Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Last Week’s VC Biggest Deals

XRP Futures Debuts With Over $1.5 Million in Trading Volume

XRP Futures Debut on CME with $1.5M Volume, Fueling ETF Speculation

CHICAGO – XRP futures commenced trading on the CME Group platform Monday, May 19, recording $1.5 million in volume on their first day. The launch, approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in April, has intensified speculation around the potential approval of a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF).

The move follows the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) classification of XRP as a commodity and aims to meet growing institutional demand for regulated XRP exposure. Notably, the futures are cash-settled, a feature attractive to institutions as it negates the need for direct crypto custody.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse hailed the launch as a "key institutional milestone," with Hidden Road executing the first block trade. Market observers widely believe that a regulated futures market is a critical precursor for SEC approval of spot crypto ETFs, a sentiment echoed by industry figures like ETF Store President Nate Geraci.

Despite the development, XRP's price remained largely unchanged, trading around $2.33.

Hong Kong Introduces Stablecoin Licensing to Bolster Digital Asset Hub Aspirations

HONG KONG – The Legislative Council of Hong Kong has passed a new law creating a formal licensing system for fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS). Under the new regulations, all FRS issuers must secure a license from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). This move is a significant step in Hong Kong's ambition to become a global digital asset hub, while also prioritizing investor protection and financial stability .

To obtain a license, issuers will face strict requirements, including robust reserve management, ensuring redemption at par value, segregation of client funds, transparency, and adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. These measures aim to align Hong Kong with international financial standards .

Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, stated the law operates on the principle of "same activity, same risks, same regulation." He emphasized that this risk-based approach provides a solid foundation for the growth of Hong Kong's digital asset market and signals the city's evolving perspective on cryptocurrencies .

This regulatory development marks a shift from Hong Kong's previously cautious stance, influenced by past scandals such as the 2023 collapse of the JPEX exchange. The new framework seeks to foster crypto innovation while safeguarding investors. Consequently, only licensed entities will be permitted to issue and market FRS to the public in Hong Kong, with a ban on advertisements from unauthorized issuers even during an initial six-month grace period .

While Hong Kong's stablecoin market is currently modest compared to global giants, the new law offers much-needed clarity and structure. Justin d'Anethan of Liquifi noted that the framework provides clear guidelines on reserves, redemption, and licensing, making it more welcoming for established financial institutions. However, the global stablecoin landscape, particularly for U.S. dollar-backed assets, remains largely dominated by the United States, where lawmakers are also advancing stablecoin legislation like the GENIUS Act.

Hong Kong's stablecoin regulation is anticipated to come into effect later this year, with transitional arrangements to help issuers adapt. This initiative is part of a broader strategic shift by the city towards greater openness and well-defined regulations in its approach to digital assets .

Fartcoin Rally Falters as Smart Money Exits, Bearish Signals Emerge

Fartcoin, a Solana-based memecoin, is showing signs of a downturn after a significant rally that saw its price surge from $0.20 in March to a peak of $1.46 this month. The token has since fallen over 14%, currently trading around $1.21, as several indicators point to waning momentum.

Data from analytics firm Nansen reveals a notable exit of "smart money" investors. The number of such wallets holding Fartcoin has decreased by 16% in recent days, from 44 to 37, with their collective token holdings also declining. This movement by experienced investors often signals profit-taking or anticipation of a trend reversal.

Technically, Fartcoin has formed a bearish rising wedge pattern. Analysts suggest that failure to break above the $1.4677 resistance level could lead to a price breakdown, particularly if it drops below the $1.00 support.

Further caution is warranted by a 9.48% increase in Fartcoin balances held on exchanges. Such a rise typically indicates that holders are preparing to sell, potentially adding to downward price pressure.

While a price recovery is possible, current data suggests a heightened risk of further decline for Fartcoin. The developments serve as a reminder of the volatile nature of memecoins, where rapid gains can often be followed by sharp corrections.

Trump's Memecoin Dinner Sparks Political Backlash and Ethical Concerns

Former President Donald Trump hosted a private dinner at his Virginia golf club for 220 top holders of the $TRUMP memecoin, an exclusive event that drew immediate backlash from lawmakers and public watchdog groups over potential political influence and lack of transparency.

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Adam Schiff voiced concerns about anonymous crypto wallets facilitating foreign influence, while Representative Maxine Waters introduced legislation to bar politicians and their families from crypto asset involvement. Protesters, organized by groups including Public Citizen, gathered outside the venue, decrying "crypto corruption."

The event, marketed as an "exclusive experience" with no press allowed, required guests to submit personal details and wallet addresses. While some attendees like Tron founder Justin Sun and former NBA star Lamar Odom were identified, many remained anonymous, fueling suspicions.

The dinner has intensified scrutiny on the intersection of cryptocurrency, politics, and power, raising ethical questions even within the crypto community. Critics argue such events could hinder serious regulatory reform, while supporters see it as engagement. The gathering underscored the growing, and increasingly controversial, influence of crypto in the political sphere.

Vitalik Buterin Proposes "Local-First" Model to Simplify Ethereum Node Operation

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a "local-first" model aimed at making it easier for average users to run Ethereum nodes on standard consumer hardware. The current requirement of over 1.3TB of storage for a full node presents a significant barrier to participation.

Under Buterin's proposal, nodes would primarily store data relevant to the user, while historical data older than 36 days would be distributed across multiple nodes, similar to a library system. This initiative, aligning with Ethereum's broader strategy including the Pectra upgrade, seeks to enhance decentralization and censorship resistance by reducing reliance on a few powerful providers.

Industry figures like Vanilla Finance co-founder Michael Cameron have lauded the plan as a "breath of fresh air," while acknowledging potential implementation complexities. Analysts like Ryan Yoon of Tiger Research note that increasing node numbers geographically could combat centralization, but careful execution is needed. Despite challenges, the "local-first" concept is seen by the community as a worthwhile step towards a more accessible and decentralized Ethereum network.

Coinbase Faces $400M in Costs After Cybersecurity Breach

Coinbase Faces DOJ Investigation After Cyberattack and $20 Million Ransom Demand

Coinbase is under investigation by the US Department of Justice following a cyberattack where criminals attempted to extort $20 million. The company disclosed that less than 1% of users were affected, and crucially, no customer funds, private keys, or login systems were compromised. Coinbase refused to pay the ransom and is actively cooperating with US and international law enforcement agencies.

The breach may have exposed customer data such as names and email addresses. In response, Coinbase has allocated an estimated $180 million to $400 million for remediation efforts and voluntary reimbursements to affected users. Despite the seriousness of the incident, some Wall Street analysts remain confident in Coinbase's underlying security, with some viewing the consequent dip in its stock price as a potential buying opportunity.

This event underscores the persistent security challenges within the cryptocurrency industry, emphasizing the continuous need for robust defenses by platforms and heightened vigilance from users. The DOJ investigation is ongoing, with Coinbase currently focused on addressing the damage, supporting its customers, and collaborating with authorities.

Xterio (XTER) Launches on Binance Alpha with Airdrop & Trading Contest; Price Dips Post-Debut

Binance officially launched Xterio (XTER), a Web3 gaming ecosystem token, on its Binance Alpha platform on May 19, 2025. The launch featured an exclusive airdrop for eligible users and a significant trading competition.

Binance Alpha users holding at least 194 Alpha Points were able to claim 294 XTER tokens by utilizing 15 Alpha Points within a strict 24-hour window, commencing May 19. Xterio, an entity backed by Binance Labs, concentrates on developing high-quality games and integrating NFTs.

Concurrently, Binance initiated an Xterio Trading Competition, running until June 2, 2025, with 3.85 million XTER tokens available as rewards. The top 14,000 users ranked by XTER purchase volume are set to each receive 275 XTER.

Despite these promotional activities and the listing, the XTER token price reportedly experienced a notable decline of approximately 15-19% following its launch. This price drop is commonly attributed to early airdrop recipients capitalizing on profits, a frequent phenomenon observed with newly listed tokens after airdrop events. These initiatives by Binance are designed to incentivize platform engagement and offer users early access to emerging projects.

New Altcoin SXT Gains Attention with Microsoft Integration

SXT Coin Gains on Microsoft Partnership for Blockchain Data Integration

SXT Coin, a relatively new altcoin, has gained attention following a significant price increase despite a recent Bitcoin downturn. The surge is attributed to a newly announced partnership between Microsoft and Space and Time (SXT), the project behind the coin, revealed at Microsoft's Build conference.

The collaboration will integrate real-time blockchain data into Microsoft's Fabric platform. Space and Time operates a decentralized data warehouse utilizing zero-knowledge proofs to ensure data accuracy and security, a feature valuable for enterprise applications. Microsoft's venture capital arm, M12, was an early investor in Space and Time.

Nate Holiday, co-founder of Space and Time, stated the partnership will empower developers using Microsoft Fabric to build tools across Web3, finance, and AI by providing verified blockchain data. The integration will initially support data from Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Sui. Microsoft Fabric's Chief Product Officer, Sruly Taber, emphasized the goal of providing reliable data and breaking down barriers for developers in Web3 and AI.

This strategic alliance provides SXT Coin with a tangible use case and backing from a major technology corporation, driving investor interest and distinguishing it from purely speculative altcoins.

Portal to Bitcoin Integrates with Babylon Genesis for Custody-less Cross-Chain DeFi on Bitcoin

Portal to Bitcoin, a DeFi technology firm, has announced a strategic integration with Babylon Genesis, a pioneer in trustless Bitcoin staking, to launch a modular, fully custody-less cross-chain infrastructure. This solution aims to scale DeFi using Bitcoin's security as its foundation.

The integration enables Bitcoin holders to secure Proof-of-Stake (PoS) validators with native BTC, execute instant bridgeless atomic swaps between BTC and other assets like ETH and SOL, and immutably record transactions on the Bitcoin network. This approach bypasses traditional custodial bridges and wrapped tokens, allowing direct use of native BTC in cross-chain DeFi applications.

Chandra Duggirala, CEO of Portal to Bitcoin, stated the collaboration aims to transform Bitcoin blockspace into a settlement engine for diverse markets. Clayton Menzel, Head of Business Development at Babylon Labs, added that the integration demonstrates Bitcoin's potential as both capital and a consensus layer for new cross-chain applications, offering builders composability without sacrificing self-custody.

Both companies prioritize user sovereignty, employing cryptographic enforcement to extend Bitcoin’s security measures to connected chains without intermediaries. Portal to Bitcoin utilizes a Layer 3 notary chain anchored to Bitcoin, while Babylon Genesis employs protocols to ensure staked BTC cannot be misappropriated.

Claynosaurz Launches Popkins NFT Collection on Sui, Expanding into Web3 Gaming

Claynosaurz, known for its clay-animated dinosaur NFTs on Solana, is launching a new NFT collection called "Popkins" on the Sui blockchain, signaling a significant move into web3 gaming. The collection will feature 25,000 NFTs distributed through a unique, gamified pack-based minting system.

The Popkins mint will offer three types of packs: "Legendary" (guaranteeing a Popkin), "Escape" (offering a full refund plus digital rewards if no Popkin is obtained), and an exclusive "Rat Pack" for holders of specific prior NFTs. Existing Claynosaurz holders will receive free packs, while the public mint price is set at $200 per pack, with the refund mechanism designed to ensure participants receive value even without securing a Popkin.

This expansion onto Sui allows Claynosaurz to leverage the new blockchain's capabilities for gaming and storytelling while maintaining its original Solana-based community and assets. The project also plans to launch a mobile game in 2025, further integrating its NFT ecosystem with real-time creature battles and collectible-based progression, designed to be accessible to both crypto-native and mainstream gamers.

The Popkins initiative aims to make NFT minting a more engaging and entertaining experience, reflecting Claynosaurz's broader ambition to build an expansive entertainment brand that blends digital collecting with interactive gameplay.

Pixels Ecosystem Update Highlights Strong Staking Engagement and Future Growth Plans

The Ronin-powered social farming MMO, Pixels, has released an update on its $PIXEL Ecosystem, showcasing impressive early results for its token staking feature and outlining future developments. Since launching on May 1st, over 73 million $PIXEL tokens have been staked across Pixels, Pixel Dungeons, and Forgotten Runiverse, indicating strong community engagement.

This staking model rewards players for supporting games that perform well and provides developers with increased visibility. The collected staking data is also utilized to enhance the platform's play-to-earn infrastructure and inform game publishing decisions, with a key metric being "Return on Reward Spend" (RORS).

Forgotten Runiverse, a fantasy MMORPG, saw over 3.6 million $PIXEL staked within ten days of integration, while Pixel Dungeons, a dungeon crawler, had over 300,000 $PIXEL staked in its first two weeks. Both games have implemented updates to improve user experience and engagement, including new features like guilds and referral systems.

Future plans for the Pixels ecosystem include the integration of $vPIXEL, a fee-free utility token, by the end of May, the launch of a new "Pets Game" with social and casual mechanics, and ongoing discussions to bring more third-party games into the $PIXEL staking ecosystem. The team emphasized its commitment to long-term, sustainable growth and a player-driven ecosystem. A "Rizz-to-Earn" event in collaboration with AiVeronica is also currently active, offering $PIXEL and $AIV token rewards.

Cross The Ages Unveils "Arise" RPG with Closed Alpha Launch

Cross The Ages (CTA) is launching Closed Alpha Phase 1 for its new co-op action RPG, "Arise," starting May 28. This initial playtest will offer select CTA Mint Pass holders a limited experience, featuring one dungeon, one playable hero, and a single weapon, to gather feedback on core gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay loop involves completing dungeon runs, solo or with up to four players, to earn crystals and keys for weapon upgrades, with the ultimate goal of obtaining a Tier 7 Mythical Fire Weapon. Reaching level 10 during the alpha will reward players with a "Founder’s Coin." Subsequent alpha phases will introduce more content, including additional dungeons, characters, weapons, and features like crafting and fishing.

Access to the Closed Alpha, running until June 2, requires a CTA Mint Pass, with an eligibility snapshot on May 26. The test is exclusive to Windows via the Epic Games Store, running on Central European servers and has specific hardware recommendations. The full version of Arise is planned to be free-to-play and support multiple platforms.

Ragnarok Landverse Launches "Road to ROLC2025" Guild Tournament

Ragnarok Landverse: Genesis has introduced the "Road to Ragnarok Landverse Championship 2025" (ROLC2025), a competitive league designed for web3 gaming guilds. The multi-phase tournament will see guilds battle for ranking points and a chance to qualify for the main ROL Championship 2025 event.

The competition features two initial seasons of War of Emperium (WoE) battles, termed Minor Events, where guilds fight to capture and control castles, each with assigned point values. Season 1, "Dawn of War," runs from May 31 to June 21, with Season 2, "Clash of Dusk," from July 5 to July 26. Points from both seasons contribute to a main leaderboard, with the top 8 guilds advancing to the Major Event, "Day of Domination."

The Major Event will utilize a Round Robin format followed by an upper and lower bracket system, ultimately qualifying the top 3 guilds for the ROL Championship 2025. Season 1 offers a $30,000 prize pool, with the winning guild receiving $15,000. A separate prize pool will be available for Season 2.

Players can participate by signing up on the official Ragnarok Landverse website and joining or forming a guild. The tournament emphasizes strategy, teamwork, and commitment, offering guilds a structured path to high-level competitive play and rewards.

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Metaplanet Accelerates Bitcoin Accumulation with New $21 Million Bond Issue

Tokyo-based investment firm Metaplanet is intensifying its Bitcoin strategy, announcing a new $21.25 million zero-coupon bond issuance just two days after acquiring $53.4 million worth of Bitcoin. All proceeds from the bond sale will be used to purchase additional BTC, reinforcing Metaplanet’s position as Asia’s largest public Bitcoin holder and the 11th largest globally.

The company’s aggressive accumulation mirrors moves by global firms like MicroStrategy and signals growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Investor enthusiasm is evident, with Metaplanet’s stock surging over 1,600% in the past year. The firm is also expanding internationally, launching a U.S. subsidiary to raise further capital and pursue strategic partnerships in the digital asset sector.

