FAM Newsletter #17 8/5/2024 - VadCrypto

Greetings, FAM members and Web3 Community!

Welcome to this week’s edition of the FAM newsletter! We're thrilled to bring you another exciting issue packed with updates and insights from the Web3 gaming world. This week, we delve into the recent Big Time AMA with Matt Tonks, CTO, summarizing key points and future developments. In our FAM update section, we’re excited to unveil our new FAM rental system, designed to enhance your gaming experience and provide more opportunities for our community members. Additionally, we have a special spotlight interview with the CEO and co-founder of Pixward Studios, Vadym Shevchuk aka VadCrypto, the creative mind behind the thrilling Boss Fighter game. Learn about his journey, challenges, and what’s next for this innovative game studio. Get ready for another packed issue full of insights, community highlights, and all things Web3 gaming!

Let’s Talk Big Time: August AMA with Matt Tonks

In the recent Big Time AMA, Matt Tonks, CTO at Big Time Studios, entertained us with a whirlwind of exciting updates, all peppered with the word "soon." From PvP/PvEvP modes to workshop set bonuses, the introduction of mounts and pets, and updates to the personal metaverse and Epoch City, Matt shared a lot of thrilling developments. While the precise timelines remained as elusive as a legendary loot drop, the enthusiasm was palpable. Buckle up as we dive into what’s cooking in the Big Time kitchen, with a pinch of humor and a dash of "soon."

Matt Tonks delved into the details of the upcoming PvP/PvEvP modes, set to be a major focus for the 0.31 patch. He explained that the initial version would blend elements of both PvE and PvP, similar to games like League of Legends and DOTA. "Our focus for the 0.31 patch is going to be PvP, and realistically that means it'll be the very first version of PvP," Matt stated, hinting that we might need to temper our expectations with a dose of patience. This mode will involve players leveling up their characters through PvE activities before engaging in combat with other teams adding a strategic layer to the gameplay that sounds as thrilling as it is nerve-wracking.

The AMA also touched on the highly anticipated workshop set bonuses, which have been in the planning stages for what seems like forever. Matt mentioned that these bonuses are expected to be implemented in, or shortly after, the 0.32 release. "Set bonuses are something we've been planning for, well, all along really," he said. These bonuses will scale in impact based on their difficulty to achieve offering significant advantages to players who can configure their workshops optimally. This feature promises to enhance the crafting system and add another layer of strategy to the game, assuming it arrives before we all become gray-haired adventurers.

A particularly exciting topic was the introduction of mounts and pets including the much-desired raptors. Matt shared that mounts and pets are on the roadmap and might be implemented around the 0.33 time range or beyond. "We want to do mounts, and a hoverboard is kind of like a version of a mount, I guess," he mentioned, sparking interest among players eager to ride through the game world on T-Rexes or other cool creatures. Regarding pets, he added, "The first pets you'll see will be hovering pets, kind of like the fixer drones, but I'd love to do dogs and maybe even little raptors that follow you around." The addition of mounts and pets is expected to add a new dimension to the game's overall experience with potential to have additional utilities in-game tied to them.

The AMA also covered updates to the personal metaverse and Epoch City. Matt revealed plans to expand the personal metaverse interface, possibly adopting a top-down RTS view for easier room placement. "We would like to see a different kind of interface for the personal metaverse...more like a top-down RTS view," he explained, making us excited for this new perspective—eventually. Additionally, Epoch City will continue to grow with new islands and features, such as nightclubs with unique entry requirements and player-rentable storefronts. This ongoing expansion aims to make Epoch City a dynamic hub for player interactions and activities, just as soon as the developers can tear themselves away from perfecting the PvP modes and other bugs needing the immediate attention.

In summary, the AMA with Matt Tonks provided a brief look at the exciting developments coming to Big Time. The introduction of PvP/PvEvP modes, workshop set bonuses, and the addition of mounts and pets are all pivotal milestones. The enhancements to the personal metaverse and continuous expansion of Epoch City promise to enrich the gameplay experience. Based on the AMA, we can expect the PvP/PvEvP modes to be prioritized in the next patch, followed by the implementation of workshop set bonuses and the introduction of mounts and pets shortly after. These updates will likely set the stage for further innovative features and solidify Big Time's place in the gaming landscape, all coming to us... soon.

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 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, BOSSFIGHTERS, Illuvium, Off The Grid, Lumiterra, MetalCore, XOCIETY, World Shards, UNIOVERSE, Shrapnel, Hunters On Chain, Nyan Heroes, Guild of Guardians, Seraph, Night Crows, and Entropia.
*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: VadCrypto

Vadym, the CEO and Co-Founder of Pixward Games, shared his excitement and vision for their latest title, BossFighters, in our recent interview. Starting as a game developer with 13 years of experience, Vadym’s journey through various roles in the industry has led to the creation of a unique gaming experience. He emphasized the importance of pushing boundaries and introducing new technologies, highlighting BossFighters as a culmination of his team’s extensive expertise in VR and Web3 gaming. “We don’t want to repeat anyone. It’s a huge risk, but we believe that risk pays off if you work hard enough,” he stated, showcasing his commitment to innovation.

