SINGAPORE, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The9 Limited (Nasdaq: NCTY) (“The9”) today announced that its wholly-owned Hong Kong subsidiary Vast Ocean International Limited, which operates the9bit, a next-generation gaming hub combining gameplay, top-ups, creator rewards, and community spaces, has entered into a strategic partnership with Yield Guild Games (YGG) — the world’s largest and first Web3 gaming guild. The collaboration aims to help millions of gamers around the world earn real rewards while playing, topping up, and creating content on the9bit. The partnership will officially kick off as the9bit prepares to launch its full platform globally on August 1, 2025.

YGG is known for pioneering the Web3 guild model, with a proven track record of onboarding millions of players. With 11 regional guild partners across Southeast Asia, Latin America, India, and other emerging markets, and 105 Onchain Guilds within its ecosystem, YGG remains a leading force in Web3 gaming communities, unlocking opportunities through a network of over 100 partner projects spanning Web3 games, chains, infrastructure, and adjacent technologies such as AI.

Through this partnership, the9bit will be integrated into YGG’s official onboarding channels and regional guild activities. YGG members will receive exclusive perks, including early access to new features, higher mission bonuses, creator tool boosts, and special community grants to support guild leaders who move their Spaces — the9bit’s unique community hubs — to the platform. The collaboration is designed to drive sustainable growth for both parties by combining YGG’s trusted onboarding model with the9bit’s Web2-friendly user experience, which auto-generates wallets, enables local fiat payments, and offers flexible, token-convertible rewards.

Quote from Gabby Dizon, Co-Founder of Yield Guild Games

“We’re excited to welcome the9bit into the YGG ecosystem. They have a clear vision and they’re building with players in mind — from the Space Mining concept to making major IP games more accessible through platforms like Steam. Their approach to rewards provides real value and encourages players to stay active and engaged. This is the kind of thinking we like to see in Web3, where it’s about making the experience more accessible, rewarding, and player-driven. We’re looking forward to collaborating with the9bit as we help shape the future of player-first ecosystems.”

Quote from Martin Hoon, Head of Web3, The9 Limited

“We’re thrilled to have YGG onboard the9bit platform. With their massive community of Web2 and Web3 gamers, this partnership marks a powerful step in delivering top-tier IP games to a truly global audience. the9bit is revolutionizing what a gaming platform can be — bringing players, creators, leaders, and developers together in one unified space where everyone can earn, grow, and collaborate. We’re building a future where guilds, KOLs, esports teams, and communities can play together, earn together, and own together — and this is just the beginning.”

The9bit plans to work closely with YGG’s regional leaders to roll out co-branded campaigns, live Any Me Anything sessions, in-game missions, and tournaments that highlight how players and creators can earn more together. As the Web3 gaming market matures, both teams believe that lowering technical barriers and focusing on real IP, real earnings, and real communities is the key to attracting the next million players.

YGG’s proven track record in scaling player onboarding will help the9bit quickly expand its base of active users in Southeast Asia and beyond. With YGG’s scholars already demonstrating high engagement and meaningful earnings, this collaboration will onboard hundreds of thousands of highly engaged players, streamers, and community leaders into the9bit’s Spaces—driving content velocity, loyalty, and powerful word-of-mouth growth.

About the9bit

the9bit is a next-generation gaming platform where players can play AAA IP games, top up mobile titles, complete daily missions, watch ads, post content, and lead communities — all while earning flexible, token-convertible points. It combines a simple Web2 UX with a powerful Web3 engine under the hood: auto-generated wallets, local fiat support, optional KYC, and built-in creator tools make it easy for anyone to join. the9bit launched its closed beta on 15 July 2025 and will officially go live on 1 August 2025, inviting gamers, creators, guilds, and publishers to Play Together. Create Together. Own Together.

About The9 Limited

The9 Limited (The9) is an Internet company listed on Nasdaq in 2004. The9 is committed to becoming a global diversified high-tech Internet company and is engaged in online games operation and Bitcoin mining business.

