Jadu introduces NFT avatars as it prepares for the AR metaverse

Jadu is making waves in the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with a groundbreaking announcement: the launch of thousands of unique avatars in preparation for the augmented reality metaverse.

Asad J. Malik, the CEO of Jadu, revealed the company's plan to release 11,111 avatars, referred to as AVAs, by the end of August. These AVAs will be distinguished by their ownership, authenticated through blockchain technology. This NFT sale marks a significant step towards Jadu's broader vision of crafting a real-world augmented reality gaming experience and ecosystem. This immersive world promises an ongoing narrative that will captivate players, seamlessly blending animations with physical reality to create a mixed-reality storytelling experience.

Jadu has amassed substantial funding, totalling $45 million, with a noteworthy $36 million investment led by Bain Capital Crypto. The company has previously ventured into the AR market, offering virtual items such as hoverboards and jetpacks. The new avatars will have the capability to utilize these items as they navigate the gaming universe. At the heart of this gaming experience are the 3D playable avatars known as Jadu AVAs. In the storyline, these avatars are depicted as robots that have crash-landed on Earth through a mysterious portal from another world. Each AVA belongs to one of five distinct types: Blink, Rukus, Disc, Yve, and Aura. To facilitate the creation of these NFTs, Jadu has partnered with various collections, including FLUFs, Meebits, VOIDs, Chibi Apes, CyberKongz, and CryptoWalkers. These partnerships have played a pivotal role in building momentum for the company's AR offerings.

Notably, Jadu has a history of high-profile collaborations, including an auction of a unique Rocket Man Jadu Hoverboard NFT in partnership with music legend Elton John, which sold for 75 ETH (Ethereum's cryptocurrency). The proceeds from this sale were donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). The company has also collaborated with notable figures like seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Grimes, Snoop Dogg, visual artist Mimi Onuoha, and NFT curator Trippy on previous NFT hoverboard projects.

These avatars are purpose-built for augmented reality, and the game will feature multiple chapters in an evolving story. Avatars will possess the ability to execute parkour manoeuvres, adding depth to the gaming experience as the company gradually rolls out its ecosystem. The NFT avatar sale is expected to generate approximately $5 million, with the company allocating these funds to establish a community treasury. This treasury will enable the community to collectively decide how to utilize these resources. Rather than targeting a vast player base, Jadu is initially focused on attracting a dedicated group of 10,000 to 20,000 hardcore players. The company's primary target audience consists of individuals already immersed in the crypto and NFT ecosystem. These tech-savvy early adopters are familiar with crypto wallets and cutting-edge technology.

Over the next 30 days, Jadu plans to introduce tools that will empower players to propose ideas for community voting. As the NFT avatars are released, the company will unveil new chapters of the immersive story, ensuring a continuously evolving experience for players.