fungible token-like digital assets to be introduced to the Litecoin network, similar to the Bitcoin network a few weeks ago.

## The first-ever Litecoin Ordinal

To get the development in line with Litecoin’s latest MWEB upgrade, the coder [inscribed](https://twitter.com/anthonyonchain/status/1627408947203411969) the Mimble Wimble white paper, known as inscription 0, onto the first Litecoin Ordinal. The Mimble Wimble upgrade on the Litecoin blockchain was launched in May 2022 to improve the network’s privacy and transaction size.

Launched on Bitcoin a few weeks ago, it has created a storm in the crypto sphere. According to [Dune Analytics](https://dune.com/dataalways/ordinals), its ability to mint content besides transactions has already made more than 154,000 inscriptions. The feat took the developer only one week and was incentivized by a "small monetary bounty".

Launched in 2011 as a fork of Bitcoin (BTC), [Litecoin](/news/article/litecoin-news) (LTC) is a peer-to-peer digital asset specifically designed to overcome some of BTC's initial challenges, especially the speed of processing transactions. LTC was the brainchild of former Google employee Charlie Lee, who sold it in 2017 to circumvent potential conflicts of interest. The race to bring in this new fork began on 10 February after an anonymous Twitter user, Indigo Nakamoto, [threw a challenge](https://twitter.com/indigo_nakamoto/status/1624247793438322689) to any coder who could port Ordinals to Litecoin for 5LTC – approximately $500.   

## Dedicated to the MWEB upgrade

Exactly one week later, Guerrera completed forking the GitHub repository and launched it. According to Guerrera, Ordinals could only work on the LTC network because of its soft forks of the SegWit and Taproot technologies associated with Bitcoin, which are required to make Ordinals work.

Guerrera, who calls himself a fan of technology who loves to see privacy introduced in public ledgers, dedicated the first inscription to the Mimble Wimble Extension Blocks (MWEB) upgrade. He added he'd hand it over as he's "got other things on his plate". However, he would keep contributing to the new fork and port all updates from the initial Ordinals.

At the time of writing, [Litecoin](/news/article/litecoin-predictions) is the 14th largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, at $6,955,377,781 on [CoinMarketCap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/litecoin/), and trading at $96.19.


Forked Bitcoin Ordinals Brought to Litecoin 

Blockchain is the technology making the headlines, but what are the alternatives to blockchain tech? 

The rise of crypto, blockchain, and decentralised ledger technology is one of the biggest stories of the last five years. From illicit dark web purchases to a viable store of value, the success of Bitcoin is well known. However, it hasn't always been plain sailing. The road forward has been dogged with issues of scalability, security, and speed. This is what is known as the blockchain trilemma. It assumes that to have strength in one, the other two must be compromised. 

As we know, iterations of some of the original chains can be slow and expensive. The expensive cost of [Ethereum gas fees](https://news.bitcoin.com/ethereum-gas-fees-spike-as-eth-value-rises-average-onchain-fees-jump-by-more-than-50/) is well documented. 

This then begs the question – are there any alternatives to blockchain? 

## Centralised databases 

Blockchain fans have long argued that 'decentralisation is better'. However, with significant scalability issues, this is often not the case. Centralised databases can combat this problem due to their ability to focus all of their resources at once. Take VISA, for example. The world's largest payment network can process up to 24,000 transactions per second which, compared to Bitcoin's seven and Ethereum's 20, is still light years ahead. 

## Centralised ledger 

A centralised ledger is a system that tracks and records every transaction controlled or handled by a single authority. This could include assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses. Like a centralised database, a centralised ledger is used to record anything which holds financial value and acts as a central hub for all financial management. While centralised ledgers are good for efficiency and ready access, they are vulnerable to user mismanagement and hacks. 

## Distributed databases 

As the name implies, a distributed database is a database spread across multiple computers and networks. The primary advantage of a distributed database is the ability to provide efficient, low-cost, and secure data access due to the network's design. However, when network traffic is high, distributed databases can also be notoriously slow and expensive to run. 

## Cloud storage 

The volume of data stored in backup files continues to grow as our reliance on digital networks expands. The demand for data storage has seen an exponential rise in cloud solutions from tech giants such as Amazon Web Services and Google Drive. A combination of distributed and encrypted segmentation and the use of blockchain basics such as hashing and public/private keys ensures that cloud storage continues to maintain its reputation for robust security against motivated hackers. 

## Decentralised storage 

In a similar vein to the DLT concept and based on the principle of peer-to-peer technology, decentralised storage solutions provide users with a highly secure and scalable option. As in a nodal network, each user is responsible for managing their portion of the storage system, which provides a resilient and robust filing system. 

## Other DLT 

With Bitcoin recently celebrating its 14th birthday, it is safe to say we are still in the early days of blockchain technology. However, the demand for open-source code and sharing of ideas has meant the industry has developed rapidly since the days of Satoshi Nakamoto's white paper. 

Thousands of blockchains are available on the market, resulting in some fascinating iterations of the original concept of a distributed ledger. One of the major developments is that of the [Directed Acyclic Graph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directed_acyclic_graph) (DAG), often referred to as 3rd generation blockchain technology (Proof of Work being 1st generation and Proof of Stake being 2nd). 

Generally speaking, DAGs rely on a 'conceptual representation' of a series of activities instead of blockchain's linear data structure. With each project developing its own interpretation, DAG-based blockchains are proving infinitely faster than their traditional counterparts. 

For example, IOTA uses a DAG protocol known as The Tangle. It allows transactions to be added in parallel rather than in a linear fashion. Meanwhile, DAG blockchain giant Hedera uses a 'gossip' network design that ensures nodes only transmit the minimum of information at random, leading to lightning-fast speeds of 10,000 transactions per second. 

## Conclusion 

As we can see, the expansion of peer-to-peer technology has led to the growth of a broad range of commercial solutions leaving 1st generation protocols such as Bitcoin exposed and seemingly underdeveloped. It is, therefore, easy to see why upgrades like[ Lightning Network ](https://lightning.network/)are eagerly anticipated. 

Meanwhile, the team behind Ethereum proved the necessity of upgrading dated technology last year when it transitioned from a Proof of Work to a Proof of Stake protocol in an event known as The Merge. The popularity and success of this upgrade, alongside the numerous options, some of which I described above, show that there are [many alternative avenues for blockchain technology](/news/article/the-future-of-crypto-in-the-next-5-years). This shows that it is imperative that blockchain technology adapts to changing demands. 

Alternatives to Blockchain Technology?

Polkacity is a multi-chain [Metaverse game](/news/article/farming-games-in-metaverse) that allows players to generate a passive income by simply holding NFTs. In the virtual world blockchain game, players can own virtual locations and have a steady passive income. It's native token, POLC, price could be linked to game development.

Each location within the world has actual value in the form of an NFT, which generates income in the form of a POLC token.

## How does it work?

The workings of Polkacity are quite simple. Once registered as a valid player or member of the Polkacity community, you can start buying and investing in assets.

The virtual world has a GTA-esque vibe and operates on the same principle; players can own assets in the form of taxis, gas stations, energy stations, services, and so much more.

Once players pick their preferred asset, they are provided with a contract address. From there, they have to make a deposit to the contract address shared with them. Once payment is made, players can expect to receive payments every week in their wallets.

If you invest in assets like the hotel in the game, you can make big money. Once the game is fully functional, you can expect to receive more than 13,000 POLC tokens in a week with bigger assets.

