Token Gamer and NFT Insider have decided to combine forces to launch a WAX-centric, weekly podcast, WAX Lyrical. John Nichols of NFT Insider and I will discuss a new topic every week, as well as feature special guests in the near future. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you let us know through the Token Gamer Discord or Twitter, or the NFT Insider Discord or Twitter.

In last week’s episode, John and I discussed where blockchain gaming goes from here and how it gets there. This week is in many ways a continuation of that discussion as the three of us cover the industry, gaming, and of course, Blockchain Brawlers!

Episode 13: Michael Rubinelli, Head of WAX Game Studios

In November of 2021, we announced the project Blockchain Brawlers, a collaborative game between WAX and Binance Smart Chain. The play-to-earn (P2E) wrestling game is the first title WAX has actively produced, utilizing its newly formed WAX Games Studios. Heading up this studio is a man with a staggering resume in the gaming industry: Michael Rubinelli.

After getting a relatively entry-level (albeit, dream) position at EA, working on John Madden Football for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo, Michael had a hand in over 400 games, from Mortal Kombat through to the now more relevant WWF (WWE) games. He was front and center of the free-to-play (F2P) business model as it simultaneously endeared itself to gamers and confused its way around boardrooms. Now, he finds himself on the frontlines once again, pioneering another gaming revolution — one of potentially larger significance — blockchain technology.

Although John and I are both interested in Blockchain Brawlers, we wanted to know more about the man at the helm and his vision for the future, as well as his views of the present state of blockchain gaming. There are few people better suited to the big questions surrounding our emerging sub-industry and Michael delivers with some insightful answers.

What did you make of Michael’s answers? Join the #podcast-chat channel in our Discord and share your thoughts!

We’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical. This helps both our podcast and the WAX ecosystem as a whole!

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, and Google Podcasts.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 13: Michael Rubinelli, Head of WAX Game Studios appeared first on Token Gamer.

Token Gamer and NFT Insider have decided to combine forces to launch a WAX-centric, weekly podcast, WAX Lyrical. John Nichols of NFT Insider and I will discuss a new topic every week, as well as feature special guests in the near future. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you let us know through the Token Gamer Discord or Twitter, or the NFT Insider Discord or Twitter.

In last week’s episode, we unpacked our individual motivations for believing in NFTs and why we work in the industry. This week, we talk more about our passion.

Episode 12: Where Does Blockchain Gaming Go From Here?

My love for blockchain gaming is obvious, well-documented, and long-standing at this point. However, John is also a devout follower of our sub-industry, easily playing as many blockchain games as I do, and streaming many of them on his Twitch channel. So, it goes without saying, we both have a lot to say on the subject.

As 2021 was unfolding, I was beside myself. It had taken years of almost radio silence before blockchain gaming began to take off, so once it did, I couldn’t be happier. But, as so often happens in life, the longer I have to think about it, the more I want further progression. I write and say “use-case” a lot when I discuss many blockchain games, and even the simple DeFi-style games are certainly that, but I want more from new projects.

Needless to say, the game I reviewed just this week and that John and I revere, Skyweaver, gets a lot of air time on this episode as it acts as the perfect pacesetter for future projects. We, the players, must demand more from blockchain gaming and push for the integration of Play-to-Earn (P2E) as a mechanic rather than the core of the game.

Where do you think blockchain gaming will go from here? Join the #podcast-chat channel in our Discord and give us your answer.

We’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical. This helps both our podcast and the WAX ecosystem as a whole!

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, and Google Podcasts.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 12: Where Does Blockchain Gaming Go From Here? appeared first on Token Gamer.

Token Gamer and NFT Insider have decided to combine forces to launch a WAX-centric, weekly podcast, WAX Lyrical. John Nichols of NFT Insider and I will discuss a new topic every week, as well as feature special guests in the near future. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you let us know through the Token Gamer Discord or Twitter, or the NFT Insider Discord or Twitter.

In last week’s episode, we tackled a heavier and more difficult topic: “How to Navigate a Crypto Dip”. This week, it’s much lighter and it became impassioned almost instantly.

Episode 11: Why Do We Believe in NFTs?

This question, in a variety of forms, has cropped up in several podcast episodes so far. While both John and I have given brief answers, we decided to go deeper into our motivations, our beliefs, and our history in the space.

The regular listeners may know, but I got into crypto in a backwards order: I didn’t buy Bitcoin or Ethereum (that came much later), I bought WAX and Enjin — two blockchain gaming-centric coins. The financial world fascinates me, but where cryptocurrencies have my mind, blockchain has my heart.

From my first realization that I could own a skin, a weapon, or any in-game item, I dived in head-first. It was a solution to a problem I thought to be insurmountable, and yet, that was only the beginning. The applications of blockchain and NFTs span every nook and cranny — or at least have the potential to — and I believe it will touch damn near every industry.

So, why do you believe in NFTs? Join the #podcast-chat channel in our Discord and give us your answer.

We’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical. This helps both our podcast and the WAX ecosystem as a whole!

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, and Google Podcasts.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 11: Why Do We Believe in NFTs? appeared first on Token Gamer.

