FAM Newsletter #19 8/19/2024 - MedevalFyre

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week’s edition of the FAM newsletter! We’re diving into a high-level overview of Illuvium's dynamic economy, breaking down how its interconnected game modes and tokenomics create a thriving ecosystem for players and investors alike. Alongside this, we'll be providing you with the latest updates within the FAM guild, highlighting the exciting developments and improvements we've been making to ensure an even better experience for our community. Finally, we're proud to spotlight a special FAM guild member, MedevalFyre, who will share his remarkable journey through the world of Web3 and crypto gaming. Get ready for another week packed with insightful updates and inspiring stories!

Let’s Talk Illuvium: Illuvium Economy Explained

Illuvium's tokenomics and economy are intricately designed to create a seamless integration of gameplay, NFTs, and decentralized finance (DeFi), providing players with a unique and engaging experience in the Web3 gaming space. At the core of Illuvium's economy is the ILV token, which serves multiple roles, including governance, staking, and in-game transactions. The economy is designed to incentivize both participation and long-term investment, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that rewards players for their contributions. The game's different modes—Overworld, Zero, and Arena—are interconnected, each contributing to the broader economic system in a way that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

In Illuvium's Overworld, players engage in a third-person shooter experience where they explore various regions, capturing Illuvials—unique creatures that are minted as NFTs. These Illuvials can be used to build teams for further exploration or participation in other game modes. In addition to capturing Illuvials, players can gather in-game items and resources, which can be crafted into NFTs. These crafted items are essential for capturing more powerful Illuvials and progressing through the game. The Overworld serves as the entry point for players to acquire assets that are not only valuable within the game but also hold real-world value as NFTs, which can be traded on the marketplace.

Illuvium Zero, the land-based component of the game, allows players to own and manage land plots where they can produce resources crucial for other game modes, particularly Overworld. Landowners can extract and refine resources, find blueprints, and scan for Illuvials, all of which are essential for crafting items and traveling to different stages in Overworld. The resources produced in Zero are integral to the Illuvium economy, as they fuel the activities in Overworld, making land ownership a key strategic element in the game. The interdependence between Zero and Overworld ensures that both modes are vital to a player's success and progression.

The Arena mode is where players can showcase their collection of Illuvials and the synergies they've developed within their team. The Arena is an auto-battler mode where strategy and team composition play a significant role in determining the outcome of battles. Participating in the Arena requires resources, which players can obtain from Zero or Overworld, creating a continuous loop of resource gathering, crafting, and battling. The Arena provides an opportunity for players to test their strategies, earn rewards, and potentially increase the value of their Illuvials through victories and achievements.

The ILV token is the backbone of Illuvium's economic model, with several ways players can leverage it within the ecosystem. Players can stake ILV tokens to earn rewards, participate in governance decisions through the Illuvium DAO, and use the token for in-game transactions. The marketplace, where players can buy and sell NFTs, uses Ethereum as the primary currency, with ILV playing a secondary role. This dual-currency system ensures liquidity and flexibility within the marketplace, allowing players to trade their assets efficiently. The connection between the different game modes and the ILV token creates a cohesive economy where every action and asset has value, whether in gameplay or the broader market.

In summary, Illuvium's economy is a complex and interconnected system where each game mode—Overworld, Zero, and Arena—plays a critical role in driving the overall economic activity. The ILV token is central to this system, providing players with multiple ways to engage with the game and the broader Illuvium ecosystem. By tying together the in-game activities with real-world value through NFTs and DeFi elements, Illuvium has created an innovative economy that offers both entertainment and financial opportunities for its players. The seamless integration of these components ensures that the Illuvium economy is not only sustainable but also dynamic, continuously evolving as the game and its community grow.

FAM Guild Activities Update

FAM RENTALS ARE BACK! Headed up by our Community Manager, ExoticMTG, FAM is back to offering rentals to our members! While marketplace discounts are currently deactivated, we will be offering up to 10% discount on initial postings for all inventory (while supplies last). Please be mindful of the rules — you can read all the rules for rentals in the #fam-guild-rentals channel. Take advantage of these low market prices with an additional 10% off while the opportunity is still here!

