NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are among those concepts that keep surprising us with new types of digital collectibles, new use cases, and plenty of considerable sales. Just imagine that the most expensive NFT was sold for $91.8 million. Amazing, right?
In recent years, a new type of NFT has emerged, increasing the overall usability of NFTs in general and challenging other fields to develop new and advanced technologies that can keep up with them. We’re talking about 3D NFTs, the type of digital collectible that might become the new status quo, especially considering the evolution of blockchain technology and the growth of the metaverse and Web3 in general.
In this article, we will discuss the magic of 3D NFTs, how they differ from regular NFTs, and the main use cases of such digital collectibles.
What is a 3D NFT?
We’re sure you already know what an NFT is, and truth be told, a 3D NFT is pretty similar to regular non-fungible tokens. Basically, a 3D NFT is a piece of digital art that is unique and stored on a blockchain. Thus, it is safe to say that it is a subcategory of NFTs in general. The main difference between regular and 3D NFTs is that the latter consists of a 3D design.
Usually, 3D NFTs are sold on NFT marketplaces, which are online platforms that provide extensive information regarding such digital collectibles, such as the digital artists that created them, the trading volume, the prices of such digital assets, how many owners the collection has, and much more.
3D NFTs come with many advantages, and the most significant one might be that they add artistic value and offer designers new concepts they can work with to develop such NFT art.
Besides, 3D NFTs can have many more use cases than regular NFTs, thanks to their third dimension. Thus, it is fair to say that 3D NFTs take the concept of non-fungible tokens one step further.
How is a 3D NFT different?
2D and 3D NFTs have some similarities, but their differences are pretty visible and change how we use each type of non-fungible tokens.
While both types of NFTs can be found on an NFT marketplace, 3D NFTs may be available as videos rather than images. However, this is not a rule; you may find them in multiple formats.
Usually, 3D NFTs consist of various avatars or characters, which automatically makes us think of crypto games. Usually, when you start playing a blockchain or metaverse game, you get an avatar or a game character, and the magic of such games is that you get ownership rights for that through NFTs. In some cases, those NFTs can be 3D assets.
Besides, creating a 3D NFT is entirely different than creating a 2D one. It’s just like when you create a 3D model – you need different platforms, you should have more extensive knowledge regarding 3D art, and you might need more time to develop 3D digital artwork.
Top 3D NFTs use-cases
As we mentioned before, 3D NFTs have many use cases, which can differ a bit from those of 2D NFTs.
However, the first one applies in both cases. NFTs, in general, are a great way of proving ownership rights, and 3D NFTs do not leave this use case behind. Thanks to the fact that it is stored on a blockchain, each such digital collectible consists of two main things: the digital art and its metadata.
The metadata contains details such as the NFT’s name, traits, and transaction history, thus proving that you are the true owner of the digital piece of art. Considering that these details cannot be altered, you can be sure that no one can interfere with your digital collectibles.
3D crypto art plays a significant role in the progress of crypto gaming. These days, blockchain games use multiple advanced technologies that lead to a more immersive gaming experience, but what’s the point if you don’t have assets that can reach the same level, right?
Thus, introducing 3D NFTs in crypto games can improve users’ experience significantly, offering them increasingly more opportunities.
Ever wondered how you can explore a virtual world? Well, you might need specific hardware, but you also should have an avatar. In some cases, such characters can take the form of 3D NFTs. The metaverse has gained remarkable popularity over the past years, and many users have decided to join the wave and start developing their metaverse avatars.
Depending on the virtual world you join, you might have to hold a 3D unique digital token to join the metaverse, and this is where 3D NFTs come into action. Such a digital asset can actually materialize your metaverse presence, while its traits can either improve it or challenge you to become better and progress in the virtual space you joined.
Another great use case of 3D NFT artworks is strongly linked to the marketing field. Users’ preferences and buying behavior change at a surprising pace, leaving marketers in a constant quest to find what works best for their products.
Introducing new technologies in a marketing strategy has proved to be quite effective, creating a buzz in the industry and around the specific brand. Just imagine when the first 3D digital billboard was developed. Right there and then, the DOOH field took things one step further and offered a new way of promoting your products.
It’s the same with 3D NFTs. Retail companies can leverage 3D NFT art to promote their products and even join the metaverse to communicate with their audiences through more channels. For instance, a clothing store can use 3D NFTs to present its new collection. There are already diverse NFT collections developed with this goal.
The most popular 3D NFTs collections
Crossroads
Beeple is one of the most popular NFT artists in the world, having sold some of the most expensive NFT collections in the world. “Everydays: The First 5000 Days,” one of his NFTs, is the 2nd most expensive NFT ever sold. The digital collectible was bought by a single person for a surprising price of $69.3 million.