About Yield Guild Games (YGG)

Yield Guild Games (YGG) is a global collective of gamers, creators, and builders turning play into opportunity. Known for pioneering the Web3 guild model with the rise of the play-to-earn movement in 2020, YGG laid the foundation for a new kind of digital coordination: a network of onchain groups, each organized around their own purpose, and united by shared values of collaboration, progression, and ownership. Across all its initiatives, YGG is developing systems where skill is verifiable, contribution is visible, effort is valued, and rewards are shared.

As a Web3 game publisher, YGG is the go-to destination for the “Casual Degen” to discover new games and experiences. Its community-powered model makes YGG both a distribution channel and a launch engine, supporting games from go-to-market to post-launch. It gives developers access to Web3-native contributors who test, shape gameplay, create content, onboard players, and drive engagement from the inside out — while also giving contributors a stake in the ecosystems they help grow. Underlying this is YGG’s guild infrastructure: a coordination layer that enables onchain groups to self-organize at scale and connect with projects that benefit from their experience and reputation.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the9-partners-with-ygg-to-launch-the9bit-gaming-platform-and-accelerate-web3-gaming-adoption-worldwide-302518442.html

SOURCE The9 Limited

The Sui blockchain is undergoing a transformative shift in decentralized finance (DeFi) with the introduction of BTCfi Vaults, enabling users to utilize Bitcoin directly within DeFi protocols without converting it into wrapped tokens [1]. This innovation is reshaping Bitcoin’s role from a passive store of value to an active, programmable asset within Sui’s ecosystem [1]. By allowing Bitcoin to be used natively for lending, staking, and leveraged trading, the Sui network is expanding the utility of Bitcoin in DeFi [1].

Sui’s BTCfi Vaults support a range of Bitcoin-backed tokens, including wBTC, LBTC, tBTC, WBTC, xBTC, and stBTC, offering users multiple trust models and financial strategies [1]. Platforms such as Cetus, Aftermath, and Magma enable users to place limit orders, run dollar-cost averaging strategies, and provide liquidity with minimal slippage [1]. Advanced DeFi platforms like Bluefin and Typus offer perpetuals and options markets, with BTC-backed assets serving as collateral for structured products [1]. Traders can now deposit xBTC in Typus to earn options premiums, and Bluefin allows leveraged positions on wBTC and tBTC [1].

Lending protocols such as AlphaLend, Bucket Protocol, and SuiLend are further expanding Bitcoin’s utility by accepting native BTC-backed assets as collateral [1]. Additionally, auto-compounding vaults from Kai Finance and Navi, along with yield-optimizing strategies from Lotus Finance and Haedal, allow users to maximize returns on their Bitcoin holdings [1]. Metastable introduces a novel staking model where users mint and stake mBTC to earn mPoints, incentivizing long-term participation [1].

A key enabler of this ecosystem is DeepBook, Sui’s on-chain central limit order book. DeepBook facilitates shared liquidity across protocols, ensuring clear price discovery and preventing liquidity fragmentation [1]. This infrastructure allows Bitcoin to drive complex financial strategies on-chain without off-chain intermediaries [1]. Developers can now build new payment rails and yield products on a reliable layer, while traders and liquidity providers gain a versatile toolkit for Bitcoin finance [1].

The surge in SUI’s network activity, which has grown by 145% this month, highlights the rapid adoption of Sui’s smart contract and DeFi infrastructure [1]. Institutional confidence is also rising, with corporate investments exceeding $1 billion in SUI and Binance Coin [1]. Notably, Mill City—a specialty finance firm—allocated $450 million to SUI as part of its corporate treasury strategy [1]. These developments indicate growing institutional recognition and liquidity for the Sui ecosystem [1].

From a price perspective, SUI is currently trading at $3.72, with a 34% gain this month [1]. It recently tested $4.30 resistance, with a breakout potentially pushing the price toward $4.80–$5.00. However, a break below $3.50 could lead to a pullback to $3.20 [1]. Technical indicators remain bullish, with RSI suggesting balanced momentum and key support levels intact [1]. The recent consolidation phase presents accumulation opportunities ahead of a potential upward push [1].

