FAM Newsletter #7 5/27/2024 - JMeyerPhotos

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week's edition of the FAM newsletter! We're excited to continue our exploration of captivating Web3 games, broadening our horizons beyond the BigTime universe. This week, we're diving into discussions about the impactful role of streamers and influencers in our community, highlighting how they shape our collective experience. Stay updated with the latest FAM content and join us as we spotlight another incredible streamer who adds unique energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant community. Let's delve into the thrilling updates and insights we have in store for you!

Let’s Talk Streamers/Influencers: An Opinion Piece

The rise of streamers and influencers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube has revolutionized our digital experience (especially in the gaming world). These charismatic personalities provide us with engaging real-time entertainment, invaluable gaming advice, and exclusive insights into cutting-edge Web3 projects. By following them, we can stay informed about the latest trends and innovations enriching our understanding and enjoyment of both gaming and blockchain technology.

One of the most exciting opportunities presented by influencers is the chance to learn from their expertise. Gaming influencers offer tips and strategies that can significantly enhance your gameplay, making the experience more rewarding. Additionally, their insights into Web3 projects keep you at the forefront of the latest popular interests and trends helping you grasp the potential of these innovations before they become mainstream.

However, while enjoying the wealth of information and entertainment influencers provide, it's wise to remain aware of the potential for misinformation. Influencers often share their success stories in the realms of gaming and Web3, but it's important to remember that these stories may not always include the full picture (such as the challenges and risks they faced). This is especially pertinent when financial advice is involved, as making investment decisions based solely on influencer content can lead to unrealistic expectations.

To maximize the benefits while protecting yourself from potential pitfalls, it's essential to approach influencer content with a discerning eye. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re getting the most value:

1. Cross-Check Information: Verify the information provided by influencers with multiple reliable sources. This is especially crucial when it comes to financial advice or technical details about new projects.
2. Identify Sponsored Content: Be mindful of sponsored posts and endorsements. Influencers are required to disclose these partnerships, so look out for hashtags like #ad or #sponsored to distinguish between genuine recommendations and paid promotions.
3. Guard Your Privacy: Limit the amount of personal information you share online. Use privacy settings to control who can see your interactions and consider using anonymous usernames to protect your identity.
4. Diversify Your Influences: Follow a variety of influencers to gain multiple perspectives. This helps prevent the echo chamber effect and provides a more balanced view of the topics you’re interested in.
5. Balance Your Screen Time: Enjoy the content but also make sure to set boundaries. Take regular breaks to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

In conclusion, streamers and influencers offer a treasure trove of benefits: from enhancing your gaming skills to keeping you informed about the latest in Web3 projects. By engaging with their content thoughtfully and critically, you can enjoy the excitement and opportunities they provide while safeguarding yourself against misinformation and exaggerated expectations. Embrace the positives, stay informed, and make the most out of your digital journey with these vibrant online personalities!

Web3 Games FAM Members Are Exploring

BigTime has provided a strong foundation for the FAM guild to build our community, but there are other remarkable titles gaining attention and offering exciting opportunities. Let’s explore some additional games that are capturing the interest of our FAM members:

1. Boss Fighters: An innovative Web3 game, currently in early access, developed by Pixward Games that merges VR and PC gaming into an asymmetric multiplayer experience. Players can either control a powerful Boss in VR or team up as Fighters using a PC to do third-person view shooting battles in dynamic arenas. The game is free-to-play with a play-to-earn model allowing players to earn $BFT and digital collectibles through gameplay. Overall, Boss Fighters offers a unique blend of traditional gaming excitement, cutting-edge technology with VR implementation, and blockchain innovation making it a compelling choice for both casual and dedicated gamers.

2. Night Crows: An MMORPG by Wemade, launched globally in early March 2024. Built using Unreal Engine 5, the game offers a stunningly realistic depiction of medieval Europe and supports large-scale PvP battles with up to 1,000 players. It features advanced tokenomics, allowing players to mint and trade in-game assets as NFTs across multiple blockchain networks. The game has already achieved significant success in South Korea, generating substantial sales and a large player base. With its innovative gameplay and blockchain integration, "Night Crows" is poised to revolutionize the MMORPG genre and could be one of the standout games of the year.

3. Nyan Heroes: A free-to-play battle royale game where players control adorable cats piloting giant mechs. Developed by Rude Robot Studios using Unreal Engine 5, the game features a unique blend of feline agility and mech combat, drawing inspiration from games like Apex Legends. Set in a post-apocalyptic world called Nekovia, players engage in battles within a futuristic arena, customizing their mechs with various weapons and mods. Despite incorporating blockchain technology and NFTs, the game ensures that players can enjoy the core experience without needing to interact with these elements. Nyan Heroes promises a fun and visually captivating multiplayer shooter experience.

4. Shrapnel: A high-stakes, AAA extraction shooter developed by Neon Machine, utilizing blockchain technology to offer true ownership of in-game assets. Set in a post-apocalyptic future where players, as Mercenary Extraction Force (MEF) operators, compete to extract a valuable mineral called Compound Sigma from the hazardous Sacrifice Zone, the game combines intense combat with strategic gameplay. Built on Unreal Engine 5, "Shrapnel" features customizable characters, skins, and (soon) maps allowing players to create and monetize their content. Despite its innovative integration of blockchain and NFTs, the game has garnered mixed reactions due to its heavy reliance on these elements, which might not appeal to all traditional gamers. The early access version launched on the Epic Games Store in early 2024, showcasing its potential as a major player in the Web3 gaming space.