Crossroads is a video 3D NFT that aims to send numerous messages. The interesting fact about this piece of digital art is that it can change based on the outcome of an event. It was created during the US elections. Depending on the outcome of the elections, the NFT would showcase Donald Trump in one of the 2 possible states.
Considering that Joe Biden won the elections in 2020, Beeple’s NFT shows Trump graffitied with various texts that relate to his actions and statements.
Dolce & Gabbana Collezione Genesi
Dolce & Gabbana used 3D digital art to create a stunning NFT collection that would present its new collection like no other idea could.
Personally designed by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the collection is full of special perks, the most important one being that the luxury NFT collection involves both digital and physical works. Thus, NFT holders also get the physical piece of clothing or jewelry linked to the NFT.
Collezione Genesi consists of 9 NFTs that contain video sequences, the physical product, photos, and the initial sketch made by Dolce and Gabbana. The NFT artwork includes items across Alta Moda (women), Alta Sartoria (men), and Alta Gioielleria (high jewelry), and each NFT showcases the authentic artistic talent of the two designers.
Dolce & Gabbana’s idea proves how much 3D NFTs can improve a company’s marketing strategy and increase its sales. The nine digital collectibles of Collezione Genesi were sold for surprising prices.
Imaginary Ones
Imaginary Ones is all about spreading love, positivity, and creativity in the crypto world, but its NFTs are stunning, and the creators managed to sell them in just 4 minutes at the Dutch Auction Sale.
Developed by Clement Chia and David Lee, Imaginary Ones is an NFT collection consisting of 8,888 fully animated and 3D characters stored on the Ethereum network.
Those holding one or more Imaginary Ones NFTs can get various other perks, such as access to the entire Imaginary Ones ecosystem, its staking platform, and future offerings. Furthermore, they can also get other digital assets, such as IO, which is the native token of the Imaginary Ones project.
Samurai Doge
Samurai Doge is an NFT collection consisting of 10,000 animated doges wearing various samurai uniforms. The collection was developed in 2021 and has gained popularity ever since thanks to the special traits the samurai doges have.
Each samurai doge has specific weapons, armor, and various accessories that can also say more about their powers and traits. But why would you need it to have special traits, right?
Well, Samurai Doge holders generate HON tokens daily. HON is the native cryptocurrency of the Samurai Doge ecosystem and can be used to breed new Samurai Doges, purchase Samurai Doge merchandise, or be part of the game developed by the company.
Nouns 3D
Nouns 3D is a community-driven NFT project consisting of 10,000 unique digital assets developed on the Ethereum blockchain. The project also uses advanced technologies such as AR (Augmented Reality) to enhance users’ experience in the Nouns 3D ecosystem.
The Nouns NFTs are generative digital collectibles, each one consisting of a 32 x 32 pixel character that can have various bodies, heads, accessories, and backgrounds. At the moment, the project offers 242 heads, 30 bodies, 140 accessories, 23 pairs of glasses, and 2 backgrounds.
The main goal of the Nouns 3D NFT project is to build a decentralized community that will focus on the evolution of Nouns. To contribute to the growth of its community, Nouns 3D develops and mints a new Nouns NFT daily.
FAQ
How do you create a 3D NFT?
Making an NFT 3D requires specialized platforms that allow you to create 3D models. Before that, you should make some sketches so that you know how you want your art to look like. The final step is to mint your NFT.
Can 3D models be sold as NFT?
Yes, almost anything digital can be minted as an NFT.
Can 3D NFTs be used in the metaverse?
Yes, this is one of the main use cases of 3D NFTs. A 3D NFT can represent your avatar in a virtual space.
What can you do with a 3D NFT?
First, you must hold a digital wallet that supports the 3D NFT you just purchased. Then, you can join the ecosystem of the project, explore the metaverse (if there is one), play the game (if the NFT is linked to one), and many more.
Conclusion
3D NFTs and NFTs, in general, are those types of digital assets that simply cannot be left behind. Although the NFT and 3D NFT markets are getting through a questionable period, with the sales dropping a little, it seems that they will hang around for a long time after they pass this period.
Thus, getting a 3D NFT may be a good idea, but it is extremely important what type of 3D NFT you purchase. For instance, if you want to play a crypto game, you should buy a digital collectible from its collection. However, if you want to explore the metaverse, look for a 3D NFT that helps you do so.
No matter your goal, we are sure exploring the magical world of 3D NFTs will help you find at least a few NFTs you are interested in buying.
