Chris Nunes

Takeaways on SB-1012, the Latest Bill Aiming to Regulate Psychedelics in California The quick take-away on California’s Senator Scott Weiner bill SB 1012’s passing out of the Business and Professions Committee is that we have proposed legislation that creates ⚫ a new licensing Board, called the Board of Psychedelic Facilitators under the Department of Consumer Affairs, “which will license and regulate professional ⚫ facilitators trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy” for people older than 21 ⚫ use will be required to be supervised — presumably in clinical spaces, yet to be elaborated ⚫ covers the substances psilocybin/psilocyn (mushrooms), 🔹 Dimethyltryptamine (“DMT,” the active ingredient in ayahuasca), 🔹 MDMA, and 🔹 mescaline (other than peyote) ⚫ substances will be required to be tested by a licensed entity ⚫ facilitators will be required to possess an existing professional health license, such as psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, drug & alcohol counselors, and nurse practitioners ⚫ sponsored by the Heroic Hearts Project, Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), and VETS, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Inc This development reflects momentum for increased access for psychedelics without creating a suddenly open market. Oregon just RE-criminalized psychedelics along with other drugs, after the 2020 ballot initiative Ballot Measure 110 was reversed by Oregon’s House Bill 4002, which goes into effect in September 2024, making it about 3.5 years that Oregon’s experiment will have lasted. Noteworthy on SB-1012: ⚫ No, ketamine is not on the list ⚫ What will be considered appropriate training for facilitators has yet to be defined and apparently that will be handled by the Regulated Psychedelic Substances Advisory Committee We’re still examining the details at Enthereal of the proposed legislations, and we’ll have more analysis as we progressively break it down. I'm Kiya, founder of Enthereal, CTO at Amore360, and head integrator at Prism14 — research and policy around controlled substances, emerging therapeutics and entheogens, mental health advocate and stigma destigmatizer, biochemist, entrepreneurial coach, formulation expert, coalescing grassroots clinical cohorts, molecular and digital designer, catalyst cat, electron wrangler, sustainability scorcher Thank you for reading ~and~ engaging.

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Ruminations on Mythos: The term is not "cinematic universe". Cinematic universe means one is making shared IP films. Mythos is the correct term. Myth·os - (in literature) "a traditional or recurrent narrative theme or plot structure". A mythos is a fictional universe for stories by one writer or many that has a consistency of characters, setting, events, style, and world. The Cthulhu Mythos is one of the best known examples. 78 writers have contributed to HP Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos over the past 96 years (1928-2024). While HP Lovecraft was alive, a circle of writers contributed to the Cthulhu Mythos including: August Derleth, RE Howard, Fritz Leiber, Robert Bloch, Frank Belknap Long, Donald Wandrei, and Clark Ashton Smith. Many more added to the mythos after his death. They wrote stories in the shared universe of the Cthulhu Mythos. That is a mythos. Or one can just give a name to the universe that one creates. JRR Tolkien - Middle Earth, Terry Brooks - Shannara, CS Lewis - Narnia, George RR Martin - The Song of Fire and Ice, Fritz Leiber - Nehwon, RE Howard - The Hyborian Age, Larry Niven - Known Space Universe. Writers do this all the time, alone or together. Now if game creatives build the consistency of a mythos around their work, like with Halo, Resident Evil, and others, then the pitch process to publishers or consumers is different. One understands the basics of Assassin's Creed, Dead Space, Mass Effect, or Dragon Age. One knows what to expect not just for sequels but for different games around different characters in different genres in the same world setting. Fallout is more mythos than just IP. By contrast, Mario is more an IP than a mythos. Interestingly Mario as an IP has done more genre shifts than is often done with an IP that is a Mythos. The Legend of Zelda is more mythos than Mario, but in one genre. Mario is many genres in one world setting or IP. ---- VideoGameChronicle: "Dave the Diver’s creator wants to create a ‘Dave cinematic universe’ of games. Jaeho Hwang reveals future games will explore different characters and genres" “Actually, I want to expand Dave the Diver IP itself,” Hwang said, when asked what the future holds for Mintrocket. “I think that’s every director’s dream, since we have a relatable character. “But actually, we didn’t go really deep into the personal stories in Dave the Diver, because we wanted to keep the game very casual. “So as a director, besides the story DLC that we’re working on right now, I also want to make separate games about each character to show how they met, what they did before coming to the Blue Hole. “In that sense, the games’ genres can be different. Maybe one day, if we start to make a Dave’s backstory game, we could make Dave another profession. Hwang said he wants to flesh out the Dave the Diver story by telling the backstories of both its protagonist, and main side characters." VideoGameChronicle: https://lnkd.in/gUs-d23W #gameindustry #gamedev #worldbuilding

