With its growing and ever-stronger influence in the gaming world, cryptocurrency opens a broad field of services not only for traders and enthusiasts but also for gamers. Since it is a very new trend in the gaming community as a whole and even more so in the one oriented toward exploits, hacks and in-game trading, such as OwnedCore.com, it is crucial to understand how these spheres are crossing.

Why Ethereum is Popular Among Gamers

Ethereum has gained fast popularity among gamers because of the flexibility in its design and its uses within areas of gaming ecosystems. This is because, out of all the cryptocurrencies, Ethereum is something more than just a means of payment; on the platform, Ethereum enables dApps and smart contracts key to any serious gaming environment. The concept of an in-game economy is already so well-engrained in the mind that cryptocurrency like Ethereum fits in these worlds.

A major advantage of Ethereum, though, is the flexibility it offers for gaming-related transactions. As of 2024, Ethereum remains the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, after Bitcoin, having a market cap of more than $300 billion. Because of its distinctive properties, it is perfect for developers to build decentralized gaming platforms and marketplaces of in-game assets, hence the frequently occurring ETH to USD conversions in gaming-related transactions.

Gaming Tokens and NFTs: A Perfect Match

The rise of non-fungible tokens, also known as NFTs, is one of the basic ways Ethereum has influenced the world of gaming. In simple terms, NFTs are unique digital assets; this uniqueness makes them suitable for in-game virtual items, skins, and collectibles. Other games, such as Axie Infinity and Decentraland, have utterly implemented NFTs so as to allow players to purchase, sell, and trade in-game assets.

What makes Ethereum stand out for this particular topic is that it does indeed support the creation and trading of these through the ERC-721 standard.

As of early 2024, there have been sales exceeding $25 billion in NFTs and the majority of that is due to the gaming sector. Going forward in the coming years, this trend doesn’t end anytime soon, either. Casual and competitive gamers are both finding a way to profit from their experiences with NFTs.

Play-to-Earn Models and Their Appeal to Gamers

The so-called P2E games are also changing the facial outlook, while players can make real money through these games. Cryptocurrencies, especially Ethereum, stand at the heart of this shift. During these games, tokens are being doled out to players that might be changed with cryptocurrency or some other basic digital assets within the game. One such famous example of this model is Axie Infinity, where a player earns AXS tokens in the game that they can convert to Ethereum or some other cryptocurrencies.

For gamers who invest a significant amount of time in virtual worlds, the P2E model is particularly attractive since it offers the possibility of financial reward. According to recent statistics, Axie Infinity’s revenue has climbed as high as $1.5 billion in 2023, showing the great potential this model has.

Security in the Gaming Industry with Cryptocurrency

One major reason gamers find cryptocurrency appealing is the extra layer of security inherent in it. In a world where gaming exploits and hacks have become so common, even to the point where forums like OwnedCore are entirely dedicated to the subject, using a decentralized currency to operate, such as Ethereum, adds a layer of safety. The blockchain technology that underpins Ethereum ensures each transaction is recorded on a public ledger, which makes trying to manipulate in-game transactions via hackers much more difficult. 

Moreover, cryptocurrency wallets grant players control over their assets. If players store items such as rare skins or exclusive in-game currencies in a secure wallet, they are less at the mercy of hacking into the game servers, which has taken down whole inventories of items that were valuable.

Decentralized Marketplaces for Gamers

Another great use of Ethereum is in bringing decentralization into gaming marketplaces. Conventional gaming platforms, such as Steam or Xbox Live, are fully in control and at the heart of their respective in-game economies, which gamers can never take ownership of or transfer. Ethereum is creating the opportunity for decentralized marketplaces where players will be in complete control of their virtual assets-from trading skins to selling virtual real estate. 

Other blockchain-based games, like The Sandbox, also allow their players to purchase, sell and trade virtual land and assets. Everything is recorded on the Ethereum blockchain. These decentralized marketplaces are fast-growing and sales in the real estate market of The Sandbox in-game reached over $350 million as of 2024. These figures give one a hint at the rising value of decentralized platforms within the gaming sector.

Conclusion

With Ethereum at the head, as the world of gaming and cryptocurrency continue to collide, it invisibly shapes what the future of the economy in gaming could look like. From in-game transactions down to the security and exchange of various game assets with decentralized marketplaces, Ethereum remains influential across a wide range of game applications. In the context of community gaming at OwnedCore.com, the general impact of cryptocurrency, especially Ethereum, would be important as more games adopt the use of blockchain technology. With ETH to USD transactions fast turning routine and with Play-to-Earn models collaborating to open revenue streams for gamers, Ethereum’s need and use in gaming will only grow in the future.

The recent CrowdStrike episode was a reminder to everyone that despite the strides made in digital development over the past couple of years, online systems are not bulletproof. The crash that affected millions of Windows operated systems around the world, even bringing hospitals and schools to a standstill, was a stark warning that we cannot be complacent with technology and software and need to remain on the lookout for online threats and malfunctions.