Token Gamer and NFT Insider have decided to combine forces to launch a WAX-centric, weekly podcast, WAX Lyrical. John Nichols of NFT Insider and I will discuss a new topic every week, as well as feature special guests in the near future. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you let us know through the Token Gamer Discord or Twitter, or the NFT Insider Discord or Twitter.

In last week’s episode, we tackled the tricky subject of how an NFT is valued, why some are worth fortunes and others are worth pennies, and some ways you can check if an NFT is overvalued or undervalued. This week, John and I take the market’s decline head-on and discuss what you should do during a hefty dip.

Episode 10: How to Navigate a Crypto Dip

If you’re in crypto to some meaningful degree, the last few weeks have been a tough watch. Though I have grown used to rough periods — my first year in crypto had more or less a year-long bear market — it’s hard not to be affected. So, what should you do?

Well, firstly, we need to understand why the crash is happening. Then you need to put it in context of other crashes and why this isn’t some isolated disaster we’ve not seen before. This is the start of the podcast: laying the groundwork. Then we discuss what you should be doing.

As always — and the mantra of every crypto content creator — we do not offer financial advice. There is always money to be made in economical downturns, just look at the top of the rich list during the pandemic. However, what I would always recommend at a time like this is to build. Whether it’s a blog, a YouTube channel, your own collection, a game — it doesn’t matter. When the markets dip, the people here for a quick buck filter out, and you have the space and time to make something.

What do you do in a downturn?

We’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical. This helps both our podcast and the WAX ecosystem as a whole!

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 10: How to Navigate a Crypto Dip appeared first on Token Gamer.

Token Gamer and NFT Insider have decided to combine forces to launch a WAX-centric, weekly podcast, WAX Lyrical. John Nichols of NFT Insider and I will discuss a new topic every week, as well as feature special guests in the near future. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you let us know through the Token Gamer Discord or Twitter, or the NFT Insider Discord or Twitter.

In last week’s episode, we opened the floor and took questions from listeners. Some were light and speculative, some were dark and difficult, and some were utterly beyond us! This week, John and I decided to tackle a complex and broad subject that both of us follow with interest.

Episode 9: What Gives NFTs Their Value?

The crypto markets are awash with red. The new folks to crypto are suffering, refreshing their portfolios, bewildered. Those of us who have been here a while are relatively unphased. However, in times of turmoil, it is arguable there is the most to learn.

Earlier this week, I discussed whether NFTs and blockchain gaming are now impervious to crypto’s cycled, heavy dips. It’s too early for a definitive answer, but DappRadar’s most recent report on user behavior, suggests we may be in the first throes of a decoupling. Where cryptocurrencies receded, blockchain gaming and NFTs grew and strengthened. Now, they’re in their biggest test since Play to Earn (P2E) games took the world by storm.

If NFTs do not follow the negative trends of cryptocurrencies, why not? From where is their value derived and what can we learn from that information? John and I discuss what influences an NFT’s price, both short-term and long-term, and how being armed with this knowledge can mean you avoid purchasing from collections doomed to fail.

Finally, we’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical. This helps both our podcast and the WAX ecosystem as a whole!

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 9: What Gives NFTs Their Value? appeared first on Token Gamer.

Token Gamer and NFT Insider have decided to combine forces to launch a WAX-centric, weekly podcast, WAX Lyrical. John Nichols of NFT Insider and I will discuss a new topic every week, as well as feature special guests in the near future. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you let us know through the Token Gamer Discord or Twitter, or the NFT Insider Discord or Twitter.

In last week’s episode, we tackled the topic of what is needed for NFTs to continue their rise to ascension and establish themselves fully in the mainstream. This prompted a number of questions about NFTs and thoughtful discussions in our Discords, so we decided to dedicate an episode to answering some of the questions pitched to us.

Episode 8: Your Questions on NFTs Answered

There was a real spread of questions, from complex and above our paygrade, to more straightforward. The questions that have always grabbed me are ones surrounding the future and the role blockchain technology and NFTs will have in it. Since 2018 I have been thinking about them weekly and the answers for some are starting to become a little clearer. Nevertheless, most answers currently are mere speculation.

In this episode, John and I tackle which major game studio will be the first to truly adopt blockchain, whether NFTs are risky in and of themselves, and whether blockchain is at odds with the EU right to be forgotten legislation, among others.

We are hoping to do an episode like this every few months, so if you have any questions, make sure you send them to us. Similarly, we’d love any feedback or thoughts you have on the podcast.

Finally, we’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical. This helps both our podcast and the WAX ecosystem as a whole!

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 8: Your Questions on NFTs Answered appeared first on Token Gamer.

Token Gamer and NFT Insider have decided to combine forces to launch a WAX-centric, weekly podcast, WAX Lyrical. John Nichols of NFT Insider and I will discuss a new topic every week, as well as feature special guests in the near future. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you let us know through the Token Gamer Discord or Twitter, or the NFT Insider Discord or Twitter.

In last week’s episode, we did a comprehensive wrap-up of 2021 on WAX. This week, John and I look at the ways in which NFTs have started to see mainstream adoption as well as what they need to solidify their place in daily life.

