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

NFL Rivals partners with Kansas City Chiefs for 2024 season

NFL Rivals, the mobile game licensed by the National Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association, is partnering up with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, to bring fans exclusive digital collectibles and enhanced gameplay. This collaboration allows fans to earn Chiefs-themed NFTs that unlock special features and experiences within the game. 

As NFL Rivals enters its second year as the Chief’s official mobile game, the partnership sets a new standard for fan engagement through web3. With over 5 million reported downloads and over 115 million matches played, it demonstrates the growing interest in sports-related digital collectibles.

Yuga Labs launches The Workshop

On August 30, Yuga Labs CEO Greg Solano introduced The Workshop, a new program launching on ApeChain, the layer-three blockchain behind Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). The initiative aims to give developers more freedom and encourage speedier creation and execution of new digital products. Solano tweeted that he hopes the BAYC team will “get addicted” to the fast pace of eight-to-12-week product cycles and come up with exciting new surprises.

SuiPlay0X1 reveals details for handheld crypto gaming console

Pre-orders have opened for the SuiPlay0X1, a handheld crypto gaming device coming in 2025. Developers Playtron and Mysten Labs, the duo behind the Sui blockchain, shared specs for the device on September 2. The handheld console will have a $599 price tag, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, and a 7-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution screen.

Nyan Heroes Pre-Alpha Playtest is now open on the Epic Games store

Nyan Heroes is an upcoming team-based hero shooter where players control cats in mechs, blending feline characters with high-mobility combat and web3 elements. The game focuses on acrobatic, fast-paced movement and customization through a dynamic weapon Augment system. It’s a free-to-play game with optional crypto and web3 elements that players can choose to engage with or play without, depending on their appetite.

“Nyan Heroes stands out because it prioritizes gameplay first. Our priority is to offer a polished, competitive hero shooter that feels complete and satisfying on its own…We’re not just chasing trends, we’re building something that can last,” says 9 Lives Interactive CEO and Co-Founder Max Fu.

The launch of its Pre-Alpha Playtest 3 introduces the Scout and Mage guardians, a new map, and a Payload mode. The playtest will also introduce the player Augment system, which “enables players to earn and equip small bonuses based on their match performance to further customize their playstyle,” according to Epic Games. It will run from September 4 to 25, 2024.

Forbes partners with OKX Wallet for its NFT-gated community

Forbes continues to step deeper into web3. The media company partnered with OKX Wallet to launch its official membership community for holders of the Forbes Legacy Pass. According to the August 29 announcement, OKX Wallet will offer fast-track application reviews to admit Legacy Pass holders into members-only programming. Approved holders will gain access to in real-life events and the ability to connect with influential Forbes Inner Circle members. As of now, only 1,917 Legacy Pass NFTs exist. 

‘PGA Tour Rise’ brings golf NFTs to fans

Ireland-based game developer Stratton Studios is linking up with web3 gaming company Chain Games and PGA Tour to create PGA Tour Rise, a blockchain-powered golf game coming in 2026. The game will be available on mobile and web, and will feature real-time competitive play on the virtual versions of famous golf course greens. Players can collect digital items in the game, including virtual golf equipment in the form of NFTs. A series of mini-games, dropping in late 2024 and continuing through 2025, will tee up the full release.

CryptoKitties releases ‘All the Zen’ game on Telegram

CryptoKitties, a digital cat collection and one of the first NFT projects minted back in 2017, is stirring up buzz with the appearance of a mysterious digital collection egg popping up around the internet. The eggs are part of CryptoKitties’ new Telegram game, “All the Zen,” which was announced on September 3.

While the team hasn’t shared many details, rumors suggest the timing of the “All the Zen” rollout could have something to do with the Flow blockchain’s upcoming Ethereum integration, which could theoretically lower the gas fees associated with breeding CryptoKitties. You can join the “All the Zen” Telegram group to stay in the loop.

Doodles releases new video ‘Can’t Hold Me Down’ live on Doodlesᵗᵛ

“Can’t Hold Me Down,” a new Doodles-themed animated music video featuring Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, and Kyle Richh, drops on streaming platforms on Friday, September 6. But this week, Doodles holders had a first look. By snagging a “Can’t Hold Me Down” pass from the Doodles Stoodio, holders unlocked early viewing access to the video before anyone else. This rollout gave Doodles community members front-row seats to this exclusive drop and a chance to be a part of the action.

Sasha Stiles’ ‘REPETAE’ is featured at Lentos Museum

Sasha Stiles, a Kalmyk-American poet, researcher, and artist known for blending AI writing with literature, is being featured in the yearly Prix Ars Electronica show held September 4 to 8 at the Lentos Art Museum in the riverside town of ​​Linz, Austria. 

Stiles, who received one of two Awards of Distinction for AI artwork, tweeted that this year’s exhibit marks the first time in the competition’s history that the AI in Art Award has been presented. Her work, “REPETAE” was selected as part of a showcase of 13 top media art projects selected from 2,950 entries.

Refik Anadol unveils AI data sculpture ‘Dvořák Dreams’ at the Kennedy Center

Istanbul-born new media artist Refik Anadol unveiled his latest AI-driven data sculpture, “Dvořák Dreams,” at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on September 4.

Known for transforming data into stunning visual displays, Anadol’s new installation merges his tech-driven approach with inspirations from classical compositions of the late Czech composer Antonín Dvořák. This immersive show is part of the Kennedy Center’s 2023/2024 season.