FAM Newsletter #29 10/28/2024 - Morkai

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week's edition of the FAM newsletter! We’re thrilled to bring you a special interview with Morkai, where he shares his Web3 journey along with exclusive insights into his strategic approach to winning Big Time’s Leaderboard 2. In addition, we dive into all the latest changes in Big Time that have the community buzzing, from gameplay updates to fresh features shaking up the ecosystem. As always, stay tuned in the FAM Guild Activities section, and don’t forget to join us in FAM’s Discord for real-time updates and connections with the community. Get ready for a week packed with strategy, stories, and exciting discussions!

Excited to Jump into Big Time?

If you've been waiting to explore Big Time's universe, now is your moment! Use one of these referral codes to dive in and join an action-packed Web3 gaming experience like no other. Act fast—these codes expire on December 2nd, 2024 and are one-time use only. If none are available, feel free to reach out to me on Discord.

Referral Links:

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4. EAQRM-75GUJ-2N34K-IOTEV

5. GHFVW-0D26N-KMT5N-ODXN3

6. NJT1N-BRRJQ-K32RW-G3UFU

7. QS00X-48P7V-12DD4-KQI67

8. R92P2-GYZST-S1HUW-2M5K0

9. RPCHD-DRBL2-2MPJL-396Z2

10. TZPOG-ENCQI-LH0EH-ZCH72

And remember to use creator code BILLIONFOOTBALL when making any Openloot purchases, or simply click here to add it to your account: Set Creator Code.

See you in the game!

Let’s Talk Big Time: A New Era for Crafting Journeys, Leaderboards, and Seasonal Fun!

Big Time has rolled out one of its most captivating updates to date, with changes sure to pull players back into the thick of the game’s evolving world. This latest patch introduces Distinct Crafting Journeys—a new approach to creating NFTs that opens fresh paths for players willing to explore its realms. Players will now need specific schematics to craft or dismantle hourglasses, which drop from various game zones, encouraging exploration and tactical gameplay. This update adds a unique depth to crafting, transforming it from a simple collection task into a more intentional journey where each item crafted feels like an earned achievement. These changes aren’t just tweaks; they’re a call for players to rediscover the thrill of Big Time’s expansive, treasure-filled world.

Beyond crafting, Big Time’s latest patch spices things up with two competitive leaderboards designed to reward dedicated players. First up is the OLRP Leaderboard, which challenges players to open as many loot chests as possible for Open Loot Reward Points. Running until October 29, this leaderboard offers the top 500 players a share of 500 million OLRP, with special bonuses for those who got in early and secured rare items from Trailblazer, Navigator, and Voyager Epoch crates. This leaderboard isn’t just a contest—it’s a critical entry point for players looking to boost their OLRP ahead of the highly anticipated $OL Token Generation Event (TGE). The countdown to this TGE has begun, with a massive Vaultbreaker Airdrop now underway, offering Big Time’s most significant rewards ever. To participate, players must hold OLRP, with higher holdings unlocking larger airdrop tiers. Early OLRP adopters gain even more perks, as Big Time has now introduced daily spawns of special Epoch Chests in dungeons, loaded with extra rewards for frequent players. With the $OL token on the horizon, these incentives make this the perfect time to strengthen your position in Big Time.

Adding even more excitement is the Halloween-themed Clockwork Harvest, which brings a festive twist to the crafting journey. Running through November 6, players can hunt for special pumpkins and schematics scattered across Halloween-themed portals, using these rare items to craft limited-edition NFTs, from Halloween shoulders and helms to shields and axes. Each crafted item boosts players up the Clockwork Harvest leaderboard, where weekly challenges add extra chances to gather points. From collecting pumpkins to crafting unique items, the Clockwork Harvest is Big Time’s way of blending festivities with fierce competition, making it a perfect time for players to dive in and score some spooky, limited-time loot.

Another significant update to Big Time involves changes to the Bonus Multiplier system, enhancing balance while preserving the thrill of high multipliers. Previously, multipliers such as the “Dark Purple” allowed for powerful bonuses that, in some cases, unbalanced gameplay by enabling near-free crafting. Now, these multipliers apply their effects successively, creating a more balanced system while retaining their appeal. This change enhances strategic stacking, giving players a reason to keep pushing for higher multipliers without breaking the game. With this adjustment, Big Time has recalibrated its crafting bonuses, allowing players to stack multipliers intelligently and paving the way for future events with higher multipliers.

All these changes reflect Big Time’s commitment to making gameplay deeper, fairer, and more engaging. By curtailing passive $BTT farming through cracked hourglasses, the game pushes players to adopt a more active, strategic approach. With Distinct Crafting Journeys, competitive leaderboards, and balanced multipliers, now is the perfect time to jump back into Big Time. The break is over—grab your gear, join the community, and embrace the adventure waiting within Big Time’s ever-evolving world.