To elaborate, Polkacity is a hub for investors. The Polkacity price will only increase as the game picks up pace and functions at full capacity. The team at Polkacity uses resources available within the Metaverse, such as DeFi and NFTs, to make it easier for private investors to get the assets they want. In other words, every community member can make a passive income by investing in assets that work best for them.

## How to play Polkacity

Anyone interested in playing Polkacity and being a part of the growing community can access the game through a mobile application or desktop. The game is available to play on both PC and Mac.

The game remains in its beta phase, so new additions and improvements are made daily. As the team at Polkacity works hard to add better controls, new city-wide features, and improved graphics, Polkacity price is expected to go up. On the other hand, players in the Metaverse can already move freely by car, on foot, and by other modes of transportation.
 
The [Polkacity token, POLC, stands at £0.03111](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/polkacity/). The token at the time of writing has a circulating supply of 83,414,352 and its market cap is at £1,771,886.60.


pink image of polkacity logo on image of pink city

Polkacity Price Could Rise as Updates Arrive 

Solice is a virtual reality Metaverse on the Solana blockchain enabling users to engage in activities such as gaming, creating 3D model assets and building mini-games, socialising, and earning money through their virtual experiences.

By supporting multiple platforms, [Solice](https://solice.io/) eliminates the need for users to have the same hardware, software, or operating system. This allows for easy interaction and connection with friends and family, leading to potential rapid growth in the user base.

In this game, players can gather various pets, gemstones, and other collectable items such as NFTs, create assets and mini-games, and construct land plots. Additionally, players can acquire tokens and other unique assets by completing tasks, overcoming challenges in dungeons, and reaching high scores through active involvement and construction in the virtual world.

This VR Metaverse is designed to mimic the flexibility of real life, providing users with a governance mechanism based on a liquid democracy and rules inspired by the real world, which a DAO controls through the Solice native token.

## Earn rewards in the Solice Metaverse

1.	Trade in the Metaverse - The Solice market is an online exchange platform, but it is also working on introducing a marketplace within the [Metaverse](/news/article/burberry-collection-minecraft-metaverse). This feature would enable users to see objects in a 3D VR environment, giving potential buyers a more engaging and personalised experience.

2.	Earn - Users can earn SLC tokens and other rare assets by completing dungeons, mini-games, and quests or by receiving entrance fees for their creations. Additionally, they can earn additional SLC tokens by staking them in the Metaverse.

3.	Create - Solice is introducing a custom editor, an SDK that provides users with a user-friendly way to create, assemble and share 3D models and mini-games. This would be an initiative to empower individual creators by providing them with an intuitive and flexible platform to create whatever they desire. Users can design their 3D models, animate them, and then sell or share them on the marketplace.

## Solice Metaverse secures investment

This VR and cross-platform PC game created in 2021 by Christian Zhang raised $4.3M in funding in a Seed round on 1 December, 2021. The most recent investors were Maven Capital and DeFiance Capital.

Prominent crypto investors Animoca Brands and DeFiance Capital were leading investors in the project, with support from "strategic backers and partners" such as Alameda Research, KuCoin Labs, and others.


Solice: The First Cross-Platform VR Metaverse 

[Shopify](https://www.shopify.com/), one of the most patronized e-commerce platforms globally, has launched a collection of [blockchain commerce tools ](https://cointelegraph.com/news/shopify-launches-suite-of-blockchain-commerce-tools-for-merchants)that aim to improve the NFT user experience of Web3-focused stores housed in its ecosystem, according to a company blog post on 9 February.

Despite many blockchain commerce tools already launched by Shopify, including an expansion of its crypto wallet connects features, the e-commerce platform highlighted token-gating application programming interface (API). According to a designer at Shopify's blockchain team, the tools will help build more token-gating applications for merchants. 

## Shopify NFT merchants can access token gating

Launched in June 2022, token gating confers more value to a [non-fungible token](/news/article/loaded-lions-nft-explained) (NFT) by granting holders of collectibles exclusive access to physical products, content, or community in addition to the [digital token ](/news/article/dingo-crypto-scam-says-security-firm)held in their wallets.

According to Harrison Hosking, the marketing manager for Keak, an NFT wallet tracker, token gating adds utility to NFTs.

With token gating embedded in the platform, Shopify NFT merchants can dictate which token holder they deem valuable to access benefits, NFT drops, and exclusive products. 

Some of the primary benefits of token gating include, but are not limited to, security (due to the verification of NFT ownership through blockchain technology), cost-effectiveness, and buzz around a particular crypto project and the merchant.

Some of token gating's use cases can be highlighted via Shopify and NFT project Doodles, which gives holders exclusive products. Other use cases include Stoner Cats, which gives access to digital content, and Flyfish Club, which gives membership access to project stakeholders.


## When did Shopify NFTs begin? 

Shopify [began supporting](https://www.pymnts.com/news/retail/2021/shopify-will-let-merchants-sell-nfts/) NFT sales in July 2021 with the National Basketball Association (NBA) team Chicago Bulls. It was the first to sell digital collectibles commemorating its world champion rings.

In December 2021, GigLabs announced that it had launched an app for selling NFTs on Shopify. 

In January 2023, many news feeds reported that Shopify merchants can also sell Avalanche NFTs (one of the biggest blockchains by all-time sales volume) through an app called Venly.


Shopify NFT Merchants Get More Tools

One of the newest play-to-earn games is [Monkey Ball](https://www.monkeyleague.io/), which enables its players to create, play, compete and earn. It's native token is MonkeyBucks, but where can you buy the crypto?

[P2E gaming](/news/article/free-play-to-earn-games) was one of the success stories of 2023. As the crypto market experienced its biggest growth year ever, P2E gaming saw its value rise to some $178 billion at its peak. Clearly, this novel blockchain concept was asking to be noticed.

P2E gaming is essentially a video game that allows players to buy, sell, trade, or earn cryptocurrency through several in-game features. While this concept is still in its infancy, many AAA-rated publishing houses have expressed a keen interest in adopting P2E models into established titles, perhaps indicating the future of video gaming.

## ‘Next generation e-sports Metaverse’

Monkey Ball describes itself as a ‘next generation e-sports Metaverse’. Built upon the Solana blockchain, Monkey Ball is a turn-based play-to-earn soccer game designed to be easy to understand yet hard to master.

The native token of the Monkey Ball ecosystem is MonkeyBucks (MBS). As the in-game token, MBS is sure to have high demand as the game continues to grow in popularity. There are six ways players can earn MBS, meaning access to the token is straightforward. 

Once acquired, gamers can use MBS to purchase in-game items or breed new monkeys. Any fees earnt from trading MBS are funnelled back into the ecosystem and ensure that the platform has both longevity and sustainability. As you can see, MBS is certain to grow in value in the next couple of years.

## The P2E gaming concept

P2E gaming can take various forms, from simply trading skins for in-game items to earning through completing scheduled tasks. Rewards are often provided in the native cryptocurrency, or players may trade NFTs via an in-house marketplace.

Local laws drive P2E usage and subsequent adoption, with the Philippines being one of the most popular countries in the world to play. During the lockdown restrictions of 2021, players of P2E favourite Axie Infinity generated some $1.2 billion, leading some players in the Far East to declare it as their main source of income.

## Where to buy Monkey Ball crypto?

Obtaining the Monkey Ball token is a frequently asked question. Due to the project's novelty, there are only seven places where you can legally purchase MBS. Raydium, ByBit, and MexC are the most popular places to obtain the token; however, [a new listing from the Liquid exchange](https://app.liquid.com/exchange/MBSUSDT) is proving popular. This is likely due to the zero fees offered on the MBS/USDT pair.

