Pixelmon has announced that it will exclusively build its next wave of games on the Avalanche blockchain, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of Web3 gaming. The company’s upcoming flagship title, Warden’s Ascent, is a turn-based role-playing game that features over 100 monsters to hatch, evolve, and battle. This move, unveiled in May 2025, reflects a broader shift in the Web3 gaming space toward mobile-first development, aiming to bring blockchain-based gaming to a wider audience beyond traditional crypto users [1].

The decision to focus on mobile platforms is a strategic response to the dominance of mobile gaming in the global market. According to Newzoo, mobile games accounted for 53% of global game revenues in 2024, totaling nearly $100 billion. By leveraging Avalanche’s infrastructure—known for its high throughput, fast transaction speeds, and strong multi-platform support—Pixelmon can deliver a seamless gaming experience while preserving the core benefits of blockchain, such as true digital ownership and transparent, tradable in-game assets [1].

Avalanche, a Layer 1 blockchain, has established itself as a viable platform for Web3 gaming through successful titles such as Off the Grid and MapleStory Universe. Its ability to support scalability and real-time interaction makes it an ideal partner for Pixelmon as the company expands its portfolio to include Warden’s Ascent, Nova Thera Chronicles, and Warriors of Nova Thera. The blockchain also offers developers go-to-market support, enhancing the potential for growth and community building [1].

In August 2025, Avalanche and Helika launched a new gaming accelerator program, with Pixelmon joining as a key partner. This initiative aims to bring Pixelmon’s dark fantasy universe, Nova Thera, to a broader mobile audience. By combining Avalanche’s blockchain capabilities with Helika’s gaming infrastructure, the collaboration seeks to drive innovation and accessibility in the Web3 gaming space [2].

Together, these developments highlight a growing trend among game developers to prioritize mobile-first strategies and decentralized technologies. The integration of blockchain in gaming is no longer limited to niche audiences; instead, it is evolving into a mainstream entertainment experience with real-world value and player-driven economies. Pixelmon’s partnership with Avalanche reflects this shift, demonstrating how scalable and sustainable blockchain solutions can support the next generation of interactive digital experiences [3].

Source:

[1] Pixelmon Brings Web3 Gaming to Mobile on Avalanche, Altcoin

(https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/cryptocurrency-news/pixelmon-brings-web3-gaming-to-mobile-on-avalanche/)

[2] Avalanche and Helika Launch New Gaming Accelerator, Avax.network

(https://www.avax.network/about/blog/avalanche-and-helika-launch-new-gaming-accelerator/)

[3] Vitalik Buterin’s Goals for Ethereum Over the Next Decade, Altcoin

(https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/cryptocurrency-news/vitalik-buterins-goals-for-ethereum-over-the-next-decade/)

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) has emerged as a standout altcoin amid a market dominated by speculative assets like DOGE and TRUMP. Priced at $0.035 during its ongoing presale, MUTM offers a compelling contrast to memecoins through its structured decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, which emphasizes real utility and long-term growth [1].

Unlike DOGE and TRUMP, which rely on social media-driven hype and volatile price swings, Mutuum Finance is building a dual lending system designed to serve both risk-tolerant and risk-averse investors. Through its Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending model, users can leverage volatile tokens as collateral to borrow stablecoins such as USDC or DAI, with customizable loan terms. The Peer-to-Contract (P2C) pools, on the other hand, focus on blue-chip assets like ETH and LINK, offering consistent returns between 7.8% and 10.4% APY [1].

Currently in Phase 6 of its presale, MUTM has attracted over 15,000 holders and raised more than $14.25 million, with 15% of available tokens already sold. The next presale phase is expected to see a 15% price increase to $0.040, making the current $0.035 price a potentially attractive entry point for investors [1].