The FAM Stream Team continues to offer 24/7 content for all Web3 games! If you're interested in learning more about BigTime or any of the other FAM favorites, visit a FAM streamer live; you can find who is streaming now at https://famguild.com. They are ready to answer your questions and share in the journey providing you with immediate access to play, quality insights, and shared experiences in all aspects of Web3 gaming.

The current list of FAM discord channels dedicated to supporting our favorite Web3 projects* includes BigTime, BOSSFIGHTERS, Illuvium, Off The Grid, Lumiterra, MetalCore, XOCIETY, World Shards, UNIOVERSE, Shrapnel, Hunters On Chain, Nyan Heroes, Guild of Guardians, Seraph, Night Crows, and Entropia.
*Note: We have game leaders within each of these spaces; if you would like to know more information about any of these games, start the conversation in any of the dedicated channels!

Always stay up to date by visiting our continuously improving website (https://famguild.com), watching the FAM Stream Team (broadcasting 24/7 on Twitch), and being a part of the FAM discord.

Spotlight FAM Community Member: MedevalFyre

MedevalFyre’s entrance into Web3 and crypto gaming is a tale of curiosity turned passion, beginning with an unexpected encounter during a Twitch stream. His first brush with NFTs came through a game called 'Marbles on Stream,' where he was captivated by the idea of customizing his in-game marble. “Something about it grabbed me when I saw that you could edit the skins/effects of my marble,” he recalls, highlighting the initial spark that led him down the rabbit hole. His competitive spirit drove him to grind the leaderboard, which eventually led to his first significant NFT acquisition—a Genesis NFT from Marbles. This experience set the stage for a deeper dive into the world of digital assets, as a chance encounter in a Twitch raid introduced him to 'Blankos Block Party,' where he connected with key figures like Captain_Atariman and Jcluster. “I stuck around, played in a tournament, and ended up winning a Head5 NFT,” he shares, marking the beginning of his full immersion into the Web3 gaming space.

The concept of true ownership in gaming was a revolutionary idea for MedevalFyre, who had been deeply embedded in the traditional gaming industry for over a decade. Having worked as a QA tester on hundreds of games since 2007, he had always felt that something was missing in the traditional gaming experience. “The idea of owning the in-game assets totally grabbed me. And being able to increase the value with time spent grinding,” he explains, reflecting on how Web3 gaming offered a tangible sense of ownership that traditional games lacked. This realization was further fueled by his love for immersive experiences, inspired by books like 'Ready Player One.' The vision of a future where digital assets could be seamlessly integrated across multiple platforms resonated deeply with him. “To be in a version of the 'Oasis,' wearing my Viking Helm from Bigtime anywhere, as well as any other items I had collected,” he muses, painting a vivid picture of the future he believes in. This sense of limitless potential and personal investment was what propelled him to delve deeper into Web3.

Learning the ropes of Web3 gaming wasn’t without its challenges, but MedevalFyre found himself surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who were eager to help. His journey began with Marbles on Stream and quickly expanded as he dove into Blankos Block Party, where he found a supportive network that guided him through the complexities of Web3. “Pixel and others from Marbles was my intro. But Blankos is when it really picked up and took off for me,” he shares, crediting his early mentors for helping him navigate this new frontier. Figures like Captain_Atariman, Jcluster, and Corin played pivotal roles in his education, offering guidance and answering questions that helped him build a solid foundation in Web3 gaming. “I definitely wouldn’t be here without them,” he acknowledges, highlighting the importance of community and mentorship in his journey. This sense of belonging and shared purpose was crucial to his continued engagement and growth in the space, as he found himself becoming not just a participant, but a valued member of these communities.

