FAM Newsletter #11 6/24/2024 - CrazyLarry

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week's edition of the FAM newsletter! We're thrilled to dive back into the exciting world of BigTime, especially with the latest .30 update bringing fresh content and challenges to our community. This week, we'll be sharing our opinion on the latest .30 release covering both the exciting new features and the areas that still leave us wanting more. Additionally, we're spotlighting a crazy fun FAM streamer who brings unique energy and creativity to our vibrant guild. Get ready to dive into the exciting insights and updates we have prepared for you this week!

Let’s Talk BigTime .30: An Opinion Piece

The recent .30 update for BigTime brought an array of changes, both exciting and somewhat disappointing. As a long-time player, I find myself in a blend of optimism and still longing for more substantial content.

One of the standout features of this update is the new hub, Epoch City. This vibrant and bustling metropolis injects fresh life into the game, offering a dynamic environment for players to explore. The new enemy types introduced in this update also add a fun and engaging twist, challenging players in new and unexpected ways. These changes significantly enhance the overall experience and provide a refreshing change of pace.

The revamped first time user experience is another highlight, providing a great introduction to the game mechanics. It's designed in a way that doesn't feel any less fun than the actual dungeon gameplay, making it a smooth transition for new players. Even veteran players will find the new challenges within the FTUE engaging, especially when trying to speed through them. This is an excellent step towards ensuring that newcomers understand the game's dynamics while still enjoying the process.

However, the update is not without its shortcomings. Despite the exciting new features, I was hoping for additional content such as new dungeons or expansions to existing quests and storylines. The lack of these elements leaves a noticeable gap for those of us who have been eagerly anticipating more depth and narrative progression in the game.

The party finder system, while a step in the right direction, feels somewhat underwhelming. It appears to be a quick solution with simple parameters that randomly group players together. I had hoped for a more refined system where players could specify party composition and preferred levels, possibly with a prestige-type option. Such improvements would greatly enhance the cooperative aspect of the game and ensure more balanced and enjoyable group experiences.

BigTime token drops in the early dungeons, particularly up to level 25, remain a point of contention. Regardless of the hourglass rarity, the rewards feel inadequate which can be discouraging for players who had invested money, time, and effort into these early stages. The reduced drop rates make it challenging to accumulate tokens impacting the overall enjoyment and progression for players who rely on these rewards to advance crafting in the game.

The reduction in token drops raises questions about the future implementation of additional content to supplement this trend of lower token drops. There is a significant need for the development team to introduce new elements such as secondary professions, new dungeons, and additional story quests. These additions would provide alternative ways for players to engage with the game and maintain their interest. Consistent updates and expansions are crucial to keeping the player base engaged, especially for veterans who are eager for new content and better profitability.

Despite these drawbacks, the .30 update is still a refreshing change. Starting over at level 1 with a new pocket watch, alongside the community, brings a sense of camaraderie and excitement. It's always fun to experience the game from the beginning discovering the new elements together.

Despite the recent re-wipe required (to address underlying issues soon after the initial release) which caused some frustration, I trust it was a necessary step to ensure a stable and enjoyable gaming experience. I remain positive and confident in the direction of BigTime. The game has immense potential and I look forward to seeing how it evolves in the future.

In summary, while the .30 update might not have been as groundbreaking as some hoped, it offers a mix of exciting new features and areas for improvement. The new hub and enemy types are fantastic additions but there is a clear need for more content and refined systems. As always, the community's feedback will be crucial in shaping the future of BigTime, and I am still optimistic about the journey ahead!

FAM Guild Activities Update

The FAM Stream Team now offers 24/7 content for both BigTime and Illuvium! If you're interested in learning more about these games, 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 BigTime, Illuvium, WorldShards, Guild of Guardians, Shrapnel, MetalCore, Nyan-Heroes, Night-Crows, Seraph, and BossFighters.

The .30 patch release for BigTime is here! The next FAM meeting will occur “soon”. We aim to meet within the next few weeks to explore new strategies and activities that will optimize our standing, especially in light of the character wipe and new content.

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: CrazyLarry

CrazyLarry’s introduction to Web3 gaming began through his friend Doc in a Discord group called the Blue Box GC. It was here that he learned about BigTime and obtained his first game code. Reflecting on this experience, he said, “This was back when there was no ecosystem. I played a lot and got my first NFT while doing the tutorial.” The early days saw him and his team reach around level 30 but many sold their assets doubting the game's future. Larry, however, persisted and found a new community on Twitch, where he connected with influential gamers like Sol_Invictus and Killersaints1313FAM, who warmly welcomed him into their guild.

The friendships Larry formed in the Web3 gaming community were pivotal in deepening his involvement. He shared, “What really made me want to dive deeper into Web3 gaming was when I found all these amazing people. They have changed me in ways I never thought possible.” One particularly memorable experience involved dyeing his hair after encouragement from his friends. “I dyed my hair turquoise blue, which turned out green with a blue tint,” he recounted. The camaraderie and support he found in the MetFi and FAM communities were instrumental in his journey.

Navigating the complexities of Web3 gaming was made easier for Larry through his guild where he found knowledgeable and supportive members. He credited T3cn0 with teaching him how to transfer money from MetaMask to OpenLoot. Larry advised newcomers, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We are here to help you in whatever matter you’re having a problem with.” His emphasis on community support underscores the importance of joining a guild and engaging with experienced players.

Larry’s journey in Web3 gaming reached a turning point when he began making significant investments and earning money through the game. “I started buying space and wardens and a lot of different NFTs,” he said. The relationships and daily interactions with his guild members shaped his experience highlighting that the essence of Web3 gaming lies not just in the financial gains but in the community and memories created along the way.

Active participation in the Web3 gaming community brought Larry numerous joyful moments and friendships. One standout memory involved Killersaints1313FAM mistakenly renting him NFTs of higher value than intended, which they laughed about for a long time. “I even bring it up sometimes with him, and it’s still funny to this day,” Larry shared. These interactions have enriched his experience and solidified his place in the community.

For those entering Web3 gaming, Larry offers practical advice. He emphasized the importance of patience and strategic investment, noting that market prices are currently low, providing good buying opportunities. He also stressed the importance of community support, saying, “Join a guild, ask a bunch of questions... and you can still get NFTs in normal dungeons.” Larry’s optimistic outlook on the future of Web3 gaming is fueled by his belief in its potential to revitalize the gaming industry with innovative ideas and economic opportunities.

Outside of Web3, Larry enjoys a variety of activities that keep him fulfilled. He loves playing Arma 3 where he likens himself to the character Crazy Murdock from The A-Team. “I transport people to the battlefield. I fly with a joystick and a throttle controller,” he said. His daily routine includes watching movies, listening to music, and chatting with friends on Discord. Larry’s hobbies also extend to cooking, particularly making pizzas from scratch. His positive attitude and the supportive relationships he has formed have led him to make healthier life choices including quitting smoking. “I love all the people I get to talk to every day,” he said, expressing gratitude for the Web3 community that has profoundly impacted his life.

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about CrazyLarry by joining his social medias here:
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/crazypilotlarry 

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