NFTs Get Security Boost with New Warranty Service
Wert and Avata have launched a new nonfungible token (NFT) warranty service, providing coverage for up to 90% of the value of compromised digital assets in a smart contract hack. The service will be available on 80 digital asset marketplaces and will be charged at 6% of the asset cost at checkout. The offering aims to encourage mass adoption of NFTs by reducing risk for both active and prospective collectors.
Polygon Emerges as Second-Largest Blockchain Gaming Network
Polygon, a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, has become the second-largest blockchain gaming network with 138,081 unique active wallets engaging in games in March. Polygon surpassed third and fourth-ranked Hive and BNB Chain, with Wax in the first place with 314,000 UAWs. Polygon's surge in user activity was primarily due to Hunters On-Chain, which saw a UAW increase of over 17,000% in the past 30 days alone. Polygon is gaining recognition as a gaming blockchain and has notched big-name partnerships such as Warner Music, Starbucks, and Adobe.
Unreleased Version of David Bowie's "Let's Dance" Surfaces as NFT
Gala Music, in partnership with Larry Dvoskin and Warner Chappell Music, is set to launch a limited edition collection of NFTs featuring an unreleased version of David Bowie's "Let's Dance." Each NFT will give its owner exclusive access to the song, co-produced with Bowie in 2002, with initial profits going toward charity.
Reddit Avatars on Polygon Blockchain
Reddit has launched the third generation of its blockchain-based digital collectibles, Reddit Avatars, on the Polygon blockchain. The release has generated excitement and predictions of quick sellouts, but some users have criticized the payment process.
CryptoPunk NFT Accidentally Sent to Burn Address
NFT collector Brandon Riley accidentally sent a CryptoPunk to a burn address while attempting to borrow money against the asset.
Sony Files Patent for NFT Transfer Framework
Sony Interactive Entertainment has filed a patent for an NFT framework allowing users to transfer and utilize digital assets across multiple game platforms.
NFT Wash Trading Volume Surges to $580M Across Top Six Marketplaces
NFT wash trading has surged for the fourth consecutive month, with a total volume of $580 million across the top six marketplaces, according to a report from CoinGecko. The report attributed the rise in volume to the overall recovery of NFT marketplace trading, which reached $1.89 billion in February.
BaFin Declines to Classify NFTs as Securities, Recommends Case-by-Case Approach
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany (BaFin) has stated that it is not yet prepared to classify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as securities. While NFTs may be considered investments in certain cases, BaFin suggests that classification should be approached on a case-by-case basis. The lack of immediate exchangeability and standardization makes it unlikely that NFTs will be classified as crypto assets. However, if an NFT contains documentation of exploitation rights or ownership, it could be considered an investment. BaFin does not expect NFTs to comply with the licensing requirements of the Payment Services Supervision Act or fall under its Anti-Money Laundering supervision, except for NFTs that are considered "crypto assets."
Heterosis Launches Dynamic NFT Flower Collection
Snark.art and OG.Art's Heterosis project has launched a collection of dynamic NFT flowers that can be bred and customized by users. The project creates two virtual flower markets and is housed in a metaverse greenhouse that can be accessed via various devices.
Fox Renews Dan Harmon Krapopolis for Third Season Amid NFT Tie-Up
Fox has renewed the animated comedy series, Krapopolis, for a third season before its first season even airs. Produced by Fox Corp’s NFT firm Blockchain Creative Labs, the show features NFTs called “Krap Chickens” that depict cartoon chicken avatars in the same art style as the show, and holders are given exclusive access to experiences, content, rewards, and voting rights on certain aspects of the show. In other NFT-related news, Baobab Studios sold out its first collection of 8,888 NFTs just nine hours after launch, and Flare welcomed its first NFT platform after Sparkles went live. Additionally, Square Enix’s NFT-friendly CEO, Yosuke Matsuda, is stepping down after nearly 10 years at the helm.