Metaplanet’s bold approach reflects a broader trend of companies seeking to hedge against inflation and fiat currency risks by allocating reserves to Bitcoin, leveraging low-cost capital to build long-term financial resilience. 

Mastercard To Launch New Stablecoin Cards With MoonPay To Push Mainstream Crypto Adoption

Mastercard has announced a major partnership with MoonPay to enable stablecoin payments at over 150 million merchant locations worldwide. Through this collaboration, fintechs and enterprises can issue Mastercard-branded cards linked directly to users’ stablecoin balances, allowing cardholders to spend USDT, USDC, and other stablecoins just like traditional debit or credit cards. Transactions are instantly converted to local currency at the point of sale, making crypto spending seamless for everyday purchases.

The initiative leverages Iron’s API-driven stablecoin infrastructure, recently acquired by MoonPay, to streamline payments for both consumers and businesses. This move is expected to boost stablecoin utility and mainstream adoption, bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional finance. Mastercard’s executive vice president Scott Abrahams highlighted that the partnership “redefines how money moves globally,” while MoonPay’s CEO Ivan Soto-Wright called it a new era for crypto payments.

The partnership comes amid surging demand for stablecoins, with 120 million wallets globally holding these assets but only about 20 million transacting monthly. By making stablecoin spending as easy as using a Mastercard, the companies aim to unlock broader use of digital assets in daily life and accelerate the global adoption of crypto payments

Solana Meme Coin Launchpad Landscape Shifts as Pump.fun Loses Ground

The Solana meme coin launchpad scene is undergoing rapid change as Pump.fun, once the dominant platform with over 98% market share, now faces serious competition. Its share has dropped to 57.5% as new players like LetsBonk (17.9%), Believe (12.9%), and LaunchLab (5%) attract both developers and users with innovative features and better incentives.

Recent hit meme coins such as LAUNCHCOIN and GOONC have launched on these rising platforms, not Pump.fun. Believe’s total launched token market cap has soared from $1.5 million to over $200 million in just a month, thanks to its SocialFi approach and strong community engagement. LetsBonk, meanwhile, is gaining recognition for its high token “graduation” rate, indicating quality projects.

Pump.fun’s decline is attributed to a lack of innovation, higher fees, and reputation issues, with 98% of its tokens flagged as scams or pump-and-dumps. While Pump.fun still leads in volume, the competition is driving the ecosystem toward more user-friendly, secure, and innovative launchpads. The era of a single dominant platform is over, and the Solana meme coin space is more dynamic than ever.

Binance Lists NXPC: MapleStory Universe Token Now Live for Trading

Nexon has launched the Enhanced Reward Experience Event for MapleStory N, running from May 17 to May 31, 2025, to thank players and accelerate early character growth. During this limited-time event, players will enjoy increased NESO rewards from boss battles and find more Honor EXP items and EXP Coupons in regular hunts, making leveling faster and more rewarding. MapleStory N, the first full release in Nexon’s MapleStory Universe, blends classic 2D gameplay with blockchain features like gasless transactions and tradable assets on Avalanche’s Henesys network. The game’s Reward Experience 2.0 system emphasizes meaningful, limited-edition rewards, while NESO and NXPC tokens power its player-driven economy. Nexon is also developing MapleStory N Mobile, MapleStory N Worlds, and a web3 SDK, further expanding the franchise’s blockchain ecosystem

Pixel Race Club Launches Season 0 with Leaderboard and NFT Bonuses

Pixel Race Club has launched Season 0, its first competitive event, marking the game’s web3 debut on the Abstract Portal. Running from May 12 for about two weeks, players can join free browser-based kart races, earn digital rewards, and climb a new leaderboard. Connecting an Abstract Global Wallet lets racers earn XP, with NFT holders gaining bonus perks like extra bombs per race. Top players will win Safari Racer NFTs, unique Discord roles, and exclusive cosmetics, while all participants’ results may unlock future benefits.

Season 0 introduces several major updates:

• Abstract XP: Players now earn XP every time they race, with additional bonuses for holding Abstract NFTs.

• New Desert Map: A fresh track featuring hidden paths adds variety and new challenges.

• NFT Buffs: Safari Racer NFT holders can now carry five bombs per race instead of three, providing a strategic edge.

• Imaginary Ones Collaboration: Exclusive rider and kart skins are available through this special partnership.

• Leaderboard Overhaul: The new, simplified point system makes it easier for everyone to track their progress and compete.

These updates bring more excitement to the game, offering fresh ways for players to compete, strategize, and personalize their racing experience. More maps, tournaments, and NFT staking are planned as Pixel Race Club continues to evolve.

GOAT and MOODENG Now Available on Binance Alpha

Binance has added two trending Solana-based memecoins, GOAT and MOODENG, to its Alpha pre-listing pool as of May 11. This move allows users to trade both tokens via the Binance app, though they are not yet available on the exchange’s main spot market. The announcement sparked immediate rallies, with MOODENG surging over 60% and GOAT gaining 27% in value. The addition underscores strong ongoing interest in memecoins, but Binance has cautioned users about the high risks and volatility associated with these assets.

Deadzone: Rogue Makes a Bold Entrance into Early Access

Deadzone: Rogue Makes a Strong Early Access Debut

Deadzone: Rogue, the latest roguelite shooter from Prophecy Games, has made a notable impact since its Early Access launch on April 29, 2025. The game quickly drew over 100,000 players in its first week and climbed into Steam’s Top 10 Global Sellers, with more than 200,000 wishlists prior to release. Early reviews on Steam are overwhelmingly positive, with players praising its fast-paced multiplayer action and replayable roguelite structure.

Set aboard a derelict spaceship haunted by rogue AI and biomechanical enemies, Deadzone: Rogue offers procedurally generated levels, allowing players to tackle missions solo or in teams of up to three. The Early Access version features two zones, over 30 weapons, and extensive customization through perks and augments, ensuring each run feels unique. Gear and upgrades carry over between sessions, rewarding strategic experimentation.

Prophecy Games is actively engaging its community through Discord, encouraging feedback and suggestions to shape ongoing development. Regular updates bring new content and gameplay improvements, with plans for a third zone, additional weapons, and future console versions. Currently available on Steam and Epic Games Store, Deadzone: Rogue stands out as a promising Early Access title, driven by its dedicated player base and transparent development approach.

GOAT Gaming’s First AlphaGOAT Pro AI That Plays and Earns

GOAT Gaming has introduced Amy, its first AlphaGOAT Pro AI agent, signaling a major leap in web3 gaming innovation. Amy stands out from traditional bots by blending automation with personality-she plays games, hosts raffles, interacts with users on Telegram and X, and even roasts or rewards players based on their performance. All of Amy’s activities, from earnings to event management, are transparently tracked on-chain, and she regularly partners with brands and launches community challenges.

Launched in June 2024 by Mighty Bear Games, GOAT Gaming has quickly become a leading Telegram-based web3 gaming hub, surpassing 5 million active users and 3 million on-chain transactions. The platform offers quick, rewarding mini-games and allows players to earn Crowns, which can be swapped for USDT. With the February 2025 rollout of AlphaGOATs, users can now deploy AI agents like Amy to automate gameplay, generate content, and passively farm rewards. Each AlphaGOAT also unlocks $GG tokens, the platform’s upcoming cryptocurrency, which can be earned faster through active play or AI assistance.

GOAT Gaming recently raised an additional $4 million, bringing total funding to $15 million to fuel further AI development, new games, and developer tools. The AlphaAI toolkit will soon let creators integrate their own games into the GOAT ecosystem, expanding opportunities for both players and developers. Amy, now live at AgentAmy.ai, exemplifies this new wave of interactive, earning-focused AI agents, offering players a glimpse into the future of competitive, social, and rewarding web3 gaming.

Metamask Co-founder Dan Finlay Said The Most Popular Ethereum Wallet Is Still Considering A Token Launch

MetaMask, the world’s most popular Ethereum wallet, may finally be preparing to launch its long-awaited token, according to co-founder Dan Finlay. In a recent podcast, Finlay hinted that a $MASK token is still on the table, but stressed that any official launch would be announced directly in the wallet or on the official website to protect users from scams.

The idea of a MetaMask token has circulated since 2021, with the team emphasizing that it would support real community ownership and progressive decentralization-not just hype. Finlay noted that improved regulatory conditions in the U.S. make a launch more feasible, but legal caution remains a priority.

With over 30 million monthly active users, any MetaMask token launch would be one of crypto’s largest. As competition heats up among wallets, a well-designed token could help MetaMask maintain its lead and set a new industry standard for utility and governance. For now, users are advised to ignore unofficial rumors and watch for any official updates inside the MetaMask app.

Doodle's Token, $DOOD, Plunges 50% After Launch, Team Remains Unfazed As They Outline Future Plans

$DOOD, the native token of the iconic Doodles NFT collection, has seen its price plummet by more than 50% since launching on May 9, 2025. After debuting at $0.01057, $DOOD now trades at $0.00610, with its market cap falling from over $100 million to just $47.66 million. The sharp decline follows a major airdrop that distributed 43% of the token’s 10 billion supply to Doodles holders and new community members, resulting in heavy selling pressure.

Despite the disappointing market performance, the Doodles team remains optimistic about $DOOD’s future. Austin Hurwitz, head of strategy and business development, explained that such volatility is common after large airdrops and expects the token to find its way into the hands of long-term supporters. Currently, more than 157,000 wallets hold $DOOD, reflecting ongoing community interest.

Looking ahead, $DOOD is positioned as a core utility and rewards token within the Doodles ecosystem and the broader DreamNet protocol, which runs on Coinbase’s Base chain. The team envisions $DOOD powering content creation, collaboration, and community-driven governance, as well as serving as a currency in the Doodles shop. As DreamNet expands, $DOOD is expected to play a pivotal role in enabling new tools, features, and interactive experiences. While the token’s initial price action has disappointed early investors, the Doodles team encourages patience, emphasizing $DOOD’s long-term vision and utility as the DreamNet ecosystem develops.

Frank DeGods Steps Away from DeGods: A Quiet Exit from a Loud Space

Frank DeGods, real name Rohun Vora, has stepped down as the public face and leader of the DeGods and y00ts NFT projects, signaling a major transition for one of the most high-profile brands in Web3. Announcing his departure on X, Vora clarified that he is not fleeing controversy or legal issues, stating, “I’m not on the run. There are no investigations. I’ve never done anything illegal.” Instead, he cited the growing burden of his public persona and the need for the project to evolve beyond his identity.

Since founding DeGods in 2021, Vora’s “Frank DeGods” persona became synonymous with the project’s rapid rise during the NFT boom, but also drew criticism and controversy, especially in recent months. His exit comes amid broader scrutiny of crypto influencers, particularly those linked to the “LA Vape Cabal”-a group recently accused of questionable practices around memecoin launches like LIBRA and Hawk Tuah. While no formal charges have been filed, the controversies have led to a quieter presence from many involved.

Vora has handed over leadership to longtime community members @pastagotsauce and @0x_chill, hoping fresh stewardship will revitalize DeGods as the NFT market matures. The project’s community remains strong, but faces the challenge of sustaining relevance as speculative hype fades. Vora’s decision reflects a wider trend of NFT founders stepping back to allow projects to grow beyond their original creators, emphasizing the importance of sustainable, community-driven leadership in the next phase of Web3.

Pi Network Preps for Major Reveal After Shutting Central Node

Pi Network has taken a major step toward decentralization by shutting down its central node, a move timed with the start of Consensus 2025 in Toronto. The project’s core team confirmed the closure and teased an imminent source code release, aiming to address long-standing criticism over centralization and lack of transparency. While Pi Network’s mobile mining app boasts over 100 million downloads, the project has faced skepticism due to closed mainnet access, restricted coin transfers, and concentrated token holdings by the core team.

The shutdown of the central node is seen as both symbolic and substantive, shifting reliance to Pi’s Improved Proof of Stake (IPoS) protocol. The team promises that, with open-source code, the community will be able to audit the system and verify its security and fairness. However, questions remain about validator selection and the large supply of PI controlled by the core team.

With a series of major announcements expected this week-including a new ecosystem reveal and a speech from co-founder Dr. Nicolas-the Pi community is watching closely. While the project’s token has seen a modest price uptick, broader legitimacy, such as a Binance listing, remains elusive. If Pi Network follows through on its promises, it could finally transition from a speculative mobile app to a credible Layer-1 blockchain. For now, cautious optimism prevails as the crypto world awaits concrete action.

Aevo Reignites Monthly AEVO Token Buybacks After AGP-2 Approval

Aevo, a prominent decentralized derivatives exchange, has officially resumed its monthly AEVO token buybacks, following the community’s approval of the AGP-2 governance proposal. This decision marks a strategic effort to bolster the value of AEVO and further align the interests of the platform’s users and token holders.

Under the new buyback program, Aevo will use surplus revenue-funds remaining after operational expenses and insurance allocations-to purchase 1 million AEVO tokens from the open market each month through July 2025. All buybacks will be executed transparently on-chain. Importantly, the repurchased tokens will remain under DAO control and will not be distributed, burned, or otherwise utilized until a separate governance proposal determines their fate, ensuring ongoing community oversight.

The buyback initiative is designed to create a value loop for AEVO holders. As Aevo’s trading activity increases and generates more fees, a portion of that value is returned to the community through buybacks. This mechanism can provide price support, reduce circulating supply, and boost confidence among both current and prospective holders. However, the effectiveness of the program will depend on market conditions, execution quality, and Aevo’s ability to maintain strong revenue streams.

Aevo’s move highlights its commitment to sustainable growth and transparent, community-driven tokenomics. By directly linking platform success to token value, Aevo is setting a standard for responsible DeFi governance. As the DeFi sector matures, such initiatives are likely to become increasingly important for projects seeking long-term credibility and user trust.

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See you same place same time next week!

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ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Last Week’s Biggest VC Deals

Ecosystem Overview

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Crypto Adoption 

Grayscale Files S-1 to Launch Spot Solana ETF on NYSE Arca

Grayscale has officially filed a Form S-1 with the U.S. SEC to launch a spot Solana ETF, aiming to list the fund on NYSE Arca under the name Grayscale Solana Trust ETF.

The ETF will track the price of SOL using the CoinDesk Solana Price Index (SLX), with Coinbase as the prime broker and custodian, and BNY Mellon as the transfer agent and administrator.

Initially, the trust will only accept cash orders for share creation and redemption, and will not participate in staking or support any SOL forks or airdrops.

SEC Sets April 11 for Second Crypto Regulation Roundtable Amid Industry Reforms

Twitter tweet

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has scheduled its second roundtable on crypto regulation for April 11, continuing its engagement with digital asset stakeholders. The event, part of the SEC Crypto Task Force’s public discussion series, follows the agency’s first roundtable held on March 21.

Led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, the task force is focused on drafting clearer regulatory guidelines for crypto assets. The roundtable aims to address how existing securities laws apply to cryptocurrencies—a point of longstanding tension between regulators and the industry.

SEC Staff Reevaluate Biden-Era Crypto Policies as Uyeda Pushes for Regulatory Reset

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reviewing several crypto-related policies issued during the Biden administration, signaling a shift in regulatory tone under Acting Chair Mark Uyeda. The reassessment is part of a broader effort to reduce regulatory pressure on the digital asset sector and align guidance with current agency priorities.

According to Uyeda’s statement on X, SEC staff are examining key documents, including guidance on future investments in bitcoin, digital asset investment contracts, and crypto custody frameworks. This internal review could lay the groundwork for new, more accommodating regulatory structures.

The move follows Executive Order 14192 on deregulation and comes as the SEC scales back many of its high-profile enforcement actions under Trump-appointed leadership. Although the statement was issued by staff rather than a commissioner, it highlights a growing openness to reform and reflects Uyeda’s push for a more industry-friendly approach to crypto oversight.

Gamefi 

RavenQuest to Launch QUEST Token on Immutable zkEVM

Tavernlight Games, the developer behind the Ethereum-based MMORPG RavenQuest, will launch its native token, QUEST, on the Immutable zkEVM network this Wednesday. The token will be integrated directly into the game’s economy, allowing players to earn and use QUEST for land upkeep, ability upgrades, and marketplace trading.