Episode 7: What NFTs Need to Go Mainstream

When contrasted to the year we started Token Gamer, 2018, it feels as if both blockchain gaming and NFTs are mainstream already. That isn’t true, of course. There are still hoards of people actively pushing back against blockchain technology and its implementation, not to mention a general lack of understanding of the space.

Nevertheless, we have seen a lot of steps in the right direction, even if the results are some way off. In this episode, we discuss a number of industries that are already dipping toes, such as fashion and finance. Then, the staples of Web2 have done everything from rumored integration of NFTs for profile pictures, through to wholesale rebranding and billions invested.

So, what’s next? What do NFTs and blockchain technology need to push themselves into an integral role in modern society? Furthermore, what can we do to aid in that transition? Finally, what can WAX do to both grease the wheels of change and ensure a central position themselves?

Make sure you let us know your thoughts via Twitter or our Discords, as well as any subjects you would be interested in us covering. And finally, we’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical. This helps both our podcast and the WAX ecosystem as a whole!

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 7: What NFTs Need to Go Mainstream appeared first on Token Gamer.

Episode 6: The 2021 WAX Wrap-up

Where do I start? As someone who has been in and around WAX since 2018, the past 12 months have been objectively the most impactful. In fact, so much has happened in 2021 that I had to go through notes and articles to find the many things I had forgotten. Some of the earliest milestones for WAX this year feel a lifetime ago thanks to the breakneck pace at which the industry moves.

There have been a plethora of moments for celebration this year for WAX, from active wallets growing over 1,000% to north of 10 million as of this week, through to dominance in the blockchain gaming charts. We have seen Alien Worlds and Splinterlands top the tables, Farmers World manage a trading volume of $180 million, and the biggest NFT sale of $695k.

That is before we mention the incredible IPs brought to WAX, with the likes of Spider-Man and Funko. We are well poised for an incredible 2022, but before setting off into another wild adventure into the new year, let’s take a look at just how far we’ve come.

John and I also make a number of predictions, from total active wallets this time next year, to the price of $WAXP. Note them down and come back in 12 months to let us know we are frauds and know nothing.

Make sure you let us know your thoughts via Twitter or our Discords, as well as any subjects you would be interested in us covering. And finally, we’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple podcasts that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical.

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 6: The 2021 WAX Wrap-up appeared first on Token Gamer.

Token Gamer and NFT Insider have decided to combine forces to launch a WAX-centric, weekly podcast, WAX Lyrical. John Nichols of NFT Insider and I will discuss a new topic every week, as well as feature special guests in the near future. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover, make sure you let us know through the Token Gamer Discord or Twitter, or the NFT Insider Discord or Twitter.

Last week’s episode discussed what the metaverse is and we tried to predict how it will take shape. In a similar vein, this week John and I discuss the future of NFTs, far past algorithm-generated art.

Episode 5: The Future of NFTs

I ought to preface this episode by highlighting that I enjoy art, I have worked in the arts for years — mostly digital too — and I buy art NFTs. However, these are a single and relatively straightforward application of NFTs and what the future holds is exciting.

It will go without saying, but gaming stands to be an area where NFTs will play a major role going forward. In 10 years’ time, it is likely that most games will utilize blockchain technology and NFTs as standard.

However, NFTs can overcome a number of real-life problems, from counterfeit goods to overhauling the music industry. The latter is particularly interesting since streaming has skewed the distribution of profits, making it tremendously difficult for smaller bands and artists to make a living doing what they love.

Make sure you let us know your thoughts via Twitter or our Discords, as well as any subjects you would be interested in us covering. WAX fans should keep a close eye on next week too as it’s going to be an important episode!

Finally, we’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple podcasts that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical.

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 5: The Future of NFTs appeared first on Token Gamer.

Episode 4: What Is the Metaverse?

I can’t recall a time where there was a more popular concept that was so ill-defined as the metaverse. For sci-fi enthusiasts, the term, coined by Neal Stephenson, has been around for decades. For those in crypto, it has been an interesting idea for several years. For those with little to no interest in crypto, it likely cropped up around the time Zuckerberg renamed his company to Meta.

Despite bursting into the global lexicon, the metaverse lacks a concrete definition, even from the experts. In this episode, I mention Grayscale’s report on the metaverse — which is excellent might I add — but even that has to remain relatively vague. The best definitions dance around a point I have focused on in every piece I have written on the subject, but to quote Cathy Hackl, the metaverse is the convergence of the digital and physical worlds.

In truth — and I’m sure Cathy would agree — this is woefully incomplete. The metaverse is likely going to be a fully-fledged digital home for us, but what form it takes is still far too blurry to make out.

In episode 4 of WAX Lyrical, John and I go through different definitions, the history of the term, and interesting data surrounding it. We also make a few predictions for the future that will undoubtedly return to haunt us in ten years’ time.

Finally, we’d like to ask that if you listen to us on Apple podcasts that you rate us five stars and leave us a review if you enjoy WAX Lyrical.

To listen to WAX Lyrical, you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.

The post WAX Lyrical, Episode 4: What Is the Metaverse? appeared first on Token Gamer.