FAM Newsletter #24 9/23/2024 - ItsCookieSlays

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week's edition of the FAM newsletter! This week, we’re excited to feature an engaging interview with ItsCookieSlays, diving into his Web3 journey and the unique experiences that have shaped his path in crypto gaming. Additionally, we’ll be taking a closer look at the latest developments in the World Shards universe, exploring new updates and what they mean for the community. As always, stay tuned for the latest updates in our guild activities section, keeping you connected with everything happening in FAM. Get ready for another exciting week of insights, stories, 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 World Shards: Evolving Islands, Tokenomics, and New Features

Since its early access launch on February 26, 2024, World Shards has seen several important changes that will surprise both new players and those returning after a break. The game has undergone significant improvements in login stability, gameplay mechanics, and crafting systems. Players will notice smoother account registration, with key issues like infinite registration loops and technical breaks being resolved. In addition to technical improvements, World Shards introduced a variety of new content and features that make managing your floating island in Murlandia more engaging than ever. If you own a Founder's Island, you’ll also notice enhanced customization options and additional perks that add value to your gameplay.

The last few months have seen rapid updates, especially in terms of gameplay and quality-of-life improvements. In July, developers addressed key stability issues, followed by significant content drops in August, including the introduction of artifacts—powerful, tradeable items that can now be placed on islands. In September, new mobs like Treants and Gnolls were added, enriching combat variety. These updates not only make the game world feel more dynamic but also highlight the dev team's commitment to continually expanding and improving the gameplay experience.

Island ownership, particularly Founder's Islands, remains a cornerstone of the game’s long-term strategy. However, for players without Founder’s Islands, Additional Islands will offer a compelling alternative, though they are not yet available in the game. These Additional Islands, when introduced, will allow players to expand their Main Island by adding up to five new landmasses. Each Additional Island will come with its own stats and artifact slots, enabling more progression opportunities. While Founder’s Islands provide more exclusive bonuses and customization, Additional Islands will still offer increased building capacity and gameplay space, making them an exciting prospect for future updates.

One of the major improvements in crafting came with the introduction of artifacts and the new Gem currency in recent updates. Artifacts add depth to the crafting system by allowing players to create and trade powerful items that provide gameplay bonuses. Additionally, the introduction of Gems, a premium in-game currency, allows players to craft rare collectibles. For example, crafting high-level claws or upgrading armor now requires both Gems and the game’s official token. Founder’s Island owners get a bonus here, as they currently only need Gems to craft, making early investment in the game even more rewarding.

Gameplay continues to evolve, with more fluid combat mechanics and added exploration features. Players can now adjust the camera zoom for better visibility, recover more easily from falls, and explore new areas using mushroom trampolines on the islands. For those returning after a few months, the new adventures, hidden supply crates, and improved visuals on the islands will offer plenty of fresh content to dive into. Combat has also been refined with faster exit animations for abilities, making battles feel more responsive and strategic.

If you haven’t yet accessed the early access version of World Shards, there are still ways to join. You can purchase an access key or secure a Founder's Island to unlock a full suite of bonuses. For those who want to explore the world of Murlandia without an NFT land, Additional Islands will soon be available and provide nearly all the same gameplay benefits, but without the same degree of customization and progression opportunities. As the game moves closer to its 2025 release, each update brings more content and features, making now the perfect time to experience World Shards.

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: ItsCookieSlays

ItsCookieSlays’ introduction to Web3 and crypto gaming was a natural progression from his deep involvement in Web2 MMOs like Phantasy Star Online 2 and FFXIV. His entry into Web3 was influenced by a message from a friend, Dolly Daddie, who introduced him to Big Time, an MMORPG in the Web3 space. "At the time, I remember thinking, ‘Web3??? What even is that?’" he recalls. Despite his initial hesitation, the desire to try something new led him to give it a shot, and Big Time became his gateway to a whole new realm of gaming. This decision sparked his current involvement in Web3, where he now finds himself fully immersed.

One of the key features that drew ItsCookieSlays deeper into Web3 gaming was the concept of true ownership within games. "I love both Web2 and Web3 games, but to say I can earn something in-game and sell it if I don’t want it, instead of it just sitting unused like a bad weapon skin in COD, that was a game-changer for me," he explains. The ability to have actual control over in-game assets intrigued him, and the potential for players to benefit financially from their in-game efforts kept him engaged. This blend of enjoyment and utility is what has kept him exploring the various possibilities Web3 gaming offers.

Learning Web3 wasn’t easy for ItsCookieSlays, who admits that he had "zero help" at the start. He believes this is one of the major flaws in the Web3 space. "Personally, I just went around watching other streamers play Big Time and asked all kinds of questions," he says, describing his self-taught approach. While there were challenges along the way, his perseverance paid off, and now he’s part of a thriving Web3 gaming community. ItsCookieSlays emphasizes the importance of learning through observation and asking questions, advising newcomers to seek out information from experienced players to navigate the space more effectively.

His involvement in Web3 gaming has evolved significantly since those early days with Big Time. "I couldn’t thank Big Time and its community enough, as it’s what launched me into a whole other space for streaming and content creation," he shares. This experience allowed him to experiment with different games and delve into the economic mechanics that each game offers, such as airdrops and token economies. Big Time not only introduced him to Web3 but also reshaped his streaming career, expanding his content and perspective on what’s possible in this new frontier of gaming.

As a content creator, ItsCookieSlays has developed his approach to Web3 gaming by focusing on what he truly enjoys. "I play what I enjoy, and I don’t play what I don’t," he says. This philosophy has shaped his interactions with the Web3 community, leading him to collaborate with other streamers and test out new games that align with his interests. His involvement with the FAM community has been particularly impactful, as it has opened doors to collaborations and further exploration within the space. Through these experiences, he has built a network of like-minded gamers and content creators, creating opportunities for both fun and growth.

The most significant moment in ItsCookieSlays’ Web3 journey remains his introduction to Big Time back in April 2023. That experience changed everything for him, from learning the basics of Web3 to understanding airdrops and collaborating with other streamers. "I can’t say this enough—it changed my whole perspective and life in regards to Web3," he explains. This pivotal moment launched him into a world of possibilities, enabling him to form meaningful connections and solidify his place in the Web3 gaming space. His journey with Big Time and other Web3 games continues to shape his career, offering both personal and professional growth.

Balancing gaming with other interests is an ongoing challenge for ItsCookieSlays, who admits it can be a tough act to manage. "I’ve played basketball since I was 5, so I still try to get out there and be active with that when I can," he says, noting how sports and physical activity help him stay grounded. He’s also begun incorporating tech reviews, particularly for gaming controllers, into his content, adding yet another layer to his busy schedule. "It’s still a work in progress," he admits, but by setting goals and staying focused, he’s finding ways to balance his gaming career with his other passions.

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about ItsCookieSlays by checking out the social media links here:
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/itscookieslays
X - https://x.com/ItsCookieSlays 
Kick - https://kick.com/itscookieslays 
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@itscookieslays 

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