Overall, the introduction of BTCfi Vaults marks a significant milestone for DeFi, bridging the gap between Bitcoin’s dominance as a store of value and its underutilized potential in on-chain financial systems [1]. As more protocols adopt native Bitcoin integration, the DeFi landscape is expected to become more inclusive and efficient [1].

Source: [1] Yield Farming with Bitcoin: How Sui’s BTCfi Vaults Are Changing DeFi (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688bd491c2de366c61fbeed3/)

Myriad Protocol has officially launched on Ethereum Layer-2 network Linea, marking a significant step in its strategy for multichain decentralized finance (DeFi) expansion [1]. The launch enables scalable, low-cost prediction markets, allowing the protocol to serve a growing user base with faster transactions and reduced fees. The move aligns with Myriad’s broader vision to create a new class of DeFi products through innovative prediction contracts, which enable users to speculate on future events in a decentralized and accessible manner.

The integration with Linea is a milestone for the protocol, as it moves beyond the Abstract network to support a multichain ecosystem. Myriad’s co-founder, Ilan Hazan, emphasized that the project views different blockchains as distinct ecosystems rather than competing platforms, allowing for organic growth and broader community integration. By not limiting itself to a single chain, Myriad aims to extend its reach to diverse user bases and continue operating on Abstract while scaling across other networks like Linea.

Prediction contracts are considered a transformative addition to the DeFi space, offering a novel way to deploy capital on-chain. Myriad’s CEO, Loxley Fernandes, likened the potential of these contracts to that of ERC-20 tokens, suggesting they could become a widely adopted and utility-driven financial instrument within decentralized finance. This new product class opens avenues for users to engage with DeFi beyond traditional assets, enhancing participation and innovation in the sector.

Looking ahead, Myriad’s development team is working on a pipeline of features to further improve distribution and user interaction. These include restaking mechanisms and infrastructure enhancements aimed at revolutionizing content creation and consumption globally. DASTAN’s President, Farokh Sarmad, noted that the project’s ambitions have grown substantially, with the goal of achieving 10 times the initial impact envisioned during its early stages.

For users, engaging with Myriad on Linea involves signing into their account, bridging assets such as USDC to the Linea network, and placing predictions through the platform’s interface. The process underscores the protocol’s commitment to seamless and user-friendly participation in decentralized prediction markets. As the project continues its expansion, the combination of multichain support and innovative financial instruments positions Myriad as a key player in the evolving DeFi landscape.

Source: [1] Myriad Protocol Launches on Ethereum Layer-2 Linea, Signaling Potential Multichain DeFi Expansion (https://en.coinotag.com/myriad-protocol-launches-on-ethereum-layer-2-linea-signaling-potential-multichain-defi-expansion/)

The Ethereum Torch NFT, launched to commemorate Ethereum’s 10th anniversary, concluded its minting phase with a record-breaking 780,000 NFTs minted across more than 660,000 unique Ethereum wallet addresses [1]. The project, which ran for 10 days, offered participants a symbolic and interactive way to engage with Ethereum’s history by “passing the torch” from one wallet to another, visually representing the network’s decentralized and community-driven ethos [1]. The initiative succeeded in fostering broad participation due to its low entry barrier—essentially free to mint, aside from minimal gas fees—and its social, interactive mechanism [1].

The success of the Ethereum Torch NFT is a reflection of the strong and diverse engagement from the Ethereum community, far beyond traditional NFT collectors. The sheer scale of participation highlights the accessibility and inclusivity of the event, demonstrating that the Ethereum network can support a high volume of transactions without significant congestion [1]. This also underscores the robustness of the Ethereum infrastructure and its ability to facilitate community-driven digital initiatives on a large scale [1].