## ‘Fun first’

As mentioned above, Monkey Ball has some of the largest backers in crypto, including Solana, NfX, and Griffin Ventures. The team behind the project is called Uncaged Studios, which is multi-disciplinary and expert in the field of P2E gaming. The team is [distributed globally](https://www.monkeyleague.io/#team), which helps bring an international feel to the game.

Players can design and create their own NFTs, either in the form of players or stadiums. The platform is an excellent example of high-production value gaming with an emphasis on 'fun first'. All rewards are based on nothing more than skill and achievements, meaning only the most adept of players will reach the top.

There are plenty of additional features slated for 2023, including breeding and stadium design which means the roadmap for the foreseeable future is very healthy indeed.


purple image of monkey ball crypto logo and characters playing football

Where to Buy Monkey Ball Crypto

Nakamoto Games is a leading [play-to-earn (P2E) ecosystem](/news/article/free-play-to-earn-games) built on Polygon, where you can play several blockchain-based games and earn lucrative rewards in the form of the Nakamoto Games coin, NAKA.

The platform also enables developers to launch their P2E blockchain games seamlessly. This guide will dive into everything you MUST know about the gaming platform.

![nakamato.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/nakamato_3d3ddf63a4.png)
  
Source: [Nakamoto Games](https://www.nakamoto.games/)

## Nakamoto Games' market cap
  
At the time of writing, the [Nakamoto Games market cap](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/nakamoto-games) is just over $20,529,042. The NAKA token is currently valued at $0.2837, with a circulating supply of almost 65M tokens and a total/maximum supply of 180M tokens. Having launched in December 2020, it is fair to say that the Polygon-based P2E blockchain ecosystem is still fairly young.

If you want to buy or sell the NAKA token, BitMart is presently the most active crypto exchange. Other cryptocurrency exchanges to buy and sell NAKA include Quickswap and KuCoin.

You can also purchase the crypto asset on the gaming platform itself, via the P2P DEX. That said, we advise against this for three reasons:

•	The price per asset varies wildly – currently, the crypto asset is up for sale at $0.06, $0.2, and $1, respectively, via three separate, verified sellers!

•	We cannot vouch for the security of your funds via a P2P transfer.

•	You may not be able to buy tokens in bulk.

That said, if you opt for the P2P option, ALWAYS purchase via a verified seller – sellers with a verified 'tick' by their wallet address.

## The Nakamoto Games coin

If you are a gamer looking to utilise your skills to earn quick money, this P2E ecosystem is a good start. The platform claims to enable you to “generate a sustainable and sizable income”. Of course, you must be a skilled player to earn NAKA rewards.

The platform allows anyone with a [MetaMask cryptocurrency wallet](/news/article/what-is-metamask) to access a suite of P2E games and compete for eye-catching rewards and weekly prize pools. Mobile support is currently unavailable, and anyone with a Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera browser can access the platform via their desktop device.

The Nakamoto Games coin is at the heart of the ecosystem, providing gamers with the required “fuel” to partake in any game – for example, to acquire ammunition within a shooting game.

All NAKA tokens used within games are pooled into a weekly prize pool, a portion of which is burned (deflationary dynamics). The players who rank highest on the leaderboards for each game will receive rewards from the prize pool. The token also plays a part in ecosystem governance.

Token holders may vote on proposals like the burning of NAKA tokens and the composition of weekly prize pools. The final use case of the cryptocurrency is to incentivise developers to conduct research and development on the platform.

If you want to explore additional earning options, the platform allows players to stake their tokens for 180 days and receive a variable/fixed APR. It also boasts of a decent referral programme – for every friend (gamer) you bring to the platform, you will receive a 3% referral bonus on every game your friend plays.

## What games can you play?

At the moment, you can choose from a truly large suite, including story mode and tournaments. Additionally, if you want to play for fun, without earning rewards in the platform's native token (and spending on NAKA, for starters), the platform provides a selection of free-to-play games as well!
 
Source: Nakamoto Games

It should be noted that free-to-play games reward players too – the top ten gamers daily receive free items as rewards!

There are several gaming categories on the platform, including action, shooting, [NFT games](/news/article/coralcube-nft-game-changer), and sports. Choose a category you prefer, select a game that appeases you, and start playing! Here are the top ten games on the P2E blockchain gaming platform at the time of writing:

1.	BUBBLE SHOOTER.

2.	NIGHT WARRIOR.

3.	TANK BATTLE.

4.	SPOOKY RUN.

5.	ZAKA.

6.	NAKA TD.

7.	NAKA STRIKE (Single Player).

8.	CANDY SHOP.

9.	NAKAR RACING INSANITY.
 
10.	NAKA STRIKE (Multi-Player).
 
We recommend trying story mode games, as they are known to pose a serious challenge and keep you on your toes! Other features on the platform worth exploring include Nakaverse, NAKA Punks, and [Marketplace](/news/article/gamestop-nft-marketplace).

## Nakamoto Games for developers

Much like how developers can launch their applications on the Google Play Store, Nakamoto Games enables developers to deploy their P2E blockchain games onto the platform via the Nakamoto User Base. 

Developers can monetize their games and may earn rewards in the form of the platform's native cryptocurrency for their research and development efforts.

We advise you to review the [platform’s whitepaper](https://main.nakamoto.games/pdf/NAKA-Whitepaper.pdf), all social media platforms, and conduct thorough research before building and launching a game on the platform. The blockchain ecosystem is fairly nascent, has a fascinating tokenomics structure, and could potentially boom in the next bull cycle – that said, as advised already, DYOR!


purple image of nakamoto games blockchain logo

Nakamoto Games: A Premier P2E Ecosystem

Blockchain and cryptocurrency started with the idea of not letting central authorities control our finances. This decentralized anonymous system lets people make a passive income while keeping their identity private. This inspired DRIP Network, enabling token holders to have a consistent passive income that grows over time.

Regular shares and stocks pay out a dividend. This means that once you own a company stock, you can make money as long as the company is turning a profit.

This is the principle on which DRIP aims to work. According to DRIP, it will pay token holders a daily dividend, allowing them to make money/passive income without actually having to do anything.

## What is DRIP Network?

DRIP Network, created by teams led by Forex_Shark and BB, was launched in July 2021. Forex, who has been involved in the crypto space since 2012, is the main developer of DRIP. The total supply of DRIP tokens is capped at 99,999,999.

[The network is based on the DRIP Token](/news/article/drip-token). It is a community that pays token holders 1% of their investment daily, going up to 365% a year.

## DRIP features

•	DRIP Network token - According to the DRIP Network website, the official token of the network, DRIP, is built on the Binance Smart blockchain (BSC) as a BEP-20 token. The token is designed to be scarce, deflationary, and resistant to censorship. Its current value stands at £0.38.

•	Swap - Traditionally, you would have to use exchange platforms such as PancakeSwap to exchange your BNB for DRIP. However, now you can use the DRIP Network website to make the exchange without incurring a 10% fee.

•	DRIP Faucet - The Faucet is a feature on the DRIP Network's website where users can deposit their DRIP. As stated on the website, this feature is a low-risk, high-reward contract that operates in a similar fashion to a high-yield certificate of deposit by providing a daily return on investment of 1% up to a maximum of 365%.

## How does it work?

DRIP token workings are simple - you deposit a pre-decided amount of DRIP into the DRIP Network. The idea here is to start making a passive income that will not only return you your initial deposit, but also turn in a profit after a certain period.

