FAM Newsletter #35 12/9/2024 - Kip (aka Phartikus)

All Things Web3 and Crypto-related!

Author

Jimmy Hill
December 09, 2024

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

It’s a new week, and we’re excited to spotlight Kip (aka Phartikus) and his incredible Web3 journey! This week, we’re also diving into BigTime’s latest update with the launch of PvEvP, which has brought a whole new layer of excitement to the game. Remember, the FAM Discord and website are buzzing with updates every single week—so stay active, stay involved, and don’t miss out on all the action. Let’s keep building together!

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 January 5th, 2025 and are one-time use only. If none are available, feel free to reach out to me on Discord.

Referral Links:

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 BigTime: PvEvP is HERE!

Big Time has had an exciting past week since the launch of its much-anticipated Player vs. Environment vs. Player (PvEvP) game mode on December 2nd, 2024. The latest mode has brought a new layer of complexity and competition to the game, as players face both enemy teams and AI-controlled threats. Dubbed Broken Clock Hall, this new game mode invites four teams to clash against each other, as well as the creatures inhabiting Big Time. Players can jump into matches via an hourglass portal in Epoch City, offering an exhilarating experience that merges traditional PvE with intense PvP combat.

The introduction of PvEvP wasn't without its initial hiccups, but the development team has been proactive in rolling out several hotfixes and improvements. The recent 0.31 Hotfix 1 resolved a number of bugs, including issues with server hang times and missing items such as Mod Chips and Artifact Fragments. These improvements are making the experience smoother and more reliable, ensuring players can enjoy both the PvP combat and the environmental challenges. Additionally, new gameplay features such as Shinobi Strike and updated abilities like Void Dodge are enriching the tactical choices available to players during combat.

Notably, Big Time introduced a diverse set of weapon gems that enhance combat abilities. The new gems—such as the Gem of Haste, Gem of Reprisal, and Sagacity Gem—provide buffs to various stats like speed, defense, and attack power. The variety allows players to tailor their characters to their preferred play styles, providing a new depth to PvP battles. Balance changes were also implemented to tune different abilities, like reducing Ice Lances' damage to reasonable levels and modifying Energizer Gate and Orbital Strike abilities for more fair and engaging combat.

Further updates have also focused on improving the technical aspects of PvEvP. The developers are upgrading PvP server hardware in key locations like Los Angeles, New York, and Frankfurt to keep up with the mode's growing popularity. These improvements are expected to enhance stability and reduce lag, ensuring a better experience for players as they engage in high-stakes combat. Meanwhile, additional hotfixes have addressed matchmaking issues, portal transitions, and friends UI bugs to provide a more streamlined experience for all players.

The gameplay of Broken Clock Hall also underwent changes to accommodate more players and provide additional opportunities for competition. Each time slot for PvP matches now features multiple portals, allowing more players to jump in and enjoy the experience simultaneously. Moreover, a new global PvP match UI is coming soon, giving players the ability to see all active matches on one screen—a feature that promises to make joining the action even easier and more efficient. The changes are aimed at making matches more accessible and ensuring everyone has a chance to compete in this thrilling new mode.

Overall, the launch of PvEvP has ushered in an exciting era for Big Time players. Between new features, rebalanced abilities, and ongoing technical improvements, the game is shaping up to offer a truly dynamic and strategic multiplayer experience. As PvEvP gains momentum, players can look forward to upcoming features like leaderboards and seasonal events that will integrate more involving the new game mode, making for even more intense rivalries and a rewarding sense of progression.

FAM Guild Activities Update

FAM RENTALS ARE BACK! Headed up by our Community Manager, ExoticNFT, 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.

Check out our latest changes to the website! Visit https://famguild.com today!

Spotlight FAM Community Member: Kip (aka Phartikus)

Kip, also known as "Phartikus" in the gaming world, has been driven by the dream of merging gaming with financial sustainability ever since he was a child. His nickname, "Kip," stands for "Knowledge Is Power," which has been a guiding principle throughout his gaming journey. Kip’s initial foray into monetizing his gaming time began with Conquer 2.0 during his teenage years, where he sold in-game items for real money. He reminisces, "I was 14, but no one believed in what I saw," referring to the potential he saw in Bitcoin, which was beginning to be used for transactions in games. This experience sparked a lifelong interest in the financial future of gaming, a path that eventually led him to the Web3 space.