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Dude Perfect raised $100M for global biz expansion. The deal is getting lots of buzz, but our team’s math signals challenges ahead. Let’s break it down… DEAL DETAILS • $100 - 300M growth capital investment • Led by Highmount Capital • Unclear if 100% invested upfront OR draw down of commitment over time • No previous capital raised USE OF FUNDS • Hire mgmt team to expand biz • More live experiences incl int’l tour, consumer products • Grow content formats, frequency, channels, global localization e.g. animation, TV, movies, streaming • Extend brand beyond 5 founders by building talent network • New HQ in Frisco, TX as prod facility and “family-friendly entertainment destination”: – Retail store, podcasts / gaming / fan UGC spaces, trick shot tower, DP museum, mini golf, restaurants – Original plans for 3-story, 30 acre facility est to cost $100M+, 2 yrs to build COMPANY OVERVIEW: Dude Perfect • Digital-native comedy and sports media brand • Faith-based mission: “We’re about giving back, spreading joy and glorifying Jesus Christ”  • Other YouTube franchises: “Stereotypes,” “Overtime”, “Bucket List”  • Media brand also incl books, mobile games, board games and toys, and merch / retail / food and beverage partnerships • 25 current team members PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS • 60M YouTube Followers, 17B views • Est 2024 revenue: $50M per DP • Est 2023 and 2022 revenue: $25M and $20M per WSJ  • Consumer product partnerships incl Nerf toy line, Columbia Sportswear • Partnered with A Parent Media co to launch a streaming service • ESPN “30 for 30” doc premiering at Dallas Int’l film festival • TV series on CMT in 2016, later aired on Nickelodeon • Alternate broadcasts for Amazon’s Thursday Night Football • 4 live nationwide tours as of 2023 ORIGIN STORY • Founded 2009 by 5 friends at Texas A&M • Cofounders = twins Coby Cotton and Cory Cotton, Tyler Toney, Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert • Started as YT channel featuring trick shot videos INVESTOR OVERVIEW: Highmount Capital • Growth stage and middle mkt PE fund for tech, media, healthcare • Founded in 2023 by jason illian and David Hawkins • 4 team members on website + advisor • 3 team members have faith-based ties per bios • No other investments listed on website other than DP My takeaway... I really like and support the trend of increased investment into YouTubers and digital-native media brands. But as I wrote about in my 2024 State of Creator x Media capital markets reports (will link them below), investment must match market and opportunity size. To ensure good ROI, and to set good precedent for future investment into our space. The DP bet is exciting, but could be overly optimistic based on our prelim math. My colleague Michael Booth's post breaks the math down (link below). More analysis to come in my Friday newsletter. —- I’m the founder of RockWater Industries. We do m&a and strategy advisory for media, agencies, and creator economy. My dm’s are open. #media #agency #creatoreconomy

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“NVIDIA initially had no name and the co-founders named all their files NV, as in "next version". The need to incorporate the company prompted the co-founders to review all words with those two letters. At one point, Malachowsky and Priem (two co-founders) wanted to call the company NVision, but that name was already taken by a manufacturer of toilet paper. Huang (the CEO) suggested the name Nvidia, from "invidia", the Latin word for "envy". It's funny, but also thought-provoking, to read these words on the Wikipedia page of the company leading the AI Revolution, which now has a market capitalization close to $3 trillion. The company, always close to the gaming world, recently introduced “Project G-Assist”: an AI-based in-game virtual assistant that could revolutionize how we use video games, and software. It's a text and voice chatbot capable of responding to what's happening in the game and even setting up the game system in real-time. Imagine, for example, an AI coach that analyzes our in-game activities and gives immediate feedback on how to improve. I can't wait to try it out, to get better at FIFA and make my opponents even more "env-ious" of my gamer ability! 😂 #NVIDIA #Gaming