Remember, the journey in all Web3 games is as much about the community and shared experiences as it is about individual achievement. Let's continue to support each other and grow together!

FAM Guild Activities Update

Our FAM guild's adventures continue branching out beyond BigTime extending into various exciting projects. We are continually exploring, evaluating, and sharing insights on new opportunities within Web3 gaming daily. When FAM guild identifies a promising project and establishes a significant presence, we create a new channel in our Discord to coordinate our growth efforts. The current list of channels dedicated to supporting other Web3 projects within the FAM discord includes WorldShards, Guild of Guardians, Shrapnel, MetalCore, Nyan-Heroes, Night-Crows, Seraph, and BossFighters.

We are still waiting in anticipation for the upcoming .30 patch release from BigTime and our next FAM meeting will occur after the update goes live. We aim to reconvene one to two weeks post-launch to explore new strategies and activities that will optimize our standing, especially in light of the expected character wipe.

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: JMeyerPhotos

JMeyerPhotos’ journey into the world of Web3 and crypto gaming began with his discovery of the game Lost Relics in 2021. As a dungeon crawler akin to Diablo, Lost Relics quickly captured his interest. Initially, he played as a free-to-play player, but soon realized the necessity of investing in NFTs to advance in the game. He shared, "I tried being a Free-to-Play player at first but after a while of leveling up, investing in NFTs was necessary to progress in stronger dungeons." He found the concept of Play-to-Earn particularly appealing and is continually searching for new and exciting Web3 games to join early for potential benefits (like airdrops or early access bonuses).

The allure of Play-to-Earn models was a major factor in JMeyerPhotos’ deep dive into Web3 gaming and finding a game like Lost Relics was pivotal in this transition. He was already familiar with the grind of leveling up and hunting for loot from traditional Web2 games. The idea of playing a game in a genre he enjoys while discovering an item (NFT) and selling it for cryptocurrency was revolutionary to him sparking a newfound enthusiasm for Web3 gaming. "The whole thing of being able to find an item (NFT) and selling it for crypto, really blew my mind! I’ve been hooked on Web3 since learning about it," he exclaimed. This blend of gaming and financial opportunity was irresistible, leading him to become thoroughly invested in the Web3 space.

As he ventured further into Web3 gaming, JMeyerPhotos found invaluable support in the community. Building friendships within Web3 games and engaging with viewers on his Twitch streams provided a rich source of information and assistance. He explained, "Meeting new friends in Web3 games helped me a lot with learning about Web3 in general and also about other games out there that I may have not heard about." His friends and followers often join his Discord during streams discussing the games he was playing and sharing insights about other Web3 opportunities. This communal learning environment was crucial in expanding his knowledge and assisting in navigating the complex (and continuously growing) Web3 landscape.

The shift to Web3 and crypto gaming significantly altered JMeyerPhotos' perspective on technology and gaming. He noted, "I no longer get excited about AAA games being released. Now I’m looking for the next big Web3 game to be released!" This shift in interest even extended to new technologies, as he decided to invest in a VR system (the Quest3) which he was inspired by the innovative game Boss Fighters. With unique gameplay where players can choose to battle as a VR boss against PC fighters, Boss Fighters was as entertaining to watch as it was to play for him.

Interactions within the Web3 and crypto gaming communities in Discord and through Twitch profoundly influenced JMeyerPhotos' strategies and views. He found these communities to be predominantly positive and supportive with members in this space eager to share knowledge and answer questions. "The friends I have made willingly share their knowledge and answer any questions that I may have," he remarked. These interactions were not only educational but strategic, helping him identify more promising Web3 project options early in development that peaked his interest. The shared goal of getting in on new games early to maximize potential rewards and benefits became a cornerstone of his new approach to gaming.

A significant milestone in JMeyerPhotos' Web3 journey was his involvement with the game BigTime. After gaining early access, he was initially drawn in by the NFTs but stayed for the compelling gameplay. "When I first learned about BigTime, I got [pre-alpha] access through a Ruby Pass invite. Although finding NFTs was intriguing about the game, the actual gameplay is what hooked me and my friends," he shared. The introduction of the game’s economy and the excitement of receiving airdrops for early promotion further cemented his commitment. Looking ahead, he eagerly anticipates updates and innovations, particularly in Big Time and Boss Fighters, and continues to offer sage advice to newcomers: "If you find a game that is interesting to you, do some research before investing in it. There are a lot of scams out there and you need to be careful."

Balancing his passion for Web3 gaming, JMeyerPhotos also pursues other interests to maintain equilibrium in his life. "I’ve been retired for 2 years now due to health issues, but before this, I had my own photography business. Photography has always been a passion of mine, so I’m grateful I was able to make an income from it," he shared. Now, as a disabled veteran, he dedicates significant time to gaming, streaming on Twitch four nights a week for four hours each night. Despite his gaming commitments, he ensures to spend quality time with his family, which includes his 11-year-old daughter and his girlfriend of 12 years. This balance between his past profession, current hobbies, and family life reflects his ability to maintain a fulfilling and well-rounded lifestyle.

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about JMeyerPhotos by joining his social medias here: https://dot.cards/jmeyerphotos

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