Personal Responsibility

Nowadays, with more activity taking place on digital devices, there is greater emphasis on cybersecurity to protect the millions of users that are using online services daily. The accessibility afforded to people of all ages also promotes the idea of being responsible for oneself. This begs the question though: what are examples of emerging online dangers to consider?

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Delivery Scams

With the Christmas period approaching and people around the world already working their way down their shopping lists, the buying activity on the internet skyrockets. Over the years, people have become reliant on online shopping services that offer delivery such as Amazon. As a result, more fraud artists are turning their attention to target online shoppers who might even get more desperate to receive packages as Christmas gets closer.

The most recent form of fraud comes in the form of emails. Amazon work with reputable companies such as DHL, Hermes, and the USPS® to ensure packages are delivered as soon as possible, sometimes the next day. These shipping companies still send out notifications by email, often containing shipment numbers and a link to follow the delivery. This is where the trap lies. Do not click on any links if you think an email is remotely suspicious. Nowadays, fraudulent emails are getting closer to looking authentic. However, there are still a couple of effortless ways to spot a fake:

• Hover the mouse over the sender’s email address. Should it not resemble a company domain name like, then it is not genuine.

• Check how you are addressed. Anything but your name should arouse suspicion.

• Check for spelling mistakes or mis-formatting in the email body. Anything irregular should be questioned.

Financial Transactions

The transfer of money has never been easier. With online banking tools in the form of smartphone apps and the ability to send money via text message, sending money can be done at the click of a few buttons. This is where the danger lies. The risk of identity theft has never been greater and with more entertainment options finding their homes in the online realm, there are new industries and websites to be more vigilant on.

Emerging Entertainment Avenues

While this is the season for shopping, Americans right now are reveling in new forms of entertainment that are quickly building their presence in the online world. One of the rising phenomena is iGaming, which includes online casino play and sports betting. Due to the nature of the casino games created in convenient online formats, financial transactions in the form of deposits are required to play them.

Online gambling operators are also a good example of websites that contain all the aspects to look out for to ensure they are legitimate. And due to their rapid rise in the entertainment industry, there will still be an element of uncertainty with some operators. However, the following checks apply generally to online financial transactions:

• Check the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate.

• Use reliable payment methods like wire transfers or e-wallets.

• Check that the online casino is fully licensed (details usually at the bottom of each webpage). Fully licensed online gambling providers will have state-of-the-art encryption software installed on the website.

• Set up two-step authentication for payments if possible.

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Self-Control

The easiest way to take responsibility for yourself is to set rules, regardless of whether that is spending money online or partaking in gaming or iGaming activity that involve gamification features. Particularly for iGaming operators, there are also support bodies such as Gamban that provide assistance for those overspending. There are also a range of online casinos not on Gamban that offer different and interesting features, but more online casinos are including self-exclusion options to protect their players.

The iGaming industry especially is likely to expand in the near future and receive even greater recognition and other new innovative entertainment options could emerge. With the online world still a relatively unknown realm, exuding self-awareness in this space will become increasingly important. Whatever you get up to online, getting caught out will only sour the experience.

The choice to go and study in a foreign country does seem a daunting one at first. Venturing across the world to another culture where the food is different, the surroundings are unfamiliar, and even the language could be alien is a big step but one that many students at Wellesley take. Embarking on a journey into the relative unknown and pursuing your studies in different environments is especially fulfilling for students at Wellesley and there are hundreds of programs and affiliations with other countries to choose from.

The options range from popular European destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain, while there are also programs available in Argentina, Australia, and China, to name a few. If you feel studying abroad is for you, there are plenty of benefits to gain from following that path.

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Broaden your horizons!

The opportunity to see new cultures and gain new, valuable life experiences does not come along every day. There is the option to travel around the world, but you rarely get to properly immerse yourself in a culture when passing through a city. By studying abroad, you have the chance to spend a good amount of time living and travelling around a city. The opportunity to try new cuisines, learn a new language perhaps and meet fellow students from all over the world that have taken the same plunge as you would be right on your doorstep.

There is no doubting that there will be plenty of aspects in the new society to adapt to. New supermarkets and shopping habits will need to be learned. Commuting around a new city will take some getting used to. The behavior and customs of your new locals might be different. Depending on your interest, you will have to find a new gym, or local hang. If sports are your thing, you have the chance to support a new team and follow the foreign sports culture. However, you will never be far from your local team that you can back here at Cloudbet. The fresh experiences awaiting you are endless if you study abroad, and you are sure to come back to the U.S with broader horizons and a more diverse outlook on life.