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Mere days after I wrote about how "prediction and betting markets incentivize corruption, cheating and fraud. As such they are inherently parasitical" and how the industry fails to recognize the substantial, associated badwill risks, we get this:

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🌟 Pioneering the Future of XR Design: Tools and Innovations 🌟 The tools for XR creators are evolving faster than ever. From Open Store and Spatial SDK to faster build rates and building blocks add-ons, the advancements are impressive. Add in the Passthrough API and Micro-Gesture Samples, and it’s clear that for designers looking to level up, there’s no better time to dive into the world of XR Design Technology. Open Store: This platform is transforming how XR creators distribute and monetize their content, giving designers more freedom and control. Spatial SDK: With the Spatial SDK, designers can create more immersive and interactive experiences. This tool is critical for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in XR. Faster Build Rates: Time is money, and faster build rates mean designers can iterate quicker, bringing their visions to life at an unprecedented pace. Building Blocks Add-Ons: These add-ons are game-changers, providing pre-made elements that speed up the design process and enhance creativity. Passthrough API: The Passthrough API is opening up new dimensions in mixed reality by allowing real-world and virtual elements to blend seamlessly. Micro-Gesture Samples: These samples are setting a new standard for interactivity, allowing users to control XR experiences with subtle gestures. For those ready to embrace the future of XR, the possibilities are endless. The future is here, and it’s time to explore it! --- 🚀 #ProAITools (ProAITools.net) offers a curated collection of verified and genuine AI tools. ♻️ Join the conversation, react, repost, and share your thoughts! 📬 Read our Blog's: [https://lnkd.in/dVyZzjuc) 🐥 Follow us on X: [https://x.com/Proaitools) 💬 Join my WhatsApp channel: [https://lnkd.in/dMN-iTZE) 👾 Join my Telegram channel: [https://lnkd.in/d4wSV4h5) Let's ignite meaningful discussions in the world of AI. 🚀🔧🌟 --- #AICommunity #Innovation #Technology #AI #AIEnthusiasts #proaitools #genaiproducts #airobotics #aiworld #XR #Meta #MetaConnect #MetaQuest #AppleVisionPro #MixedReality #MadeWithUnity #AugmentedReality #AVP 🌟👩‍💻

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I'm supportive of this but doubtful of the leverage a strike has. The reality is that voice acting typically impacts the last 10% of a game development cycle. And if it is being used in as much as 50% of the game dev cycle, its probably due to non-union actors, either internal staff doing placeholder voices during dev or indie talent getting involved early on. Nothing much will change in game development, but this pressure on larger game publishers to negotiate is still a good thing. ----- GamesIndustryBiz: "SAG-AFTRA calls for a "video game strike", effective from tomorrow. "Frankly, it's stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from the lessons of last year" "The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has called a strike, effective at 12.01am tomorrow (July 26). National executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, acting under the authority delegated by SAG-AFTRA, says the strike comes "after more than a year and a half of negotiations [about the Interactive Media Agreement] without a deal." The convenience bargaining group with whom SAG-AFTRA is negotiating includes Activision, Blindlight, Disney, Electronic Arts, Formosa Interactive, Insomnia, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions, VoiceWorks Productions, and WB Games. SAG-AFTRA says it was campaigning to offer critical AI protections for members by asking "any game looking to employ SAG-AFTRA talent to perform covered work must sign on to the new Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, the Interactive Media Agreement, or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement." However, SAG-AFTRA claims that although agreements have been reached on "many issues important" to its members, "the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable language, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their AI language." "The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually. The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games," said Crabtree-Ireland. "That includes the SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the AI use of their faces, voices, and bodies. "Frankly, it's stunning that these video game studios haven’t learned anything from the lessons of last year - that our members can and will stand up and demand fair and equitable treatment with respect to A.I., and the public supports us in that." (keep reading) GamesIndustryBiz: https://lnkd.in/gG4HpeK5 #gameindustry #gamedev #gamepublishing #strike #voiceacting #sagaftra