To explain further, let's say you invest £10,000 as your initial deposit. It would take you about 3.5 months to make your deposit back; from there, whatever you make from the rest of the remaining 365 days is yours to keep. In other words, it is pure profit.

## How to get started with DRIP

Let's look at how you can start investing and making a profit with DRIP.

•	Buy BNB - Grab yourself some BNB from places like Coinbase, Kucoin, Binance, [or other wallets](/news/article/best-crypto-wallet-uk-top-picks). Once you've got it, send it over to your Metamask or Trust wallet. Just make sure you're sending it to the Binance Smart Chain.

•	Swap your BNB for DRIP - Once you're on the [DRIP website](https://drip.community/), connect your wallet by clicking on the "Connect Wallet" button on the top right corner of the page. Then go to the swap page by clicking on the "Swap" button. To buy DRIP using BNB, enter the amount of BNB you want to exchange under the "Buy DRIP" section and confirm the transaction. 

Review and approve any smart contract and exchange actions on your wallet before proceeding.

•	Deposit your DRIP - Once you have your desired amount of DRIP tokens, click on the Faucet to go to the Faucet page. You can use this step to put in a referral if you have one. To deposit DRIP, input the desired amount and select "Deposit". 

Be sure to confirm the transaction in your wallet and remember that a 10% tax will be applied and the funds will not be refundable.

After depositing, you will be able to view the following statistics: Available DRIP earned (at a rate of 1% per day), the total value of DRIP deposits, total claimed DRIP, total DRIP earned from team member referrals, and the maximum payout amount based on your deposit and 1% daily earning potential. 

This amount may increase when you reinvest. Your team members will also be visible.

•	Hydrate/Claim - You will see two buttons, "Claim" and "Hydrate". "Claim" allows you to collect your earned rewards. "Hydrate" lets you reinvest your rewards, increasing your earning potential and max payout. This option has a 5% fee and is preferred by users who want a long-term investment.

DRIP, a new type of offering, aims to be sustainable by implementing several features that encourage price stability and discourage large holders from impacting the market.


blue image of drip network logo and blockchain

DRIP Network Explained

Eager to join the Metaverse and want to buy Sandbox land? Here's how.

With virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) becoming integral parts of our lives, individuals and organizations want to be a part of this growing sector. Increased interest in having a presence in the Metaverse led to Facebook rebranding itself as Meta Platforms Inc. In March 2022, banking and financial services company [HSBC](https://cointelegraph.com/news/hsbc-enters-the-sandbox-to-offer-educational-finance-games) entered the Metaverse through The Sandbox, intending to offer educational financial games to its customers.

While the market size of this booming sector is forecast to be worth [$825 billion](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metaverse-market-size-worth--824-53-billion-globally-by-2030-at-39-1-cagr-verified-market-research-301585725.html#:~:text=Metaverse%20Market%20size%20worth%20%24%20824.53,CAGR%3A%20Verified%20Market%20Research%C2%AE) by 2030, how can you buy land from The Sandbox so that you can contribute to the development of this growing industry?

## Buy Sandbox land: What is The Sandbox?

It is an integral part of Metaverse gaming, allowing users to create, distribute, and monetize their in-world goods and gaming experiences. Despite its popularity, The Sandbox does not reside in an independent blockchain. Instead, it is housed on Ethereum.

Engaging with The Sandbox involves experiences such as Play-to-Earn (P2E) and Free-to-Play (F2P). Opportunities on the platform are not limited to just gamers. Creators and landowners also have an equal chance of making passive income from The Sandbox Metaverse.

Many colours can be found on The Sandbox. Each represents the state of LANDs on the platform. GREEN is a symbol of ESTATEs and LANDs that belong to other people. RED represents ESTATEs and LANDs owned by you. YELLOW shows premium LANDs that can be purchased due to their availability. GRAY indicates ESTATEs and LANDs that are available on the market and can be purchased. 

PURPLE denotes ESTATEs and LANDs that you and others have booked. Should you come across BLUE, you should know that it represents ESTATEs and LANDs that have been reserved for Game Maker Fund recipients and partners of The Sandbox.

Now that you know the main tenets of the platform, let us investigate how you can buy land on The Sandbox.

## Buy Sandbox land

To buy virtual properties, you must go through the following steps.

### (1) Create an account on The Sandbox

You cannot buy a piece of virtual real estate if you are not a platform member. You can [sign up](https://www.sandbox.game/en/sign/?redirectTo=%2Fen%2F) directly by connecting your wallet. While many wallets support SAND tokens, such as Ledger, imToken, Coinbase Wallet, TokenPocket, iToken Wallet, Coinomi Wallet, Freewallet, TrustWallet, ABC Wallet, Ambire Wallet, SafePal, and Math Wallet, The Sandbox recommends the use of [MetaMask](/news/article/what-is-metamask). 

Aside from directly signing up with a crypto wallet, you can also create an account using your Google Mail or Facebook details.

You have to FUND your crypto wallet with SAND, the novel token of this Metaverse application. Since the platform is housed on Ethereum, its native asset in the form of Ether (ETH) acts as the base currency that oversees all transactions on the current Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain. Therefore, you need to fund your wallet with ETH as well. With SAND and ETH in your wallet, you can navigate to finding LAND on the menu. 

### (2) LAND selection

Search for the "LAND/MAP" option on your screen. Before you find this, note that there are two main types of LAND in The Sandbox. They are PREMIUM and REGULAR LANDs. Regular Lands can be likened to residential areas where lands are occupied by houses. 

Premium Lands can be compared to the commercial areas of cities where social hubs and the major partners of The Sandbox can be found. Such areas come with relatively higher traffic than regular lands. Premium lands are denoted by YELLOW, while Regular lands are shown in GRAY.

### (3) Buy virtual land

Select the LAND you want to buy. With your crypto wallet containing SAND and ETH, you can buy a virtual land by following the notification messages on your wallet.

## Buy land through OpenSea

As the largest NFT marketplace by volume, you may prefer buying LAND from OpenSea. With this, you can click on [The Sandbox](https://www.sandbox.game/en/) and scroll down until you find BECOME A LAND OWNER. 

Click on BUY LAND and it will redirect you to OpenSea. 

There are [1,253](https://opensea.io/collection/sandbox?search%5bsortAscending%5d=true&search%5bsortBy%5d=UNIT_PRICE&search%5btoggles%5d%5b0%5d=BUY_NOW&search%5btoggles%5d%5b1%5d=ON_AUCTION) Sandbox-related items on the biggest NFT marketplace. Click on the LAND you want to buy, connect your crypto wallet to OpenSea, and make the purchase. 

Since LAND is priced in ETH, you will need to fund that wallet with the primary cryptocurrency of Ethereum. 

## Conclusion

In any investment, you should always weigh the pros against the cons. If the potential rewards from buying LAND from the Sandbox Metaverse outpace the risks, you can invest in the virtual land.

As of 16 January, 2023, total sales stand at more than [$370 million](https://www.cryptoslam.io/the-sandbox) by more than 30,000 buyers involved in over 69,000 transactions.


pink image of sandbox land map and sandbox logo

Buy Sandbox Land - A Simple Guide

After a last-minute change of heart, it is a question challenging many in the last couple of months – just when is the Shibarium release date?

A series of delays towards the end of last year means that the release date for this eagerly awaited Ethereum scaling solution has remained a mystery. New evidence has shown that, finally, we may be moving closer toward the launch of this long-awaited 'layer 2 scaling solution'.

