_{Issue #8}

Rune: A Year in Review

_{December 20, 2023 • 10 minutes}

Thank you so much for being on this development journey with us.

As we bid adieu to this year, let's have a heart-to-heart about our project so far. It's been a whirlwind, sprinkled with successes, challenges, and the thrill of the unknown.

First and foremost, let's celebrate our wins! We've had a smooth ride when it comes to minting, our tech and security have shone brightly, and Rune's artistic charm certainly stands out as high quality in the web3 art world. We can't thank our dedicated supporters enough for being the bedrock of our community. Our user-friendly design has welcomed newcomers, and our unique identity has made us stand out. The "Web3 gaming" market is buzzing with potential, and our app development is gaining momentum. Exciting initiatives like our newsletter are keeping the fires of curiosity burning, and we've built a strong foundation for a world of endless possibilities.

Now, let's face our challenges and shortfalls. Our social media presence, apart from Twitter, is like a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered. Community growth may need to kick up a gear and ETH gas prices? Well, they've been a bit of a rollercoaster. The enigma around what exactly Rune is building and the need for more engagement, both from us and our amazing users, are areas where we can work on. Engaging with web2 gaming outside of Rune has been a tad tricky, and let's not forget the missing profile pictures. The competition? We're up against some impressive projects, but that's what will make us more resilient in the long term.

But remember, every challenge is an opportunity in disguise! We've proven that Rune has the spark to ignite the interest of kindred spirits. To make things even more exciting, we're gearing up to expand our organic outreach, infuse more energy into our community engagement, and pivot towards a gaming-centric approach.

Your enthusiasm, support fuel our mission to transform Rune into something truly extraordinary.

Here's to a new year filled with boundless positivity, growth, and shared adventures!

~ Kyle (kyb.eth)
Founder

Important events for Rune

Rune News

Gaming News

Controversy Erupts as The Day Before Access Keys Hit $300: Gaming's Monetization Debate

In a surprising turn of events, The Day Before, one of the highly anticipated games of the year, has seen reseller sites listing it for a staggering $233 to $304, significantly more than its original price. Green Man Gaming reported these elevated prices, which have left many gamers taken aback. While reseller sites have the freedom to set their own prices, convincing players to pay such exorbitant amounts for the game may prove to be a tough sell.

This situation bears some resemblance to the past, where games like Hideo Kojima's PT, removed from the PlayStation Store, saw PS4 consoles loaded with the game selling well on platforms like eBay. It raises the question of whether The Day Before could become a sought-after piece of gaming history in the months ahead. However, it's important to note that key reseller sites, often unauthorized sellers of games, are relying on the game's brief post-launch availability to justify these high prices.

Despite the hype and potential collectible value, spending $300 on The Day Before may not be the wisest choice, especially considering that the game is likely to become inaccessible once its servers are eventually taken offline. The game's early access launch on Steam earlier this month was marred by numerous bugs and game-breaking issues, leading to its removal from the platform. Moreover, the development studio, Fntastic, has announced its closure due to financial difficulties, further complicating the game's future.

In summary, The Day Before's unexpected surge in resale prices raises questions about the value of gaming collectibles, but potential buyers should weigh the risks of investing in a game with a troubled history and uncertain future.

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Departs Amid Controversy and Microsoft Acquisition

Bobby Kotick, the CEO and founder of Activision Blizzard, is officially leaving the company following Microsoft's acquisition of the gaming giant. Kotick had been with the company since 1991 and had been involved in various controversies, including a lawsuit accusing the company of fostering a "frat boy" workplace culture with sexual harassment.

As part of the settlement with the state of California, Activision Blizzard will pay $54 million to the state and an additional $47 million to female employees who worked at the company from 2015 to 2020. Kotick is stepping down on December 29, and Microsoft is reorganizing leadership under the guidance of Xbox executive Matt Booty, with no direct replacement for Kotick announced. Other high-level executives at Activision Blizzard are also leaving in the coming months. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was influenced by the fallout from the lawsuit and allegations, resulting in a $69 billion deal.

Web3 News

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