The cryptocurrency market is witnessing significant developments with three prominent projects: Solana (SOL), Chainlink (LINK), and BlockDAG (BDAG). Each of these projects is attracting attention for different reasons, reflecting the dynamic nature of the current market landscape.

Solana (SOL) has experienced a notable price surge, surpassing the $150 mark. This upward movement is supported by strong technical indicators, particularly the steady backing from the MA(25) and MA(7) levels, which confirm a stable upward trend. The price remaining above $150 indicates a firm position for Solana, bolstering confidence in its short-term outlook. The rising presence of USDC within the Solana ecosystem, with over $2.75 billion minted in the past two months and zero redemptions, points to growing demand in its decentralized finance (DeFi) segment. This increase in stablecoin activity, coupled with a clean chart structure, suggests that SOL has the potential to continue rising, especially if it maintains its position above the $148 to $150 support zone.

Meanwhile, Chainlink (LINK) is experiencing significant whale activity, with approximately 85 million LINK removed from exchanges, resulting in a 40 percent drop in available supply. This action indicates that larger holders are accumulating LINK, potentially preparing for future price movements. LINK’s price has remained within a tight band between $12.76 and $14.00, with retail activity staying quiet. This pattern resembles Bitcoin’s accumulation phase from 2023, where quiet accumulation eventually led to a sharp upward move. Analysts view this Chainlink (LINK) whale action as a signal that a potential rally could begin once demand from smaller buyers returns. The $13.50 mark is now a critical resistance level, and a break above it could push LINK toward $14.50 or even $15.00. As more LINK leaves exchanges and interest from larger players grows, the reduced supply could drive rapid price action, making it crucial to track reserve levels and resistance areas to position buyers ahead of any breakout.

BlockDAG (BDAG) is also gaining traction with its fast-moving presale and the launch of a $2 million USDT Summer Raffle. With $334 million already raised and 23.7 billion coins sold, BlockDAG is progressing through batch 29, offering a limited-time price of $0.0016 until August 11. Since batch 1, buyers have seen a return of 2,660% compared to the current batch price of $0.0276. The raffle features three tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with increasing prize potentials and minimum purchase requirements. The Bronze Tier requires a minimum purchase of $100 with a prize potential of up to $250,000 USDT, the Silver Tier requires $200 with a prize potential of up to $500,000 USDT, and the Gold Tier requires $400 with a grand prize of $2 million USDT. All qualifying purchases earn multiple entries, and winners will be announced through official platforms. BlockDAG’s raffle system and structured pricing highlight its drive for adoption, positioning it strongly among the top cryptos to buy now.

In summary, the cryptocurrency market is experiencing a surge in activity with Solana (SOL) showing strong market support, Chainlink (LINK) experiencing significant whale action, and BlockDAG (BDAG) attracting attention with its presale and raffle campaign. These developments indicate a dynamic and evolving market landscape, with each project offering unique opportunities for investors. As momentum picks up, market watchers are closely tracking these projects, which have strong setups and potential for growth. The Solana (SOL) price surge above $150 is backed by reliable support and consistent inflows from stablecoins, indicating a durable trend. Chainlink (LINK) whale action has created a 40 percent drop in available supply, forming the basis for a possible breakout if demand builds. BlockDAG offers one of the lowest current entry prices in the market with its $0.0016 limited-time price and a high-reward raffle campaign, making it an attractive option for investors. With $334 million raised and over 23.7 billion coins already sold, BlockDAG offers both affordability and excitement, positioning it strongly among the top cryptos to buy now.

Blazpay, a cutting-edge decentralized payment infrastructure provider, has partnered with Onmi AR, an advanced augmented reality (AR) role-playing game (RPG) that delivers a fusion of worldwide exploration with real-world benefits. The collaboration aims to redefine GameFi and broader Web3 gaming sector. The platform shared the details of this joint effort in a recent social media post on X.

Blazpay Partners with Onmi AR, Redefining GameFi and Web3 Gaming

The partnership between Blazpay and Onmi AR is focused on boosting the evolution of narrative-led and immersive gaming experiences. In this respect, the partnership integrates DeFi-driven incentives, attention-grasping storytelling, and augmented reality to offer a dynamic and seamless platform. Hence, the partnership is poised to enhance community participation across the globe.

Omni AR is widely known as a treasure map role-playing game that combines location-based exploration and interactive storytelling. Thus, players carry out AR adventures across the globe, unveiling digital treasures and solving puzzles. In addition to this, the integration of the payment protocol of Blazpay offers a crucial financial layer to the user experience. This ensures transparent, rapid, and secure reward systems via decentralized finance (DeFi).

Bridging Physical and Digital Worlds with Rewarding Opportunities for Gamers

As per Blazpay, while Web3 gaming continues to make innovative advancements, this collaboration underscores the decentralized networks’ increased potential to reward users. Additionally, the partnership also bridges the physical and digital worlds in unparalleled ways. Moreover, the initiative shows a broader trend of making GameFi and Web3 gaming seamless and entertaining for players.

