Nifty News NFTs hinted in Queen and HSBC filings, Yuga teases robot game and more.
HSBC files metaverse and NFT patents
The British banking institution HSBC has filed several trademark applications related to metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) received an application on June 12, which detailed the bank’s trademarks related to metaverse banking, consulting, and financial services, as well as virtual credit cards. This move suggests that HSBC may be planning to launch a metaverse bank branch and other virtual banking services.
“#HSBC continues its move into the #Metaverse! The company has filed a new trademark application covering: ▶️ Metaverse banking, consulting, financial services ▶️ Virtual credit cards ▶️ NFTs + NFT-backed media … and much, much more! #NFT #Crypto #Web3 #NFTs #DeFi pic.twitter.com/rb6UdA2Iq3”
— Mike Kondoudis (@KondoudisLaw) June 19, 2023
HSBC has also applied for trademarks related to online marketplaces, specifically targeting NFTs. This isn’t the first time HSBC has explored the virtual world. In December 2022, the bank filed applications for various crypto and NFT-related technologies.
Despite the recent decline in interest and prices of metaverse property, HSBC is joining a growing number of firms interested in exploring the virtual world. In February 2022, JPMorgan became the first bank to launch a virtual branch in Decentraland’s metaverse. Since then, Visa, PayPal, and Western Union have all filed for metaverse trademarks.
Queen eyes metaverse trademarks
HSBC isn’t the only heavyweight in the UK interested in the virtual world. Queen Productions Ltd, the production company managing the intellectual property of iconic British rock band Queen, has also filed patents related to the metaverse and NFTs.
A patent application submitted to the USPTO on June 12 shows that Queen plans to offer NFT-authenticated media, virtual merchandise (including clothing, footwear, and accessories), and develop virtual and mixed-reality software.
“The rock group #Queen has filed a new trademark application covering: NFT authenticated media Software for #VR + #Metaverse experiences Virtual clothing, footwear, audio gear Software to make NFTs + Meta tokens …and much more! #NFT #Web3 #Crypto #Blockchain pic.twitter.com/ohytBr63pF”
— Mike Kondoudis (@KondoudisLaw) June 19, 2023
Yuga Labs teases HV-MTL Forge NFT game
Yuga Labs has announced the launch of its latest NFT game, which marks the ninth iteration of its ten-step gaming-focused storyline.
A tweet from Yuga on June 21 revealed that the HV-MTL Forge event will begin on June 29. The event involves users building homes for their respective NFT characters.
The HV-MTL NFT project, which was first unveiled in March 2023, is a 30,000-piece collection of “Mech” NFTs that stands alongside the project’s flagship collection, the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC).
In a similar way to the predecessor game Dookey Dash, players will battle it out in a competitive, tier-based environment. However, instead of competing for a high score, the winner will be decided by community vote.
“HV-MTL Forge. Build. Flex. Fight. Evolve. Season 1 begins June 29th. pic.twitter.com/rsZd9ChVqh”
— Bored Ape Yacht Club (@BoredApeYC) June 20, 2023
Users have questioned the future utility of Sewer Pass NFTs, which were once used to compete in Dookey Dash. Yuga recently revealed that the passes could be burned to summon a “Power Source” that will unlock an “Evo 1 Mech.” Competing in the HV-MTL Forge game will unlock further upgrades for the Mechs, according to Yuga.
The announcement was met with mixed reviews on Twitter, with some users critiquing the trailer for resembling a game they “would have played on Miniclip in 2003.”
Enter the Slim Jim’s ‘Meataverse’
Announcements related to the metaverse and NFTs have made this a meaty week, and American snack brand Slim Jim has just made it even meatier.
In a June 21 tweet, the jerky stick manufacturer, known for its meme-based marketing efforts, announced its first step into Web3 with the launch of its humorously named “Meataverse” that includes NFTs and a cryptocurrency.
It’s 11:69 with a forecast of MEAT so we bring you the MEATAVERSE https://t.co/K8YEJlVB8a pic.twitter.com/MgX7G6xP0l
— Slim Jim MEATA (@SlimJim) June 20, 2023
According to Slim Jim, a total of 10,000 NFTs are now available on its website. The NFTs, called “GigaJims,” can be minted for free on the Ethereum scaling network Polygon (MATIC) and will reportedly function as a digital membership card in the future.
Related: Nike teases upcoming ‘Airphoria’ NFT sneaker hunt on Fortnite
Marketed as a way for crypto and jerky enthusiasts to join the “long boi gang,” the NFTs provide holders with access to perks and benefits that will be unveiled in the near future.
Additionally, GigaJims’ owners will be able to upgrade their NFTs by collecting Slim Jim’s digital currency “S.A.U.C.E.”
Other Nifty News
On June 21, Czech auto manufacturer Škoda launched an NFT platform in collaboration with Layer-1 blockchain Near protocol.
On June 17, Genius.com co-founder Tom Lehman launched “Ethscriptions,” a new protocol for minting NFTs and other digital assets on Ethereum. It draws its namesake from Bitcoin Ordinals where assets are called “inscriptions.”
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