What truly captivated Kip about Web3 gaming was the potential for blockchain to provide players with real ownership of in-game assets—a stark contrast to the "underground" nature of buying and selling items in traditional Web2 games. "Gamers are tired of being 'underground' with trying to make money with the ASSETS WE ALREADY PAID FOR," Kip shares passionately. He sees Web3 as the solution that offers genuine inclusion, allowing players to make real-time transactions and truly invest in the games they love without worrying about the value of their accounts depreciating over time. For Kip, Web3 represents a way to break free from the endless cycle of microtransactions that traditional gaming companies use to siphon money from players.

Kip's learning journey in Web3 gaming involved countless hours of watching YouTube videos, staying active on Twitter (now X), and finding communities that shared his passion for blockchain gaming. He credits FAM Guild for playing a significant role in his growth, both mentally and emotionally. "The Fam Guild has been a major success for me mentally and emotionally because they are always available, always trying to help/share and spread positive information," he says. Kip emphasizes the importance of finding supportive communities that can help newcomers navigate the complexities of Web3, much like FAM Guild did for him. He advises aspiring Web3 gamers to take advantage of gaming browsers that offer quest rewards, as these are often the gateway to rewarding play-to-earn experiences.

Kip’s journey in Web3 has been one of dedication and resilience, especially since the birth of his son in 2019. This personal milestone drove him to pursue a full-time career in Web3 gaming, but not without challenges. "The most significant experience was my son being born... and seeing my dream shatter watching Bitcoin constantly pump," Kip recalls, referring to the struggles he faced with failed investments and the challenges of trading crypto amidst changing regulations. Despite setbacks, Kip remained committed, even quitting his job to play Big Time full-time and explore other Web3 projects. Although some investments didn’t pan out as expected, his determination has kept him focused on building a stable future through gaming.

Community participation is a key part of Kip’s involvement in Web3. He enjoys digging into the "grey areas" of projects—uncovering aspects that are often overlooked. Kip shares, "I participate by being a backhand of the communities and trying to see those small spots in Web3 that people forget to look at." He dedicates time to understanding each project’s potential and makes sure he is equipped with all the necessary wallets to connect to different platforms. Kip remains proactive, joining Discords, watching AMAs, and keeping his stream running to share information with others. "I constantly keep my stream going... tell anyone I meet about everything Web3/crypto related," he says, highlighting his commitment to spreading awareness and helping others understand the potential of blockchain technology.

Several projects have left a lasting impact on Kip, including Mir 4, Big Time, and Entropia. The concept of passive income—particularly staking—resonates deeply with him. He appreciates how Web3 induces longevity in gaming, promoting a grind that has the potential for real financial rewards. Kip also sees the future of Web3 gaming in projects like Off The Grid (OTG), which seamlessly integrates blockchain without drawing too much attention to its crypto elements. "They are trying to heighten the competitive and esports category while introducing Web3 undertones for the masses," Kip notes, believing that projects like OTG could bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 gaming. He is also hopeful about new projects like Uprising Labs, PlayFi Studio, and Qorbi World, which promise an interconnected gaming ecosystem where NFTs can be used across multiple games.

For newcomers, Kip offers crucial advice: "Be wary of quick grab gacha-style games that will ask for more than you can get out EVERY TIME." He stresses that investing in a game you love should never feel like pressure, and players should be cautious of projects that promote buying without delivering on promises. Kip encourages players to join communities, particularly those with active Discords, to learn about the games and understand the risks and rewards involved. "Become a part of the communities and learn the things you need to help you do what you are searching to do," he advises, emphasizing the importance of immersing oneself in the Web3 ecosystem.

Balancing gaming with other aspects of life has been challenging for Kip, who recently returned to full-time day trading. "It’s been such a difficult balance for me getting family and crypto/Web3 underway," he admits. Despite the challenges, Kip is committed to both his family and his passion for Web3. He believes that timing is everything in the Web3 world and that missing out on opportunities now could mean missing crucial moments in this early stage of development. To maintain some semblance of balance, he continues to work out occasionally and takes on daily responsibilities like cooking. For Kip, it's all about staying focused on the future while making the most of every opportunity that comes his way in this rapidly evolving space.

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about Kip by visiting his socials here:
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/phartikus
X - https://x.com/kip_phartikus?s=21&t=QJxvMQLW8EXKsPSOkeizDw
Kick - https://kick.com/phartikus
BEAM-STREAM - https://beamstream.gg/phartikus

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