BOCA RATON, FL, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DeFi Development Corp. DFDV (the “Company”) the first public company with a treasury strategy built to accumulate and compound Solana (“SOL”), today announced it has integrated DoubleZero into its validator operations. This marks an early step in evaluating advanced observability and monitoring solutions designed to improve validator performance and network resilience.

DoubleZero is a global fiber network for high-performance distributed systems, designed to address the limitations of the public internet for blockchain workloads. DoubleZero offers an alternative, packet-optimized network that improves transaction routing, reduces latency, and increases validator efficiency while maintaining decentralization and cryptoeconomic guarantees by enabling permissionless contributions of underutilized fiber bandwidth.

“We’re excited to experiment with tools like DoubleZero that push the Solana infrastructure stack forward,” said Parker White, CIO & COO of DeFi Dev Corp. “As a public company committed to both institutional-grade uptime and community-aligned staking, solutions that reduce friction and increase reliability are core to our validator strategy.”

Austin Federa, Co-Founder of DoubleZero, added, “The public internet wasn’t built for the performance demands of blockchain networks. DoubleZero is designed to fill that gap, providing the kind of dedicated, low-latency infrastructure validators need to operate at scale. Collaborating with DeFi Dev Corp. at this stage is an important step toward proving what’s possible when distributed systems have a purpose-built network beneath them.”

This integration is part of DeFi Dev Corp.’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure experimentation and innovation in the Solana ecosystem. The company’s validator program plays a key role in its broader SOL-denominated treasury strategy, providing both technical support to the network and compounding SOL on behalf of shareholders.

About DeFi Development Corp.

DeFi Development Corp. DFDV has adopted a treasury policy under which the principal holding in its treasury reserve is allocated to SOL. Through this strategy, the Company provides investors with direct economic exposure to SOL, while also actively participating in the growth of the Solana ecosystem. In addition to holding and staking SOL, DeFi Development Corp. operates its own validator infrastructure, generating staking rewards and fees from delegated stake. The Company is also engaged across decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities and continues to explore innovative ways to support and benefit from Solana’s expanding application layer.

The Company is an AI-powered online platform that connects the commercial real estate industry by providing data and software subscriptions, as well as value-add services, to multifamily and commercial property professionals, as the Company connects the increasingly complex ecosystem that stakeholders have to manage.

The Company currently serves more than one million web users annually, including multifamily and commercial property owners and developers applying for billions of dollars of debt financing per year, professional service providers, and thousands of multifamily and commercial property lenders, including more than 10% of the banks in America, credit unions, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), debt funds, Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac® multifamily lenders, FHA multifamily lenders, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) lenders, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lenders, and more. The Company’s data and software offerings are generally offered on a subscription basis as software as a service (“SaaS”).

About DoubleZero DoubleZero is a purpose-built network for modern, high-performance distributed systems. Leveraging fiber links from independent network contributors, DoubleZero offers increased bandwidth and reduced latency for high-performance blockchains by providing an open, decentralized, permissionless network. In short, the DoubleZero Network is a new internet optimized for distributed systems. To learn more, visit: https://doublezero.xyz.

Forward-Looking Statements This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,”, “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: (i) fluctuations in the market price of SOL and any associated impairment charges that the Company may incur as a result of a decrease in the market price of SOL below the value at which the Company’s SOL are carried on its balance sheet; (ii) the effect of and uncertainties related the ongoing volatility in interest rates; (iii) our ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the future; (iv) the impact on our business of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment including changes in securities laws or other laws or regulations; (v) changes in the accounting treatment relating to the Company’s SOL holdings; (vi) our ability to respond to general economic conditions; (vii) our ability to manage our growth effectively and our expectations regarding the development and expansion of our business; (viii) our ability to access sources of capital, including debt financing and other sources of capital to finance operations and growth and (ix) other risks and uncertainties more fully in the section captioned “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports we file with the SEC. As a result of these matters, changes in facts, assumptions not being realized or other circumstances, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from the expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Investor Contact:

ir@defidevcorp.com 

Media Contact:

Prosek Partners

pro-ddc@prosek.com 

The Web3 gaming landscape has faced a brutal reckoning, with over 90% of projects faltering amid overhyped promises and shaky foundations. Yet, amid the collapse, a reset is underway, shifting focus from speculation to sustainable gameplay. Open Loot stands tall, proving that quality and player-first design can thrive. With Big Time, Shatterpoint, and Kokodi, it’s redefining the future—here’s what’s next.

The Reset: From Hype to Humility

Web3 gaming’s early boom, fueled by play-to-earn mania and NFT hype, crashed hard. High-profile shutdowns like Nyan Heroes and MetalCore signal a market purge, with many projects built on financial engineering rather than fun. The industry’s survival hinges on a pivot: prioritizing engaging experiences over token-driven gimmicks. Open Loot leads this shift, leveraging blockchain for ownership and economies without overshadowing gameplay.