Security remains a key pillar of the project. A recent CertiK audit, conducted on May 20, 2025, gave the platform a score of 95 with a Skynet rating of 78, reinforcing confidence in the platform’s smart contract integrity [1]. Looking ahead, the project plans to integrate Layer-2 technology to reduce transaction costs and improve scalability. Additionally, a stablecoin launch is in the works, which will allow users to borrow overcollateralized assets with interest rate controls to maintain its value at $1 [1].

The platform also supports high loan-to-value (LTV) ratios on major assets like BTC and ETH, enhancing capital efficiency for borrowers. These features are expected to become more valuable as the project moves closer to its beta launch and explores institutional adoption [1]. A notable example of potential returns is an investor who purchased MUTM in Phase 1 at $0.01 with $5,000 of ETH. At the current $0.035 price, this investment represents a 5x gain. Analysts forecast a listing price of $0.06, with conservative post-listing estimates ranging from $0.12 to $0.18 by the end of 2025, potentially leading to total returns of 12x to 18x [1].

The growing shift of capital from speculative tokens like DOGE and TRUMP to projects like MUTM reflects a broader trend in the DeFi space. Investors are increasingly prioritizing protocols with audited security, clear roadmaps, and real-world utility over purely meme-driven assets. This trend is reinforced by the strong institutional interest and technological advancements in the MUTM ecosystem [1].

With the Phase 6 presale nearing its end and an impending 15% price jump in Phase 7, investors are advised to act quickly to secure MUTM at $0.035 before it appreciates further. The combination of stable returns from P2C lending and flexible P2P loans positions Mutuum Finance as a unique player in the DeFi landscape [1].

Mutuum Finance is now positioning itself as a top altcoin pick that not only trades at a discount to DOGE and TRUMP but also offers a more robust and sustainable investment proposition. Its innovative approach to lending, coupled with strong security measures and clear growth drivers, makes it a compelling alternative in a crowded market [1].

Source: [1] A top altcoin pick that’s still trading cheaper than DOGE and TRUMP, and it might not stay at $0.035 much longer (https://invezz.com/news/2025/08/11/a-top-altcoin-pick-thats-still-trading-cheaper-than-doge-and-trump-and-it-might-not-stay-at-0-035-much-longer/)

Recent developments in the blockchain and digital finance space suggest a notable shift in market dynamics, with tokenized assets gaining increasing traction over decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. The trend was highlighted in July 2025, when non-fungible tokens (NFTs) saw their daily active wallets surpass those of DeFi for the first time, reaching 3.85 million users [1]. This growth in NFT activity reflects a broader investor appetite for digital collectibles and tokenized assets, which are increasingly perceived as both speculative and utility-driven.

Niklas Kunkel, founder of Chronicle and a former executive at MakerDAO, has suggested that tokenized assets could eclipse DeFi in market importance, as reported in a CoinDesk briefing in August 2025 [5]. His comments indicate a growing institutional interest in the tokenization of real-world assets, potentially altering the trajectory of DeFi markets.

Tokenized assets, including real-world assets (RWAs), have gained attention for their efficiency and transparency. According to industry analysis, tokenization of RWAs is seen as superior to traditional securitization methods, offering faster settlement speeds and improved liquidity [5]. This has contributed to increased investor interest, with tokenized stocks becoming a focal point of capital inflows [9].

Despite this growing interest in tokenized assets, DeFi itself remained a significant force in the market. DeFi applications hit a record $270 billion in total value locked (TVL) during the period, driven in part by innovation in NFT markets and tokenized asset offerings [3]. However, the surge in NFT activity, which reached $530 million in July trades, indicates that user engagement is increasingly shifting toward tokenized assets over traditional DeFi platforms [10].

The broader crypto market also witnessed a positive trend, with the sector attracting $2.67 billion in funding during July 2025, a 6% increase from the previous month [6]. This capital infusion underscores the growing confidence among investors in the blockchain ecosystem, especially as Ethereum saw a significant price rally, partly driven by institutional interest and record U.S. spot ETF inflows [8].

