FAM Newsletter #23 9/16/2024 - Frazel (The Online Inn Founder)

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week's edition of the FAM newsletter! We're excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Frazel, the founder and co-owner of The Online Inn, as we explore his personal journey through the world of crypto and Web3 gaming. We'll also delve into the recent speculation surrounding the Big Time token pump, discussing why it may not be directly related to a Bitcoin surge. As always, stay tuned for the latest updates in our guild activities section, keeping you connected with all the exciting developments within our community. Get ready for a week filled with insightful stories, market analysis, and community news!

Ready to Dive into Illuvium?
If you're new to Illuvium and eager to start your adventure, we'd love to help! Use this referral link to get started: https://illuvium.io/open-beta?alliance=MRS369FAMTV and experience the excitement of this groundbreaking Web3 game. See you in the Overworld!

Let’s Talk Big Time: Why the Recent Token Price Pump?

The tokenomics behind $BIGTIME have undergone significant fluctuations, but recent movements suggest a possible recovery after months of decline. At this stage in the game’s development, the token's primary uses remain tied to crafting in-game assets, unlocking certain chests for crafting recipes or $OPENLOOT tokens, and paying entry fees into prestige portals. As Big Time’s ecosystem continues to evolve, these mechanics are expected to remain central to the gameplay keeping the token relevant for active players. However, broader adoption and increased utility will be key for sustaining long-term interest in the token.

A major contributor to the recent rise in $BIGTIME’s value has been the ongoing Showdown final event, which concluded on September 15, 2024. This event had driven a surge in token demand as players competed for leaderboard positions and other incentives tied to the event. Speculation suggests that once the Showdown concludes, the token price may begin to dip again as there will be less immediate incentive for players to purchase and spend $BIGTIME in-game. Without the excitement of a leaderboard or large-scale event announced, crafting will inevitably slow down further impacting the token and Big Time’s marketplace activity.

Optimism remains, however, for the future of Big Time. Though the community often faces long periods of silence from the studio regarding upcoming content, new features such as PvP, pets, and more complex dungeons with new bosses have been teased. While Big Time’s track record of delivering updates has been spotty, with many jokes about the studio’s use of the term "soon," the promise of fresh content still holds potential to reignite player interest. Once the new content is released, it could revitalize both the player base and the token economy offering much-needed stability.

Currently, player engagement is at a (likely) all-time low with many referring to this phase as a "hibernation period." Without significant new content, players have turned to other games while eagerly awaiting Big Time’s next big update. The community is craving more challenging dungeon experiences, additional combat mechanics, and content that will keep players consistently engaged. The lack of transparency around upcoming releases has only added to the frustration, yet hope persists that the next wave of content could bring the game back to its previous heights.

In conclusion, while the recent uptick in $BIGTIME’s value is likely tied to the Showdown event, the long-term health of the token depends on the game’s ability to deliver on its promises of new content and engagement in a timely manner. Despite challenges, Big Time still holds the potential to be a leader in the Web3 gaming space, provided it can overcome its transparency issues and deliver a compelling reason for players to stay invested. The future of Big Time, though uncertain, should remain on everyone’s radar as the next few months could be a turning point for both the game and its economy.

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 Big Time, Illuvium, BossFighters 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 Big Time, BOSSFIGHTERS, Illuvium, Off The Grid, Lumiterra, MetalCore, XOCIETY, World Shards, UNIOVERSE, Shrapnel, Hunters On Chain, Nyan Heroes, Guild of Guardians, Seraph, Night Crows, Entropia, RavenQuest, and Earth From Another Sun.
*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: Frazel (Co-Owner and Founder of The Online Inn)

Frazel, co-owner and founder of the streaming channel The Online Inn, began his journey into Web3 and crypto gaming through games like Lost Relics, Gods Unchained, and Upland. His passion for both gaming and crypto stretches back to his childhood. "I’ve always been into gaming and crypto since I found out about them as a kid," he explains, highlighting how his early interests shaped his eventual involvement in Web3. What initially drew him in was the chance to be part of something early, with the potential for significant growth. While he acknowledges the volatile nature of the Web3 space, Frazel's cautious yet curious approach has led him to stay ahead with his investments.

For Frazel, one of the most appealing aspects of Web3 gaming was the financial opportunity it presented. "A big feature was the money aspect. I thought maybe I’d get lucky and be early to something that could be worth more than I paid," he admits. He was particularly drawn to the play-to-earn (P2E) model but quickly noticed challenges, such as games becoming overrun by bots or over-farming. Despite these issues, Frazel remains optimistic about the innovative ways companies are addressing these problems, noting that strategies like airdrops and full-circle economies offer promising solutions for long-term sustainability.

When it came to learning the ins and outs of Web3, Frazel embraced a wide range of resources. "I’ve read a ton of Medium guides and asked ChatGPT more questions than I asked my teachers throughout grade school," he jokes. His learning was also fueled by the communities he’s involved in, such as Elixir Gaming, FAM Guild, and of course, his own Discord community, The Online Inn. These communities provided a strong foundation, helping him navigate the complexities of Web3 gaming. For Frazel, these connections have been invaluable, as they not only helped him learn the technical aspects but also gave him the chance to build lasting friendships within the space.

Over time, Frazel’s involvement in Web3 gaming has grown from a hobby into a full-time passion. "I started not knowing how to code a single line, and now I know enough that it doesn’t all look like gibberish," he says, reflecting on his personal growth. This evolution has been both challenging and rewarding, and Frazel now finds himself fully immersed in the industry. His transition from casual gaming enthusiast to a full-time Web3 professional is a testament to his dedication and love for the space. "It may not be for everyone, but I love this stuff!" he adds, underscoring his enthusiasm for what he does.

Frazel’s commitment to community engagement has been a key aspect of his Web3 journey. As a self-proclaimed "Wax blockchain nerd," he has organized tournaments, written guides, produced videos, and helped others with their own projects on the Wax blockchain. "I’ve been involved in so many events, I don’t think I could name half of them," he says. His contributions have had a significant impact on the Web3 gaming community, allowing him to share his knowledge and passion while also gaining valuable insights from others. Through these experiences, Frazel has established himself as a respected figure in the Web3 space.

One of the defining moments of Frazel’s Web3 journey came through Gods Unchained. After purchasing a $10 pack (which ended up costing $20 due to Ethereum fees), he was unexpectedly airdropped $5,000 worth of tokens. "It came right as I lost my full-time job as a grain inspector," he explains, noting how the airdrop helped him get by while working a pizza delivery gig until he found another job. This windfall not only provided financial relief but also ignited a desire to explore more Web3 games, though he quickly learned the importance of making smarter investments. Despite the ups and downs, this experience reinforced his commitment to the space.

Balancing his Web3 work with personal life can be challenging, but Frazel is grateful for the support of his family and friends. "I love adventuring and taking in nature, and that’s my way of disconnecting," he shares. While he admits he needs to spend more time outdoors, Frazel knows the importance of stepping away from the screen. His family and friends have been instrumental in helping him maintain a balance between his passion for gaming and his personal life. For Frazel, finding harmony between work and relaxation is essential, and he actively seeks ways to ensure both remain in sync.

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about Frazel and The Online Inn by checking out the social media links here:
Link Tree - https://linktr.ee/theonlineinn

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