As MedevalFyre’s involvement in Web3 gaming deepened, so too did his understanding of its potential. A major turning point in his journey came with the introduction of the Big Time economy, which allowed him to see firsthand the financial opportunities that Web3 could offer. “Once the economy for Big Time came out and I came back at the start of Leaderboard 2, that is when I experienced what the power of Web3 earnings could do,” he recalls, describing a moment of realization that shifted his entire perspective. This experience was transformative, leading him to abandon traditional Web2 games altogether in favor of the limitless possibilities that Web3 presented. “I haven’t played a Web2 game since then,” he admits, underscoring the profound impact that this shift had on his gaming habits. His journey didn’t stop there; it expanded as he became an ambassador for multiple Web3 games and a key figure in various guilds and communities. This evolution from a curious newcomer to a respected ambassador reflects his deepening passion and commitment to the Web3 space.

MedevalFyre’s dedication to the Web3 community extends beyond just playing games; it’s rooted in a genuine desire to help others succeed. With nearly two decades of experience in game QA, he has always been driven by a commitment to share his knowledge and expertise with others. This ethos carried over into his involvement in Web3, where he became known for his generosity and willingness to assist new players. “I was known for going into a trade and asking the person about their build and gear,” he explains, recounting how he would often gift rare items to those in need, a practice he refers to as a 'Drive By.' His philosophy of 'paying it forward' has become a defining aspect of his presence in the Web3 space, as he consistently seeks to uplift others and foster a sense of community. “I have always believed that we can all rise together,” he asserts, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that drives him. This approach has not only earned him respect but has also helped to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players.

One of the most significant milestones in MedevalFyre’s journey was his decision to sell a rare in-game item to attend the 2024 Game Developers Conference (GDC). This choice proved to be life-changing, as it opened doors to new opportunities and connections that have since shaped his career in Web3. “Selling that hourglass and buying that ticket to GDC changed the course of my life and future career as a content creator,” he reflects, highlighting the profound impact of this decision. The connections he made at GDC, particularly with teams from the Unioverse and Shrapnel, were pivotal in solidifying his place in the Web3 world. “I became [Unioverse’s] first ambassador that day,” he proudly shares, recounting how his passion and dedication led to new roles and responsibilities within these communities. This experience not only validated his commitment to Web3 but also inspired him to continue pursuing his dreams with even greater fervor.

Outside of his gaming pursuits, MedevalFyre leads a vibrant and multifaceted life, filled with creative and adventurous hobbies. From drawing and cooking to archery and attending metal shows, his interests are as diverse as they are passionate. He balances his love for gaming with family events, artistic endeavors, and a deep appreciation for life’s various experiences. “Gaming has been part of all aspects of my life,” he acknowledges, illustrating how his professional and personal worlds are deeply intertwined. Whether he’s creating digital art, crafting playlists, or collecting swords, MedevalFyre’s life outside of gaming is as dynamic as his digital journey, revealing a person who embraces every opportunity to live life to the fullest. His commitment to creativity and self-expression is evident in everything he does, making him not just a gamer, but a true Renaissance man of the Web3 space.

Final message from MedevalFyre called ‘BTR: Be The Ripple!’
"BTR is a catch phrase, it's a motto, it's a catchy saying, it's a tagline, but it's so much more than that under the surface. It means Be The Ripple. Being the ripple is about understanding the potential every person has, at the most fundamental level, to influence their own world around them, but even more importantly, other peoples worlds around THEM, and ultimately, the world itself. Things that seem simple; words, actions, and even thoughts have the potential to manifest real world differences, and it's something every single one of us are capable of. Something as simple as a kind thought or word can influence yourself or somebody within your sphere to do the same, this can put an energy into the world that's exponential, and can quite literally lead to the kinds of things we all know in our hearts the world needs at any given moment. Sometimes these things are visible and obvious, sometimes they're silent and you never know it's happening, but it is happening, and it's POWERFUL. So be the ripple. BTR. Think good, say good, do good. One tiny thing at a time. Those ripples become waves, and those waves change the world. YOU have the power to change the world. You're powerful."

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about MedevalFyre by joining his social medias here:
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/medevalfyre
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Medevalfyre
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@medevalfyre
X - https://x.com/MedevalFyre
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/medevalfyre/

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community. Your passion and engagement are what make the FAM Guild truly extraordinary. Let's keep building, exploring, and achieving together in the exciting world of Web3 Gaming.

Until next time, game on, FAM!

The FAM Guild Team