RavenQuest, which launched on PC in March, has gained attention on Twitch with over 1.2 million hours watched in February. While skipping a large public airdrop, the game will reward early playtesters with a small token distribution.

The total supply of QUEST will be capped at 1 billion, with over half reserved for ecosystem rewards. The development team’s allocation is set under a strict vesting schedule, signaling a long-term commitment to the game's growth.

"Off the Grid" Adds Bored Ape Skins After GUN Token Launch

Gunzilla Games has added Bored Ape Yacht Club-themed content to its battle royale game Off the Grid as part of an “Ape-ril” promotion. The update includes two Bored Ape-inspired character skins, two themed weapons, and new emotes. A limited-time “Ape-fool Mask” was also available for players active on April Fool’s Day.

The release comes shortly after the launch of Gunzilla’s GUNZ mainnet and GUN token, which has dropped over 50% in value since its peak. Despite the token’s weak start, the game continues to draw attention, including from Yuga Labs CEO Greg Solano, who praised the new content. Gunzilla says mainnet integration remains a priority but has not given a timeline.

‘Forgotten Runiverse’ and ‘Pixels’ Join Forces to Bring PIXEL Token to Ronin

Two popular Web3 games on the Ronin network—Forgotten Runiverse and Pixels—are teaming up to integrate the PIXEL token into the Runiverse MMORPG. Players will soon be able to use PIXEL for in-game items, boosts, and rewards, with PIXEL earned through gameplay using the game’s own currency, Quanta.

This collaboration highlights the shared vision of both teams to build interoperable, sustainable economies in Web3 gaming. It also aims to improve player engagement and data-driven strategies for play-to-earn models.

As part of the rollout, themed quests and avatars will launch in Pixels, and the PIXEL token is expected to officially debut in Forgotten Runiverse later this quarter. Both teams view this as just the beginning of broader cooperation to push Web3 gaming into the mainstream.

Hatch Kings Launches on BNB Chain with $HATCH Token and Dragon-Themed Gameplay

Hatch Kings, a new play-to-earn game built on BNB Chain by Revolving Games, invites players to hatch, train, and level up dragons to earn rewards in the form of $HATCH, a 100% community-owned token.

The game features:

• Dragon egg rarities and level upgrades

• Daily spins and leaderboard competitions

• A Battle Pass system (free & premium)

• A VIP system offering exclusive perks and event multipliers

Players can participate in the upcoming Spinathon Event (April 11–13) to win big, including a jackpot of 30,000 $HATCH. The game also introduces Scout Nodes, where VIP users can lock tokens to earn passive income in $RCADE.

With no team or investor token allocations, Hatch Kings emphasizes fair play and player-owned economics, setting a new standard for Web3 gaming on BNB Chain.

Bài này team mình cũng có bài trên site rồi nên có thể dẫn link nếu muốn đọc thêm thì vào site mình 

NFT 

Bybit to Shut Down NFT Marketplace Amid Industry Decline

NFT marketplace daily trading volume. Source: Token Terminal

Crypto exchange Bybit will close its NFT and Inscription Marketplaces on April 8, citing a move to streamline operations as trading volumes continue to fall.

The shutdown reflects a broader market trend. Daily NFT trading volume has plunged 70% year-over-year — from over $18 million a year ago to just $5.34 million — and has dropped more than 95% since peaking at $113.6 million in December 2024.

Bybit’s decision follows similar actions by other platforms, including X2Y2. While speculative interest fades, experts like Charu Sethi of Unique Network believe NFTs are shifting toward utility-driven use cases in gaming, AI, and content authentication.

Recent market struggles include Gutter Cat Gang’s underwhelming token launch, which raised just 3.66 ETH (around $6,800) — far below its $1M goal.

Despite the downturn, some projects like Doodles, Milady Maker, and Pudgy Penguins have managed to defy the trend with stronger-than-expected performance.

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Last Week’s Biggest VC Deals

Ecosystem Overview

MegaETH Ecosystem

Twitter tweet

Somnia Ecosystem

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Crypto Adoption

Japan’s Open House Group Now Accepts XRP for Property Purchases

Major Japanese real estate firm Open House Group Co., Ltd. has expanded its cryptocurrency payment options to include XRP, enabling international customers to purchase properties using the digital asset.

Twitter tweet

Previously, Open House introduced crypto payments on January 31, 2025, initially supporting Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The company has now added XRP, Solana (SOL), and Dogecoin (DOGE), bringing the total number of supported cryptocurrencies to five.

This move could boost XRP adoption, as Open House ranks as Japan’s fifth-largest real estate company by revenue. With properties in key cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya, the company offers residential, commercial, and studio condominium options.

The firm emphasizes that international buyers must comply with their country’s regulations when using crypto payments. The adoption of XRP aligns with a broader trend of businesses integrating the digital asset into payment systems, with XRP transaction volumes surging in recent years.

GameFi

Square Enix to Shut Down Web3 Project Symbiogenesis in July

Square Enix has announced plans to discontinue its Web3 gaming project Symbiogenesis in July 2025, ending server support after the game's final chapter. Despite an expected update in April or May, the project will cease operations following its conclusion.

Launched amid declining interest in NFT-based gaming in 2023, Symbiogenesis failed to gain traction despite its 10,000 NFT characters and a mystery-driven narrative. Players criticized the lack of financial incentives and engaging gameplay, making it a stark contrast to successful Web3 games like Axie Infinity.

Although initially conceived as a finite gaming experience, frustration grew as Square Enix expanded in-game NFTs while failing to deliver compelling content. The decision reflects broader challenges in the Web3 gaming space, where trust and stability remain key hurdles.

Square Enix remains active in Web3, having partnered with Elixir, HyperPlay, and The Sandbox. However, the company’s retreat from Symbiogenesis signals a shift as more developers reconsider NFT-based gaming ventures.

Heroes of Mavia (MAVIA) Surges After Adding New Gaming Features, Reviving Web3 Interest

Heroes of Mavia (MAVIA) has staged an unexpected rally, surging 370% to $0.56 after sinking to $0.11 over the weekend. The surge comes amid renewed interest in Web3 gaming and the introduction of new game features.

Despite launching late in the Web3 gaming boom, MAVIA struggled to maintain traction, with its token plummeting from a high of $9.70. However, a 700% rise in open interest and short liquidations triggered a strong price rebound.

The civilization-building game aims to increase on-chain ownership of gaming assets, but concerns over unfair mechanics and low engagement persist. With over 1.1 million downloads, MAVIA is now focused on enhancing gameplay to regain its reputation.

The Web3 gaming sector, valued at $11.87M, remains subdued despite attempts at revival. While MAVIA’s rally is seen as speculative, older gaming tokens like GALA, SAND, and AXS are also eyeing a comeback.

Notcoin Expands Into ‘Not Games’ Platform, Offering Unified Rewards Across Telegram Titles

Open Builders, the team behind Telegram’s viral tap-to-earn game Notcoin, has launched Not Games, a new platform integrating multiple games with shared progression, inventories, and rewards.

Not Games will utilize Notcoin’s (NOT) token for purchases, upgrades, and skill-based competitions, with top players competing for NOT rewards every three weeks. The ecosystem aims to unify Telegram gaming by allowing assets earned in one game to be used in others, with secondary marketplace trading.

The first integrated title, VOID, a real-time multiplayer game inspired by Agar.io, debuted last week. Open Builders plans to expand the platform with at least five more games in development, positioning Not Games as the “Netflix of social, viral games.”

Memecoins

Pump.fun Launches PumpSwap DEX as Meme Coin Craze Continues

March 2025 – Out of 8.7 million tokens launched on pump.fun since January 2024, only four still hold a market cap over $100 million, highlighting the rapid boom-and-bust cycle of meme coins. Despite generating $600 million in revenue, most tokens have collapsed or vanished.

To keep trading volume in-house, pump.fun has now launched PumpSwap, its own decentralized exchange (DEX), allowing automatic token migration and future fee-sharing with creators. The move comes as Raydium announced LaunchLab, a competing token generator.

Raydium Strikes Back with LaunchLab After Pump.fun’s AMM Move

In a direct challenge to pump.fun, Solana-based Raydium is launching LaunchLab, a token launchpad designed to compete with the popular meme coin creator. This comes just weeks after pump.fun announced its own automated market maker (AMM), cutting off its reliance on Raydium.

Why It Matters?

• Pump.fun memecoins accounted for 41% of Raydium’s swap fee revenue in the past month.

• Raydium’s native token crashed 25% in February as investors anticipated revenue losses.

• LaunchLab will offer bonding curves (linear, exponential, logarithmic) to match demand and price.

• Pump.fun tokens migrating to its own AMM will likely drain liquidity and fees from Raydium.

Despite the competition, Raydium says LaunchLab isn’t about replacing pump.fun but rather providing an alternative for teams that prefer its AMM v4 for liquidity pools.

This marks a battle for dominance in the Solana meme coin ecosystem, as both platforms fight to retain users and trading volume.

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Last Week’s VC Biggest Deals

Recently Added On ChainPlay

Twitter tweet

Ecosystem Updates

Defi Projects on Monad

AI Projects on Monad

Crypto Adoption

Crypto Market Declines as Bitcoin and Ether Struggle

The global cryptocurrency market dropped 2.02% on Sunday, settling at $2.69 trillion. Bitcoin fell below $83,000, hitting an intraday low of $82,397. Ethereum declined 2.45%, while Cardano led losses among top assets, shedding 4.7%.

Trading volume plummeted 34% to $47.63 billion in 24 hours. Nearly 72% of cryptocurrencies are in the red, with WEMIX and SNEK posting the largest losses at 8.73%. Meanwhile, $159.57 million in derivatives positions were liquidated, mostly long bets.

Despite the downturn, TON ecosystem tokens surged as Notcoin rose 15% and TON gained nearly 15%, following the return of Pavel Durov’s passport by French authorities.

Critical FED Week: Key Economic Events and Altcoin Developments

The cryptocurrency market is set for a pivotal week with significant economic updates and altcoin events. Bitcoin, which dipped below $80,000 last week, is closing with a 2% loss. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of key events:

Monday, March 17

• Wormhole Tokenize Event

• Nvidia’s GTC 2025 AI Conference

Tuesday, March 18

• MELANIA token unlock event

• Sui Gaming Summit

• London Digital Asset Summit

Wednesday, March 19

• 06:00 – Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision (Expected: No change)

• 13:00 – Eurozone CPI (Expected: 2.4%, Previous: 2.5%)

• 21:00 – FOMC economic forecasts and FED interest rate decision (Expected: No change)

• 21:30 – FED Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference

Thursday, March 20

• 15:00 – UK interest rate decision (Expected: No change)

Friday, March 21

• SEC’s “Spring Sprint Towards Crypto Clarity” meeting with industry representatives

Memecoins

Interpol Fugitive Hayden Davis Launches Another Meme Coin Despite Global Manhunt

Hayden Davis, wanted by Interpol for crypto fraud, has launched $WOLF, a meme coin that surged to a $40 million market cap before crashing due to insider manipulation. Blockchain analysts at Bubblemaps traced the token’s funds to Davis, linking him to another rug pull following previous scams like $LIBRA, which cost investors $250 million.

Davis allegedly withdrew $100 million from $LIBRA before its collapse, with Argentine authorities demanding his arrest. Despite global law enforcement efforts, he continues launching meme coins under fake identities, evading capture while operating through Kelsier Ventures, a Dubai-based crypto firm tied to his father, a convicted felon.

GameFi

Blockchain Game Studio Battlebound Shuts Down, Cancels Anterris

Battlebound, the blockchain gaming studio behind Evaverse and the unreleased RPG Anterris, has announced its closure. Despite raising $7.8 million from investors like a16z and Dapper Labs, the studio struggled to secure further funding amid challenging market conditions.

Twitter tweet

CEO Adam Hensel, a former Riot Games developer, said thousands participated in Battlebound’s final playtest, marking the end of four years of work. The closure follows a broader downturn in Web3 gaming—60 crypto games shut down in early 2024, and new blockchain game announcements dropped 36% last year, according to Game7.

My Pet Hooligan to Launch on Arbitrum’s Studio Chain

The Karrat Foundation is partnering with the Arbitrum Foundation to launch Studio Chain, a gaming-focused blockchain leveraging Arbitrum’s Ethereum layer-2 technology. My Pet Hooligan (MPH), available on the Epic Games Store, will serve as the flagship game of this ecosystem.

AMGI Studios, backed by investors like Paris Hilton and Coldplay, aims to deliver AAA gaming experiences with Web3 integrations, enabling seamless asset ownership and interactive player experiences. The blockchain-powered expansion will bring MPH to Xbox and additional PC platforms, with crypto elements managed externally via a web portal.

Studio Chain will compete with other entertainment-focused networks but aims to complement existing blockchain solutions rather than rival them directly.

Solana MMO 'Star Atlas' Eyes 2025 Launch

Star Atlas developer ATMTA plans to launch its AAA MMO by late 2025, CEO Michael Wagner told The Block. Despite Web3 gaming challenges, funding continues through token and asset sales.

Announced in 2020, Star Atlas has released a 2D browser version and an early-access build on the Epic Games Store. The full Unreal Engine 5 game promises cinematic visuals and vast intergalactic gameplay.

ATMTA struggled after losing $15M in the 2022 FTX collapse, cutting staff from 235 to 100. Yet, it has generated $220M in revenue without VC funding. To boost infrastructure, ATMTA invested in Shaga, a decentralized cloud gaming platform. Wagner stresses that success depends on delivering a fully functional MMO soon.

‘Deadrop’ Players Claim Refunds After Studio Shutdown

Following Midnight Society’s sudden closure, disappointed Deadrop players are securing refunds for early access purchases via chargebacks. The studio, co-founded by streamer Dr. Disrespect—who was ousted over misconduct allegations—sold NFTs and access keys for the now-canceled game.

Many buyers never received promised in-game items, pushing them to seek refunds through banks and credit card providers. Former Discord moderator Caramel has helped several players reclaim funds, with some successfully reversing hundreds of dollars.

Despite Midnight Society’s promises of a 2025 release, layoffs and financial struggles led to the studio’s downfall. With no response from the company, frustrated fans continue to pursue refunds, while Deadrop’s NFTs remain active on OpenSea.

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Biggest VC Deals Last Week

Crypto Adoption 

Trump Establishes U.S. Bitcoin Reserve, Declares Nation a ‘Bitcoin Superpower’

WASHINGTON, March 7 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump has signed an executive order creating a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve using cryptocurrency seized by the government, a move aimed at solidifying America’s position in the digital asset space. While the order does not authorize new Bitcoin purchases, the announcement briefly sent prices down 5% to $85,000 before recovering.

The decision was unveiled ahead of a White House crypto summit, where Trump declared the U.S. a “Bitcoin superpower” and pledged to lead the global digital asset industry. Joined by executives such as the Winklevoss twins and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, he framed the initiative as a landmark step for financial innovation.

The reserve, managed under White House crypto czar David Sacks, will store forfeited Bitcoin, with future acquisitions subject to budget-neutral strategies. A separate "U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile" will hold other seized cryptocurrencies. While supporters argue the reserve could benefit taxpayers, critics dismiss it as largely symbolic and raise concerns over potential conflicts of interest due to Trump’s family ties to crypto ventures.

Regulatory Clarity on Crypto: Key Tokens Poised for Growth

Twitter tweet

GameFi

Ethereum Card Game 'Parallel' Expands to Mobile as Champion Wins $100K

Ethereum-based trading card game Parallel held its first-ever Parallel League Championship in Las Vegas, where professional Hearthstone player Jaromír "Jarla" Vyskočil claimed victory and a $100,000 prize. The tournament, featuring 16 top players and a $250,000 prize pool, followed a six-month qualification process.

During the event, Parallel Studios unveiled plans to launch a mobile version of the game on March 18 for iOS and Android. Additionally, the studio revealed Parallel: Sanctuary, a third-person extraction shooter built on Coinbase’s Base network.

The competition saw Jarla dominate the finals with a clean sweep against Colombian player Zeliaser. Meanwhile, Parallel Studios committed $1 million in prize money for the next season, with $2 million planned for 2026.

