#79 | Amazon Launching an NFT Marketplace???

Latest NFT news from Amazon's marketplace launch, DeLorean's NFT digital twins, and FOX renewing Krapopolis

Estimated Read Time: 7 mins

Hey friends,

In today's specially curated edition we have some progressive NFT stories from Amazon’s NFT marketplace, DeLorean’s NFT automotive first and FOX’s NFT-backed TV show. Let's jump into it!

Earlier this year we covered Amazon's plans to become a “digital assets enterprise” focused on NFTs, and now recent developments have April 24th as the day that the world leader in e-commerce will launch its NFT platform. This won't be a marketplace in the sense of joining the heated battle of OpenSea and Blur, but Amazon wants to lay the groundwork for its existing customers to have the ability to purchase NFTs tied to real-world goods already being delivered to their door.

Sources say “Amazon shoppers, for instance, would be able to purchase a fashion-oriented NFT tied to a pair of jeans — and pay with a credit card, just as they would with any other Amazon purchase”. If you’re questioning why your jeans need an NFT, well so am I, but no doubt the idea of merging physical and digital worlds is promising. It’s going to take quite some time until we see how exactly Amazon’s Web3 implementation will play out, but one of the biggest steps to mainstream adoption is right around the corner.

Launching through a new “Amazon Digital Marketplace” tab, this will only be available in the United States before gradually being opened up to the rest of the world including Europe. One mechanism Amazon is currently considering for announcing its digital collectibles push is sending out an email to notify every US-based Prime subscriber, co-operated by additional sources that also say Amazon will notify its Prime customers in some capacity.

Let that sink in for a moment. That's the crux of this story as Amazon currently has about 164 million Prime members in the USA that are about to be not only email blasted but introduced to NFTs and Web3 in a seamless way, “They can onboard millions of users without educating people about self-custody, without educating people how to [set up] a MetaMask wallet” said one source.

In April last year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told CNBC that he is optimistic about the future of NFTs, “You know, I expect that NFTs will continue to grow very significantly”, highlighting how Amazon has had Web3 on their horizon for some time now, what incredible potential an Amazon led NFT initiative has for bringing NFTs to the masses, and it's just around the corner.

The DeLorean could hands down be one of the most recognizable cars in cinema history after the DMC-12 sped across screens at 88mph as the gull-wing doored time machine from the “Back To The Future” trilogy, but after going bankrupt in 1982 this genuinely futuristic car company is returning to business with the Alpha5, and using NFTs to do so. The new DeLorean Alpha5 plays homage to the original but now as an electric coupe with 300 miles of range and 2.99-second 0-60 mph. However, where Web3 gets involved is through DeLorean's partnership with NFT IQ to release the world's first “EV Digital Twins” NFTs.

The unique use here is how these NFTs will act as reservations for real-world production slots allowing buyers to secure one of the limited quantity Alpha5 EV’s, exemplifying the tangible benefit of Web3 infrastructure for these authenticatable non-fungible slots. Another interesting note of this automotive first-of-its-kind is how these NFTs can be traded through DeLorean’s online digital collectible marketplace, enabling lucrative trading of these limited production-run build slots.

These aren't just new-age reservations though, because six months before the Alpha5 is made, its owners will go through the personalized customization of their soon-to-be real-life car, which the NFT will then be linked to through the actual Vehicle Identification Number and hence become “the digital twin”. Oh, and it wouldn't be a brand-led NFT project without bonus utility where holders are also able to unlock their car as a gameable avatar as well as access to special DeLorean-hosted events.

It's worth mentioning that although the car has had models officially revealed, Delorean has not announced the cost or delivery of their first production car in over 40 years, with details and final specifications set to be revealed later this year. Despite this ambiguity, the pioneering idea of NFTs for limited-run automotive reservations that also create “digital twins” in the metaverse and give access to IRL utility is a great example of the innovation that Web3 offers to those willing to take a step into the future.

Finishing off with a quick story to keep you on your toes for the constantly evolving uses of NFTs, the media powerhouse FOX entertainment has recently renewed the upcoming NFT animated series Krapopolis for a third season. This NFT-backed comedy series is led by Rick and Morty co-creator and Emmy award-winning Dan Harmon, who is utilizing NFTs to bring a futuristic spin to this mythical ancient Greece show.

August last year saw 10,420 Krap Chicken NFTs launched, giving holders the ability to vote on show elements, access behind-the-scenes content, attend IRL experiences with the cast and crew and redeem rewards for official merch and digital goods. The show is in its early days with a launch for 2023/2024, but this highlights how fans of Dan Harmon are really getting in on the creation and direction of the show with voting rights and unique experiences including the opportunity to have their Krap chicken in the show, "This first collection of 'Krapopolis' NFTs, and the utility they will provide, represent the early beginnings of how Dan and other creators can harness Web3 to open the door and bring audiences closer to their content than ever before" said Scott Greenberg CEO of the shows partner Blockchain Creative Labs.

If you're wondering how a show can be renewed for a third season before it has even aired an episode, Michael Thorn from FOX said “While [a third season order] is atypical, it was a no-brainer for us with Krapopolis”, showing FOX’s confidence in this new show that is also pushing the boundaries of television, yet another industry NFTs is finding its way into revolutionizing.

Thanks so much for joining us, while we specially curate the next edition we hope you have a great couple of days, take care!

Things are not looking well for the Gutter Cat Gang.

Yesterday, it was revealed that they had let go of one of their long-time moderators who also happens to be one of their staunchest advocates, mainly due to financial concerns.

This was not well received, by holders and non-holders alike.

Many have taken to changing their PFPs from Gutter Cat Gang tokens in protest, showing that they have lost faith in the team.

Personally, I believe that as hard of a hit these moves are towards the community, they would not happen unless the team is in fact trying to turn things around. In contrast, projects that run out of funds usually take an approach like EtherOrcs and cease operating completely:

One thing is certain though — these are tough times to be a Gutter Cat Gang holder and it will take a lot of time for the collection to find its way through.

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DISCLAIMER:

None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.