Why I Committed Over $40,000 to Digital Land—and How It Could Change Everything

Blubber Notes #115

In the ever-evolving landscape of the metaverse, skepticism looms large. Prices have tumbled, enthusiasm has faded, and many are left wondering: Will we ever experience the true metaverse?

While some retreat into doubt, I’ve committed over $40,000 into an upcoming Web3 title that could bring us closer to a genuine digital economy. Here is what you need to know.

Source: EnterTheThirdKingdom.com

TL;DR

• Existing metaverse projects have fallen flat—most are failing to deliver on their promises, the Readyverse could be the hit we’ve been waiting for!

• Massive Prize Pool for players of “The Third Kingdom” (TTK): a massive $6M (up to 312M $ROOT) prize pool is dropping this month and no one is talking about this!

Background:

• I’ve been in this space long enough—my journey began with the Decentraland auction back in 2017—to recognize the cyclical nature of these digital worlds. Decentraland came with huge expectations but lacked the tools to properly empower landowners and builders. It was still in its infancy and didn’t gain any traction until Facebook rebranded as Meta. Yet here I am again, diving headfirst into the digital frontier, this time armed with a clearer vision and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

• In 2021, I collected NFTs from Altered State Machine, which aimed to democratize AI by enabling users to use AI agents as players in games or future personal assistants. While the team released a few titles, the focus was more on testing game mechanics than finding a solid product-market fit, prompting me to wonder what they were truly testing. This leads to The Third Kingdom (TTK). My first impression was, "Here we go again, another metaverse"—just another resource-harvesting game. However, as I delved deeper, I uncovered its greater significance. Future iterations of TTK will include AI-enabled characters that harvest resources on my behalf, completing the vision.

• TTK is a Futureverse project, built on the ROOT Network, alongside well-known projects like Flufworld, PartyBears, and Altered State Machine, all under the Futureverse umbrella. Notably, Futureverse has formed strategic collaborations with industry giants such as Alibaba, Warner Bros. Music, FIFA, Reebok, and Tencent, further solidifying its position in the digital landscape. While TTK can certainly thrive on its own, the resources harvested within the game can be leveraged to bootstrap something far more ambitious—and that something is on the horizon.

About The Third Kingdom:

• The Third Kingdom allows players to develop their Origin Islands, manage resources, and construct production empires. It’s not just about collecting tokens; it’s about creating a sustainable virtual economy. The mechanics remind me of classic strategy games like Clash of Clans, but they introduce fresh concepts that encourage long-term thinking and collaboration. The key to maximizing your impact in the Readyverse lies in actively participating in TTK: owning SurrealScapes, planting Prysms, and harvesting resources.

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What’s the Readyverse?

• The Readyverse is a cutting-edge platform that offers players a dynamic environment where they can embark on quests for both digital and physical rewards, enhancing engagement through the innovative capabilities of Readyverse Studios. Notably, Readyverse Studios holds an exclusive IP license from Warner Bros. to bring the Ready Player One franchise into the metaverse. This platform champions principles like asset interoperability, digital ownership, decentralization, and security. For fans of the franchise, diving into the Readyverse is like stepping into the OASIS—who wouldn’t want to own a piece of that?

Parzival from Ready Player One choosing which outfit to wear. x.com

• In the Readyverse, players might explore iconic locations, from battling Mecha-Godzilla on Planet Doom to wandering through the enchanting world of Harry Potter. The Readyverse guarantees true interoperability, fostering a communal space where players from around the globe can connect. Here, individuals can use AI-supported tools to collaboratively build and shape these immersive worlds. Take a listen as author Ernest Cline and Futureverse founder Aaron McDonald describe it in their own words.

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• My focus on TTK is a strategic move aimed at positioning myself for the future. By harvesting resources in TTK, I am not only enhancing my gameplay but also contributing to the development of the Readyverse. To truly engage with and build within Futureverse’s expansive universe, players need to be involved in TTK, making it an essential component for anyone serious about participating in this new digital frontier.

• The journey into this new realm is not without its risks. Many remain skeptical about the longevity of virtual worlds, and I understand that sentiment. However, those willing to embrace the unknown can reap extraordinary rewards. Spending over $40,000 on Prysms and SurrealScapes (land) may seem reckless to some, but I view it as a calculated move in a future where the boundaries between our physical and digital lives are increasingly blurred.

Building Community:

• While the Readyverse aims to be the premier metaverse backed by technology that supports interoperability, the real magic lies in its ability to create a shared experience among various projects right from the get-go. TTK assets were distributed to outside projects, including Pudgy Penguins, DeadFellaz, Cool Cats, Doodles, and more. This savvy approach to collaboration from the very beginning fosters a vibrant ecosystem where diverse communities can thrive together. As we build out Web3, can you imagine a world where everything is seamlessly connected? The Readyverse is paving the way for that future.

Conclusion:

• My engagement with The Third Kingdom is more than just a financial venture; it’s a commitment to a vision where virtual realities enhance our everyday experiences. TTK is essential for bootstrapping the Readyverse environment, creating a unique opportunity for players to actively shape the future. With its combination of strategy, community, and cutting-edge technology, TTK is poised to lead the way in the metaverse landscape. As I navigate this digital frontier, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and confident in the direction Futureverse is heading.

How to get started:

The Third Kingdom is expected to start this month. If you would like to participate, then I suggest creating a FuturePass account at the official TTK Website.

Additional resources below:

• Unofficial Game Manual

• Marketplace on the Root Network for trading TTK items.

• TTK Trailer

Authored by Matt Bartlett, CAIA. Follow Matt on x.com @MattBartlettVE

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE

Please note the author has invested in all NFT projects and Cryptocurrencies mentioned within this article. The Author owns assets created by the Futureverse team and ecosystem.

This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned are unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees.

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