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, World Shards, 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 Web3 Community Member: Morkai

Big Time was Morkai’s first step into the realm of crypto gaming, and like many newcomers to Web3, he approached it with caution. "At first, I was skeptical that it was just a scam and not a real game," he admits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he had spent considerable time playing mobile games, often feeling frustrated by the “wasted transactions” that offered no real value. This made him wary of diving into something that seemed too good to be true. However, when Dr. Smash, a fellow gamer, reached out, suggesting that Big Time might be a perfect fit for him, Morkai’s interest was piqued. Known for supporting the projects he believes in—often buying collector’s editions—he decided to give the game a shot. "I gave it a try and was instantly hooked on the potential the game had," he recalls. His leap of faith, starting with a Jade pass purchase, marked the beginning of what would become an all-in commitment to Big Time and the world of Web3.

Understanding that success in this new space required knowledge, Morkai sought out others with more experience. "I knew I needed to surround myself with people that had the knowledge," he explains. His strategy for Web3 mirrored what he had done in Web2 gaming: find a passionate community, immerse himself, and build relationships with those who shared his interests. This led him to join BIG Yield Games (now called Vast Impact Gaming), a guild with a focus on investment and Web3 gaming. "Being an investor-centric guild, I quickly learned a lot about Web3 and crypto gaming projects," Morkai says. At the time, he had no idea he had joined Big Time during a bear market, but the experience provided him with a deep well of knowledge and a network of like-minded individuals.

From the start, Morkai took a methodical approach to learning the ins and outs of Big Time. "I began to look into the Big Time wiki and get a firm understanding of what the economy was going to look like," he shares. His commitment to learning extended beyond just reading; he became actively involved in the game’s Discord community, engaging with the former community manager, Buck, whose interactions helped build Morkai’s trust in the project. "It was largely through interactions and conversations with Buck that I began to trust the team," Morkai explains. "He was the voice of the team, and we resonated on similar ideals. I began to feel that Big Time was a project I believed would succeed."

Morkai wasn’t focused on making a quick profit, unlike many who enter the crypto space with that goal in mind. Instead, his dedication stemmed from his love for gaming and his belief in the potential of Big Time as a project. "The entire time, I wasn’t really thinking about what I could buy to make money off," he says. What drew him to the game was that it aligned with the types of games he had always enjoyed—its genre and style were a perfect fit. "It had the fundamentals of most of the games I usually play. The genre and style were familiar; it was just missing depth and polish that could be added in time," he elaborates. For Morkai, Big Time wasn’t just another Web3 game; it was a project with the potential to push the boundaries of what the gaming industry could offer.

As Web3 gaming continues to evolve, Morkai believes that true player ownership will become a central theme, changing the way gamers engage with their favorite titles. "I think as Web3 gaming becomes more mainstream and more accessible to everyday gamers, we will see a shift in players having true ownership of their achievements in-game," he predicts. One of the innovations that have particularly caught his attention is Openloot, a platform within the Big Time economy that allows players to rent out assets. "I provide a service to those in need at fair prices, and they, in turn, can make money without taking on the risk of holding assets. It’s a win-win for both parties," he explains. The dynamic between supply and demand in this system is ever-changing, and for Morkai, the idea of "passive" revenue streams is one of the most attractive aspects of Web3. "The more I explore Web3, the more it becomes evident that it’s like owning a portfolio of real estate for rentals or Airbnb," he adds.

Morkai’s excitement about Web3 gaming isn’t solely driven by financial prospects. For him, the idea that gamers can support the development of a game they are passionate about while also providing opportunities for other players to make money is deeply satisfying. "I like that I can support a game’s development because I’m passionate about their project, and at the same time, support a player and provide them with an alternative career path," he says. This model, where both developers and players benefit from a shared ecosystem, embodies the future Morkai envisions for Web3 gaming.

But Morkai’s passions don’t stop at gaming. He has a rich creative background, having worked in the film industry for over 10 years. "I have a passion for films and all things creative," he shares. However, the recent strikes in the film industry forced him to take a break, which ultimately opened the door for him to pursue his Web3 and crypto gaming ambitions full-time. "With the recent strikes, I took a forced break that allowed me to chase the crypto gaming and Web3 dream," he reflects. This career pivot has allowed Morkai to explore new horizons in a field he now believes holds even more promise than his previous industry.

Recently, Morkai’s life has shifted even further. As of 20 days ago, he became a father, a role that has now become his top priority. "Becoming a father is now my main priority, but thanks to Web3, I can work on my own time and earn without the restrictions of a conventional 9-to-5 job," he explains. This newfound flexibility has allowed Morkai to balance his responsibilities as a new father while continuing to pursue his passions in Web3 gaming. Looking ahead, Morkai is excited to see how the industry will evolve by the time his daughter grows up. "I’m really excited to think about what Web3 will look like by the time she’s in her 20s. I can imagine her as a streamer or content creator with her own style and setup," he says with a smile.

