One of the key premises of blockchain technology is that it enables digital ownership. Ownership of our currencies, identity, art, and collectibles. For the first time in history, NFTs have made it possible to own unique digital items.

Before NFTs, there was no way to prove that I was the owner of an image on the internet. Anyone could take a screenshot and say they were the owner. With NFTs and blockchain technology, this is now possible and reaching the mainstream world of collectibles.

What is virtual ownership?

Virtual ownership in the context of NFTs refers to the ownership of a unique and digitally verifiable token that represents ownership of a specific digital asset. NFTs are a type of cryptocurrency that is unique and indivisible, meaning that each NFT is different from any other NFT.

When someone purchases an NFT, they are essentially buying ownership of the digital asset that the NFT represents. However, it's important to note that NFT ownership doesn't necessarily confer the rights to the original asset itself. For example, owning an NFT of a digital artwork doesn't mean that the owner can reproduce or display the artwork without the artist's permission.

Instead, the owner of the NFT has a verifiable proof of ownership that is stored on the blockchain, a decentralized digital ledger that tracks all transactions involving the NFT. This proof of ownership can give the owner a sense of exclusivity and prestige, as well as the ability to sell the NFT to other collectors in the future.

In essence, virtual ownership through NFTs allows for a new form of ownership that is purely digital and not tied to physical possession or location. It also enables artists and creators to monetize their digital works in a new and potentially lucrative way.

Freedom from physical constraints

The popularity of virtual ownership and digital collectibles is also linked to the trend toward minimalism and the quest for freedom from physical constraints. People want more experiences and fewer things, and they strive to live more minimally and own fewer physical things.

This trend makes way for virtual ownership and digital collectibles that make our lives more manageable and offer more freedom.

Owning and displaying our physical things used to be the main way we presented our status in society. Now the display of social status is shifting to the digital sphere. Our PFPs, collectibles and art are now valued digitally as much as physically. We can argue that the emotional attachment to our digital goods is as strong as our attachment to physical goods, if not stronger in some cases.

We predict that this is not just a trend that will die down, but that it will stay. To be pragmatic, we would like to highlight the various advantages of NFT collectibles over physical ones.

• Accessibility: Unlike physical collectibles, which may require a lot of space or be difficult to transport, digital collectibles are easily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and our Web3 wallet.
• Durability and preservation: Physical collectibles can be damaged, lost, or stolen, and may require special care and preservation. Digital collectibles, on the other hand, are generally more durable and can be easily stored and backed up on the blockchain.
• Authenticity and verifiability: With NFTs, each collectible is unique and can be verified as authentic and original. This can provide collectors with a greater sense of security and confidence in their purchases.
• Environmental impact: Physical collectibles often require resources and energy to produce, transport, and store, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Digital collectibles, on the other hand, have a much smaller carbon footprint and can be considered a more environmentally friendly option. Especially if minted on an environment-friendly blockchain like Polygon, NEAR, etc.

Examples of popular NFTs and collectibles

Here are a few examples of popular NFT collectibles:

• CryptoKitties - One of the first and most well-known NFT collectibles, CryptoKitties are unique digital cats that can be collected, bred, and traded on the Ethereum blockchain.
• NBA Top Shot - A platform that offers NFT collectibles of officially licensed NBA highlights, including rare "legendary" moments that can be traded and sold on a marketplace.
• Bored Ape Yacht Club - A collection of 10,000 unique digital apes that come with various accessories and traits, with ownership granting access to an exclusive community and events.
• Punks Comic - A comic book series featuring 10,000 unique digital characters inspired by the original CryptoPunks collection, with each issue including a one-of-a-kind NFT.

These are just a few of the many types of NFT collectibles that are available. NFTs offer a wide range of possibilities for collectors and creators, from digital art and music to virtual real estate and gaming assets.

Immersive experiences

NFT collectibles are a very dynamic market that represents new forms of digital ownership and gives more freedom to creators and buyers. As more individuals and institutions become aware of NFTs and their potential uses, we could see greater adoption and integration into various industries and sectors.

An interesting use case and exciting opportunity for NFT collectibles is integration with other technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. Until now, the best way to showcase our collectibles, and therefore our status, has been to bring people into our homes. With NFTs, this can be done in the metaverse - with an interactive and immersive experience accessible to everyone in the world. This could create new and exciting opportunities for collectors and creators to interact with their NFTs and build communities around them.

Overall, the future of NFT collectibles is likely to be shaped by ongoing technological innovation, changing market dynamics, and evolving cultural trends. However, there is a growing sense that NFTs represent a significant shift in the way we think about ownership, value, and creativity in the digital age and that they have the potential to reshape the art and collectibles market in profound ways.

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