Solana Game Nyan Heroes Announces Largest Airdrop Ahead of Playtest

Solana-based hero shooter Nyan Heroes has unveiled its biggest token airdrop yet, distributing 6.7 million NYAN tokens (worth nearly $200,000) during its upcoming Playtest 4 event from March 26 to April 13. The airdrop marks a 34% increase from the previous round, with the top-ranked player set to receive 250,000 tokens.

Designed by former EVE Online economy director Asimakis Reppas, the reward system includes three tiers and bonuses for Genesis NFT holders. Players can earn points through in-game missions and web-based tasks like account linking and referrals.

Playtest 4 will introduce a new pilot, Coco, and his mech Guardian Gizmo, along with a competitive Fishball mode and a Tokyo-inspired map. The game will also return to the Epic Games Store this month.

GameFi on Monad

Twitter tweet

MemeCoin

Solana Leads On-Chain Volume Despite 60% Drop Amid Memecoin Crash

Solana maintained its position as the top blockchain for monthly on-chain trading volume in February, recording $102.4 billion—despite a 60% decline from January's $260 billion. The drop was driven by a sharp decline in memecoin trading following the LIBRA token collapse.

Memecoins accounted for nearly 97% of Solana's February volume, down from 79% in January. The crash was triggered by Argentine President Javier Milei’s endorsement of LIBRA on Feb. 14, which briefly pushed its market cap to $4.5 billion before plummeting 95% within two days. Allegations of insider trading further rattled the market.

While overall on-chain trading volume fell by nearly $200 billion, Binance Smart Chain (BSC) was the only major blockchain to maintain stability. However, Ethereum has now overtaken Solana in March, ending its five-month lead.

Top Women-Themed Memecoins

Twitter tweet

NFT

NFT Trading Volume Plunges 63% Since December

The NFT market has suffered a sharp decline, with trading volumes dropping 63% since December, according to DappRadar. Despite a late-2024 rebound, total NFT trading volume fell from $1.36 billion in December to lower levels in January and February, coinciding with a broader crypto downturn.

Analyst Sara Gherghelas attributes the slump to the correlation between NFT valuations and crypto prices. While overall decentralized app activity declined, NFT platform engagement rose 6% in February, driven by AI-powered assets.

In 2024, NFTs recorded their worst year since 2020, with $13.7 billion in trading volume—far below the $57.2 billion peak in 2022. Profile picture NFTs led February's market with $243 million in sales, while gaming and sports NFTs followed.

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Last Week’s VC Biggest Deals

The Most Shocking Stories of the Week

Chinese Ethereum Investor Burns $6.8M to Warn of Mind Control

Chinese programmer Hu Lezhi spent 2,553 ETH ($6.8M) on burn addresses and donations, claiming Chinese corporations use mind-control technology to enslave people.

Twitter tweet

Between Feb. 10-17, Lezhi made multiple high-value transfers, including 500 ETH to a null address, flagged by Arkham. His on-chain messages accused Kuande Investment’s CEOs of using “brain-computer weapons” to manipulate employees.

Describing himself as a longtime victim, Lezhi claimed the technology turns people into “slaves to the digital machine.” His transactions aimed to expose what he called a new form of crime.

Bybit Suffers Largest Crypto Hack in History, Losing $1.4 Billion

On February 21, crypto exchange Bybit was hacked for $1.4 billion, making it the largest exploit in industry history. The attack, allegedly linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group, drained Bybit’s Ethereum cold wallet, accounting for over 60% of all crypto thefts in 2024, according to Cyvers.

Bybit’s assets dropped from $16.9 billion to $11.2 billion, with withdrawals exceeding $5.5 billion, per DeFiLlama. The breach briefly pushed Ethereum’s price down 7% to $2,629 before rebounding to $2,765, per CoinGecko.

Bybit’s Response

Despite the massive loss, CEO Ben Zhou assured users that the exchange fully replaced the stolen $1.4 billion in Ether. Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain estimated that Bybit acquired 446,870 ETH (worth about $1.23 billion) through loans, whale deposits, and purchases, covering nearly 88% of the stolen amount. The exchange, now holding $10.9 billion in assets, continues investigating the breach and strengthening its security.

Major Crypto Hacks in History

Bybit’s hack adds to a series of high-profile breaches, including:

• Ronin Network (2022): $600M stolen from Axie Infinity’s Ethereum sidechain, attributed to Lazarus Group.

• Poly Network (2021): $600M taken in a cross-chain exploit, later mostly returned.

• BNB Chain Bridge (2022): $568M stolen due to a vulnerability in the BSC Token Hub.

• Coincheck (2018): $534M in NEM tokens drained from a hot wallet.

• FTX Collapse (2022): $477M vanished amid the exchange’s downfall, with the culprit still unidentified.

Bybit’s swift response in replacing funds and ensuring transparency is crucial in restoring user trust. However, this massive breach underscores the growing risks in crypto security, reinforcing the need for stronger safeguards in the industry.

NFT Trends & News

OpenSea Teases SEA Token Airdrop, Pauses XP Rewards After Backlash

The OpenSea Foundation announced on Feb. 13 that its upcoming token airdrop will be named SEA, though no launch date was provided. The token will be available in the U.S., and eligibility will factor in both historical and recent user activity, addressing community concerns.

Meanwhile, OpenSea paused its XP reward system following criticism from NFT collectors, who argued it encouraged wash trading and overlooked artists. In response, the company introduced XP shipments on Feb. 14, shifting its rewards approach. CEO Devin Finzer emphasized OpenSea’s commitment to long-term support for the NFT space.

Twitter tweet

GameFi Trends & News

Blockchain Gaming Activity Surges 386% in January: DappRadar

Blockchain gaming saw a massive surge in activity last month, with over 7 million daily unique active wallets (UAW) recorded—marking a 386% year-on-year increase, according to DappRadar’s Feb. 13 report. Analysts attribute the growth to industry maturation, improved infrastructure, and new game releases.

Despite the rise in player engagement, blockchain gaming investment dropped 38% year-over-year to $1.8 billion in 2024. Experts suggest economic trends and investor caution post-U.S. presidential changes may have contributed to the slowdown.

Meanwhile, DeFi maintained its lead over gaming in overall DApp activity, while AI-powered gaming applications gained traction, reflecting broader industry trends.

Last Week's Partnerships in the GameFi Space 

Partnerships in the GameFi space highlight ongoing efforts to integrate AI, unlocking new potential for the blockchain gaming industry. Here are last week’s most notable collaborations:

• @LFG_GTFO partners with @avax 

• TGC raises $10 million and announces a new partnership with BytePlus 

• @SankoGameCorp receives support from the @arbitrum Foundation 

• @TalusNetwork and @SuiNetwork reveal a partnership to power AI agents 

• Com2uS strengthens its presence in Web3 by partnering with NEXUS @cross_protocol

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Biggest VC Deals of Last Week

Crypto Adoption

Trump’s Crypto Advisor Hints at Major Industry Announcement

David Sacks, President Trump’s advisor on digital assets and AI, has teased a major crypto-related announcement. His remarks follow reports of increased regulatory coordination in Washington.

Key agencies, including the SEC, CFTC, and the Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets, are collaborating on crypto regulations. Bo Hines, a close Sacks associate, has facilitated meetings between regulators and industry leaders.

Industry groups, such as the Blockchain Association, are engaged in policy talks on staking, ETFs, and tokenized assets. Meanwhile, a CFTC forum will discuss stablecoins in futures markets.

With heightened government-industry collaboration, expectations are rising for a significant policy shift.

Tether Engages with US Lawmakers on Stablecoin Regulations

Tether is actively working with US lawmakers to influence the development of new stablecoin regulations, as confirmed by CEO Paolo Ardoino. The company aims to ensure that its perspective is considered in the legislative process, expressing a readiness to adapt its operations to align with regulatory requirements while maintaining its market leadership.

The proposed regulations would require Tether to conduct monthly audits and maintain one-to-one reserves backed by high-quality, liquid assets, such as US Treasury bills. Currently, Tether holds over $114 billion in short-term Treasury bills, which accounts for approximately 60% of the stablecoin market share with its USDT. Analysts from JPMorgan suggest that compliance with these new rules may necessitate Tether selling some of its Bitcoin and precious metals holdings.

Three significant stablecoin bills are currently under consideration in Congress, including the STABLE Act, which seeks to establish a regulatory framework with bipartisan support, and the GENIUS Act, which proposes federal oversight while preserving state authority. The GOP-controlled Congress is targeting April for a bill to be signed into law, indicating a swift move toward regulatory clarity in the stablecoin sector.

GameFi

Ethereum NFT Project Goblintown Unveils 'Really Hard Driving Game'

Goblintown, the Ethereum NFT project, has announced its upcoming game, Goblintown: Really Hard Driving Game, set to launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game, described as a "foddian" experience, features the familiar Goblintown Burger Truck and presents players with a challenging obstacle course reminiscent of titles like Getting Over It and Only Up.

The game's trailer humorously highlights its difficulty, with end credits stating, "It’s really hard, by the way," and recounting a player's experience of crashing immediately. Despite its Web3 origins, the game will not incorporate any crypto or NFT elements, as it is designed as a traditional Web2 game.

Goblintown: Really Hard Driving Game is expected to be released in 60-90 days, with further details to be announced, including its connection to Abstract, a new consumer-focused Ethereum layer-2 network launched by Igloo Inc., the parent company of Pudgy Penguins.

Shiba Inu Gaming Arm Launches Fifth Ecosystem Game

Shiba Inu's gaming division, PlayWithShib, has launched a new mobile sprint racing game called Shibridge. Announced via an X post, the game challenges players to race against opponents while collecting bricks to build bridges faster. Players can employ tactics to slow down rivals or block their paths, making speed and strategy crucial for victory.

Twitter tweet

Currently available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, Shibridge is set to have a Web3 version integrated with Shibarium after attracting a significant user base. With this launch, the Shiba Inu gaming ecosystem now includes five games: Shiba Eternity, Agent Shiboshi, Shiboshi Rush, Lap Dogs, and Shibridge. Meanwhile, the community eagerly awaits updates on the SHIB: The Metaverse project, as hinted by Shiba Inu's leader, Shytoshi Kusama.

Blockchain games see a 3x year-on-year rise in activity for January: DappRadar

According to a report from DappRadar, blockchain gaming experienced a remarkable threefold increase in activity in January 2025, with over 7 million daily unique active wallets (UAW), marking a 386% rise compared to January 2024.

This growth reflects strong momentum in the industry, driven by advancements in layer-2 technology, evolving token economies, and collaborations with AAA game developers. Despite a downturn in investment, with $1.8 billion raised in 2024—a 38% decline year-over-year—analysts remain optimistic about the future of Web3 gaming, citing ongoing confidence in infrastructure and innovation within the sector.

Memecoins

CZ’s Dog Name Sparks ‘Broccoli’ Memecoin Frenzy

Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, recently revealed his dog’s name, “Broccoli,” in an X post, igniting a surge of memecoins themed around the Belgian Malinois. The popularity of these Broccoli memecoins has exploded on various launching platforms, with at least 480 Broccoli-themed coins on Solana’s Pump.fun and around 300 on BNB Smart Chain’s Four.Meme. Notably, one Solana Broccoli memecoin reached a market capitalization of $1.5 billion shortly after the announcement.

Despite the frenzy, CZ clarified that he is not launching a memecoin himself, stating that it is “up to the community to do that (or not).” The recent excitement around memecoins follows a controversial month, during which US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania launched their own tokens, leading to a mix of enthusiasm and scams in the market.

In related news, PancakeSwap, a decentralized exchange on the BNB Smart Chain, has seen a significant increase in trading volume, surpassing $3 billion in the last 24 hours. The BNB Chain has expressed its commitment to supporting the meme ecosystem, indicating that the interest in memecoins may have contributed to the recent rise in the BNB token's value. However, traders are cautioned about the risks associated with memecoins, as many can turn out to be scams, leading to rapid financial losses.

$PENGU Leads Top NFT Tokens with Massive Weekly Trading Volume

The NFT sector has witnessed a remarkable surge in trading volume, with several projects experiencing significant increases. According to data from Phoenix Group, $PENGU has emerged as the leader, boasting an impressive $1.4 billion in weekly trading volume, despite a 27% decline in price. Following closely is $ANIME, which recorded $834 million in trading volume and a 27.7% price drop, while $GALA secured the third spot with $735 million in trading volume and a 22.6% decrease in price.

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Other notable NFT tokens include $SOLV with $710 million, $APE at $539 million, and $SAND with $505 million in weekly trading volume. The list also features $ME with $500 million, $GMT with $461 million, $CHZ with $374 million, and $MANA, which rounded out the top ten with $333 million. Despite the surge in trading volumes, many of these tokens have faced significant price declines over the past week, highlighting the volatility within the NFT market.

NFT Activity on TON Boosted by Telegram Gifts

The TON blockchain is seeing a surge in NFT activity thanks to collectible Telegram gifts, with users minting over 20 million gifts as NFTs. By utilizing Telegram Stars, users can transform these gifts into NFTs, enhancing their value and enabling on-chain transfers. This development marks a significant step for TON as it aims to revitalize its NFT market, which is rapidly expanding.

The integration of Telegram gifts allows users to upgrade standard images into unique collectibles, unlocking features like background colors and serial numbers. This organic growth strategy has led to the creation of over 1,400 unique combinations. As TON strengthens its connection with Telegram, it focuses on providing seamless on-chain access while removing 

other cryptocurrencies as payment options, positioning itself for potential growth in the NFT space.

Source: TON stat

Explosive Growth in the Real-World Assets (RWA) Sector

The Real-World Assets (RWA) sector has experienced remarkable growth recently, with its total market cap surging 144% to $62.7 billion in the last three months. The total value of tokenized real-world assets has also risen by 13% to reach $17.3 billion. This rapid expansion is largely attributed to increasing institutional adoption and a more favorable regulatory environment in the US following Donald Trump’s election, which has fostered optimism among investors.

Most major RWA tokens have maintained their upward momentum, with only ONDO showing a decline in the past week. Despite this short-term dip, ONDO remains up 382% over the last year. Other leading tokens, such as Mantra and Injective (INJ), have seen gains of nearly 30% and over 16%, respectively, reflecting sustained investor interest. The total value of RWA continues to grow, with Private Credit dominating the market at $11.9 billion, followed by US Treasury Debt at $3.7 billion, indicating a strong demand for tokenized low-risk assets.

Pi Network Mainnet Launch Date: How Will It Affect Pi Coin Price?

The price of Pi Network (PI) recently approached $80, driven by positive sentiment following its listings on a major exchange like OKX. On February 16, the price surged 20% within the week, reflecting increased investor interest despite broader market uncertainties related to U.S. inflation data. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming mainnet launch on February 20 has further fueled speculation, as traders position themselves for potential volatility.

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Biggest VC Deals of Last Week

The Market In General

Bitcoin and Other Cryptos Drop as Trade War Fears Grow

The crypto market took a big hit on Monday as worries about a global trade war scared investors. The sell-off happened after reports that the U.S. will apply a 25% tariff on most Mexican and Canadian imports, plus a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, starting Tuesday.

Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies sharply dropped after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. Bitcoin fell 6.6%, trading at $92,991.

Other popular cryptocurrencies also suffered. XRP dropped 24%, Solana fell 8.8%, BNB lost 16.6%, Dogecoin plunged 25.1%, Cardano dropped 27%, Tron fell 12%, Chainlink lost 23%, Avalanche dropped 25%, and Sui fell 22%. Meme coins were also affected, with Official Melania Meme down 12% and OFFICIAL TRUMP dropping 16%.

Crypto Liquidations Soar to Over $2.2 Billion as Bitcoin Sells Off

According to CoinGlass data, the total value of liquidated positions during this market crash has surged past $2.2 billion in a single day. More than 700,000 traders have been affected within this period. The largest individual liquidation occurred on Binance, involving the ETH/BTC trading pair, which has dropped to its lowest level in years. This position was worth over $25 million.

Bitcoin and Solana Lead Crypto Recovery After US-Mexico Tariff Pause

Bitcoin and Solana are leading a cryptocurrency market rebound after the US and Mexico agreed to pause a 25% tariff threat for one month. 