Morkai’s journey into Web3 has been shaped by curiosity, community, and a deep belief in the potential of this new frontier. His early skepticism quickly gave way to excitement as he immersed himself in the world of Big Time and the broader Web3 ecosystem. From his days in the film industry to his current role as a new father and Web3 enthusiast, Morkai continues to chase his dreams, exploring the future of gaming and creativity, all while shaping his own path in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Morkai’s Epic Victory: Outsmarting the Whales in Big Time’s Leaderboard 2 Contest

Morkai’s journey in Big Time took an incredible turn during the game’s second leaderboard contest, where he found himself competing against some of the most formidable players in the Web3 gaming world—players often referred to as “whales” due to their immense resources and influence. As the economy launched in Big Time, Morkai observed that most players were focusing on crafting hourglasses, with few paying attention to crafting cosmetics. "I began to go down a different path. I noticed that nobody was crafting cosmetics, but everyone was crafting hourglasses," Morkai recalls.

Seeing this gap, Morkai decided to leverage his Transcendent Forge, which he had received from the holiday boxes. "Being a gamer, I pushed the majority of my crafts through the one forge, knowing that eventually this strategy would give me an advantage, opening up access to more roll slots," he recalls. He took full advantage of bonus roll events, crafting heavily during these windows to earn extra experience points and increase his chances of obtaining bonus rolls. During Leaderboard 2, a special boost event allowed players to upgrade in rarity with only two crafts, a rare opportunity that Morkai seized strategically. This boost accelerated his progress, enabling him to rapidly climb through the crafting tiers. His efforts led him to be the first player to craft each rarity, from legendary all the way to Transcendent, using the Hatchling Hammer, solidifying his position in the crafting leaderboard.

However, things didn’t go as smoothly as he had planned. "My efforts were in vain because I miscalculated the points for my crafting. While I was the only one crafting like this, the points were not allocated correctly to reflect the effort of crafting up the chain," Morkai explains. Unlike others who would sell their crafted items to recoup costs, Morkai decided to be patient. "I kept the items I crafted for stock in future leaderboards. My take was that if you can cover the costs of crafting during the leaderboard with the reward, then the next leaderboard becomes significantly easier to play and much cheaper."

During the second round of the event, Morkai’s strategy started paying off. "I followed the same strategy and crafted during an event window, which shot me up from 20th place to the top 5," he recalls. But despite this impressive leap, Morkai began to doubt whether he could actually win. "There was no way I could beat WhaleDShark, or EpicBL, or Matrix. These guys were titans, and I was out of my league," he admits. Still, Morkai wasn’t ready to give up. "I began to study their movements and crafting patterns."

It was at this point that Morkai’s competitive spirit truly kicked in. With careful planning and precise execution, he found an opportunity to mislead his opponents. "An opportunity presented itself for me to swap my crafts and mislead my opponents with my movements. Everyone doubted me and wrote me off," Morkai shares, adding that many players messaged him privately, convinced that WhaleDShark would win the contest with ease.

In a dramatic turn of events, Morkai received life-changing news: his wife told him that he was going to be a father. "She asked me, 'Do you think you can actually win?' I saw one way in which I could win. Like something out of an anime, everything had to align. All the cards had to fall into place and allow me one shot to take the victory," he recalls. With his wife’s encouragement, Morkai crafted a plan. He waited until the last day of the contest, crafting up to mythic during an event to mask his activities. "I waited until the last 3 hours. The servers were getting unstable, and I kept disconnecting, so I pulled the trigger early."

Morkai crafted everything he had, completing over 73 crafts in one day. His advantage came from having a level 35, five-slot forge, which allowed him to upgrade items at a much faster rate compared to other players. "That gave me a competitive edge because the others spread their crafts out over hundreds of workshops. The speed-up costs didn’t faze me because I often got them for free." In a bold move, Morkai crafted the first Unique item, effectively seizing the victory. "WhaleDShark had crafted two transcend swords but didn’t pull the trigger on the third for unique. He kind of forced my hand, and so I crafted the first Unique," he explains.

For Morkai, this victory wasn’t just personal—it was a win for the underdogs of Big Time. "In my mind, it was a win for the underdogs. I didn’t consider myself a whale, more of a lone wolf," he reflects. His journey through the leaderboard contest, culminating in his crafting victory, was not just about outsmarting his opponents but about proving that with strategy and perseverance, even a lone player could overcome the giants of the crypto world. "One could say my ignorance and naivety of Web3 allowed me to make aggressive plays without the regret of being burned in past projects, as this was my first."

Morkai’s advice for newcomers to the Web3 gaming world is rooted in the lessons he learned during this event. "Research. Spend the time really understanding the movements of the project so that you can make informed plays. Surround yourself with veterans that have been with the project for a long time so you can be brought up to speed," he advises. For him, success in Web3 gaming isn’t about rushing into things, but about making small, calculated plays that lead to long-term wins. And as long as platforms like Openloot exist, Morkai believes that Big Time will continue to develop and thrive. "As long as Openloot exists, Big Time will still continue to develop," he concludes.

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about Morkai by visiting his socials here:
X - https://x.com/_Morkai 
Discord - https://discord.gg/UaphMB9xzm 
Medium - https://medium.com/chain3d-gg 

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