Introduction

Hello, KodaDot community! Welcome to another edition of our Weekly Roundup, where we bring you the latest news and updates from the world of NFTs and Web3. This week, we have some exciting stories to share, including the closure of Starbucks' NFT rewards program, Pokémon Go's integration with Polkadot, and the announcement of Ready Player One's upcoming Web3 game. Plus, we've got a new generative NFT drop from artist yo that you won't want to miss. Let's dive in!

Starbucks Announces Closure of Odyssey NFT Rewards Program

In a surprising move, Starbucks has decided to shut down its NFT rewards program, Starbucks Odyssey, after two years of operation. The program, which allowed participants to earn points and exclusive NFTs through their Starbucks purchases, will officially conclude on March 31. Users are encouraged to complete any remaining activities within the program by March 25. While Starbucks plans to send a final benefit to Odyssey members, the company is re-evaluating its NFT offerings. The Odyssey marketplace will move to the Nifty Gateway platform, allowing members to continue buying, selling, and trading their Stamps. Learn more

Pokémon Go's Unity Embraces Polkadot SDK for Web3 Gaming

Unity Technologies, the company behind the popular mobile game Pokémon Go, has partnered with Parity Technologies to incorporate the Polkadot blockchain framework into its Verified Solutions Program. The Polkadot SDK offers various functionalities to streamline the integration of blockchain technologies in gaming, providing enhanced control, seamless compatibility with C# code, and trustworthy transaction processes. With Unity holding over 60% of the mobile game market and catering to more than 1.5 million developers, this partnership greatly amplifies the visibility of Polkadot's blockchain solutions within the gaming world. Learn more

Ready Player One's Web3 Metaverse Game Is Coming

Readyverse Studios, a collaboration between web3 metaverse company Futureverse and science fiction author Ernest Cline, has announced its first game, Open. Developed by Walker Labs, Open is an interactive battle royale-style game that promises a blend of nostalgia and competition, featuring characters and items from collaborating brands and IP franchises like Cool Cats and Reebok. The game's 3D animation is powered by Unreal Engine 5, and it is expected to be fully interoperable across multiple blockchain ecosystems, enabling digital ownership of in-game items. Learn more

KodaDot Drops Another Banger: "The Break" by Artist yo

KodaDot is excited to present our latest generative NFT drop, "The Break," by artist yo (Tsung-yu Lu). This thought-provoking piece explores the concept of breaking free from the constraints of modern society, symbolized by a gear trapped in a box that transforms into a vibrant plant. Artist yo invites viewers to find their own catalyst for transformation and vitality, just as creation grants them freedom and a sense of existence. If you're feeling the weight of societal pressures, let "The Break" inspire you to find your own path to breaking free. Learn more

Conclusion

That's all for this week's roundup, KodaDot community! We hope you found these stories informative and engaging. Don't forget to check out our latest NFT drop, "The Break," and let us know what you think. As always, we appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more exciting news and updates from the world of NFTs and Web3. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!

The KodaDot Team