FAM Newsletter #16 7/29/2024 - KraziZen

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week’s edition of the FAM newsletter! This time, we take a critical look at the current state of Big Time, exploring the primary frustrations within the community and what’s needed for the game to regain its former glory. Alongside this analysis, we’re excited to announce that Illuvium is now being showcased 24/7 through our FAM streamers, offering a continuous experience of another standout web3 game. Don't miss our special spotlight on KraziZen, where we delve into his inspiring Web3 journey. Get ready for another packed issue full of insights, community highlights, and all things Web3 gaming!

Let’s Talk Big Time: An Opinion Piece

Big Time has carved out a niche in the web3 gaming world with its unique blend of blockchain integration and engaging RPG elements. The release of the .30 patch marked a pivotal moment for the game, bringing both excitement and frustration to its community. Epoch City, the game's new centralized hub, has been a visual and interactive delight offering players a vibrant space filled with fun mini-games and the promise of an expanding universe. However, this development has left the older area, Watertown, feeling deserted—a ghost town echoing the changes in focus and activity within the game. In the storyline of Big Time, is Watertown really gone for good, though? If so, why?!

The initial thrill of the .30 patch revolved around the rush of leveling up new pocket watches again and exploring the new content like the new dunes map, which provide up to six familiar missions for the party to locate and participate. This content was eagerly consumed, but the excitement waned as the much-anticipated Prestige Portals, promising better loot, delivered broken bonus rolls and disappointing drops. This was particularly disheartening given an earlier announcement that suggested a temporary increase in drop rates. Instead, players found themselves grappling with the same content and similar bugs leading to frustration and confusion within the community.

Compounding these issues, the introduction of the VIP score—a combination of cosmetic score and Big Time token holdings—promised exclusive rewards. However, the implementation has been inconsistent, with some players receiving little to no drops, while others received minimal rewards. This inconsistency has left many questioning the true value of achieving higher VIP tiers. Additionally, the introduction of void monsters, intended to add challenge and diversity, has been marred by technical issues, resulting in these mobs not dropping tokens as intended. The lack of diversity in sought out mobs and maps has left Prestige players feeling that the game is in a stagnant state yet again.

As the game gears up for future updates, including the highly anticipated PvP features in the .31 and .32 patches, there is a cautious optimism among the community. PvP could provide the competitive edge and excitement needed to rejuvenate the player base. However, concerns remain about the game's current imbalance, which could affect the nature of PvP—possibly leaning towards party vs. party competitions rather than direct player vs. player combat. The community eagerly awaits clearer communication from the developers about what these PvP elements will entail and how they will be balanced.

Communication has been a recurring issue. While players understand the complexities of game development, the lack of transparency and engagement has led to a growing disconnect between the developers and the community. This is particularly concerning for those who are deeply invested in the game's success, both emotionally and financially. Clearer, more frequent updates could help alleviate some of this frustration and keep the community engaged and supportive.

Despite these challenges, Big Time remains a fundamentally enjoyable experience, especially when played with friends. The game has the potential to reclaim its position at the forefront of the web3 gaming space. Key areas for improvement include the implementation of a friends list, which has been mysteriously delayed, and a more diverse and consistent approach to dungeon and mob drops. With better communication and continued gameplay enhancements, the game can bounce back from its current lull. As we look to the future, it's crucial for players to stay informed, make decisions based on thorough research, and enjoy the journey that Big Time offers — as frequent or infrequent that may be.

One more thing… we will continue to ask ourselves what these Showcase events primarily serve to the overall growth of the Big Time community. So far, we have not been able to find the positive answer. That being said, for those who do participate and qualify, best of luck to you! Leaderboard 5 incoming soon? Looking forward to the AMA, scheduled for (SOON), for some insights on what will be seen in the upcoming patches... soon.

FAM Guild Activities Update

Illuvium global launch is HERE and FAM is offering 24/7 streams for all things Illuvium!

The FAM Stream Team continues to offer 24/7 content for all Web3 games! If you're interested in learning more about BigTime 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 BigTime, XOCIETY, Illuvium, Off The Grid, WorldShards, Guild of Guardians, Shrapnel, MetalCore, Nyan-Heroes, Night-Crows, Seraph, and BossFighters.