A unique aspect of the Ethereum Torch NFT is its planned obsolescence. On July 30, all minted NFTs will be burned—sent to an unspendable blockchain address—effectively removing them from circulation. This action, while finalizing the commemorative period, also emphasizes the symbolic nature of the event. The burn marks the conclusion of the relay-like celebration, reinforcing the idea that the NFT’s value lies not in its tradability but in its role as a shared digital artifact [1]. The transaction history of each NFT will remain on the blockchain, serving as a permanent record of individual participation [1].

The Ethereum Torch NFT has set a precedent for future digital commemorations in the blockchain space. It demonstrates that the value of NFTs can extend beyond monetary speculation and into community-building, historical documentation, and interactive storytelling [1]. The project reaffirms Ethereum’s position as a dynamic and innovative blockchain platform, capable of fostering widespread engagement through creative digital experiences [1]. It also highlights the potential for future NFT projects to prioritize accessibility and communal engagement over profit, opening new avenues for creative and educational uses of blockchain technology [1].

The Ethereum Torch NFT’s legacy will be preserved through the blockchain’s immutable record, ensuring that the event remains a part of Ethereum’s history even after the NFTs themselves are removed from circulation [1]. The 780,000 participants, now part of a shared digital narrative, have contributed to a unique chapter in Ethereum’s journey, illustrating the power of collective participation in shaping the future of decentralized systems [1].

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[1] https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688b9ead975515507af33498/

Injective, a Layer 1 blockchain platform, has announced the tokenization of shares in SharpLink, a prominent Ethereum treasury company, marking a significant step in the evolution of tokenized assets [1]. This initiative, described as the first “Digital Asset Treasury” (DAT), brings SharpLink’s publicly traded stock SBET onto Injective’s blockchain via the iAssets framework, a novel system that enables native programmability and cross-protocol compatibility for traditional assets [1].

The move allows SBET holders to interact with their shares in a more dynamic way, including use as collateral, in derivatives, and within structured financial products. By transforming a static corporate Ether reserve into a yield-bearing on-chain asset, Injective aims to expand the functionality of traditional financial instruments within decentralized finance [1]. The SBET DAT also introduces governance hooks and integrated liquidity, enabling seamless integration across lending markets and other DeFi protocols.

SharpLink, which holds approximately 360,807 ETH valued at around $1.3 billion, has been a key player in the Ethereum treasury space. The firm has attracted significant interest in its ETH acquisition and staking strategy, particularly following its collaboration with Consensys employees [1]. While it lags behind BitMine in terms of ETH holdings, SharpLink remains one of the most actively managed treasury firms in the sector. However, over the past 24 hours, SBET shares have traded down over 12%, currently valued at $22.63 with a market cap of $2.6 billion [1].

Injective’s tokenization of SBET shares aligns with broader trends in the crypto market, including the tokenization of equities by platforms like Robinhood and Kraken, as well as the rising interest in corporate crypto treasuries [1]. The platform, backed by Binance, Jump Crypto, and Pantera Capital, has been expanding its capabilities through cross-chain EVM support and on-chain trading features for spot, futures, and options.

The announcement follows recent regulatory developments, including Canary Capital’s ETF filing for INJ, Injective’s native token. INJ currently trades around $13.91, having reached a peak of $52.62 in March 2024 [1]. The tokenization of SharpLink shares could further solidify Injective’s position as a leader in tokenized finance, offering real-world asset exposure through a decentralized framework.

As tokenization continues to gain traction, platforms like Injective are redefining the boundaries of asset ownership and investment. By enabling traditional financial instruments to operate within a blockchain environment, the initiative reflects a growing convergence between conventional finance and decentralized ecosystems [1].