## ‘Layer 2 scaling solution'

Shibarium is a [layer 2 scaling solution](https://crypto.com/university/what-are-layer-2-scaling-solutions) built on top of the [Ethereum](/news/article/ethereum-merge) network. It is designed to facilitate the Shiba Inu ecosystem. In theory, this should provide thousands of users access to the myriad Ethereum-enabled applications.

Layer 2 solutions take advantage of the vast security and infrastructure benefits of layer 1 blockchains while ultimately providing cheaper and faster transactions. They achieve this by 'sitting on top' of layer 1s and using technical innovations like Roll-ups and Federated Side Chains to increase transaction times while reducing gas fees.

This helps to take pressure off a main chain while continuing to provide access to its benefits. Close association with Ethereum allows users of layer 2 scaling solutions like Shibarium access to the massive DeFi ecosystem on the world's second largest blockchain.

## Immediate benefit

What can we expect when the Shibarium release date is finally decided? It goes without question that Shibarium is one of the most highly anticipated projects to be launched in the Shiba Inu ecosystem. But just what will its launch mean in real terms?

Let's look at some of the immediate benefits.

Firstly, and most importantly, the successful launch of Shibarium will mean much lower transaction fees for those looking to develop applications on the platform. The high gas fees associated with the Ethereum blockchain are well documented. They are often a barrier to entry for those looking to get into crypto. Scaling solutions such as Shibarium promise to be much cheaper to use without losing the security benefits of the Ethereum blockchain. This is a massive draw for any developers looking to build.

Due to the [blockchain trilemma](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/what-is-the-blockchain-trilemma), speed is often sacrificed at the expense of security. That means peak period transactions across Ethereum can slow to as little as 30 transactions per second. Because scaling solutions such as Shiberium do not access the main chain, transactions can reach into the thousands and provide much-needed scalability when it is needed the most.

This combination of cheaper and faster transactions is irresistible to developers looking to take advantage of Ethereum's stability and security. Indeed, the latest data shows that decentralised gaming application developers, such as those behind Shiba Eternity, are beginning to realise that this promising layer 2 solution provides everything they are looking for.

The successful rollout of Shibarium is sure to present more opportunities for the burning of the SHIB token, which will come as a great relief to holders of the coin. With 500 TRILLION tokens at its launch, many industry experts believe this high number is unfavourable to any future price gain. Consequently, Shibarium is expected to feature several burn mechanisms contributing to the drop in circulating supply.

With plans to launch a Metaverse project also in the pipeline, Shibarium is surely one of the projects to keep a close eye on in 2023.

The native token of the project, $BONE, has been democratically distributed by its anonymous creator Ryoshi. Like most other layer 2 solutions, node operators across the network will be rewarded in BONE for validating and processing transactions. With a circulating supply of 230 million tokens, BONE has every opportunity to be a highly tradable coin.

## Project release date - ‘close’

At the time of writing, the Shibarium release date is still unclear. However, as we are all aware, the world of crypto is unpredictable and anything can happen.

That said, the creators behind the project, Unification Foundation, are keen to get the ball rolling. An October 2022 [Twitter post](https://twitter.com/ShytoshiKusama/status/15869099) by Lead Developer Shytoshi Kusama highlighted the team's insistence on doing 'one thing at a time'.

As far as we can tell, the project has completed an internal alpha testnet phase before a public testnet phase which shows that the project release date is 'close'. It is thought that one of the key components of the project is the development of a secure and efficient wallet function. Getting this element correct is something that cannot be rushed.


blue image of shiba inu dogs smiling with shibarium shiba coin in centre

Shibarium Release Date Update

As non-fungible tokens (NFTs) continue to make waves, the possibilities of the digital and physical world colliding have grown with augmented reality.

Augmented reality tokens have grown in popularity since the metaverse boom. Creators have found a bridge between the immersive technologies of augmented reality and NFTs.

## What is augmented reality?

Commonly called AR, augmented reality is an interactive experience that enhances real-world objects through computer-generated information.

AR helps creators enrich their works by allowing technologically creative ways to exhibit and give context to digital artwork.

## What are augmented reality tokens?

NFTs transform AR experiences and make them verifiable assets. These tokens are Proof-of-Ownership tokens attached to digital assets on the [blockchain](/news/article/what-is-blockchain). 
These tokens are unique and not interchangeable, making the owner the sole possessor of the digital media.

These tokens have different use cases depending on the augmented reality intended by the creator. The most popular use cases are in art, gaming, and e-commerce.
In art, NFTs are pivotal to allowing artists to sell digital assets stored on the blockchain. AR allows NFT collectors to experience digital art in creative ways.

In gaming, play-to-earn (P2E) has grown popular in the past few years. Augmented reality tokens allow players to acquire in-game assets and cryptocurrency. Players can experience their in-game assets through AR, making the game more immersive and the narrative more compelling.

## Benefits of AR Tokens

### Use cases:

Augmented reality tokens add physical elements to digital assets. Users can distinguish themselves in the Metaverse with AR avatars, and creators can engage directly with fans.

They also serve as native tokens on different platforms. The tokens can be used to purchase features, in-game assets, and services.

### Passive source of income:

AR tokens allow creators to earn royalties on every transaction. Collectors can also own tokens that can be traded and surge in price.

## What are some popular AR Tokens?

If you intend to invest in AR tokens, you need to buy the project's tokens to be able to participate in their ecosystem. Here are some top-performing projects you should consider.

### 1.	Mossland: 
According to [CoinGecko](https://www.coingecko.com/en/categories/augmented-reality), in the last seven days, [Mossland](https://www.moss.land/en) has remained the top AR token. Open-source Metaverse platform Mossland is a place where users can buy and sell digital/offline goods, collect points, and play mini-games.

The Mossland Metaverse token is the Moss coin (MOC). This token is used for Mossland's entertainment services that mirror the real world.

### 2.	Somnium Space: 
This is an augmented reality world built on the Ethereum blockchain. On [Somnium Space](https://somniumspace.com/), users can buy land, build or import NFTs, explore, and trade.

The native token of the platform is CUBE, an ERC-20 token. CUBE can be used to purchase land and pay for services on the Somnium platform.

### 3.	Over the Reality (OVER): 
Built on the Ethereum and Polygon blockchains, OVER is a seamless bond of the physical and digital worlds. The platform allows users to own digital real estate and supports AR capabilities like AI avatars and realistic NFT assets. The OVR token serves as the platform's native token.

## Conclusion

While no one can predict the future, it appears augmented reality tokens will be part of what the [Metaverse](/news/article/how-to-invest-in-metaverse) looks like in its final form.


pink image of AR visualisation of 3d bitcoin token

Augmented Reality Tokens Explained 

Despite the crypto market's downturn, new platforms are still making big moves and adding value to the Web3 scene. STEPN adds value with its innovative app that tracks a user's physical activity and helps users earn rewards. The [STEPN app](https://stepn.com/) and community are powered by the Green Metaverse token, which serves as its governance token.

The platform launched in late 2021, and its user base skyrocketed in the first few months of 2022. As a result, its governance token, GMT, grew in value and became a coin worth purchasing for crypto traders looking for promising projects. Let's review the STEPN ecosystem and how to get the Green Metaverse token.

## The lifestyle app

STEPN aims to connect millions to a healthier lifestyle, aid in the fight against climate change, and connect the public to Web 3.0 via built-in [Game-Fi ](/news/article/what-is-gamefi) and Social-Fi elements. The platform was developed on the Solana blockchain by Jerry Huang and Yawn Rong, who designed it as a "[move-to-earn](/news/article/blockchain-use-cases)" app and finished fourth out of more than 500 applications at the [Solana Ignition Hackathon](https://solana.com/news/solana-ignition-hackathon-winners).

