Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the metaverse all featured in a January 2022 webinar created and hosted by Statista, called "The cryptoverse - cryptocurrencies becoming mainstream". The original, unedited 30-minute webinar can be seen here for free, although registration is required.
Creating scarcity on the internet: how an NFT works
An NFT is a digital certificate (a token) that recognizes one as the owner of a digital file with no equal to it (it is non-fungible). These certificates are created (minted) and sold on blockchain - the same technology behind cryptocurrencies. It also tracks transactions to prevent counterfeiting, with Ethereum being the most popular NFT blockchain. An NFT is unique: No matter how many digital copies there are – MP3, JPEG, etc. - there is only one original file. Essentially, an NFT owner buys ownership rights. This (partially) explains why the popularity of NBA Top Shot – a game around basketball highlights videos – resembles that of collectible card games: Certain files are rarer (therefore, more valuable) than others. This scarcity can be extended in other directions too. American rock band Kings of Leon made around two billion U.S. dollars with an NFT surrounding their album in 2021 by giving NFT owners access to photos and unique perks alongside the album. In essence, NFTs serve as the foundation for Web3, specifically Decentralized Finance (DeFi) or the metaverse.A digital revolution, or another tulip mania?
NFT exploded in popularity in 2021 as many investors noted the rising prices. Figures were different by the end of 2022. The daily average value of traded NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain in October 2022 was six times lower than in January 2022. Analysts believe the collapse of Terra (LUNA) and changes to the macroeconomic environment are the likely cause. The number of users, measured in unique wallets that bought or sold NFT, decreased by more than 17 percent between Q2 and Q3 2022. Industry protagonists interpret this lesser decline as a sign of a resilient industry, despite the difficulties of 2022. They also add that OpenSea loses market share to upcoming NFT marketplaces in 2022 and that leading brands such as Disney, MasterCard, and Starbucks created their own NFTs. Indeed, potential NFTs from major brands - such as Nike and Adidas - attracted interest in the United States in 2021.