Sources:

[1] Mirza – X

https://x.com/mirza

[2] Joseph Chalom joins SharpLink Gaming as co-CEO, jumps

https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/2d601-sharplink-gaming-joseph-chalom-as-co-ceo

[3] Altcoins News, Latest Stories & Analysis

https://invezz.com/news/cryptocurrency/altcoins/

NFT sales surged in July, reaching $574 million in total volume, the second-highest monthly total of the year, according to data from CryptoSlam. This represents a 47.6% increase compared to June’s $388.9 million, although it remains below the peak of $678.9 million recorded in January [1]. Despite the robust sales figures, the total number of transactions dipped by 9%, falling to 5 million from 5.5 million in the prior month [1].

The average sale value rose sharply to $113.08, the highest in six months, signaling a shift in buyer behavior. Unique buyer participation dropped by 17% to 713,085, while unique sellers increased by 9% to 405,505, highlighting a growing concentration in the market [1].

Ethereum-based NFTs were at the center of the July boom. The price of ETH rose by 62% in late July, climbing from around $2,400 to over $3,900, and remains above $3,800 [1]. This rally directly lifted valuations across Ethereum NFT collections. According to NFT Price Floor, all of the top 10 NFT collections by market cap over the past 30 days were Ethereum-based [1]. CryptoPunks led the pack with $69.2 million in total value traded, followed by Pudgy Penguins at $55.5 million. Pudgy Penguins saw the most significant growth, with a 65.44% increase in floor price, outpacing collections like Bored Ape Yacht Club and Mutant Ape Yacht Club [1].

Ethereum-based NFTs accounted for $275.6 million in sales in July, a 56% rise compared to the previous month [1]. Bitcoin and Polygon followed with $74.3 million and $71.6 million in NFT sales, respectively [1].

Performance across other blockchains was mixed. Cardano posted the highest percentage growth, with a 102% increase in NFT sales [1]. Solana saw a more modest 8% rise [1]. Meanwhile, Polygon and BNB Chain experienced sharp declines, with NFT sales falling 51.1% and 54% respectively [1].

Although transaction numbers and buyer participation have declined, the rising average sale values and dominance of high-profile NFT collections suggest that the market is increasingly prioritizing quality over quantity. Higher-value transactions are attracting more substantial capital, indicating a maturation of the NFT market [1].

Source: [1] NFTs See July Boom with Over $574M in Sales, Ethereum Takes the Lead (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688b792e680c444f8ca7e94d/)

NFT sales surged to $574 million in July 2025, a 47.6% increase from the previous month, driven by a 6-month high average sale value of $113.08. Despite a 9% drop in the number of transactions, the market saw a shift toward fewer but higher-value purchases, indicating growing confidence in premium NFTs [1]. This trend was largely fueled by Ethereum-based collections, which dominated market capitalization and trading volume. The top 10 NFT collections by value were all Ethereum-based, with CryptoPunks and Pudgy Penguins leading the way. CryptoPunks recorded over $69.2 million in trading volume, while Pudgy Penguins saw a 65.44% rise in floor prices, outpacing blue-chip collections like BAYC and MAYC [1].

Ethereum’s NFT sales alone totaled $275.6 million in July, a 56% increase from June, reflecting the broader influence of Ethereum’s price rally, which pushed Ether above $3,900. Bitcoin and Polygon also saw significant sales at $74.3 million and $71.6 million, respectively. However, Polygon and BNB Chain experienced notable declines, with sales dropping by 51.1% and 54% month-over-month, while Cardano recorded the highest growth rate at 102% [1].

The buyer-seller dynamic in July revealed signs of market consolidation. Unique buyers dropped by 17% to 713,085, whereas unique sellers increased by 9% to 405,505. This suggests a shift toward fewer buyers acquiring higher-value assets, indicating a more mature market where demand is increasingly concentrated on premium NFTs rather than volume-driven trading [1].

The growth in Ethereum-based NFTs aligns with broader investor sentiment in the digital asset space. As Ethereum’s price climbed, so did the valuations of NFTs built on its blockchain. This correlation highlights the role of underlying blockchain performance in shaping NFT market dynamics. Additionally, the rise of Pudgy Penguins, which outperformed several established blue-chip collections, suggests that emerging NFT projects can still capture significant value and market attention [1].