The app's distinct value is "incentivisation", which distinguishes it from other fitness platforms. Users are motivated to exercise and participate in physical activities because they will be rewarded for doing so.

The first step to using the platform is purchasing NFT sneakers from its marketplace. Users are expected to buy a sneaker appropriate for one of four types of activity. It's also worth noting that STEPN tokens are earned when a user's speed falls within the range of the activity they choose. That is, the NFT sneaker for running will not earn STEPN tokens if used to walk.

Users will first receive the game's utility token, the Green Satoshi token (GST). Once their sneakers reach level 30, they will be able to earn the GMT governance token.

## What is the Green Metaverse token?

The Green Metaverse token powers the STEPN ecosystem as the governance token. Users begin by earning GST, which can be used to level up sneakers, open mystery boxes, and upgrade rewards.

GMT will allow users to advance to new levels, increase GST earnings, and vote on business decisions that directly affect STEPN's future. GMT has a fixed supply of 6 billion coins, with only 10% in circulation. It should be noted that approximately one-third of Green Metaverse tokens can be obtained through "move-to-earn" rewards.

If you want to buy GMT, you can do so on OKX, Bybit, CoinTiger, and Binance. Green Metaverse tokens can also be purchased with Bitcoin or Ethereum. Users can also trade GMT by signing up for STEPN and reaching the app's set milestone.

Through its move-to-earn model, the STEPN app aims to promote a healthier and more environmentally friendly way of life. Because of the incentivization concept, GMT has become a solid investment in the eyes of crypto investors.

green image of metaverse with stepn token logo in centre

Green Metaverse token: A guide to STEPN

The importance of a sustainable future cannot be overstated.

As society evolves, more conscious efforts toward sustainability are being made, with the rise of environmental, social, and governance initiatives by leading corporations worldwide. How can features of blockchain technology support this?

According to a recent statistic, the G20 countries will raise more than [$97 trillion](https://www.g20-insights.org/policy_briefs/fostering-sustainable-global-growth-green-finance-role-g20/) over the next decade and a half to accelerate sustainability efforts. Raising awareness of global social and economic inequality, as well as developing effective governance frameworks to address these issues, is critical. 

Private investments in climate-related projects are increasing, with one [hedge fund](https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottcarpenter/2020/07/04/hedge-fund-marshall-wace-will-bet-on-esg-stocks-with-new-1-billion-fund/?sh=520d75dc97de) betting $1 billion on ESG stocks in 2020.

One thing to remember is that sustainable development necessitates collaboration with the finance sector. With blockchain technology emerging as the future, decentralized finance will also play a role in constructing a sustainable future. How can features of blockchain technology support sustainability efforts? This article answers that and how the tech can solve various pain points associated with ESG initiatives.

## What is blockchain technology?

[According to Amazon](https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/blockchain/#:~:text=Blockchain%20technology%20is%20an%20advanced,linked%20together%20in%20a%20chain.), blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows for the openness and transparency of transactions within a business network. 

[Blockchain](/news/article/what-is-blockchain) technology uses a distributed ledger system, which allows a group of participants to reach an agreement without needing a third party. Blockchain technology is considered the new era of digital innovation because it is the basis of the next generation of the internet, Web3, and replaces traditional finance with decentralized finance. 

## Features include:

### Immutability

Immutability means that transactions, once registered on the blockchain, cannot be altered and is permanent. This is an essential feature of blockchain technology that enforces transparency and trust.

### Decentralization

Decentralization in blockchain involves distributing governing authority amongst different participants rather than a central entity. This promotes fairness and enhances the security of the blockchain. It is another vital feature that enables trust, openness, and transparency.

### Consensus

Blockchain technology relies on several consensus mechanisms to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of stored data. Consensus algorithms establish rules about consent for recording transactions.

How can features of blockchain support sustainability efforts?
Blockchain technology, among other things, can be a valuable tool in mitigating environmental issues such as climate change and carbon emissions. There are various ways in which blockchain technology can play an important role in boosting sustainability initiatives, especially ESG, such as:

### Supply Chain: 

Blockchain tech can improve supply chain traceability. 

Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger technology that can protect critical company data from attack because data is stored in a decentralized manner. This has a wide range of applications in the food industry. Demand for ethically sourced products has grown, particularly in the food industry. 

Users can use blockchain technology to trace these products' supply chains and determine whether they are safe to consume. As a result, blockchain enhances the environment for suppliers, transporters, distributors, and retailers by making supply chains more efficient.

### Combating Climate Change:

With blockchain technology, renewable energy can be expanded, reducing carbon emissions. Companies can offset their carbon footprint using blockchain by investing in environmentally sustainable projects. Crypto donations are now being accepted by the Carbon Offsets to Alleviate Poverty organization.

### Renewable Energy:

Using blockchain to manage renewable energy production is an excellent way to increase efficiency and reduce costs. The blockchain system promotes collaboration between utility companies and customers, and blockchain technology improves distributed energy production. The market can allocate production and use alternative types of energy.

## Final Thoughts

How can features of blockchain technology support sustainability efforts? These examples are just a few of the many ways the tech can help. With the incorporation of blockchain technology in ESG initiatives, more sustainable infrastructure can be put in place, improving the overall social outcomes of ESG initiatives. Furthermore, blockchain tech can be used to enhance governance frameworks and sustain value by providing transparency and verification processes. 

Blockchain technology is expected to become a mainstay in ESG initiatives, spawning more creative applications due to this integration.


yellow image of eco friendly hand holding leaves

How Can Features of Blockchain Support Sustainability Efforts? 

In the latest MATIC news, Polygon announced a [hard fork event](/news/article/cardano-hard-fork) in a [blog post on 12 January](https://polygon.technology/blog/hardfork-incoming-upgrading-polygon-pos-chain-to-boost-performance), following weeks of [preliminary debate](https://forum.polygon.technology/t/pre-pip-discussion-addressing-reorgs-and-gas-spikes/10623/5) on the Improvement Proposal (PIP) forum page in late December.
  
The hard fork is set for Block >= 38,189,056. A centralised, single actor will not initiate it. Network validators must update their nodes before the designated block, which they are already doing.

It is reported that the Polygon hard fork, which has now been confirmed, will solve gas spikes and chain reorganisation issues that have hampered user experience on the Polygon Proof-of-Stake (PoS) chain.

## Polygon MATIC news - Votes in favour of increasing base fees 

87% of the governance team's 15 votes approved raising the base fee change denominator function from 8 to 16 to prevent gas cost spikes and decreasing the sprint length function from 64 blocks to 16 to solve the chain reorganisation problem. 
88. 
The team said that cutting sprint duration will enhance transaction finality, allowing a single block producer to add blocks continually at a frequency of 32 seconds rather than the present interval of 128 seconds.

## Polygon MATIC news - Number of blocks not affected

Since this adjustment does not affect the total time or number of blocks produced by a validator, they noted that overall rewards would not change.

When a block is erased from the blockchain to create a place for a new one, it creates a chain reorganisation to make room for the more recent longer chain; all node operators have the exact copy of the ledger. However, if the blocks are to be reorganised, it must be done as quickly as feasible because it raises the risk of a 51% attack. The team has verified that token holders and delegators would be unaffected by the hard fork and that applications will not be impacted. 

[MATIC](/news/article/matic-price-prediction) is trading at $0.977, up 13.6% since the company announced the news on 12 January.


blue image of fork in road with polygon MATIC logo in centre

MATIC News: Polygon hard fork announced

Bloktopia is a decentralised Metaverse that provides an unprecedented VR experience for the crypto community.