This decision, made by US President Trump and Mexican President Sheinbaum, eased concerns about economic impacts. After steep losses, with Bitcoin falling below $93,000 and Solana dropping 24%, the market reacted positively. 

Bitcoin has since rebounded to around $99,500, while Solana gained 2%. Other tokens like XRP also saw strong recoveries. Experts suggest that despite short-term volatility, Bitcoin’s long-term value remains strong.

GameFi

NRN Agents Bring AI Gaming to Ronin in 2025

NRN Agents is bringing AI-driven gameplay to the Ronin blockchain, starting in Q1 2025.

This integration will introduce adaptive AI agents, large-scale AI battles, and real-time player-driven economies to Ronin’s gaming ecosystem.

The rollout begins with proof-of-concept demos in select Ronin games, showcasing how AI enhances gameplay. AI Arena, NRN’s flagship game, will also launch a campaign, allowing players to contribute to AI training.

By Q2, NRN’s gaming SDK will be available for developers, enabling wider adoption of AI across Ronin’s ecosystem.

Arena of Faith Introduces $ACP: Shaping the Future of MOBA Crypto Gaming

The revolutionary gaming platform Arena of Faith (AOF) has launched its native token, $ACP, marking a new era for MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) gaming. The introduction of $ACP enhances the platform by incorporating advanced AI technology, decentralized finance, and a vibrant community.

Memecoins

Grayscale Launches New Dogecoin Trust

Grayscale has launched a new closed-end fund offering exposure to Dogecoin (DOGE), marking the token's shift from a meme coin to a potential tool for global financial inclusion. 

According to Grayscale, DOGE's low transaction costs and fast transfer speeds make it ideal for international remittances, particularly in regions with limited banking infrastructure. 

This launch comes after President Trump's election, which saw several fund managers file for DOGE ETFs, signaling growing institutional interest. The Dogecoin Trust will charge investors a 2.5% management fee.

Errol Musk to Launch ‘Musk It’ Meme Coin with $200 Million Fundraising Goal

Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk, has announced plans to launch a meme coin named “Musk It,” aiming to raise between $150 million and $200 million. The funds will support the Musk Institute, a new for-profit think tank focused on scientific innovation. Despite claims of independence from his son, many investors link the project to Elon Musk's influence in the crypto world.

The meme coin has faced skepticism due to its lack of detailed tokenomics and concerns over potential scams. As meme coins continue to grow in popularity, “Musk It” joins a controversial wave of politically and celebrity-driven tokens, facing increased scrutiny from regulators.

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative crypto news.

ChainPlay.gg provides the latest updates, trends, and insights in the crypto market. Stay informed about key developments, investments, and growth across the industry.

Biggest VC Deals of Last Week

Crypto Adoption News

Possible Early Action On Crypto From Trump

Bitcoin’s price has surpassed $100,000, and Trump’s presidential plans include embracing cryptocurrency. He aims to make the U.S. the "crypto capital" by creating a crypto stockpile, appointing a crypto czar, and drafting industry-friendly regulations.

Trump’s approach is expected to be more supportive than Biden’s, who was critical of crypto. He has also supported commuting the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road.

GameFi

Virtuals Protocol Joins Forces with Animoca Brands

Virtuals Protocol has partnered with Animoca Brands to boost AI gaming. The collaboration includes Agentstarter, an on-chain AI accelerator, to help develop AI-powered games.

Twitter tweet

They aim to provide funding, technical support, and incubation for developers working on AI-driven characters, gamers, and avatars that can rival human players.

The Machines Arena Launches on Steam

The Machines Arena, an Ethereum-based game, launched on Steam on January 14, 2025. However, due to platform restrictions, it will not include blockchain features on Steam.

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PC players (via the Epic Games Store) and Android users can still earn TMA tokens and trade NFT skins on Ronin. These features, however, will not be available in the Steam version.

The game is also set to launch on PlayStation 5 later in 2025. Ongoing talks with Sony are exploring the possibility of integrating blockchain elements, but nothing has been confirmed yet due to Sony’s strict crypto policies.

Meme Coins

Trump Launches $TRUMP Cryptocurrency, Soaring to $72 Billion in Two Days

On January 19, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump introduced his own meme cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, which surged to a market value of over $72 billion within two days, potentially making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally.

The coin, branded as the "only official Trump meme," underscores his expanding influence in the crypto space. Meanwhile, his wife, Melania, debuted the $MELANIA coin, which quickly gained more than $5 billion in value.

The launch of $TRUMP sparks debate about the intersection of Trump’s political role and his personal wealth, with his embrace of cryptocurrency highlighting his ongoing push to prioritize it nationally.

Solana reached an all-time high of nearly $293

The blockchain supporting the Trump meme coin achieved notable success, with Solana reaching an all-time high near $293.

Solana's decentralized exchange (DEX) protocols processed $19.47 billion in volume, a slight increase from $19.37 billion the previous day. This marks a significant rise from the previous daily record of $7.5 billion set in November last year.

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

No worries if you're super busy and can't keep up with all the news. ChainPlay's Newsletter has you covered! We'll break down the coolest stuff happening in Web3 games, so everyone can enjoy the fun.

Are you looking for the top Android and iOS NFT games, sorted by chain or genre? Look no further! ChainPlay.gg has everything you need to find the perfect game for you.

Table of Contents

• Top Tap-to-earn Crypto Games 2024

• Latest VC Deal Flow In late June 2024

• Weekly’s Top 10 Gainers

• Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

  Lumiterra Joins Ronin: New MMORPG Expands Sky Mavis Ecosystem

  The Beacon Writ of Passage Mint: Your Key to Exclusive Perks

  Netmarble’s Strategic Shift to Immutable zkEVM

  Shardbound Open Beta Launches on Epic Games Store

• Additional Web3 Games Highlights

Top Tap-to-earn Crypto Games 2024

Tap-to-earn games are currently taking the crypto world by storm, thanks to their simplicity and the potential for high profitability in the realm of NFT gaming.

Chainplay has curated the hottest titles in this genre below. You can explore the full list of tap-to-earn games HERE.

Latest VC Deal Flow In late June 2024

Towards the end of June, there was a notable increase in VC funding for infrastructure projects. This trend signals a strong focus on developing technology platforms for NFT games, aiming to enhance user experiences and drive innovation in digital gaming.

• Sonic, developed by Mirror World, has secured $12M in Series A funding led by BITKRAFTVC, boosting its total raised capital to $16M. Sonic is a pioneering atomic SVM Layer 2 platform aimed at empowering sovereign game economies on Solana.

• Gudchain has announced a successful $5M fundraising round from leading crypto investors. Mechanism Capital led the investment, joined by Morningstar Ventures, Manifold Trading, SkyVision Capital, and others.

• Farworld Labs has secured $1.75M in a founding round co-led by Lemniscap and Variant Fund. The funding will support the development of Farcade, a platform that integrates tools for creating crypto-native games with decentralized social media.

For details on all fundraising rounds, please visit our list HERE.

Weekly’s Top 10 Gainers

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Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

Lumiterra Joins Ronin: New MMORPG Expands Sky Mavis Ecosystem

Sky Mavis has announced that Lumiterra: Embers of the Legacy, an open-world survival crafting MMORPG, will join the Ronin blockchain. Developed by Ticker Logic Studio, this game is moving from Arbitrum to Ronin. Lumiterra will bring a fresh gaming experience to Ronin's platform.

Twitter tweet

Lumiterra is an MMORPG that offers players an immersive survival crafting experience. The game integrates an innovative DeFi platform. Players engage in farming, crafting, and real-time combat. They acquire resources and gain experience to level up their skills. Read more here.

The Beacon Writ of Passage Mint: Your Key to Exclusive Perks

The Beacon is an exciting new fantasy action game that you can play for free. It’s a roguelite RPG, which means every time you play, the dungeons and challenges are different.

One of the most exciting aspects of The Beacon is the Writ of Passage (WoP) mint. It gives players special perks and rewards. Here is the details of the WoP mint:

Twitter tweet

Find details here!

Netmarble’s Strategic Shift to Immutable zkEVM

Netmarble, a prominent player in South Korea's gaming industry, is making a significant move with its Marblex blockchain platform. The platform is transitioning from Klaytn to Immutable zkEVM, focusing on integrating AAA games.

Twitter tweet

To support developers in creating and scaling web3 games on the new platform, Netmarble and Immutable have committed $20 million to the Ecosystem Boost Program. This initiative offers financial and technical assistance, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing a vibrant gaming ecosystem. Read more!

Shardbound Open Beta Launches on Epic Games Store

Shardbound, the highly anticipated multiplayer tactical game, is set to launch its open beta on June 27th exclusively on the Epic Games Store. This release marks a significant step forward for the game, following a strong community response that pushed developers to move forward with their Web3 title. In this upcoming beta phase, available for an unspecified duration, players can dive into Shardbound’s immersive world of strategic gameplay. Find details here.

Additional Web3 Games Highlights

• Iranian Officials' Concerns with 'Hamster Kombat'

• MetalCore: Integrating Ethereum Token with Beta Launch

• Builders Challenge 2: The Sandbox Announces $1.5 Million SAND Prize Pool

• Champions Tactics Launches with NFTs on July 15

• Oasys Teams Up with Vortex Gaming for Major Expansion in South Korean Market

• Dr Disrespect's Controversial Exit from Midnight Society

• Champions Ascension Groundbreaking Partnership with Keystone

😍 Take a look at our latest product features:

• Top Anime Play To Earn Games 2024

• Top New Play To Airdrop Games 2024

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

No worries if you're super busy and can't keep up with all the news. ChainPlay's Newsletter has you covered! We'll break down the coolest stuff happening in Web3 games, so everyone can enjoy the fun.

Are you looking for the top Android and iOS NFT games, sorted by chain or genre? Look no further! ChainPlay.gg has everything you need to find the perfect game for you.

Table of Contents

• Top Games With Hot Play To Airdrop Programs

• Last Week's Top VC Deal Flow

• Top 10 Weekly Gainers

• Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

• Additional Web3 Games Highlights

• New Web3 Games Guidance

Top Games With Hot Play To Airdrop Programs

Play-to-airdrop programs are currently trending in the Gamefi industry. Here's a curated list of top games featuring hot play-to-earn opportunities you won't want to overlook.

Find more potential upcoming NFT games HERE.

Last Week's Top VC Deal Flow

• The recently launched Pixelverse game, operating on Telegram and characterized as a tap-to-earn web3 title, secured $5.5 million in funding. Investors in this round included Delphi Ventures, Merit Circle, and former Nexon CEO Joonmo (James) Kwon. Additional participants comprised Bitscale Capital, Ghaf Capital, Big Brain Holdings, LiquidX, Foresight Ventures, and Sébastien Borget, founder of The Sandbox.

• Yuliverse, a mobile AR metaverse app blending gaming and social networking, has raised $4M in a Pre-A round led by Lingfeng Capital, with participation from Spyre Capital, Presto Labs, DWFLabs, Sending Network, 2PunksCapital, G-20, CSP DAO, 071 Labs, Titans Ventures, Ultiverse DAO, HC Capital, and others. This brings their total funding to over $6M.

• Unite, developing the first Layer 3 blockchain solution for mass-market mobile games, has secured a $3 million seed extension round. The funding comes from Superlayer.io, a web3 venture studio backed by notable investors including Marc Andreessen, Yat Siu, Chris Dixon, Gary Vaynerchuk, Sahil Bloom, Paris Hilton, Nas, Keisuke Honda, and others.

• BitBall, a leading sports metaverse and GameFi platform integrating sports with Web3 has announced securing $2 million in new strategic financing from Bitfun Capital.

Top 10 Weekly Gainers

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Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

Arbitrum Boosts Gaming Industry with $215 Million Catalyst Program

The Arbitrum Foundation has taken a significant step to elevate the gaming industry. They've allocated 225 million ARB tokens, worth around $215 million, to the Gaming Catalyst Program (GCP).

Over three years, this funding will support game development and enhance the recognition and use of Arbitrum, Orbit, and Stylus among game developers and players. Read more here.

Sky Mavis Recovers $5.7 Million from Notorious Ronin Bridge Hack

Sky Mavis, the creators of Axie Infinity, have successfully recovered $5.7 million from the 2022 Ronin Bridge hack. The recovery marks a significant step forward for Sky Mavis in their ongoing battle to reclaim lost assets.

Norway's Økokrim, the central unit for combating economic and environmental crimes, played a crucial role in this recovery. They managed to freeze and return the recovered funds. This success was achieved through a coordinated effort involving law enforcement, legal advisors, accountants, and blockchain forensic teams like Chainalysis. Find details here.

Uniswap Labs' Strategic Move: Acquiring 'Crypto: The Game'

On Monday, Uniswap Labs, the force behind Ethereum's top decentralized exchange, Uniswap, announced its acquisition of Crypto: The Game. Founders Dylan Abruscato, Tyler Cagle, and Bryan Lee are set to join Uniswap Labs, guiding the game's future while aiding in crafting Uniswap Labs' messaging on decentralized finance.

Crypto: The Game swiftly gained traction within the crypto community during its inaugural season, particularly on Crypto Twitter. The game, an on-chain survival challenge, attracted participants who engaged in various tasks, ranging from online gaming like Pac-Man to real-world scavenger hunts, all vying for a prize pool valued at $115,000 in ETH. Read more.

Upland and The Sandbox Collaboration Announced at Genesis LIVE

Upland has partnered with The Sandbox to foster creativity and participation across both metaverses. This partnership coincided with the full release of Bermuda Island and was announced at the Genesis LIVE event in Las Vegas this June.

Upland is setting up an HQ in The Sandbox, while The Sandbox gets an exclusive neighborhood in Upland. LAND owners can participate in an exclusive drop-by at The Sandbox, including properties from its Upland neighborhood. Upland users can win $SAND tokens and exclusive NFTs by completing tasks in The Sandbox. Check this out here.

Additional Web3 Games Highlights

• Aurory Exclusive Event for Aurorian NFT Holders

• DUNE404: The First 404 Supported by Animoca Brands

• Join 'The New Frontiers Quest' for Early Access to The Beacon's NFT Mint

• Parallel TCG Now Available on the Epic Games Store

New Web3 Games Guidance

• Guild of Guardians Tier List: Ranking Every Character

• How To Play The Backwoods NFT Game On Solana

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

No worries if you're super busy and can't keep up with all the news. ChainPlay's Newsletter has you covered! We'll break down the coolest stuff happening in Web3 games, so everyone can get in on the fun.

Looking for the top NFT games on Android, and iOS, sorted by chain or genre? Look no further! ChainPlay.gg has everything you need to find the perfect game for you.

Table of Contents

• Top 10 Upcoming NFT Games

• Latest VC Deal Flow In Early June 2024

• Top 10 Weekly Gainers

• Upcoming Gamefi IDOs

• Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

  Illuvium's Big Day: July 25th Launch with New Features and Rewards

  Pixelmon Forthcoming Game Launch

  BloodLoop Unveils $BLS Token Launch

Top 10 Upcoming NFT Games

Discover the latest craze in gaming with our selection of the top upcoming NFT games, revolutionizing the gaming industry with unique digital assets and immersive experiences.

For more details, Click here

Latest VC Deal Flow In Early June 2024

• The Sandbox, a user-generated content metaverse platform, secured $20 million in convertible debt at a $1 billion valuation, led by Kingsway Capital and Animoca Brands, with participation from LG Tech Ventures and True Global Ventures.

• XOCIETY, a gaming metaverse combining science fiction and fantasy into an MMORPG and third-person shooter, secured $7.5 million in Pre-series A funding. The funding was led by Hashed and SUI.

• TRALA, a GameFi platform on zkSync, has successfully secured $5 million in funding. This Web3 gaming platform attracted investment from prominent backers, including Matter Labs (zkSync), Animoca Brands, Gate.io, and 14 other global investors.

• Supervillain Labs, a Web3 game studio focused on socially interactive games ranging from hyper-casual to MMORPGs, has successfully closed a $4.5 million seed round. The investment was co-led by Aptos Labs and Neowiz's Intella X, with additional participation from Spartan Group, KIP-CRIT Interactive Contents Fund, Presto Labs, and Planetarium Labs.

