Welcome to the OpenSea digest. Let’s look back through the biggest NFT and web3 news of the week.

Jack Butcher's Custom ThreadGuy Opepen NFT Delights Web3 Community

In a heartwarming gesture that captured the attention of Crypto Twitter, multidisciplinary artist, and Checks founder Jack Butcher surprised prominent web3 commentator ThreadGuy with a custom Opepen image made using the color palette of ThreadGuy’s recognizable Mutant Ape PFP. This unexpected act of kindness sparked excitement and joy among NFT enthusiasts and creators alike.

Butcher sent ThreadGuy the personalized Opepen image on July 13 after ThreadGuy posted a bootleg version of the artwork that he had made himself on Twitter.

Quickly, news of Butcher's surprise gift spread across Twitter and other platforms, igniting a whirlwind of creativity among other creators and collectors. Many started creating their own stylized Opepens, which eventually caught the attention of renowned artist Beeple, who also joined in on the excitement.

Although ThreadGuy’s online identity has long been tied to his Mutant Ape PFP, the influencer changed his PFP to the gifted Opepen and hosted a 3,600-attendee Twitter Space to celebrate the moment. On July 16, Butcher launched an open edition mint of a tokenized version of ThreadGuy’s custom PFP. The collection, called the Opepen Threadition, can be minted on Zora for 0.001 ETH (roughly $2 today). Butcher plans for all proceeds go to ThreadGuy to support his ongoing coverage of NFTs and participation in the space. 

Butcher’s gesture not only highlighted the camaraderie within the NFT space but also showcased what some argue is the true power of the NFT culture, where artists and collectors uplift one another through touching (if viral) moments.

Pudgy Penguins Launches Pudgy Swap

Pudgy Penguins, the adorable NFT collectible project launched in July 2021, ventured into new territory with the launch of its new peer-to-peer trading platform, Pudgy Swap. The community was thrilled with this new development, which will allow Penguin enthusiasts to swap and trade their NFTs.

Powered by the NFT portfolio and data platform Flip, Pudgy Swap is designed exclusively for the Pudgy Penguins community. The platform advertises zero fees and user-friendly options, such as the ability to add messages to trades between peers and friends. There’s also built-in transparency: Users can accept or counter offers, and once a swap is complete, the platform shares transaction details with the user’s account. 

The aim of Pudgy Swap is to encourage direct engagement between buyers and sellers, thereby building community in the process.

Google Play Store Embraces NFTs

Big news for gamers and app enthusiasts: Google Play has just announced a major policy change, which will allow developers to integrate digital tokens, including NFTs, into their apps and games. 

Once changes go into effect, users will be able to buy, sell, and earn tokenized collectibles within the apps. The games must comply with certain rules and maintain transparency in accordance with Google Plays’ gaming and gambling policy. Companies introducing blockchain-based elements will also be required to clearly announce their inclusion and refrain from overstating or glamorizing potential gains. Reddit is one of the partners collaborating with Google on this new policy. These changes signal that Google may be taking steps toward embracing web3.

According to news outlets, users can expect to see initial tests of the new features towards the end of summer, with a full rollout slated for later in the year.

Louis Vuitton And Pharrell Unveil ‘Speedy’ Bag Phygital NFT

The timeless Louis Vuitton Speedy bag has been reimagined as a digital luxury item. On July 17, the luxury fashion house announced the Speedy 40 VIA, a phygital accessory designed in collaboration with iconic musician Pharrell Williams. Recently appointed as Louis Vuitton’s new Men’s Creative Director, Williams is known for carrying (in the physical world) a bright yellow Speedy bag valued at $1 million.

Combining both a physical and digital element, this limited-edition NFT drop allows collectors to own a unique virtual representation of the prestigious Speedy bag before buying it in real life (IRL). The bag will be released in two waves: The digital version of the Speedy 40 VIA is currently available, and the physical version is set to be released in January 2024. 

Collecting is available to holders of the Louis Vuitton Treasure Trunk NFT, which dropped in June and is soulbound (or non-transferrable), meaning it cannot be transferred from the wallet of the original holder.

BAYC Takes ApeFest International With A Hong Kong Event

Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) announced its first-ever international ApeFest in Hong Kong to be held November 3-5, 2023. The event is meant to bring together collectors, enthusiasts, and creators from around the world to celebrate the vibrant BAYC community. 

Last year, ApeFest NYC featured performances by comedian Amy Schumer and rappers Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Breaking away from the entertainment-focused extravaganza that characterized the 2022 ApeFest during NFT.NYC, this year’s event will place a stronger focus on city exploration and enhanced accessibility. 

ApeFest admission is free for all BAYC and Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) holders, along with their plus ones, and tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will be a virtual component for those who can’t physically attend in Hong Kong. For more information, visit the official ApeFest 2023 website.