It brings users together in one immersive and engaging environment. [Bloktopia](https://www.bloktopia.com/) is built and backed by Polygon.

Bloktopians are those who own tokens. It is a 21-story skyscraper built to honour the 21 million Bitcoins. It serves as a primary focus for all levels of crypto expertise. For the first time, consumers can obtain crypto knowledge and immersive multimedia in one location. 

## Bloktopia's ecosystem

The ecosystem of Blocktopia is primarily made up of $BLOK, the Metaverse's native currency. Players can use $BLOK to acquire land assets and advertisement rights, granting users ownership of $REBLOK and $ADBLOK tokens.

## $BLOK

$BLOK is an ERC-20 token and Bloktopia's native cryptocurrency, with a maximum supply of 199.87 billion tokens. Only 15% of the fungible tokens are now in circulation, but this figure will likely climb by the end of the year's fourth quarter.

$BLOK serves as the Metaverse's utility token and will be required for various in-game functions. $BLOK tokens are needed for everything from purchasing NFTs from vendors on the floor to attending elite clubs. Similarly, purchasing land from portals requires users to spend $BLOK tokens to transfer ownership of a specific land tract.

The $BLOK coin can be purchased via various [cryptocurrency exchanges](/news/article/huobi-exchange-who-owns-it), including QuickSwap, KuCoin, Hotbit, and many others. 

## $REBLOK

The purchase of real estate in Bloktopia is known as Reblok. 

Following the BLOK token distribution event, Bloktopians can purchase real estate (TGE). Bloktopians can speculate on the property and either resell for a profit or lease it for passive income prospects because real estate will be a valued commodity within Bloktopia.

## $ADBLOK

Bloktopia takes advantage of emerging technology and the notion of [virtual](/news/article/nft-land) land to allow prominent companies to market their products in front of a large audience. Advertising for large brands worldwide will earn significant cash within the Metaverse, and $REBLOK owners are urged to lend digital screens for advertising reasons.

Users can purchase $ADBLOK to receive a portion of the revenue generated by advertising. Bloktopia will collaborate with tier-1 brands to publicise their content. Any income earned by advertising for these brands will be shared with $ADBLOK holders.

## How to earn with Bloktopia

The Metaverse aims to allow its members to use their creative abilities and innovative approaches to entertain others while offering avenues for monetary gain. Fortunately, Bloktopia provides attractive chances for its members to use and earn real-world money while contributing to the massive market cap.

## Play-to-earn games

Bloktopia has a wealth of [play-to-earn](/news/article/best-farm-games-2022) (P2E) games that allow players to earn money from the Metaverse through in-game prizes. Players can earn valuable rewards through fungible and non-fungible tokens by engaging in gameplay and accomplishing various tasks and objectives throughout the central hub.

## Virtual enterprise

The 21-story skyscraper allows interested people to own a shop on any level and provide unique services. Landowners can use the space to start virtual enterprises selling [NFTs](/news/article/moonray-nft-gaming-platform) and other in-demand services. Significant brands are opening virtual stores in the Metaverse to display brand messaging and promotions and sell branded NFTs on the marketplace.

## ADBLOK purchase

Bloktopians can earn passive income through advertising revenue sharing by purchasing ADBLOK tokens using the native NFT gateway. The developers will share the cash made by displaying adverts on numerous ad screens across the Metaverse if they purchase ADBLOK. The more impressions an advertisement receives, the more revenue is made.

## Team

Bloktopia is powered by [Polygon](/news/article/moonray-nft-gaming-platform), with Animoca Brands, Magnus Capital, Jake Paul, and BullPerks as critical partners.

Ross Tavakoli is the project's founder. His extensive knowledge in the crypto sector and retail investment gave him an advantage in the nascent market, as did his vision for Bloktopia.

Paddy Carrol is a co-founder, and his marketing knowledge makes him an asset to the Bloktopia team.

Libby Rothwell, the commercial director in charge of developing commercial relationships, and Simon Benson, the project's technical lead, also offered their talents and time to the project.

## Current price

The current price of $BLOK is US$0.002267, with a 24-hour trading volume of $591,983. The circulating supply of $BLOK is 17.54bn $BLOK, with a maximum supply of 199.87bn. It has gained 0.21% in the previous 24 hours. It is now -2.83% off its seven-day high of $0.002333 and 5.82% off its seven-day low of $0.002142.

## Conclusion

It is early days, but with each project update, more content and in-game settings are introduced, making the Metaverse more enjoyable. Bloktopia is now one of the most popular live Metaverses built on cryptocurrency, with many active users.


pink image of metaverse scene with blocktopia logo overlayed in pink

Bloktopia Metaverse- A Guide

Whether you're new to Helium and HNT staking or a seasoned professional, you can use several tips and tricks to improve your staking experience. Here's a brief guide of things you should know before you begin.

## HNT staking explained

### Become a validator to stake HNT: 

[Helium staking is the process of staking coins and crypto](https://www.helium-staking.com/). The amount of money a validator earns depends on the initial stake. The minimum staking amounts vary by coin, but can go as low as tens of thousands of dollars. The amount of rewards for earning also varies by the total supply of HNT in circulation.

You can stake multiple validators to increase your chances of earning. You can also stake different types of cryptocurrencies. There are two basic types of staking: partial and full. Generally, [a full staker retains all earnings minus the operational costs](/news/article/crypto-lending). However, a partial staker can split the stake with other validators in the Vanager network.

A validator node is a beefy cloud computer that performs consensus group. It adds new blocks to the blockchain and checks transactions. It also maintains the shared network state and helps keep the network secure. You can get a validator node started by staking 10,000 HNT. Then, you'll need to install the node software in a suitable environment.

To earn rewards, a validator must be online and perform consensus group work. HNT staking rewards are paid out every 30 blocks and a validator node is rewarded for stability and security. There are a few penalties for failing to participate in the consensus group.

If a validator is not in contact with the network for a period of time, the reward is slashed. The maximum penalty is five months. Then, they can participate in the Consensus Group again after the same amount of time.

For those looking to earn passive income, you can also invest in an unstaking validator. These are great ways to support the network without staking.

### Transition to Proof of Stake

Using crypto-economic incentives, Helium (HNT) incentivizes participants to build Internet of Things (IoT) networks. The network is secured by Helium's blockchain, and hotspots provide service to IoT devices.

In the past months, there has been a significant MoM increase in the number of hotspots on the network. These operators are using consumer-grade hotspot hardware and basic internet connections.

Helium uses the Proof of Coverage protocol to validate hotspot locations. This allows the network to operate securely across distributed operators. In addition, it distributes rewards to HNT holders. 

These rewards are then sent to verify transactions.


blue image of hnt helium token over trading statistics

HNT Staking and Maximizing Returns

The festive season always springs a surprise or two, the latest of which is the ~30% price surge of [NEAR Protocol (NEAR)](/news/article/near-protocol) since the turn of the calendar year. This, of course, coincides with the spectacular ~5,000% rise in the price of Solana's newly-launched dog coin, Bonk (BONK), in ONE WEEK – yes, you read that right!

## NEAR Protocol price statistics

To put things into perspective, NEAR was priced at a low of $1.24 on 1 January, 2023 and a high of $1.62 on 5 January, 2023. That is a substantial price growth of around 30%.
  