Despite the decline in the number of transactions and buyers, the overall sales volume and rising average prices point to a market that is evolving toward higher-value assets. This shift may indicate that NFT buyers are becoming more selective, prioritizing quality and rarity over quantity. The trend also signals a potential long-term shift in NFT trading behavior, with investors focusing on strategic, value-driven acquisitions rather than speculative, high-volume trades [1].

The July 2025 data underscores the importance of blockchain ecosystems in shaping NFT market outcomes. Ethereum remains the dominant player, but the contrasting performances of different blockchains—such as the sharp declines for Polygon and BNB Chain—highlight the evolving nature of the NFT landscape. Investors and collectors must continue to monitor these blockchain-specific trends to navigate the market effectively.

Source: [1] Ethereum-Based NFTs Could See Increased Market Activity Amid July Sales Surge and Rising Average Values (https://en.coinotag.com/ethereum-based-nfts-could-see-increased-market-activity-amid-july-sales-surge-and-rising-average-values/)

Ethereum’s dApp ecosystem is on track for a significant expansion in 2025, with projections indicating that its decentralized application activity will not only match but likely surpass 2024 levels. The growth is underpinned by a combination of technological advancements, evolving use cases, and sustained developer interest. Analysts point to the continued adoption of Layer-2 (L2) solutions, the maturation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the resilience of decentralized finance (DeFi) as the key drivers behind this momentum [1].

The surge in dApp activity reflects the broadening engagement with decentralized applications across multiple sectors, including DeFi, NFTs, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Metrics such as daily active users, transaction volumes, and total value locked (TVL) show a consistent upward trend, reinforcing the platform’s robustness [1]. Ethereum’s enduring relevance stems from its foundational strengths: a battle-tested security model, a large and active developer community, and the deep liquidity it offers within the Web3 space.

According to DappRadar analyst Sara Gherghelas, the NFT market has evolved beyond digital art and collectibles to include utility in gaming, identity systems, and real-world asset tokenization. This diversification has expanded the appeal of NFTs, contributing to sustained user interaction and transaction volume [1]. Meanwhile, L2 solutions like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync have made dApp usage more accessible by reducing costs and improving scalability. These networks allow for seamless and low-cost interactions while inheriting the security of the Ethereum mainnet, attracting both developers and users [1].

In DeFi, Ethereum remains the dominant network, hosting the majority of TVL and user activity. The sector has continued to evolve, introducing innovations such as yield farming, liquid staking derivatives, and real-world asset tokenization. These advancements keep DeFi competitive and relevant, reinforcing Ethereum’s central role in high-value Web3 applications [1].

Despite growing competition from chains like Solana and BNB Chain, Ethereum maintains its leadership due to its superior security, strong network effects, and extensive developer support. While rivals offer faster throughput and lower fees, Ethereum’s robust infrastructure and established ecosystem remain unmatched [1]. The ongoing development of L2s and potential future protocol upgrades are expected to further enhance scalability and user experience, making Ethereum even more attractive for dApp development.

Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to see increased dApp activity, driven by greater L2 adoption, institutional interest, and emerging use cases in areas such as decentralized social media and digital identity. However, challenges remain, including regulatory uncertainty and the need for improved user experience to facilitate mass adoption. Innovations like account abstraction and ZK rollups offer potential solutions, enhancing usability and scalability [1].

For users, the recommendation is to explore dApps on L2s for lower fees and faster transactions while using intuitive wallets that support multiple networks. For developers, focusing on L2 platforms and prioritizing user-friendly design is key to leveraging Ethereum’s growth potential.

Ethereum’s dApp ecosystem continues to evolve, demonstrating its adaptability and enduring influence in the Web3 landscape. As the platform moves forward, it not only sustains its leadership but also sets the stage for a broader, more inclusive decentralized future [1].

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Source:

[1] [Ethereum dApp Activity: Why It’s Thriving and Set to Surpass 2024 Levels](https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688b17e90eb4160cb4e8d016/)