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: KraziZen

KraziZen's journey into Web3 and crypto gaming began somewhat serendipitously, thanks to his brother's introduction. Initially, he was just a gamer and stock investor with no particular inclination toward the crypto space. However, his brother's suggestion to check out Axie Infinity, a game that combined gaming with earning potential, sparked his curiosity. Despite initially dismissing it as "garbage," the later surge in the value of Axie Infinity's token, AXS, caught his attention. This prompted him to explore more about the play-to-earn mechanics that were emerging in the gaming world. "The fact that you can play and earn definitely got my attention," he recalled. This realization led him to discover other projects, eventually finding BigTime, although he was cautious about investing due to the prevalence of scams in the industry.

What captivated KraziZen most about Web3 and crypto gaming was the concept of true ownership in virtual spaces. Unlike traditional games, where in-game assets are typically locked to a player's account and become obsolete when they stop playing, Web3 games offer the possibility of retaining, selling, or even renting out assets. This aspect appealed to KraziZen as it meant that the time and money invested in a game wouldn't be wasted. He emphasized, "The fact that you can invest your time into a game you really enjoy, put money into it, and then, when you're done, you can sell or rent your assets—it makes your time feel valuable." This sense of ownership and the potential for real-world economic interactions within games drew him deeper into the Web3 gaming ecosystem. The innovative game mechanics and the ability to truly own digital assets made Web3 gaming a revolutionary experience for him.

KraziZen's initial steps into Web3 gaming were guided primarily by his brother's insights and their collective learning journey. The duo navigated the complex landscape of crypto largely on their own, relying heavily on social media platforms like Twitter to stay informed. "Twitter was pretty much the biggest resource that really taught us all about crypto," he shared. Today, KraziZen recommends platforms like Immutable and Openloot for newcomers to get acquainted with the space, emphasizing the importance of community in understanding and navigating Web3 gaming. He also encourages following influencers associated with the FAM logo on Twitch, highlighting the value of community-driven insights.

As KraziZen delved deeper into Web3 and crypto gaming, his involvement evolved significantly. Initially, it was a period of exploration and learning, as he tried out various games and investment opportunities, often feeling out the potential of each. He recalls dabbling in games like Axie Infinity and Thetan Arena, but these didn't captivate him as he hoped. The turning point came with BigTime, a game that resonated with him due to its blend of enjoyable gameplay and economic opportunities. "I got NFTs! First NFT I looted ever. Epic 2 handed hammer and when I looked at the price—250 bucks! I was sold," he recounted. This experience solidified his interest and commitment, leading him to join the BigTime stream team, aspiring to be a significant part of the game's community and growth.

Community engagement has been a cornerstone of KraziZen's experience in Web3 gaming. Although his participation fluctuates, he prides himself on being a reliable source of knowledge for games he genuinely enjoys. "If you see me talk about a game, it’s really a game that I’m interested in and not some game where I’m going to tell you to use my referral code to make a buck out of you," he stated, emphasizing his genuine interest in the games he promotes. This approach has helped him build trust within the community, as he focuses on sharing authentic experiences rather than merely capitalizing on referral incentives.

Among the numerous projects KraziZen explored, two stood out for their significant impact. The first was THOR, a node project aimed at producing passive income, which despite controversies, provided him with a decent return. "Even though they were accused of a lot of negativity, which at that point all of crypto was negative anyway, they are still breathing and building," he noted, reflecting on the project's resilience. The second impactful project was BigTime, which he saw as having the potential to bridge Web2 and Web3 gaming. His involvement in BigTime not only offered financial returns through NFT loots but also provided him with a platform to engage deeply with the community. "BigTime doesn’t have enough content to bring me back playing, but during these downtimes, all the hours grinding and building these assets I’m now able to rent and earn from my time invested," he explained, highlighting the benefits of Web3's economic model.

To maintain a balanced lifestyle, KraziZen finds joy in being a father and working full-time in recreation. Beyond gaming, he is actively involved in building a small gaming community in his city, where he introduces and teaches people how to play popular board games. This initiative is part of his broader effort to share his love for gaming in various forms. "Asides from gaming, I’m a dad with 2 kids and work full time in recreation. At my job, I am also trying to establish a small gaming community," he shared. This commitment to fostering community both online and offline reflects his holistic approach to life, blending his passion for gaming with meaningful real-world interactions.

This interview was not recorded but you can find out more about KraziZen by joining his social medias here:
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/krazizen
X - https://x.com/KraziZen_P2E?t=fAeyduaga09MFeoUz2W90w&s=09

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