![Screenshot 2023-01-05 at 10.56.10.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_01_05_at_10_56_10_661f860110.png)

Source: [Coingecko](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/near)

If we look at NEAR Protocol's price increase over the last 24 hours (at the time of writing), the cryptocurrency has advanced by more than 10%. While $1.62 is nowhere near the crypto token's all-time high of $20.44 (16 January, 2022), the signs are positive, as [NEAR Protocol](https://near.org/) (yes, we are talking about the blockchain on this occasion) is a highly-valued ecosystem with a plethora of projects building on it.

There are as many as 750 active projects and 125 [DAOs](/news/article/ice-dao) on the blockchain. These include the likes of Aurora, Octopus Network, Ref Finance, Arweave, The Graph, TenK DAO, and more.

Well, you may not have heard of these projects before or delved into the intricacies of the blockchain ecosystem. Here is why you SHOULD NOT be sleeping on the latest NEAR Protocol price surge.

## The latest NEAR Protocol price jump is only the start

The blockchain ecosystem’s goal is to [build the open web](/news/article/near-protocol-partner-with-google-cloud) together and provide projects building on it with all feasible support.

This includes strong venture support with more than $120M awarded already, a robust technical base, a vibrant community of in excess of 550k members, collaboration through DAOs, local presence through regional hubs, and several Web3 career opportunities (150+ active openings at the time of writing).

The DApps on the blockchain serve several use cases, including DeFi, [NFTs](/news/article/nft-farming-explained), and community (do try Sweatcoin!).

Finally, if you are a Web3 developer looking to make a mark in the space, explore the blockchain. You can build projects using JavaScript or Rust, take advantage of its dev tools, and utilise extensive documentation to good effect. All with fantastic customer support, at a low cost and high speed, with effortless scale.

The Web3 ecosystem is here to stay (DYOR fam!).


green iamge of crypto coins being traded with near protocol coin in the centre

NEAR Protocol 30% Price Jump Just the Start

Free play to earn games are hard to find. Here are some recommendations which will make your life easier.

Play to earn (P2E) games gained traction during the Crypto Summer of '21. Covid restrictions were one of the major factors behind the massive adoption of this trend. People were locked in their houses and had little or nothing to do. P2E games allowed them to generate income while doing simple tasks on their mobile or tablets. Games like StepN gave them a way to generate income by just walking and running around.

When the market got hit by the bear storm, P2E projects were among the first to suffer. Many projects went down. Even established names found it hard to survive. Axie Infinity faced a significant number of bumps during its journey, like token hacks and bridge exploits (Ronin). But even after all these adverse developments, we can't deny that it has a leader in the P2E trend.

When the tides went low, we learned who the good swimmers were. Here, we list some of the projects still building in the P2E space.

If you've been using Dapps for long enough, you must be aware of the lack of innovation on the UI/UX side of things. User experience in the Web3 space is still something we need to improve upon, a lot. This despite there being teams that have worked hard to deliver a solid MVP.

This article looks at projects that are determined to deliver a AAA gaming experience to the players. These free play to earn games include elements that mean you can participate without a purchase, as well as paid upgrades.
 
## 1.  Riot Racers - Racing in the Metaverse

This is a racing simulation game hosted on Polygon Blockchain. Every asset in its environment is available to buy or rent, from cars to drivers to racetracks. One has to select their racing style from six available options. You select a strategy based on the weather and track on which you will be racing. One has to select a driver and car before a race, too. These can be bred separately to bring new offspring. The offspring have capabilities and skill sets according to their parents.

There are two types of races - free races payout the top three finishers with RIOT tokens. Payouts for the Paid races are significantly higher. Users can rent their assets, like cars, gas stations, race tracks, and mechanic shops. One can earn income just by holding a car and 100 RIOT tokens. This is more like staking rewards to loyal holders of the ecosystem.

While they are still improving many other game features, the focus should be that they are still constantly building in the bear market. That's what matters. The game definitely brings in a lot of new concepts. One such outlier would be the free-to-rent concept; cars and drivers can be rented for free before a race. A part of the rewards generated from the winnings then gets distributed to the assets owner. To sum it up, it's a nice engaging game with decent graphics and a good enough learning curve to keep players engaged for longer.
 
## 2.  Splinterlands - Blockchain Card Game

A card game originally built on the STEEM blockchain, it forked to the HIVE blockchain and has been running on that since. The game may seem a little boring at first, especially with the limited map selection and hands-on combat simulation. But once you reach a rank with more cards to play and special rules for battles, the game becomes more exciting. Even if you're just a casual player, don't miss your chance to lend your cards for passive income or keep them for SPS airdrops!

Although technically a free play to earn game, this has a pay to win element. Having higher-level creatures can make a big difference in the game's outcome. The more awards you earn and the higher your rank, the more rewards you get! It's possible to rent your way to the top of the lower-tier leaderboards while building your own collection.

Like every project, there were some hiccups in the path of Splinterlands. There was a land sale organised in the Fall of 2020. Since then, landowners have patiently held onto their land NFTs, waiting for the first iteration of land gameplay to arrive. The Splinterlands team now has a group dedicated to developing land features. Details and a possible beta are expected later this year. The team holds weekly town hall meetings to gather updates, news, and questions from the audience. The hype is expected to soar once land gameplay gets released.
 
## 3.  Arc8

GAMEE, one of the most reputed development houses, has developed the Arc8 app, a high-engagement mobile esports gaming platform. The full version of the app was released in late October 2021, with 11 play-to-earn games. These mini-games are skill-based, so players who prefer to earn passively from idle play should look somewhere else. With a range of games to choose from, the gameplay is varied and conveniently housed in one mobile app.

Arc8's platform facilitates newcomers looking to make money by participating in crypto games. As one of the few free play to earn games around, it lets you play and practice for free, and even earn tokens in sponsored tournaments.
The Arc8 platform uses GAMEE tokens (GMEE), a fungible ERC-20 utility token launched on the Ethereum blockchain. It is also bridged to the Polygon and Binance smart chains.

GMEE can be earned by participating in tournaments that have been sponsored and winning 1v1 matches against other players. It can be used to purchase in-game NFT 'G-Bot' on the Arc8 Marketplace. The Arc8 app's built-in wallet will hold your earned GMEE tokens. They can also be transferred to external wallets that support the Polygon network.

You can also earn credits to hone your skills in practice mode and participate in tournaments where you can earn GMEE. Credits are earned by playing games, completing daily tasks, and creating game series. According to the app, free credits can be claimed up to four times daily.

Now that you know how to locate some of the best free play to earn games, there are a few more pointers that we would like to add. This space is filled with gimmicky builders and for newcomers, it could be a pain of a task to get hooked to a sustainable project. But fret not. We're here to get you through these obstacles. Here are three established projects which will make your metaverse journey smoother.
 
## The Three Pioneers of Blockchain Gaming

### The Sandbox - Best metaverse

It's an interconnected world of varying experiences. Land plots of multiple sizes are available to buyers, and then used to deploy various creations. They have an in-game builder to achieve this. Know more about [Sandbox](/news/article/sandbox-games).

### Axie Infinity - The most popular P2E game

It's the most popular game ever built on blockchain. It includes breeding, collecting, and battling characters named Axies, which are used to explore the World of Lunacia. Read our detailed review [here](/news/article/axie-infinity-coin).

### God's Unchained - Best card game

This one is a fantasy-based trading card game built on the Ethereum blockchain. It's free to play and an easy game to get hooked on. [Find more details](https://www.esports.net/crypto/games/gods-unchained/#:~:text=Gods%20Unchained%20is%20your%20traditional,tradable%20on%20Immutable%20X%20Marketplace.).



Free Play to Earn Games: Who Makes the Best?