The China Web3 rulebook is isolated and specific. This is largely due to the implications of the Beijing rules regarding NFTs and the cryptocurrency market. But as a result, fresh, highly localized trends have emerged across the country that have yet to gain traction in the West, such as virtual influencers. Capitalizing on its considerable technological prowess, the nation is using Web3 to redefine its retail roadmap. What can the rest of the world learn from your distinctive approach to the new frontier of the Internet?

Elsewhere, global Luxury car groups once again dominate the Web3 spotlight. On our radar is BMW, which has released a color-changing concept car, the first of its kind, that’s set to bring offline and online closer than ever before. This week also saw high-end fashion house Maison Valentino jump on the fashion AI trend, a move that will drive industry innovation even further through 2023.

In addition to these, this week we take a look at some of Asia’s biggest players in the digital landscape and their latest projects to resonate with consumers and harness the continent’s explosive purchasing power.

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Moutai’s foray into the metaverse with his gamified experience has already received widespread criticism. Photo: Weibo

Moutai joins China’s growing Metaverse beverage market with first official foray into the virtual world

What happened: In an attempt to buck the burgeoning Asian trend of gamified Web3 initiatives, beverage giant Moutai has released its first app game in the metaverse. Launched on January 1, the platform, designed in partnership with NetEase, allows players to design their own liquor while immersing themselves in the world of the brand. Users can also experience the grain-to-liquor process through incentivized tasks; each task has a reward that, once accumulated, can be exchanged for collectible NFTs and a special edition of Moutai’s Year of the Rabbit.

The verdict: The game has already surpassed one million registered users since its launch. But not all the comments have been positive. Players reported that the app was difficult to navigate due to bugs and certain in-game features. Moutai has stated that the channel will work as a long-term community building strategy, but the future of the platform hinges on the brand’s ability to quickly respond to much-needed enhancements.

The luxury fashion house has harnessed the power of AI technology in its latest ‘Essentials’ campaign. Photo: Valentine

Maison Valentino jumps on the burgeoning AI fashion trend for its latest campaign

What happened: Italian fashion house Maison Valentino has harnessed the power of Web3 technology for its latest campaign. To introduce its new “Essential” line of luxury staples, the brand fired its collection entirely through artificial intelligence as a way to explore the relationship between AI and fashion, and bring to light this new hybrid world.

The verdict: Only in the first weeks of this year has there been a boom in the popularity of AI. Global creatives are using technology to explore the possibilities for unique collaborations, conceptual designs, and innovative ideas. As a result, artificial intelligence will become a major trend by 2023 in luxury fashion. Valentino’s latest project is just the beginning.

BMW’s latest adventure aims to bridge the gap between the digital world and reality, along with its stunning color-shift aesthetic. Photo: BMW

BMW speeds up the driving experience with “mixed reality” features and color-changing cars

What happened: BMW recently unveiled its new color-changing concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The vehicle can alternate between 32 different colors and also features a digital dashboard called a “mixed reality slider,” a program that allows drivers to personalize their experience.

The verdict: Described by the brand as “a portal to the digital world”, the launch heralds BMW’s ambitious roadmap into the metaverse, as well as new technological innovations that enhance the driving experience. The project is an attempt to put BMW ahead of the curve when it comes to strong competition: Mercedes-Benz recently partnered with leading digital collectibles brand SUPERPLASTIC, as well as the upcoming Porsche. NFT Collection of 7,500 pieces in collaboration with 3D artist Patrick Vogel and Unreal Engine 5.

Regal Hotels Hong Kong has unveiled the first phase of its MetaGreen space on January 12. Photo: The Sandbox

Regal Hotels launches MetaGreen, the first eco-friendly hotel and lands in the sandbox

What happened: Hong Kong’s Regal Hotels Group has tapped into the metaverse after acquiring “Land” within The Sandbox’s Mega City 2 virtual world. Described as the first green metropolis on that platform, Regal Hotel will feature 360 ​​degrees of scenery along with a Presidential Suite, bars, outdoor dining and a wellness area. Players will also be able to interact with different NPCs to get various educational tips, including information on farm-to-table, sustainable wellness, and energy conservation.

The verdict: The conversation about how the metaverse fits into a sustainable future is ongoing. The space may still be fledgling, but many are already using the realm to explore the prospect of a greener reality. For example, to address the environmental impact of the proof-of-work protocol, MetaGreen has already purchased more than double the verified carbon credits it needs to reverse Ethereum emissions. Sandbox is also in the process of transitioning to the green Polygon blockchain, a carbon neutral solution.