The rise of tokenized assets is not only a function of user behavior but also of underlying market confidence. Analysts point to stronger network fundamentals and whale accumulation patterns as contributing factors to the upward trend in tokenized asset markets [4]. These indicators, along with growing capital inflows, signal that tokenized assets are becoming a more dominant force in the broader crypto landscape.

As the market continues to evolve, it is clear that tokenized assets are gaining momentum over DeFi in terms of user engagement and capital deployment. This shift may signal a long-term trend in which tokenization plays an increasingly central role in financial innovation and investor strategies.

Sources:

[1] Ethereum News Today – NFTs Overtake DeFi Daily Active Wallets (https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-nfts-overtake-defi-daily-active-wallets-time-2508/)

[3] DeFi Applications Hit Record $270 Billion TVL (https://quasa.io/media/defi-applications-hit-record-270-billion-tvl-driven-by-rwa-growth-says-dappradar)

[4] Chainlink Surges 15% as Whale Accumulation and Network Fundamentals Improve (https://www.ainvest.com/news/chainlink-surges-15-whale-accumulation-network-fundamentals-improve-2508/)

[5] Niklas Kunkel, founder of Chronicle, on tokenized assets (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689942e2ca3d2c54295d4d43/)

[6] Crypto Attracts $2.67B in Funding During July (https://m.fastbull.com/news-detail/crypto-attracts-267b-in-funding-during-july-bolstered-4338997_0)

[8] Cryptocurrency Market Capitalization Grows 13.3% Following Bitcoin Surge (https://yellow.com/news/cryptocurrency-market-capitalization-grows-133-following-bitcoin-surge-binance-report)

[9] RWA Tokenization vs Traditional Securitization (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/rwa-tokenization-vs-traditional-securitization-why-on-chain-wins-for-liquidity-transparency-and-settlement-speed-on-ethereum-eth-with-usdc)

[10] NFTs Stage Comeback with $530M in July Trades (https://www.coinmarketcal.com/tr/news/nfts-stage-comeback-with-530m-in-july-trades-flipping-defi-user-activity)

Flare has launched Luminite, a seedless, non-custodial wallet designed to facilitate easier access to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on the XRP Ledger. This wallet eliminates traditional barriers such as seed phrases and complex key management by allowing users to sign in via biometrics, passkeys, or email. In addition to onboarding features, Luminite integrates with DeFi protocols like FTSO, Stargate, and Sceptre, enabling users to delegate FLR tokens, mint FXRP, swap tokens, and engage in liquid staking all within a single interface [1].

The wallet is part of Flare’s broader strategy to expand its reach into DeFi and improve the utility of XRP within the decentralized finance ecosystem. Luminite’s design reflects the project’s focus on bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 users, aiming to make DeFi more accessible to a wider audience. Steve Chadwick, co-founder of Luminite, emphasized that the wallet is built to allow both first-time users and experienced crypto participants to access the Flare ecosystem without the technical challenges typically associated with blockchain [1].

Flare has also revealed plans for a future “Learn & Earn” program in collaboration with Revolut. This initiative will incentivize new users through educational content and engagement-based rewards, further supporting Flare’s goal of increasing user adoption and participation in DeFi protocols. The wallet’s integration with fiat on-ramp partners such as Topper enables users to easily purchase FLR, XRP, and other supported assets, adding to its user-friendly approach [1].

The XRP Ledger has seen significant growth in recent months, with the Flare blockchain reporting over $150 million in DeFi volume locked as of the time of publication. This growth follows the token generation event (TGE) in late 2022, during which 15% of FLR’s total supply—approximately 12 billion tokens—was released to the public via the Flare Improvement Proposal process [1]. Since its launch in June 2022, the network has steadily increased in user engagement, signaling a broader acceptance of XRP-based DeFi solutions.

Luminite also supports token bridging, staking, and delegation functions, positioning the XRP Ledger as a viable alternative to more established DeFi ecosystems. Flare’s focus on user experience aligns with a growing industry trend to make blockchain more accessible for mainstream adoption. By streamlining interactions with DeFi platforms, Luminite aims to attract both new and existing users who seek to participate in yield farming, staking, and other DeFi activities without the complexities traditionally associated with blockchain technology [1].