Top 10 Weekly Gainers

Twitter tweet

Upcoming Gamefi IDOs

Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

Illuvium's Big Day: July 25th Launch with New Features and Rewards

Illuvium has revealed the official launch date for its much-anticipated blockchain game. The game is set to go live on July 25th, promising an immersive experience for all players. This announcement follows a series of successful play-to-airdrop campaigns, starting with Private Beta 4 on April 30th and continuing with the open beta test net, which began on May 28th.

The development team has decided to delay the release slightly to add several new features. One of the highlights is the Arena mode, which will introduce Gauntlet Mode and a new weapons system. Overworld mode will bring in combat, NPC interactions, economy adjustments, character customization, and a revamped Forge user experience. Zero mode will see new missions and support for iOS/Play Store, and PC/Mac, complete with a mobile-friendly interface. Read more here!

Pixelmon Forthcoming Game Launch

Pixelmon, the renowned gaming entity, is gearing up for the much-anticipated release of Monster Tycoon in early Q3 of 2024. Alongside this exciting venture, Pixelmon is set to unveil various other engaging projects and even an anime series, aiming to captivate audiences far and wide. Read here!

Twitter tweet

BloodLoop Unveils $BLS Token Launch

BloodLoop, the exciting 5v5 Hero Shooter game, is gearing up to launch its $BLS token on June 10th. This release marks a significant milestone for the game, combining thrilling gameplay with blockchain technology to offer players a unique gaming experience.

With the $BLS token release, players can expect various new features to enhance their gaming journey. Among these are $BLS Sinks and SocialFi Staking, which are introducing innovative mechanics to BloodLoop's economy. By staking tokens, players unlock rewards and contribute to the dynamic ecosystem of the game. Find more details here!

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the week's most exciting and innovative Web3 games.

Reporting on Web3 Gaming industry trends, investments, growth, and more… You can find all of what you need in ChainPlay.gg 

Table of Contents

• Trending NFT Games Of The Week

• Latest VC Deal Flow In late May 2024

• Today’s Top 10 Gainers

• Upcoming Gamefi IDOs

• Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

• Additional Web3 Games Highlights

Reporting on Web3 gaming industry trends, investments, growth, and more…

Trending NFT Games of the Week

This week, we're thrilled to bring you a selection of games that showcase the potential of blockchain technology and decentralized gaming.

For more details, Click here

Latest VC Deal Flow In late May 2024

• Param Labs, a gaming platform with a significant online community across X and Discord, secured $7 million in a funding round led by top crypto investor Animoca Brands.

• Cross The Ages, a sci-fi and fantasy IP ecosystem, has raised $3.5 million in an equity round led by Animoca Brands, with participation from Sebastien Borget of The Sandbox and Nicolas Jeuffrain of Tenergie.

• IDG Capital, OptaJoe, KuCoin Ventures, and Chain Capital have invested $3 million in FantaGoal (FG), a Web3 football ecosystem.

• SingularityDAO, OIG Group, Gains Associates, New Tribe Capital, Seed Thrift, and Bigger Than Race lead the round with a $1.6 million investment in Sekuya to build an anime gaming universe and lifestyle loyalty platform.

Weekly’s Top 10 Gainers

Twitter tweet

Upcoming Gamefi IDOs

Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

Elite 8 Tournament: A Highlight of Axie Origin Season 8 Postseason

The Axie Origin Season 8 Postseason has launched with thrilling new features and events. Following Season 8's wrap-up, players can now dive into the Elite 8 Tournament and enjoy fresh game additions for an exhilarating and balanced experience.

Highlighting the postseason is the Elite 8 Tournament on May 25 at 7 PM PH / 7 AM EST. This eagerly awaited event will see Season 8's top eight players compete for a share of the 3,000 AXS prize pool. Fans can catch the action live and join a giveaway for a chance to win one of 600 axies during the broadcast. Read here.

Mark Your Calendars: Ragnarok's Monster World Nyang Kit NFT Mint Debuts May 28

Ronin recently shared exciting news about the Ragnarok: Monster World Nyang Kit. They confirmed the release date for this highly anticipated kit will be May 28. Fans of the game are eagerly waiting for this launch, marking their calendars for the event.

During the launch event, users will have the chance to earn various rewards, including Nyangvines, in-game benefits, and Ragmon tickets. A highlight of the event is the opportunity to obtain a rare 1/200 Irochi Baphomet NFT. These rewards add an extra layer of excitement for participants. Don’t miss it!

Gala Games Receives $22 Million Refund Post GALA Token Security Incident

On May 20, an attacker managed to mint $200 million worth of GALA tokens. However, they only sold a small portion before their wallet was frozen. On May 21, the attacker returned approximately $22 million in Ether (ETH) to Gala Games. This incident highlighted both the risks and the rapid response mechanisms within the crypto community.

Twitter tweet

The return happened quickly. On May 21, the attacker’s wallet sent back 5913.2 ETH, which was valued at about $22.3 million. This amount closely matched the market value of the 600 million GALA tokens sold a day earlier. Gala Games was able to act swiftly, thanks to their response and assistance from federal law enforcement agencies. Read here.

Katana Inu's Integration on SKALE: A New Era in Gaming

Battle royale gaming, renowned for its immersive and competitive nature, is entering a new phase of evolution with on-chain integration. Katana Inu, a pioneering game blending high-quality graphics with NFTs, takes center stage in this advancement by joining forces with SKALE, introducing an interactive leaderboard feature to enhance player engagement.

Katana Inu combines striking visuals with NFTs in a thrilling universe of sword and spell combat, breaking ground as a bridge between traditional gaming and Web3 innovation. Now live on SKALE, the game offers players a seamless, gas-free experience while enabling them to track their progress through the dynamic leaderboard in real-time. Read more.

Additional Web3 Games Highlights

• Gunzilla Games Enhances Digital Asset Management with Fireblocks

• Earn Big with Boomland’s Play-to-Airdrop Campaign

• Update 1.1.4 Unveiled for Rebel Bots Xoil Wars

• Eldarune Collaboration with Immutable: A Boost for Blockchain Gaming

• Fableborne Reveals Major Rebrand with Fresh Art Style and Gameplay

• Level Up Your Zees: Zeeverse's Evolution Feature Launches on May 20th
  

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Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team

Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the most exciting and innovative Web3 games of the last week.

Reporting on Web3 Gaming industry trends, investments, growth, and more… You can find all of what you need in ChainPlay.gg.

Table of Contents

• Trending Search NFT Games Of The Week

• Latest VC Deal Flow of the Week

• Weekly's Top 10 Gainers

• Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories
  Base Launches Onchain Summer 2.0 With over 600 ETH In Prizes

  Trade and Mint: Exploring Heroes of Mavia's New Ruby Marketplace

  Guild of Guardians Unveils $1 Million Prize Pool for Act 1 Global Launch Event

  Big Time's VIP Program: Your Ticket to Exciting Bonuses!

• Additional Web3 Games Highlights

• Upcoming IDOs

Trending Search NFT Games Of The Week

This week, we're thrilled to bring you a selection of games that showcase the potential of blockchain technology and decentralized gaming.

Latest VC Deal Flow In May 2024

• Seeds Labs, creator of Bladerite, raised $12M in seed funding with participation from various investors including Avalanche's Blizzard Fund and Solana Foundation.

• Shadow War, a 5v5 action game, raised $5M in Series A from Momentum 6, Cointelligence, and others.

• SlingShot DAO secured a $3M investment from Alphabit Fund.

• Blade Games, a Modular ZK Onchain Game Engine, raised $2.4M in a seed round co-led by Palm Tree Crypto and IOSG Ventures.

Weekly’s Top 10 Gainers

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Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

Base Launches Onchain Summer 2.0 With over 600 ETH In Prizes

Coinbase’s layer-2 blockchain has unveiled the much-anticipated second iteration of its Onchain Summer signaling a significant leap forward in Web3 innovation.

Twitter tweet

This event fosters a vibrant ecosystem by inviting builders and creators to onboard more users onto the blockchain. 

To kickstart this exciting journey, Base is hosting a month-long online hackathon commencing on June 3. With a staggering reward pool of 200 ETH (equivalent to approximately $613,200), participants are encouraged to unleash their creativity and technical prowess. Read more.

Trade and Mint: Exploring Heroes of Mavia's New Ruby Marketplace

Heroes of Mavia introduces the Ruby Marketplace, a new in-game feature facilitating the trading and minting of cosmetic skins directly within the game.

This marketplace, currently accessible only in-game and exclusively accepting Ruby tokens as payment, signifies a significant development for the Heroes team, with plans underway for a web-based version in the future. Check the details here.

Guild of Guardians Unveils $1 Million Prize Pool for Act 1 Global Launch Event

Guild of Guardians (GoG) has introduced its first-ever global launch event, dubbed "Age of the Dread," featuring a prize pool totaling $1 million.

In collaboration with Guardians Guild Limited, the Act 1 tournament promises participants the chance to compete for $GOG token prizes and exclusive rewards, including Founder NFTs and Ascendant Seals. Don’t miss it!

Big Time's VIP Program: Your Ticket to Exciting Bonuses!

Big Time unveils a new VIP program to reward dedicated players with ongoing bonuses.

The program offers exclusive benefits, starting with a bonus roll feature for collecting BIGTIME tokens from Boss chests. This feature grants players extra BIGTIME tokens from Boss chests, with the amount determined by their VIP tier. Read here!

Additional Web3 Games Highlights

• MixMob has unveiled the launch date for its inaugural game, MixMob: Racer 1, on the iOS App Store and Android Play Store

• Fantasy Top has distributed $1.25 million worth of Ethereum to top influencers who were turned into NFT trading cards within the game.

• Kepler Citizenship Passport NFTs have been minted

• Apeiron Community was ongoing an exhilarating week dedicated to appreciating and supporting its content creators, from May 7th to May 14th, 2024.

• Cradles, the prehistoric action RPG, was gearing up for a major update this month: Infinite World.

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Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the most exciting and innovative Web3 games of the week.

Reporting on Web3 Gaming industry trends, investments, growth, and more… You can find all of what you need in ChainPlay.gg

Table of Content

• Latest Web3 Games of the Week

• Latest VC Deal Flow of the Week

• Weekly’s Top 10 Gainers

• Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

• Additional Web3 Games Highlights

Reporting on Web3 gaming industry trends, investments, growth, and more…

Latest Web3 Games of the Week

Latest VC Deal Flow of the Week

• BitBrawl raised a total of $3 million for their upcoming $BRAWL token launch. These VC’s are the well-known: Big Brain Holdings, Shima Capital, and Morningstar Ventures.

• XPLA has successfully secured funding from Tess Ventures, Emoote, Play Future Funds, Big Brain Holdings, FTX Ventures, Jump Capital,…

• Animoca Brands has strategically invested in MATR1X, heralding a new chapter in Web3 gaming partnership.

Weekly’s Top 10 Gainers

Twitter tweet

Weekly's Top Web3 Games News Hot Stories

New Shipment of Pixels Pet Capsules Arriving Soon

In an exciting development for the gaming community, a new shipment of Pixels Pet capsules is making its way to eager farmers. Brace yourselves for a unique opportunity to mint and nurture your virtual companions in the gaming realm. The highly anticipated shipment is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, with the window for minting opening between 12AM to 2AM UTC. How to buy?

Twitter tweet

Nifty Island's Play-to-Airdrop Campaign Elevates Gaming Incentives

Nifty Island has taken a groundbreaking approach to reward its players through a play-to-airdrop campaign that merges gaming with crypto incentives. In a move that sets it apart, the platform introduces Ethereum-minted Legendary Palms as NFTs, creating a tiered airdrop system that emphasizes user-generated content (UGC) and player investment in the game's ecosystem. Don’t miss this chance

Twitter tweet

Bored Ape Game 'Dookey Dash: Unclogged' Returns with Over $1 Million in Prizes

The highly anticipated return of the Bored Ape Yacht Club game, Dookey Dash, is set for this spring, featuring a free-to-play "Unclogged" version. Yuga Labs, the creator of the game, has unveiled an impressive prize pool of at least $1 million, sparking excitement among the gaming community. Read now

Twitter tweet

Pixels Tokens Airdrop: Rewarding RON Stakers

Pixels tokens are set to be distributed to RON token stakers through an airdrop, with 20 million tokens allocated for this purpose. The distribution took place in two phases, starting with the release of 10 million tokens initially, followed by the second phase within a month. Read here

Twitter tweet

MetalCore's "Call to Arms" Closed Beta Launch Announced

Studio 369 has revealed the launch details for MetalCore's highly anticipated closed beta, named "Call to Arms" set to kick off on February 26th. This closed beta, accessible exclusively by invitation, stands as a significant milestone for MetalCore enthusiasts. Check it out now

Twitter tweet

Hychain's Node License Key Sale Unveiled by Hytopia

Hytopia, a rising player in the web3 gaming space, is gearing up for a significant re-launch introducing its new 'Hychain' and surrounding ecosystem. Check it out now

Twitter tweet

Magic Eden’s Non-FungibleDAO: $NFT Token Rewards

Magic Eden, a trailblazer in the NFT space, continues to revolutionize the trading landscape by introducing the Non-FungibleDAO and its associated $NFT token rewards. This move not only elevates the user experience on their decentralized platform but also underscores their commitment to fostering open-source community collaboration crucial for the growth and security of the blockchain ecosystem. Read here 

Twitter tweet

Gods Unchained Reveals 2024 Roadmap

Twitter tweet

Gods Unchained, the popular collectible card game on the Ethereum blockchain, is gearing up for an exciting 2024. The game recently disclosed its comprehensive roadmap for the year, promising a slew of updates and enhancements to keep players engaged and entertained. Read here

Gods Unchained Roadmap

Streamlining Game Developer Onboarding: Stardust and Sui Integration

Stardust, a prominent web3 gaming infrastructure and user acquisition service provider, has successfully integrated with Sui, a web3 infrastructure company and contributor to the Sui Layer 1 smart contract platform and blockchain. Read all now

Twitter tweet

Circle Partners with Krafton's Overdare: Pioneering a Creator-Centric Economy in Metaverse Gaming

In a groundbreaking move, Circle Internet Financial, Krafton, Inc., and NAVER Z Corporation have joined forces to unveil the highly anticipated "Overdare" NFT game. Click to read more

Twitter tweet

Everseed Beta Launch: A Tower Defense Game with Bitcoin Rewards

Everseed, a unique tower defense game, has recently unveiled its latest beta version, bringing an innovative play-and-earn mechanic into the gaming landscape. Now, players can indulge in strategic tower defense gameplay while earning Bitcoin rewards, adding a thrilling dimension to their gaming experience. Check it out now

Twitter tweet

Life Beyond Launches B.O.T.S Mini Game

Life Beyond, the sci-fi MMO developed by Darewise Entertainment, has expanded its universe with the introduction of a new browser-based on-chain game called B.O.T.S. This mini-game allows players to delve into a captivating world where they can unlock and deploy upgradable Bots through the opening of Crates, each holding the potential for exclusive rewards. Read now

Twitter tweet

Additional Web3 Games Highlights

• Yuga Labs and Faraway Games are partnering to create a new game in the Web3 gaming world

• Nifty Island features Diablo III, created by pseudonymous AI game developer Dav

• Gala has announced that Champions Arena Mystic Boxes have sold out in less than an hour

• CropBytes has announced CropBytes Conquest, a spin-off featuring Superhero NFTs in PvP battles

• Immutable is set to launch 'Katana Inu', a next-gen battle royale powered by 0xPolygon, on its Web3 platform. Check it here

• NFT game studio Laguna Games will bring Crypto Unicorns and related titles to the network

• Heroes of Mavia Hits Mobile and ‘Pioneer Airdrop’ Begins

• Animoca Brands is improving the Mocaverse ecosystem with Shards and a $MOCA token set to launch in 2024

• Web 3 infrastructure platform QuickNode has launched Immutable zkEVM

• ERM LABS has launched The Wonder World, its first escape room IP, in association with The Sandbox

Twitter tweet

• BLOCKSMITH&Co. and Mint Town have released the iOS/Android version of the blockchain game Captain Tsubasa RIVALS

• EA Sports CEO Andrew Wilson has hinted at creating a metaverse within its gaming ecosystem

• MARBLEX has announced a strategic partnership with Saga

• Sega has strengthened its web3 presence with Line Next, bringing its game IPs to the recently launched DOSI platform

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Top OpBNB NFT Games by Market Cap 2023
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Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the most exciting and innovative Web3 games of the week.