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Now featuring my fun recent XReality Pro chat with Dominique W. on New World Notes with annotations of my favorite sections. Dominique herself is a recent author (Spatial Design) and was recently a developer on Horizons Worlds, so we're able to delve deep into the weeds on what works and what doesn't with Metaverse platforms. Some highlights: 12 minutes: The problem with the metaverse interoperability goal (as it's usually framed) 22 minutes: The important elements of immersion -- and why VR is not necessary for immersion. (Which Meta learned the hard way.) 37 minutes: The core problem/challenge with web3/crypto/blockchain-related metaverse platforms. https://lnkd.in/g2WCpjWU

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🚀Free NFT update 🚀 Are you really part of the #web3 avant-garde if you don't own at least one podcast NFT? Over on Farcaster, Lens and Zora, far from the web2 brands who still think it's 2022, NFTS are once again about art. Writing, music, film... podcasts. It's experimental, but it's working. Thousands of Podcast NFTs for shows such as UFO, Mint, Coop, Unchained, and Rehash are being minted daily. Is it going to bring down the walls of Spotify? No. Of course it isn't. It's never been a zero sum game; it's not about destroying the gatekeepers and tearing down the ivory towers. NFTs give you a choice. - Ownership - Distribution - Curation - Community If you want to experience how easy the process is, mint the latest episode of Thinking on Paper with Heale CEO Todd Haselhorst right here - https://lnkd.in/eBPrSzVn And you can get the answer to two blockchain solutions with one stone. Mint an NFT podcast, and learn how blockchain technology is revolutionizing logistics to be cheaper, faster, and smarter. #nfts #logistics #podcasts

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When I predicted the rise of Hybridcasual back in 2019, I didn't realise it would take four years and one IDFA deprecation for Hypercasual to finally make the transition. Hybridcasual has truly come a long way from the days of Archero, but we're finally here. And Voodoo's pivot into Hybridcasual has been particularly stunning to watch from the sidelines. More specifically, "Mob Control" from Voodoo's Barcelona-based Mambo Studio is leading the charge and under the helm of the very talented Miguel Santirso. Some key outtakes about Mob Control from this conversation: - A staggering $200M lifetime revenue (3 years) - It makes up ~25% of Voodoo's total revenue - A very aggressive 160% 4-Month ROAS - Actively working on 500 creatives per week - Revamping the progression system drove a +20% LTV uplift - And most importantly, unlimited ambition to crack the top-20 grossing That's really just a sneak peek of how insights-packed this conversation is, and truly is a must listen for anyone building casual games. Also, a huge kudos to Aaron Bush for flying out to Barcelona from Texas super last minute to make it happen live. Usually, I'd say "listen in". But this time, watch it on Naavik's YouTube (link below). Voodoo worked their signature black magic on the production values of this episode ;)

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ACTION SHOT: Iconic Arts Chief Technology Officer Omar Abdelwahed breaking down to our investors how our proprietary AI World Builder works. "Think of what Wix or Squarespace did to empower anyone wanting to make websites without knowing how to code. Our tool enables creators to materialize worlds for UGC platforms such as Fortnite, Roblox or any multiplayer native environment, as if they were painting." What once took a dev team minimum 3 months, now takes anyone 3 days - all while remaining control of art direction. It's been a complete game-changer for us to market test our IP within multiple types of game formats, content strategies and merchandising plays on these UGC platforms while simultaneously building a participating community and fan-base. But this only works if the cost is ultra low and the speed is ultra high. Traditionally, market testing and validation for original IP happens after hundreds of thousands / millions are already spent to get something made that is good enough to test. But by then, it's usually too late when studios realize it's not going to work and all that money goes down the drain. We see this all the time with games, films and shows getting shelved or even worst, entering "development hell". And then we wonder why they say the "entertainment industry is broken". This is why. The economics simply do not make sense for a sustainable and scalable model. For this reason, we took a "Silicon Valley approach" when building Iconic Arts as the premier next-gen entertainment company that doesn't just embrace and leverage new technology, we build the very tools that solve the problems of a broken industry. I love our team and honored to be building very powerful tools that I know will also empower creators and storytellers around the world. Benjamin Grubbs Shane Kokkines Motoki Tani Alec Griffen Roth Matthew Medney Mo Yazdani Rob Carroll

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