We're back after a small summer hiatus and ready to bring you the latest roundup in emerging tech and onchain alpha! It’s been a heck of a summer, but we’re gearing up for Q4 as we approach our 100th week of the Good News Show. From digital art taking over the world to groundbreaking AI gaming integrations, today’s stories are packed with innovation—and we’re optimistic about the incredible humans driving this tech forward. Dive in and get inspired by the latest from CryptoPunks, Chopra, Doodles, and beyond!
CryptoPunks Outsell National Treasures: Another NFT Sells for Over $1.2 Million
In a stunning display of digital art’s growing dominance, Punk #9368 has sold for over $1.2 million, far surpassing the prices of national treasures like an original portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and a copy of the U.S. Constitution. Despite the broader NFT market downturn and regulatory concerns from the SEC, CryptoPunks continue to thrive, with sales volumes surging by 581% in recent days. This latest sale further cements CryptoPunks as a premium NFT collection, defying market volatility and proving that high-end confidence in digital art remains unshaken.
CryptoPunks, which began as a niche NFT collection in 2017, have now transcended the realm of digital collectibles, regularly outselling historic artifacts. While iconic pieces like a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I fetched less than a Zombie Punk at Christie’s, the CryptoPunks collection continues to break new ground. Recent sales reaffirm that collectors are willing to spend millions on rare digital art, even in uncertain market conditions, highlighting the unstoppable rise of NFTs as a valuable asset class.
Onchain Summer 2024: A Milestone Season of Innovation and Growth
Onchain Summer 2024 was a landmark event, with over 24 million onchain assets minted and 2 million unique wallets on Base, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for blockchain innovation. More than 7,500 builders participated, contributing 1,250+ projects to the Buildathon, while 1,300+ projects were submitted to the Onchain Registry. The top 5 mints, including the STIX Launch Tournament Pass and Team Liquid Premiere Series, generated $5M+ in revenue, and over 300 ETH in prizes were awarded to builders. With 8x more participating wallets than the previous year, Onchain Summer highlighted the expanding impact and potential of the Base ecosystem.
Sages & Scientists Symposium: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation
The Chopra Foundation is set to host its highly anticipated Sages & Scientists Symposium at Harvard University, September 14-15, 2024. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Deepak Chopra, this transformative gathering will unite leading minds from various fields—science, technology, medicine, and the arts—to explore solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions on topics like quantum consciousness, AI, mental health, and sustainable development, with a special focus on Africa's emerging role in global innovation.
The symposium aims to merge ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science, fostering collaborations that will spark meaningful global change. With renowned speakers such as Anousheh Ansari, Gary Vee, and Poonacha Machaiah, participants will engage in groundbreaking conversations that transcend traditional boundaries. This event promises to inspire new ideas, connections, and initiatives, empowering attendees to drive positive transformations in their communities.
Doodles Expands Into Entertainment with TIFF Premiere
Doodles, originally an NFT project, premiered its animated special ‘Dullsville and The Doodleverse’ at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking a major step in its transition to a character-driven entertainment company. The event, held at the historic Toronto Stock Exchange building, attracted industry heavyweights like Pharrell Williams, who served as executive producer, and Coi Leray, who contributed voice work and music. The 20-minute film features original music from artists such as Lil Wayne and Lil Yachty, signaling Doodles' bold expansion beyond NFTs.
With ‘Dullsville and The Doodleverse’, Doodles is showcasing its creative evolution, directed by co-founder Burnt Toast and produced through Golden Wolf. The animated special, accompanied by music videos and live events, exemplifies Doodles' ambition to grow beyond a digital art project. Their debut at TIFF reflects the company’s plans to further develop its intellectual property and bring its colorful, imaginative world to a broader entertainment audience.
Global Stage for Digital Artists: 404 x White Walls Partnership
In an exciting new partnership, 404 has teamed up with White Walls to bring emerging digital artists’ works to TV screens worldwide. Launching in October, the 404 x White Walls channel will provide a global platform to showcase creative talent, with a special focus on discoverability. Each month, 33 artists will be selected by 404's advisory council to feature in a curated exhibition broadcast globally. This partnership offers an incredible opportunity for artists to gain exposure and elevate their digital artwork.
Artists can now submit their works for the October launch by replying with one artwork they’d like to have exhibited, along with a link to the token for the piece. The 404 Arts Foundation, founded in 2023, is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and accessible digital art ecosystem. This initiative furthers their mission to support and uplift emerging digital artists by providing global visibility and vital resources, ensuring they can leave a lasting impact on the art world.
GameSwift and Fetch.ai Unite to Revolutionize AI in Web3 Gaming
GameSwift is set to become the first Web3 gaming project to integrate AI agents from Fetch.ai, leveraging unused computing power from its users to drive advancements in artificial intelligence. Through this collaboration, GameSwift's Launcher will incorporate Fetch.ai’s cutting-edge agent infrastructure, enabling users to contribute their GPU power to AI applications, such as text-to-speech, document analysis, and music creation. In return, users will earn profits, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem for gamers and AI development.
As the first Web3 gaming partner to join the Fetch.ai Foundation, GameSwift will lead the gaming vertical, working to enhance gameplay and user experiences through AI integration. With over 160,000 active users, GameSwift’s collaboration with Fetch.ai aims to innovate the gaming industry by incorporating AI-driven features that engage players, foster competition, and promote blockchain adoption. This partnership represents a major step forward in creating an AI-powered, decentralized gaming future.
As always, remember to DYOR (Do Your Own Research) before exploring any investment or project. While the world of NFTs, AI, and blockchain is filled with promise, staying informed is key. NFA (Not Financial Advice), but the future of digital innovation is here, and it’s one worth keeping your eye on!