The wallet’s non-custodial nature and its design to comply with regulatory requirements further support its potential to scale in a legal-compliant manner. While XRP has faced regulatory challenges, particularly in the U.S., Flare’s approach with Luminite does not seek to bypass any legal frameworks, instead focusing on infrastructure that supports a more inclusive DeFi environment [1].

The success of Luminite will depend on the continued development of DeFi protocols on the XRP Ledger, user adoption, and the ability of XRP to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive crypto landscape. However, the wallet represents a meaningful advancement in the evolution of the XRP ecosystem, offering a more accessible and user-friendly gateway to DeFi [1].

Source: [1] Flare Launches Luminite Wallet for Easier XRP DeFi Access (https://dailycoin.com/crypto-markets/)

NFT activity in July 2025 exceeded DeFi in daily active wallets, with NFTs recording 3.85 million compared to DeFi’s 3.84 million. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the evolving crypto landscape, indicating a shift in user engagement from decentralized finance toward digital collectibles and tokenized assets [4]. The slight but significant edge for NFTs reflects broader blockchain adoption and suggests that the sector’s growth is not just cyclical but potentially structural [1].

The increase in NFT activity coincided with a record $270 billion in DeFi’s total value locked, driven largely by the rising interest in tokenized stocks and advanced decentralized applications [4]. While DeFi continues to expand in terms of financial utility, NFT platforms have seen a surge in both volume and user base, with key marketplaces like Blur reporting historic engagement levels. The platform noted that it captured 80% of daily NFT trading volume in July and plans further user-centric upgrades [4]. This performance suggests that NFTs are no longer seen merely as speculative assets but as active components of a broader, more diversified digital economy.

Ethereum’s network activity in July 2025 also saw a 70% increase in onchain transaction volume compared to June, reaching $238 billion. This growth was fueled by DeFi, smart contracts, and NFTs, with the network recording a record 1.74 million daily transactions—surpassing its previous peak in 2021 [2]. These metrics highlight Ethereum’s role as a foundational layer for the next generation of blockchain-based finance and digital ownership.

In terms of specific NFT collections, Cool Cats experienced a notable price surge, with the floor price rising 48% in a single day to exceed 0.74 ETH. The collection’s total trading volume reached $112 million during July [5], underscoring the growing liquidity and market depth in high-profile NFTs. Such activity is not an isolated event but part of a larger trend where NFTs are increasingly being integrated into financial markets and investment portfolios.

The momentum in Ethereum-based activity extended beyond NFTs and DeFi. By early August 2025, Ethereum’s market capitalization had surpassed that of Netflix, sparking discussions about its potential to challenge traditional financial institutions like Mastercard [6]. This milestone reflects the growing narrative of programmable money and blockchain-based finance overtaking legacy systems. Analysts suggest that Ethereum’s scalability improvements and reduced gas fees are attracting both institutional and retail interest, further solidifying its position in the digital economy [6].

Despite the positive momentum, risks remain. Volatility in the crypto markets, regulatory scrutiny, and macroeconomic factors like interest rate adjustments could act as headwinds. Traders are advised to closely monitor Ethereum’s price action and key resistance and support levels to assess the sustainability of its upward trajectory [6]. As the market continues to evolve, the interplay between NFTs and DeFi will remain a crucial indicator of broader adoption and sentiment trends.

