The markets are stirring...

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Today we're delighted to bring happier news than most days. Let's get into it.

• 💰 McKinsey report estimates the metaverse to generate $5T by 2030

• 🚀 Calvin Harris is set to perform in the metaverse

• 😲 Epic Games extends its metaverse campaign into the world of programming

• 🎵 Mastercard launches Web3 music accelerator program

• NFT Coins Rally Over The Week: GALA, MANA, APE Up Big (Decrypt)

• Vespa Files Web3 Patent (NFT Lately)

• Crypto Twitter Reacts to Official 'Game of Thrones' NFTs: 'Worst Thing I've Ever Seen' (Decrypt)

• FTX Restructuring Team Has Clawed Back $5B in Lost Assets (Decrypt)

• Edward Snowden Teams Up With Pentagon Papers Whistleblower for NFT Auction (NFT Lately)

• Australia Tennis is launching 2,500 NFTs for the Australian Open, Cites Conviction to NFTs Despite Poor Market Conditions (The Guardian)

• Crypto’s Foot Fetish? Pixelated Feetpix NFTs Surge (Decrypt)

• NFT Pokémon Game Infects Players with Malware (NFT Lately)

• Avalanche NFTs Now Available for Shopify Users via Venly App (NFT Lately)

• BasedHeads NFTs Cause a Stir on the Ethereum Network (NFT Plazas)

Some other stuff we are digging this week:

• Top 5 Tricks Crypto Phishing Scammers Used Last Year (Cointelegraph)

• OpenSea’s New Sweep Feature Is Now Live: All You Need To Know (NFT Evening)

• Bitcoin Price Predictions in 2023 According to Analysts and Traders (geekmetaverse)

• Music NFTs are Helping Independent Creators Monetize and Build a Fanbase (Cointelegraph)

• From $26 Billion to Nothing: The Rise and Fall of SBF and FTX (Decrypt)

• Open Edition NFT Artwork Is The New Trend: Here’s How To Get One (NFT Evening)

Trending collections:

• BasedHeads [Floor Price - 0.22 ETH]

• FunApes NFT [Floor Price - 0.10 ETH]

• Game of Thrones: The North Series I Hero Box [Floor Price - 0.07 ETH]

DJ Calvin Harris to Perform a Live Virtual Reality Concert

Calvin Harris joins the metaverse bandwagon, taking to the virtual stage to host a concert via TikTok LIVE or VR with a PICO VR headset (Asia and Europe only).

Here's what we know:

• Fans can watch the show's premiere on January 13 at 8 pm (GMT).

• During the performance, Calvin Harris and his fans will appear as virtual representations of themselves (avatars).

• VR attendees can customize their experience by adding personalized and dynamic musical elements during the show.

• To enjoy the show, download the PICO Video app and select "The Calvin Harris Experience" in the PICO video feed.

McKinsey Report Estimates the Metaverse to Generate $5T by 2030

A recent McKinsey report states that the metaverse may become an over $5 trillion economy by 2030.

Here's what we know:

• The report states that the metaverse can reach its full potential once more technological advances happen: augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), sensory technology, haptic technology, interoperability, etc.

• McKinsey believes that, by 2030, more than 50% of global live events will be held on the metaverse.

• However, there is a need for open standards to allow for seamless communication between different platforms and systems.

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Epic Games Launches a Metaverse Web3 Programming Language

Epic Games is extending its metaverse campaign into the world of programming.

The American video game and software developer unveils its new Web3 programming language for the metaverse, Verse.

Here's what we know:

• Verse joins an extensive list of Web3 programming languages, including Solidity, Clarity, Rust, and others.

• Its new program focuses on enabling the creation of social interactions in real-time and shared 3D environments.

• This open-source product will be available to artists, designers, and programmers.

• Verse also aims to leverage the operating standards of multiple game engines, including Unity.

Mastercard Unveils Web3 Artist Accelerator Program for Musicians

Mastercard is expanding into music and Web3 with its latest launch - a Web3-enabled Music Artist Accelerator program.

Here's what we know:

• Set to kick off during spring 2023, this accelerator program will issue up-and-coming DJs, producers, etc., the knowledge needed for navigating the near future digital economy.

• The program covers various aspects of web3 – from minting NFTs on the blockchain to representing themselves in virtual worlds.

• Mastercard will also provide exclusive access to events, song releases, and more.

• These initiatives aim to allow artists to create their careers in the digital music industry in innovative ways.

Words from the crowd

Today's edition was written by Leah Alger and Ty Smith.

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