Reporting on Web3 Gaming industry trends, investments, growth, and more… You can find all of what you need in ChainPlay.gg

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Key Takeaways

• The game marketcap experienced a more subdued upward trend compared to BTC throughout the year, with a noticeable uptick towards the end of the year.

• In 2023, only 6% of the total games in 2023 had more than 1,000 active wallets on the blockchain, down from 10% in 2022. 

• In 2023, the total volume of blockchain games declined from the 2022 peak, but transaction data indicates stability. 

• In 2023, game quality is improving and AI is changing the industry. Layer 2 blockchains are evolving but enduring blockchains like Binance still take the lead.

• The market is anticipating top-tier crypto games in 2024, and GambleFi may rise but still face regulatory pressure.

• Crypto gaming based on platforms such as Telegram or X(Formerly Twitter) is a new trend.
  

Blockchain games are considered an important catalyst for the widespread adoption of Web3 technology. Unlike other complex domains, the concept of in-game currencies and game items in traditional games existed long before the emergence of cryptocurrencies in blockchain. This makes blockchain games a more accessible entry point for the general public.

The blockchain game market has experienced a significant decline of 83.8% in annual trading volume (from $20 billion to $3.2 billion) compared to 2022. However, game developers are actively working in anticipation of the upcoming bull market by working on the security, scalability, and throughput of games and their infrastructure. Developers in this industry have been actively seeking measures to involve more people in the field, including initiating collaborations with and learning from traditional game giants to improve game quality.

As per a16z’s 2024 outlook, the blockchain gaming industry is evolving from a play-to-earn model to a play-and-earn ecosystem by re-emphasizing the importance of playability, which is the essence of gaming.

Moreover, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing various fields, including blockchain gaming, by increasing productivity and unlocking new gaming possibilities. 

With these significant developments, we expect blockchain gaming to grow exponentially in the coming years. Our report analyzes the performance data of blockchain gaming in 2023 and discusses potential trends for 2024, providing a valuable reference for the market.

Game Data for 2023: Volume Declined, but Transactions Remain Stable

Blockchain Game Market Size

In 2023, Bitcoin (BTC) gradually recovered from the crash in 2022, witnessing a notable increase in its market capitalization, jumping 159% from $319.97 billion to $828.35 billion. Conversely, the game marketcap experienced a more subdued upward trend compared to BTC throughout the year, with a noticeable uptick towards the end of the year.

Yearly Active Games

While the number of games continues to grow, user engagement has dropped significantly. In 2023, the number of games on the market jumped from 2,070 to 2,780. However, only 6% of the total games in 2023 had more than 1,000 active wallets on the blockchain, down from 10% in 2022. This suggests that blockchain games have been unable to attract users, with the quality of blockchain games declining compared to the previous year.

Transaction & Volume

Key industry players are optimizing their architecture, reflecting confidence that the current downturn is temporary. 

In 2023, total volume declined from the 2022 peak, but transaction data indicates stability. This trend underscores the industry's commitment to improving the infrastructure for seamless on-chain operations and improving the user experience. For example, SUI successfully fixed concerns about blockchain throughput by efforts such as SUI 8192, with daily transactions reaching 20 million in July 2023. 

We can see that the industry is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the positive shift in sentiment when it finally occurs.

Highlights of 2023: Games and Blockchains Improving, But On-chain Data Lags

Game Quality is Improving and AI is Changing the Industry

• Play-to-earn is evolving into play-and-earn.

• Web2 studios increasingly embracing Web3 technologies.

• The integration of AI underscores its importance.

According to Footprint Analytics, Web3 games had fewer active players in 2023 than in 2022. However,  the overall progress continued with the trend of mass adoption and improving user experience. The industry is moving away from a specific focus on crypto-native players.

The rate of change of the currency price between two times

In anticipation of the coming of the bull market, people in the game industry never stopped development. In 2023, four tokens experienced a remarkable increase of over 500%. The top performer was Nakamoto Games, a Web3 gaming hub with more than 200 live games, and its token jumped an impressive 1931.55%.

Other games with token growth of over 500% include HYTOPIA, Fabwelt, and Merit Circle, which are major gaming platforms, underscoring the viability of projects with robust ecosystems even in challenging market conditions.

An obvious trend in 2023 is that play to earn will become play and earn. It is mainly represented by Web2 companies paying more attention and putting more resources into the blockchain game, using capital and experience to make this new field full of vitality.

There are already successful examples of Web2 companies thriving in the Web3 space. One such example is HYTOPIA, which has seen its token increase by an impressive 1086.75% this year. HYTOPIA has its origins in Mojang Studios' 2009 sandbox game Minecraft.  

Moreover, the renowned AAA game Illuvium has collaborated with numerous mainstream entertainment companies from Web2. We can see the growing interest of Web2 studios to enter the blockchain arena, even traditional gaming giants like Ubisoft and Square Enix are exploring this space.

In 2024, the integration of AI into gaming will become increasingly apparent. AI is disrupting traditional productivity models, enabling small teams to efficiently create high-quality games. Moreover, it has the potential to improve responsiveness to player needs, enabling rapid adjustments to game balance and mechanics by analyzing player data and feedback. 

At this early stage, however, the full extent of AI’s impact remains elusive and awaits further exploration by industry builders.

Layer 2 Blockchains are Evolving but Enduring Blockchains like Binance still Take the Lead

• Layer 2 blockchains made notable technical advancements, capturing market attention.

• Enduring blockchains, including Binance, Polygon, and Ethereum, still dominate the market, with over 80% of the game count.
  

• 2023 has proven to be a significant year for Layer2 blockchains, marked by the rise of notable projects. 

In July, SUI demonstrated impressive metrics and proved the power of the Layer2 blockchain. In August, Base made waves with friend.tech, combining social interactions with an entertainment ecosystem. Ronin also gained momentum in November, largely due to its association with Axie Infinity and the launch of Pixels

Layer2 Overview

In 2023, rollup technology evolved rapidly, with Arbitrum and Optimism together accounting for an impressive 83% of total value locked (TVL) in Layer 2 as of December 31. Despite this, Layer 2 blockchains designed for gaming are still working to establish a prominent market share. While Optimistic rollups are preferred for DeFi due to their user-friendly nature.

Active Games by Chain in 2023

Through analysis, we found that major blockchains like BNB chain, Polygon, and Ethereum still comprise 80% of all active games, dominating the current market.

Funding and Investment in 2023

Top Gaming Projects Funding Rounds by Amount Raised in 2023

In 2023, the gaming industry experienced a slowdown in investment, influenced by both FTX and regulatory factors. There were a total of 131 funding deals in 2023, amounting to $983.9 million, a significant decline from the impressive $2.6 billion of the previous year. This decline indicates a more cautious approach by investors.

Yearly Gaming Funding Amount

The industry's top event was from Nexon, a giant in the gaming industry with a current valuation of $27 billion, which invested $100 million in the expansion of its Web3 intellectual property, MapleStory Universe for its operation. 

Prospect in 2024: Surge in Top Games and User Migration from Web2 Platforms

• The market is anticipating top-tier crypto games

The blockchain gaming industry is eagerly awaiting the potential arrival of high-quality games, such as AAA games. 

Many games should have made significant progress since the funding surge in 2022, as the game’s development cycles are typically over 2 years. 

The established influence of Web2 giants is positioned to have a significant impact on the blockchain gaming sector as they enter the Web3 space during the upcoming bull market. Game studios with experience creating Web2 games can leverage their expertise to create fun gameplay mechanics for the Web3 game industry, while the integration of blockchain technology promises to increase the transparency, security, and opportunities associated with in-game assets and economies.

• GambleFi may rise but still face regulatory pressure

Rollbit

As the presidential election year unfolds and the sports betting industry continues to evolve, platforms like Rollbit will make significant strides. It was reported that its revenue reached approximately $300 million within a year. The approach of using on-chain destruction to track revenue has attracted attention, although the accuracy of this method remains uncertain.

Despite facing regulatory challenges, GambleFi has become one of the highest-grossing applications in the crypto space, demonstrating the immense potential of blockchain-based gaming and betting platforms.

• Crypto gaming based on platforms such as Telegram or X(Formerly Twitter) is a new trend

Animoca Brands

As the crypto community seeks mass adoption, tapping into the vast user bases of Web2 platforms such as Telegram and Twitter has emerged as a smart approach. 

Animoca Brands' collaboration with The Open Network (TON) blockchain stands out as a significant example in this space. As the primary validator for TON, Animoca Brands is facilitating a transition for existing Web2 users into the realm of Web3 mini-applications. This partnership will not only increase user engagement but also add significant use-case value to Web3 applications.

As blockchain gaming continues to evolve, leveraging the strengths of established platforms and integrating them with the innovative capabilities of blockchain technology will play a critical role in driving adoption and shaping the future of the industry.

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Top OpBNB NFT Games by Market Cap 2023
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2023 was a year marked by both resilience and innovation unfolding. We witnessed Bitcoin's commanding resurgence, Ethereum's steady gains, and the surprising rise of Solana, painting a vivid picture of a market in recovery. This narrative weaved through a tapestry where the market cap of public chain cryptocurrencies reached $1.3 trillion, revealing the intricate interplay of leading digital assets and the burgeoning promise of Layer 2 solutions.

Read on for an exclusive analysis of the breakthroughs, surprises, and hard lessons shaping crypto's continuing march to maturity.

• Public Chain Overview

  • Key metrics Overview

In 2023, the crypto market shows early signs of recovery following the crypto winter - led by Bitcoin with over 150% price and market cap increase. Ethereum trails at 80% gains. Solana also stands out with its remarkable resurgence after 2022’s decline. 

Overall, public chain cryptocurrencies reached a $1.3 trillion market cap by January 2023 per Footprint Analytics data - with Bitcoin commanding a 62.2% share, Ethereum 20.6%, BNB Chain 3.6%, and Solana 3.3%. Solana, Avalanche, ICP, Bitcoin, and Cardano topped 100% market cap growth since 2022.

Source: Chain Overview

On the usage front, Ethereum maintained its pole position with $55.0 billion total value locked (TVL), capturing a 72.4% market share of the $76.0 billion TVL landscape. Tron claimed the number two spot with $7.6 billion TVL, followed by BNB Chain and Solana with $3.4 billion and $2.1 billion respectively. Solana, Bitcoin, Arbitrum, and Tron achieved over 80% TVL increase from 2022, contrasting decreases exceeding 20% on Polygon and BNB Chain.

Source: Chain Overview

• Layer 2 Overview

In 2023, Arbitrum led the Ethereum Layer 2 space, capturing 50.8% of the market with an $8.5 billion TVL. Optimism followed, securing second place with a 32.1% share and $5.4 billion TVL. Notably, newcomer Blast rapidly achieved a $1.1 billion TVL in just 40 days, earning a 6.7% market share. Other notable names, Base and zkSync Era, trail with market shares of 3.7% and 3.4% respectively. This diverse ecosystem, where smaller players nip at the heels of giants, mirrors a vibrant coral reef – diverse, competitive, and continuously evolving. (Here, "TVL" signifies the aggregated value of assets locked in escrow contracts across these Layer 2 solutions.)

User-centric strategies began to overshadow purely tech-driven approaches in the Layer 2 space. Established leaders like zkSync Era, Starknet, and Polygon zkEVM, once at the forefront, found themselves trailing in both TVL and developmental pace in 2023.

Source: Layer 2 Overview

• Fundraising

Crypto’s infamously volatile cycles persist—2023’s tempered $539 million fundraising across 70 rounds marks an 85.5% annual decline from 2022’s feverish $3.7 billion peak. However, conviction persists in Layer 2 scaling infrastructure amid shaken confidence. Layer 2 captured 41.4% of 2023 rounds, up from 34.5% in 2022. And average Layer 2 raises led Layer 1s by 15% in 2023. The data reveals a flight to functionality despite crypto’s winter - investors increasingly value specialized builders rather than chasing fleeting hype. Methodical infrastructure takes priority over fickle applications.

Top 10 Funding Rounds by Amount Raised (Source: crypto-fundraising.info)

• Web3 Gaming & NFT

  • Web3 Gaming & Public Chain

In 2023, the gaming market expanded with the total number of games rising to 2,878 from 2,110. Yet, only a small fraction (6.4%) of these games surpassed the threshold of 1,000 active users, a decrease from 2022's 10%. Dominant blockchains like Binance, Polygon, and Ethereum continued to host over 80% of these active games, significantly influencing the market.

Source: Yearly Active Games - Blockchain Game Annual Report

The year also marked notable advancements in Layer 2 blockchains. In July, SUI made strides in throughput with SUI 8192, hitting 20 million daily transactions. In August, Base made waves with friend.tech, integrating social and entertainment elements. Ronin Network also gained momentum in November, propelled by its association with Axie Infinity and the launch of Pixels.

• NFT & Public Chain

The NFT market in 2023 recorded a $13.1 billion trading volume, marking a decline from 2022's highs. While Ethereum retained its lead with a 97.8% market share, a slight decrease indicated emerging diversification. Polygon's user base soared by 231.0% to 1.3 million, overshadowing Ethereum’s 45.2% drop to 1.2 million users, and BNB Chain's user count surged 280.7% to 353.1K. The year also saw significant shifts due to Bitcoin's ordinals trading and a rise in Solana's NFT volume.

Source: Yearly Unique User by Chain - NFT Research

• Highlights from 2023

2023 brings both fallout and fresh opportunities as the crypto industry enters a period of maturity. Speculation shakes out across various fronts while real-world usage accelerates. Several key trends lead the year as the market cycles into skeptic-led pragmatism.

• Regulatory Guardrails Emerge After Industry Shakeout

The FTX collapse and discovery of an $8 billion hole in balance sheets send ripples demanding greater coordination between global policymakers early in 2023 to avoid regulatory gaps. This follows the $4.3 billion Binance paid to settle a probe by the US regulators regarding anti-money laundering procedures. The consecutive shocks trigger responses balancing greater protections without stifling progress after crypto's multi-year boom turns to bust. Barriers fall through regulatory clarity and improvements bringing accessible experiences to mainstream users.

• Layer 2 Solutions Move to the Forefront

Layer 2s rose in 2023, while chains such as Base, Linea, and Blast became quite the hype. Rollups gained traction by reducing costs for users, with zero-knowledge technology attracting particular interest over optimistic rollups. However, despite the prominence of Layer 2, challenges remain. Scalability remains more slogan than reality, with most chains failing to meet throughput-matching ambitions. And seamless interoperability between Layer 2s remains an ideal rather than the norm. In addition, breakout dApps or vibrant, differentiated ecosystems have yet to emerge around many of the hyped Layer 2 infrastructure plays.

• Mass Adoption Accelerates Across Fronts

Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology see increased real-world traction spanning finance, media, gaming, and beyond. In finance, Visa expands support for stablecoins by incorporating Solana blockchain capacity to settle transactions in September 2023. This follows previous integrations with USDC and allows improved access to crypto capabilities. Gaming also brings new users to Web3 experiences like virtual worlds and true ownership of assets as some blockchains build platforms catering to players. However, poor market conditions slow the pace of adoption as consumers remain skeptical amid crashed token prices despite technology promise.

• Bitcoin Finds Renewed Purpose Amid Market Chaos

In 2023, Bitcoin's narrative evolved beyond its traditional role as a digital gold equivalent. The advent of "ordinals" — unique digital collectibles on Bitcoin’s blockchain — reshapes discussions around its utility. This innovation marks Bitcoin as a foundational layer for emerging applications, boosting its relevance in volatile markets. December's record transaction volumes, driven largely by ordinals trading, signal an expansion of Bitcoin's market scope. This trend positions Bitcoin not just as a store of value, but as a versatile asset with a widening field of applications.

• Looking to 2024

In 2024, Bitcoin is set to be the central focus in crypto narratives, especially with the upcoming halving event. Additionally, other key themes like Ethereum's Dencun upgrade, the push for decentralization, and advancements in Artificial Intelligence(AI) will also capture significant attention.