Source:

[1] title1: NFTs stage comeback with $530M in July trades, flipping DeFi user activity (url: https://www.coinmarketcal.com/tr/news/nfts-stage-comeback-with-530m-in-july-trades-flipping-defi-user-activity)

[2] title2: Ethereum onchain volume hits $238 billion in July 2025 up… (url: https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-ethereum-onchain-volume-hits-238-billion-july-2025-70-prior-month-2508/)

[3] title3: Ethereum hits record 1.74 million daily transactions as… (url: https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-ethereum-hits-record-1-74-million-daily-transactions-staking-surge-drives-163-price-rally-2508/)

[4] title4: Cryptocurrency Live News & Updates : Ethereum’s Rally (url: https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-09-aug-2025/liveblog/123195194.cms)

[5] title5: Cool Cats NFT Prices Surge Following Strategic Investment (url: https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/08-09-2025-cool-cats-nft-prices-surge-following-strategic-investment-28080047705482)

[6] title6: Ethereum (ETH) Surpasses Netflix, Eyes Mastercard (url: https://blockchain.news/flashnews/ethereum-eth-surpasses-netflix-eyes-mastercard-3-trading-signals-to-watch-now)

Web3 represents a transformative shift in how users interact with the internet, particularly through decentralized technologies like blockchain. Unlike earlier internet models, where centralized platforms controlled user data and financial transactions, Web3 empers users with control over their own digital identities and assets. This transition from Web2—where big tech firms dominate—to a decentralized, open internet is being actively explored in Türkiye and other regions, with growing interest among developers, investors, and regulators.

The technology underpinning Web3 is the blockchain—a shared, tamper-proof ledger of transactions that runs across a distributed network of computers. Users interact with this system through crypto wallets, such as MetaMask, and automated contracts known as smart contracts. These contracts execute predefined actions without the need for intermediaries. For instance, a smart contract can automatically transfer a digital asset upon receipt of payment. According to ConsenSys, over 30 million users engaged with Web3 applications in 2023, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down[1].

One of the most significant developments in Web3 is the emergence of decentralized finance (DeFi). Through DeFi, individuals can lend, borrow, and trade assets without relying on traditional banking systems. These services are powered entirely by smart contracts, which handle financial operations transparently and securely. DeFiLlama reports that DeFi applications currently hold over $80 billion in crypto assets[2]. Analysts monitor key metrics like total value locked (TVL), transaction costs, and code security to assess the reliability and growth of these platforms.

Türkiye, in particular, has become a notable player in the Web3 landscape. The country ranks among the fastest-growing crypto markets, driven by high youth participation and a response to macroeconomic challenges like inflation. Local artists are leveraging NFTs to monetize their work, while entrepreneurs and developers are creating Web3-based tools tailored to Turkish audiences. Educational institutions are also adapting, with some offering blockchain-related courses. Meanwhile, regulators in Türkiye are working to establish a legal framework aligned with international standards, including those set by FATF and the EU.

For developers, the Web3 ecosystem requires a solid understanding of smart contract programming, primarily using languages like Solidity. Security is a critical concern, as vulnerabilities in code can lead to significant financial losses. Firms like CertiK and Hacken specialize in auditing smart contracts to identify and fix weaknesses before deployment. Tools from OpenZeppelin provide standardized, battle-tested components to help developers build robust applications. Most projects are built on Ethereum or EVM-compatible chains, although newer blockchains like Aptos and Sui offer faster processing speeds and additional features.

A strong community is essential to the success of any Web3 project. Blockchains that engage users through regular updates, grants, and open discussions tend to grow more rapidly. For example, the Solana network has demonstrated resilience by maintaining an active and supportive community, even after experiencing technical setbacks. Solana also distinguishes itself with high transaction throughput—reaching up to 65,000 transactions per second—making it an attractive option for developers building scalable applications[3].

Despite its potential, Web3 is not without risks. Token values can fluctuate wildly, and poorly designed smart contracts can be exploited by malicious actors. Additionally, regulatory frameworks are still catching up with the pace of technological development, requiring users to stay informed about compliance requirements related to identity verification, taxation, and trading.

In summary, Web3 is reshaping the digital economy by decentralizing control and enabling new forms of interaction, finance, and governance. Its growth in Türkiye reflects a broader global trend as developers, users, and regulators work to define the future of the internet. Whether it succeeds depends not only on technological innovation but also on the collective effort of all stakeholders to build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable system.