Take advantage of your new home

When relocating to a new city, not only will you get the chance to absorb the delights of your adopted home, but depending on where you are, you might have the perfect base to travel to other cities and explore other communities. European countries are wonderfully connected by train or plane, while low budget airlines are your ticket for Asia and South America. Whilst abroad, it is recommended to take advantage of your new post and build even more new experiences.

Ever noticed how a pair of killer shades can totally transform a look? Well, you’re not alone. Our favorite celebrities have been wielding the power of sunglasses like fashion superheroes, setting trends faster than you can say “paparazzi.” Let’s see how the world’s biggest actors, models, and musicians are influencing our sunglass game in the 2020s.

Blast from the past

Have you been noticing tiny oval shades when looking for glasses online? Did you think, “Weren’t they a 90s thing?” Guess what? They’re back! And we can thank none other than Bella Hadid for this nostalgic revival. This style chameleon has been spotted all over Instagram sporting these retro frames, and now everyone wants a piece of the action.

It’s not just Bella bringing back the oldies-but-goodies. Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner, Priyanka Chopra, and Rihanna have channelled their inner Audrey Hepburn with some compelling cat-eye frames. Think old Hollywood glam meets modern-day sass. And let’s not forget the king of outrageous eyewear himself, Elton John. This guy’s been rocking bejeweled and wildly shaped shades since the 60s, and still doing it on stages as big as Glastonbury’s.

Prescription and progressive sunglasses

Prescription shades ensure clear vision while outdoors, making activities like driving, hiking, or lounging by the pool more enjoyable. Many of the big designer sunglasses brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley provide prescription sunglasses. Actresses including Jennifer Aniston and Anne Hathaway have their shades tailor made with prescriptions. Aniston’s worn everything from pilot sunglasses to custom-designed shades for her role in The Bounty Hunter.

Progressive glasses allow you to see up close and at a distance with a seamless transition, so Hollywood’s stars can see the light. Just remember, with great vision comes great responsibility. (Oh, no – that’s “power”.)

Way past timeless

When it comes to classic sunglass styles, few can compete with the enduring popularity of Wayfarers. They were first introduced by Ray-Ban in the mid 1950s. Prior to Ray-Ban’s innovation, men’s sunglasses fulfilled a rather dull, functional role. They shaded your eyes from the sun. Where’s the fun in that? Luckily, since the 50s, things have moved on.

These iconic shades have weathered decades of changing fashion trends, always managing to stay relevant. Their distinctive trapezoidal frame and versatile design have made them a go-to choice for celebrities across generations. From James Dean in the 50s to Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal in recent years, Wayfarers have graced the faces of countless stars, cementing their status as a timeless accessory.

These glasses are sometimes given unique spins with bold colors or embellishments, but they don’t even need to be messed with, really – they’re classics for good reason.

Shades too big for your face

Oversized shield sunglasses are as popular as ever. Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Victoria Beckham have all sported the oversized shield look. These glasses can suit medium to wide faces better, and are typically black with a black frame.

One of the standout features of oversized shield sunglasses is their ability to block out not just the sun, but also unwanted attention. It’s like wearing a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your face. (Although, really, is someone like Jennifer Lopez ever not going to be disturbed?)

Round and round

Round-shaped sunglasses have been a staple in eyewear fashion for decades. They offer a unique blend of vintage charm and modern appeal, making them a versatile choice for many.

Celebrities and fashion icons through the decades, like John Lennon and James Dean, helped cement round sunglasses as a symbol of cool, laid-back style. Lennon was particularly associated with round shades and his image became synonymous with them.

In the 2020s, stars like Gigi Hadid (the Hadid family has a knack for picking glasses), Kendall Jenner, and Johnny Depp have been frequently spotted wearing round sunglasses. Brands such as Ray-Ban, Prada, and Gucci have also embraced this style, offering modern takes on the classic round shape. These high-end versions often incorporate luxury materials and innovative designs, appealing to fashion-forward consumers seeking both quality and style.

Retro squares

Retro square sunglasses have enjoyed a peak in popularity thanks to celebs like George Clooney. These glasses have a timeless appeal, featuring bold, angular frames that evoke the charm of past decades. They’re a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. Their defining feature is the square lens shape, which offers a distinct, structured look that complements various face shapes.

Square shades come in various materials, from classic acetate to lightweight metals, ensuring durability and comfort. The square shape provides ample coverage, shielding the eyes from harmful UV rays while adding a stylish edge to your outfit.

Their broad frames and lenses are not just for show; they offer substantial protection and visual clarity. It’s like giving your eyes their own personal fortresses, minus the medieval moat. Plus, with a pair of these on, you’ll always look like you stepped right out of an old-school movie scene.

Takeaway

Whether you’re into retro vibes or futuristic feels, there’s a celeb-approved style out there for you. Just remember, while these stars might make it look effortless, choosing the right pair of shades is an art form. So enjoy, experiment, and find the frames that make you feel like the star you are!