• Layer 2s Continues Prosper

In 2024, Ethereum and its Layer 2 tokens are expected to surge following the implementation of EIP-4844, driven by reduced fees and a renewed focus on scalability. Key topics include the decentralization of sequencers, debates on modular versus monolithic development,  and interoperability. This growth isn't just confined to Ethereum; Layer 2 solutions on Bitcoin and BNB Chain are also anticipated to experience a rally, reflecting the market's interest in integrated scaling strategies.

• Gaming-focus Blockchains Evolve

In 2024, gaming NFTs are on track to outshine art and collectible NFTs in popularity. The crypto gaming sector is expected to mature, intermittently capturing mainstream interest but primarily solidifying its position among dedicated gamers. Web3 gaming, with the backing of advancements in generative AI, is set for positive strides. This growth is further bolstered by the continual enhancements of gaming-focused blockchain platforms like ImmutableX, Ronin Network, and Oasys, which are dedicated to refining the gaming experience on the blockchain.

• The Intersection of AI and Blockchain

The intersection of AI and blockchain represents an up-and-coming niche brimming with disruptive potential in 2024. Crypto's exceptional capacity to fund speculative AI experimentation will likely give rise to an influx of innovative on-chain AI services and marketplaces. Although core infrastructure around computing capacity and reliable data requires maturation before large-scale adoption is viable, increased incentives to transact AI resources via crypto tokens forecast strong growth. Any product-market fit and regulatory issues plaguing the sector seem transitory rather than intrinsically terminal. With practical foundations built out this year via considerable speculative hype and funding, the stage is set for more sophisticated blockchain AI applications to progressively flourish. 

• Conclusion

This year, while price movements might be subdued, significant strides in real-world applications were evident. Enhanced infrastructure paves the way for broader adoption, and novel use cases in gaming, NFT, AI, and other sectors signal an impending wave of industry disruption. This evolution sets the stage for a transformative year in both technological advancement and market dynamics across various blockchain platforms.

_____________________

About Footprint Analytics

Footprint Analytics is a blockchain data solutions provider. It leverages cutting-edge AI technology to help analysts, builders, and investors turn blockchain data and combine Web2 data into insights with accessible visualization tools and a powerful multi-chain API across 30+ chains for NFTs, GameFi, and DeFi.

About ChainPlay

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Weekly's Web3 Games News Hot Stories

Matrix World's Castle Build: A Paradigm Shift in the Metaverse

Matrix World, a pioneering multi-chain Metaverse, has embarked on an exciting journey with the unveiling of Castle Build. This innovative release signifies a strategic move towards prioritizing community engagement and enriching the experiences of Landowners. Check it out now

Twitter tweet

How to Play xPET: A Beginner’s Guide For Gamers

The GameFi market, once highly popular, experienced a decline as it coincided with Bitcoin's bearish trend. However, the recent emergence of a Bull Market has revitalized the market, with several projects gaining momentum. One noteworthy project is xPET, easily accessible through various browser extensions on the X platform. Don’t miss this chance

Twitter tweet

Overworld's Incarna NFT Mint: Hype, Sell-Out, and Customer Discontent

Overworld, the highly anticipated MMORPG currently in development, made headlines this week with the rapid sellout of its Incarna NFT mint in under a minute. Check it out now

Overworld

Hareverse Announces Upcoming Seasonal Update

Hareverse, a dynamic gaming platform, has recently announced an eagerly awaited seasonal update that promises to bring a wave of fresh content and enhancements to its players. This major update aims to transform the gaming experience by introducing new elements and refining existing features. Read here

Twitter tweet

Unveiling The Trilight Festival 2023

The Beacon, a captivating free-to-play action roguelite RPG, is set to dazzle players with its festive event – The Trilight Festival 2023. Powered by Treasure, this limited-time Christmas extravaganza commenced on December 18 at 19:00 UTC and promises an immersive experience until December 25 at 19:00 UTC. Check it now

Twitter tweet

Top 5 Memecoin Performers in 2023

Memecoins, which draw inspiration from online memes, have witnessed a surge in popularity. Despite their humorous origins, these cryptocurrencies have garnered significant investment attention. Beyond their amusing names and logos, memecoins are underpinned by robust blockchain technology and active community participation. Check it out now

AIA Carnival Takes a Leap into the Metaverse

The Sandbox X AIA Carnival

The AIA Carnival, an iconic outdoor event in Hong Kong, has joined forces with The Sandbox (TSB), a leading metaverse gaming platform, to create a unique blend of in-real-life (IRL) and virtual experiences. The collaboration aims to bring a fresh perspective to the traditional carnival experience by integrating cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling. Read here 

Blockchain Games Make a Comeback on Epic Games Store

After facing removal from the Epic Games Store due to an "Adult Only (AO)" rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), blockchain games are making a triumphant return. Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, initially ousted from the platform, are back following a change in Epic Games' content policy regarding the classification of blockchain-based games. Get the insights now

Epic Games Store

Betfury Redefines NFT Gaming with the Launch of NFT Lootbox

Betfury, a prominent player in the crypto gaming arena, has recently introduced a groundbreaking addition to its expanding NFT ecosystem – the NFT Lootbox. Check it here

Betfury NFT Lootboxes

Unlocking New Dimensions: Kawaiiverse Introduces NFT Fusion to Kawaii Islands

Twitter tweet

Kawaiiverse, the enchanting Anime Metaverse, has taken a giant leap forward with the introduction of NFT Fusion on the Kawaii Marketplace. This highly anticipated feature is a pivotal milestone in the 2023 roadmap for Kawaii Islands, promising an enhanced user experience by allowing players to merge F1 NFTs into efficient F2 NFTs. Read now

Additional Web3 Gaming Hightlights

• Axie Infinity Announces Major Update: Axies Can Now Evolve on App.axie

• Nifty Island is gearing up for the game release and airdrop
  Ultra has announced Project Citadel, an exclusive PC FPS built on its blockchain

• Shrapnel confirms the launch of early access STX.01 to arrive in the New Year and has a $3M prize pool

• Ubisoft's Web3 game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, has achieved $2 million in NFT sales after its release

• Animoca Brands has partnered with T&B Media Global for cross-promotion between their NFT projects Mocaverse and Mittaria

• The Mythical team shuts down PC version of Blankos Block Party, and goes all in on small screen

• Rumble Kong’s League tokenomics have been unveiled as recent developments are discussed regarding the LEAGUE game

• Immutable Passport has become a new gamer profile in the Web3 world, integrating with playable games and marketplaces

Twitter tweet

• Improbable the company behind Otherside has sold its gaming subsidiary to Keywords Studios for nearly $100 million

• Solana-based web3 game Aurory was exploited for $830,000 worth of its native AURY tokens

• Ragnarok Landverse, a web3 MMORPG game based on the Ragnarok Online (RO) IP, is set to release major updates in December

• NexGami has completed its beta testing of its Web3 game, Metavirus, which initially had a limit of 100,000 players

• Gamifly will bring its CricketFly flagship game to WEMIX PLAY, the blockchain gaming platform

• Gods Unchained is back on the Epic Games Store as the company does a U-turn welcoming back Web3 gaming on Epic Games

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Welcome to the latest edition of ChainPlay's Newsletter, where we dive into the most exciting and innovative Web3 games of the week.

Reporting on Web3 Gaming industry trends, investments, growth, and more… You can find all of what you need in ChainPlay.gg

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Alpha Quest is a powerful crypto research tool for gem discoverers.

The gaming market is witnessing a renaissance, with a remarkable 34% surge in gaming token market capitalization within a month. While user numbers are increasing, transaction volumes have been consistently declining for the past five months. This apparent contradiction raises an important question: What are the driving forces behind user growth amid declining transaction volumes? And how can we navigate this puzzle and find a sustainable solution?

Amidst these dynamics, the Ronin ecosystem has emerged as a major player, prompting speculation about whether pixels could become the next Axie Infinity. 

Data for this report was obtained from Footprint's GameFi research page and ChainPlay.GG. An easy-to-use dashboard containing the most vital stats and metrics to understand the Web3 Game industry.

Reporting on Web3 gaming industry trends, investments, growth, and more…

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Crypto Macro Overview

Bitcoin’s price continued to rise in November, commencing at $34,629 and culminating in a 9.3% increase, with the closing price reaching $37,848. Ethereum opened the month at $1,812 and saw a steady growth of 11.9%, concluding the month at $2,028.

Financial markets demonstrated a tempered response to a spectrum of potential risks. The anticipation surrounding the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF contributed to a bullish sentiment while encouraging developments in the Middle East conflict alleviated concerns over broader regional instability. Similarly, the United States' Consumer Price Index (CPI) maintained its downward trajectory, fueling optimism for prospective Federal Reserve rate reductions and the possibility of a 'soft landing' for the U.S. economy.

Changpeng Zhao(CZ) stepped down as CEO of Binance on November 21 as part of a major $4 billion settlement between United States agencies and Binance. This settlement brought closure to extensive investigations by the Department of Justice and other entities into Binance's alleged anti-money laundering and sanctions violations. Bitcoin dipped to $35,800 following news of Binance's settlement but recovered to stabilize in the mid-$36,000s by the next morning. The settlement is viewed positively, as it reduces systemic risk in the crypto industry and could boost investor confidence.

Overall Web3 Game Market

Tokens, which serve as in-game currency or governance tools, play a significant role in the development and operation of a game. According to Footprint Analytics, there was a notable 34% increase in the total market cap of game tokens, escalating from $4.92 billion on November 1 to $6.61 billion on November 30, indicating significant development within the Web3 gaming industry in November.

Market Cap: Game Token vs BTC

In addition, the number of active wallets experienced a monthly increase of 18.7%, rising from 1.1 million on November 1st to 1.3 million on November 30th, in line with the rapid escalation observed in the game token market cap.

Active Users & Chg%

Amidst a positive trajectory in both active wallets and token prices, the overall market saw a notable decline in both transactions and volume compared to the previous month. Specifically, monthly transactions dropped from 515.25 million in October to 400.47 million in November.

We can speculate that the current upward trend in tokens and players is due to market optimism and the prevalence of short-term users driven by FOMO, rather than a stable, long-term user base dedicated to the ecosystem. 

While there is growing interest and initial participation in web3 games, we don't know if this has translated into sustained engagement or investment by players.

This observed trend leads to a critical question: How can the web3 gaming sector evolve from this state of temporary interest to a more sustainable model? 

Web3 Mass Adoption

The answer lies in two key aspects: mass adoption and continuous user engagement. 

For mass adoption, industry leaders are integrating with popular social platforms. Animoca Brands invested in Telegram's blockchain TON ecosystem, enabling seamless integration. Twitter-hosted games like XPet demonstrate web3 gaming's potential within social networks.

Currently, there's also a growing trend of attracting long-term users, with mainstream web2 games increasingly venturing into web3, helping to improve the playability of web3 games. Notably, Axie Infinity's developer brought Japanese web2 games to Ronin, and Immutable partnered with Ubisoft's Strategic Innovation Lab for a gaming platform.

Many people are wondering if Web3 games will flourish in the next bull market cycle.

What’s New?

• Axie Classic: Gold Chests, Grand Tournament Phase 2, and Increased AXP Caps

• Arc8 Frosty Season Unveiled: A Gaming Wonderland from December 5th to January 31st

• NFL Rivals Unveils Exciting Cold Snap Program

• Pudgy Penguins Unveils 3D Browser Game

• Heroes of Mavia - Official Gameplay Release Trailer

• Mobile Auto Battler Alpha Launch on iOS by Rogues Studio

• Vulcan Forged Unveils “Vulcan’s Holiday Quests” Event

• Team Liquid and Illuvium Join Forces for NFT Game and Esports Domination

• Portal Platform offers unified access points to games and streamlined transactions whilst the foundation announces Jamie King, co-founder of Rockstar Games joining its advisory board

• Aether Games is launched on the Excelsior platform allowing unique vetted early-stage opportunities before public listings

• Epic Games Store and Immutable a powerhouse of a partnership,

• Spindl the Web3 marketing tracking platform partners with AppsFlyer to enhance blockchain gaming analytics

• Gods Unchained is now accessible on Amazon Prime Gaming, making it easier for new players to join.

Twitter tweet

Web3 Game Chains

Monthly Games by Chain

When it comes to sheer numbers of games, the classic BNB Chain, Ethereum, and Polygon continue to lead the pack with 964, 781, and 479 games respectively. 

However, the landscape is not stagnant, and new blockchains are emerging, bringing excitement and anticipation to the future of web3 gaming. Notable newcomers include South Korea's Layer2 blockchain, Kroma Network, and Chromia, which plans to launch its mainnet in 2024, TreasureDAO is also building its game blockchain.

Monthly Txns Shared

Over the past five months, the overall transaction volume in the gaming sector has witnessed a consistent decline. Taking a closer look at the data, the significant drop in transactions on the Wax blockchain, particularly in the case of Alien Worlds, is quite evident. In comparison to October, there has been a staggering decrease of 89 million transactions.

Total gaming transactions have been declining for the past five months. However, if we look at the market share of transactions, Solana shows promising growth, reaching 13.6%, a significant increase from its share of only 4.2% in October.

Ronin certainly had a remarkable performance in November, with its trading volume capturing a significant 21% market share.

Monthly Volume Shared

In particular, the platform's daily active users (DAU) started November at 15,964 and jumped to an impressive 147,101 by the end of the month, representing an astounding 821% growth and reaching a substantial total of 153,000 users. This extraordinary growth is mainly due to the integration of Pixels into the Ronin network.

Pixels is Live on Ronin Network

Pixels is an interoperable web3 farming game, and the team places a strong emphasis on the power of its community, valuing its large user base on the Ronin blockchain. In a recent announcement, Pixels stated, "At Pixels, our community has always been our driving force. With Ronin's track record of onboarding more Web3 users than any other blockchain, we're excited to have an even more vibrant and connected community.

Games Overview

In November, there was a slight increase in the number of active games (with at least one player with smart contracts). The total number reached 2,708.

Volume & Chg%

The month of November witnessed notable spikes in trading volume on November 9th and November 27th. On November 9th, the surge in trading volume was primarily attributed to ImmutableX's official behavior. On November 27th was driven by Axie Infinity, marking an impressive 203.56% increase compared to the previous day.

Axie Infinity has been consistently actively building and expanding its ecosystem. On November 24th, Axie Infinity introduced an NFT monetization solution and launched the Axie Merch Store.

When we examine the intersection between the top-performing tokens in November and the top-performing games over the past three months. This intersection revealed games that not only experienced significant price spikes in November but also maintained robust price stability over 3 months. These standout projects include Imperium Empires, Gamee, Bulliverse, Chain Games, and DeFiLand.

November Top Tokens

As the number one gaming platform on Telegram, Gamee recorded an astounding 1,241.71% growth this month.

Chain Games, currently ranked sixth in terms of monthly price growth, maintains its position as the sixth best-performing token in terms of annual price growth with an impressive 277.6% increase. This continued success highlights the enduring appeal and strength of Chain Games in the crypto market landscape.

Game Investment and Funding

Engaging in Web3 gaming has necessitated more research and caution during the bear market.

Animoca Brands and NEOM announce strategic partnership and investment

Despite these challenges, Animoca Brands has emerged as one of the most active companies in the investment and funding landscape this month. The company secured a significant $50 million in funding from Neom Company, a smart city project owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Animoca Brands also invested in the Web3 multimedia platform Poglin and provided strategic support to UAE-based gaming startup Farcana.

Three notable projects secured significant investment this month. Bazooka Tango secured $5 million to develop Shardbound, EthXY closed a pre-seed round Matr1x Fire game studio raised $10 million for its NFT mobile shooter, and The Citadel raised $3.3 million in a seed round led by 1kx.

In addition to game projects, there's been a surge in investments supporting game platforms, with growing investment interest in game-related platforms and technologies. Saga secured a $5 million seed extension, while Atlas, a 3D generative AI platform, emerged with a $6 million investment for virtual world-building, and Artifact Lab received $2 million in pre-seed funding.

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Top OpBNB NFT Games by Market Cap 2023
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Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!

See you same place same time next week!

❤❤❤

ChainPlay team