Sources:

[1] ConsenSys

[2] DeFiLlama

[3] Solana block explorer

Liquid staking derivatives (LSDs) are tokens that represent staked cryptocurrency assets and can be used in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities. These tokens allow users to retain liquidity while earning staking rewards. LSDs are gaining traction in the crypto space, particularly in the Ethereum ecosystem, with a combined total value locked (TVL) of $21.6 billion, and Lido alone accounting for over $14 billion in TVL [1].

Ethereum’s transition to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus model through “The Merge” allowed users to stake ETH in exchange for staking rewards, which are projected to yield between 3-6% annually [1]. However, staked ETH is locked and not capital-efficient. Liquid staking solves this by issuing LSDs—liquid tokens that represent the staked ETH. These tokens can be used in DeFi protocols to earn additional yields, such as through lending, liquidity provision, or trading [1].

The Shanghai upgrade further enhanced the appeal of LSDs by enabling the withdrawal of staked ETH through a withdrawal queue, thereby reducing liquidity constraints [1]. Following the upgrade, platforms offering LSDs began to see increased adoption. These platforms typically charge a 5-10% commission fee on staking rewards, which contributes to their revenue and supports ongoing development [1].

Lido Finance is the leading provider of LSDs, with over 4.64 million ETH staked, equivalent to approximately $7.19 billion at current prices. Lido issues stETH (staked ETH), a token that accrues staking rewards over time. A wrapped version, wstETH, was later introduced to simplify integration with DeFi protocols [1]. Lido’s dominance in the market is significant, with 72.9% of the liquid staked ETH market share and 31% of all ETH staked on Ethereum. However, its centralization risk has raised concerns, particularly as it approaches a potential 33% threshold, beyond which network security could be compromised [1].

Rocket Pool is another major player in the LSD space, emphasizing decentralization. It allows users to stake ETH with lower entry barriers compared to Lido, requiring only 16 ETH plus RPL (Rocket Pool’s governance token). Rocket Pool offers a 5-20% commission structure and rewards node operators with additional RPL tokens [1]. Despite its decentralized approach, the platform faces risks related to inflation and the potential devaluation of RPL if market conditions turn unfavorable [1].

Frax Finance has rapidly emerged as a competitive option in the LSD space, having increased its staked ETH by 40% in early 2023 [1]. Frax offers frxETH, a liquid staking derivative that provides higher yields compared to other platforms. The sfrxETH variant, which accrues value over time, offers an annual yield of around 6.63%, outperforming Lido and Rocket Pool. Frax’s integration with Curve Finance and Convex Finance allows users to generate additional yields through liquidity provision and staking incentives [1]. However, as the TVL in frxETH grows, the APR may decline due to the distribution of incentives across a larger user base [1].

StaFi and Stader are newer entrants in the LSD space. StaFi, one of the earliest liquid staking protocols, allows staking with low ETH requirements, but its staking APR is relatively modest at 3.4% [1]. Stader, which previously operated on the Terra chain, is expanding into multi-chain staking and plans to launch ETHx in early 2023. Both projects face challenges related to liquidity, token supply, and market competition [1].

The growing popularity of LSDs is transforming the DeFi landscape by enabling users to generate multiple streams of income from their staked assets. Platforms such as Pendle Finance are also leveraging LSDs to tokenize and trade yield, further expanding the utility of staked assets [1]. As the market evolves, investors are advised to evaluate factors such as yield rates, liquidity, decentralization, and the risk profiles of individual platforms.

The Shanghai upgrade has catalyzed this trend by unlocking staked ETH and improving capital efficiency. As LSDs continue to gain adoption, the ecosystem is expected to see further innovation and competition, particularly in the areas of yield generation, tokenomics, and decentralization [1].

Source:

[1]title:What are Liquid Staking Derivatives (LSDs) and How Do They Unlock Liquidity?

url:https://www.coingecko.com/learn/what-is-liquid-staking-liquid-staked-derivatives-you-need-to-know