BossFighters aims to blend VR and Web3 elements to create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. Vadym described the game as a physics-based, asymmetrical multiplayer game where players can control either the boss in VR or the fighters on traditional platforms. This combination aims to attract a broad audience and provide a unique interaction between VR and non-VR players. “The ultimate experience of BossFighters is playing in VR,” he said, emphasizing the immersive nature of the game and the strategic depth it offers. By integrating these cutting-edge technologies, Pixward Games seeks to offer a fresh and thrilling gaming experience that stands out in the market.

A significant aspect of BossFighters is its player-owned economy, which integrates Web3 principles of ownership and value transfer. Vadym drew parallels to his own gaming experiences, where physical game copies could be traded among friends, and contrasted this with the current digital-only models that often leave players with no tangible assets. “Gaming is massive, and it’s only going to get bigger in the future,” he remarked, underlining the potential of blockchain technology to restore some of the lost sense of ownership in modern gaming. This approach aims to empower players by giving them true ownership of in-game assets, fostering a more engaged and invested community.

Understanding the role of NFTs in BossFighters is crucial to grasping the game’s economic model. Vadym explained that the game will feature both utility and cosmetic NFTs, each serving distinct purposes. Utility NFTs, such as badges and showrunner contracts, will be integral to collecting tokens and progressing in the game. “These items can be merged together to craft higher-quality badges that yield better rewards after battles,” he explained. Cosmetic NFTs, on the other hand, will offer unique visual enhancements and value perks that increase in-game rewards without providing a competitive advantage, ensuring a fair and balanced gameplay environment.

Addressing the skepticism surrounding Web3 gaming, Vadym pointed out transparency and community engagement as vital elements in overcoming these challenges. He believes that open communication and affordable entry points are essential to gaining trust and acceptance from traditional gamers. “If you’re open with the community, you can convince some people to give it a try,” he noted, expressing his confidence in the long-term success of BossFighters. This commitment to transparency and inclusivity is central to Pixward Games' strategy for integrating Web3 technologies into their games.

The game’s VR component, despite being an optional feature, is seen as a crucial element for the younger generation who are growing up with VR technology. Vadym shared statistics showing the increasing prevalence of VR headsets, comparable to the number of Xbox Series X consoles, and predicted that this trend will continue. “VR is a toy, a gaming console for a younger generation. What happens when this younger generation grows up?” he asked rhetorically, emphasizing the strategic importance of VR integration. By catering to the preferences of this demographic, BossFighters aims to position itself at the forefront of future gaming trends.

Community feedback and support have been integral to BossFighters’ development, with Vadym expressing deep gratitude towards their dedicated community members. The game’s economy and crafting systems are designed to encourage player engagement and marketplace activity, balancing accessibility with meaningful progression. “This is the game built by gamers for gamers,” he proudly stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the project. Vadym believes that this strong community focus will be key to the game’s success and longevity in the competitive gaming market.

Vadym also discussed the future roadmap for BossFighters, hinting at new features and expansions that players can look forward to. He mentioned the upcoming crafting system, new maps, and the highly requested native MetaQuest application, which will allow the game to be run directly from the headset without the need for a desktop PC. “There’s lots of stuff coming to the game,” he said enthusiastically, indicating that the team is committed to continuous development and improvement. This dedication to evolving the game based on player feedback ensures that BossFighters will remain engaging and relevant.

Outside of gaming, Vadym maintains a balanced lifestyle with a focus on physical and mental well-being. He enjoys gymnastics, yoga, and meditation, which help him stay centered amidst the demands of game development. He also reads extensively, with interests spanning applied philosophy, healthy living, and game development. “Books like Blood, Sweat, and Pixels are amazing. I recommend everyone to read [it],” he shared, reflecting his continuous pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. This holistic approach to life undoubtedly influences his leadership and creative vision, driving the innovative spirit behind BossFighters.

If you would like to listen to the full interview with more in-depth content and discussion: https://youtu.be/outFdcgEmnQ
Make sure to subscribe/comment/share the YouTube and the X posts related (found here: https://x.com/3pacFAM) in order to participate in the BOSSFIGHTERS Mystery Box giveaway!

You can find out more about VadCrypto by joining his social medias and checking the BossFighter’s websites here:
X - https://x.com/BossFightersX
X - https://x.com/vadcrypto
Website - https://quest.bossfighters.game/
Website - https://bossfighters.game/

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