Open Loot: The Survivor

Open Loot remains a beacon with $540M in marketplace volume and $208M in primary sales. Its infrastructure—gasless NFTs, seamless wallets, and fiat on-ramps—empowers developers to focus on quality, backed by a $150M fund for Web3 studios. Unlike failed ventures, Open Loot’s success lies in hiding blockchain’s complexity, letting games speak for themselves. Big Time, Shatterpoint, and Kokodi exemplify this resilience.

Big Time: Action-Driven Revival

Big Time by Big Time Studios delivers time-traveling action across ancient and futuristic battlegrounds. NFT gear and Epoch Chests add value, enhancing the thrill without dominating the experience. Its Open Access launch drew thousands, lauding its AAA polish. On Open Loot, Big Time proves players stay for fun, with blockchain as a quiet enhancer.

Shatterpoint: Combat-Focused Endurance

Shatterpoint thrives in a fractured universe, blending intense PvP and PvE combat. Players navigate treacherous landscapes, mastering skills to dominate arenas and team missions. NFT weapons and armor, tradable on Open Loot’s marketplace, offer customization without disrupting the action, keeping strategy and survival at the forefront.

Kokodi: Innovative Staying Power

Kokodi by KOKODI Games stands out with Plan B(ox)—insurance-themed loot boxes. The July 2025 sale of B(ox) Eggs (552/1,000 remaining at $59 each) protects in-game loot, ensuring recovery from risky raids. Powered by Open Loot’s marketplace, this unique mechanic keeps players engaged in high-stakes gameplay, not blockchain tech.

What Comes Next: A Player-First Future

The reset demands a focus on fun, not finance. Open Loot’s model—simplified tech, trusted economies, and engaging features like Kokodi’s loot insurance—builds trust. Trending on X, sentiment suggests a maturing industry, with players valuing real ownership and fair play over hype. The future lies in games that stand on merit, with blockchain as a silent backbone.

CTA: Explore the Web3 Gaming Reset with Open Loot

Native token of decentralized finance (DeFi) lender Aave {{AAVE}} on Tuesday rallied to its strongest price in three weeks, topping $290 as the DeFi lending sector is heating up.

AAVE saw considerable volatility throughout Monday and Tuesday, rebounding from the nadir of $277.57 to $291.11, gaining some 5%, according to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis data.

Volume patterns remained robust throughout the period, with notable spikes during the 12:00-12:13 breakout phase exceeding 2,000 units, confirming authentic buying interest and validating the sustained recovery from earlier session lows, the model noted.

The recovery pattern suggests substantial purchasing interest at lower levels around $277.00-$280.00, establishing potential support zones for future price action, the model suggested.

The move happened as the broader DeFi lending space is enjoying a renaissance. Total value locked (TVL) in the sector soared to new highs above $56 billion, well surpassing the 2022 peak levels, DefiLlama data shows.

Aave is playing a dominant role in the growing trend: The protocol commands $26.4 billion in TVL across seventeen blockchains, per DefiLlama data. That means Aave have more assets on the platform than the 30 next rival lending protocols altogether, one market observer noted.

Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.

Binance Alpha, a specialized platform within the Binance ecosystem, has recently highlighted Space Nation (OIK) as a promising early-stage crypto project. This move underscores the growing importance of Web3 gaming and metaverse ventures in the crypto innovation landscape. Binance Alpha is designed to elevate projects with significant potential, emphasizing community engagement and market relevance. The inclusion of Space Nation (OIK) reflects this approach, positioning the platform as a gateway for investors seeking exposure to innovative digital assets before mainstream adoption.

Space Nation (OIK) is a strategic addition to Binance Alpha’s portfolio, focusing on the rapidly expanding Web3 gaming and metaverse sectors. The project aims to create an immersive digital universe where the OIK token serves as both a utility and governance asset. This dual role enhances user engagement and decentralizes decision-making, aligning with Binance Alpha’s emphasis on community-driven projects. The selection of Space Nation signals confidence in its potential to innovate gameplay mechanics and economic models within the metaverse landscape.

One of the defining features of Binance Alpha is its facilitation of on-chain trading, enabling users to transact directly on the blockchain. This approach offers several advantages, including enhanced transparency, improved security, and adherence to decentralization principles. By integrating on-chain trading within the Binance Wallet, Alpha simplifies user interaction with nascent tokens like OIK, reducing friction and increasing accessibility for both novice and experienced investors.

On-chain trading through Binance Alpha provides transparency, as all transactions are publicly verifiable, fostering trust and accountability. It also enhances security by allowing users to retain control of their assets during trades, minimizing custodial risks. Additionally, it aligns with blockchain’s core ethos by reducing reliance on intermediaries and streamlines token swaps and liquidity provision through direct connection to the Binance Wallet.

Binance Alpha’s project vetting process is designed to maintain high standards and deliver value to its user base. Key criteria include community engagement, evaluating active participation, sentiment, and governance involvement to gauge project resilience. The platform also prioritizes projects that reflect or define emerging sectors such as NFTs, DeFi, and metaverse innovations. Space Nation’s inclusion exemplifies this strategy, as it aligns with the burgeoning Web3 gaming trend and demonstrates a vibrant community presence.

Engaging with early-stage projects on Binance Alpha requires a disciplined approach due to inherent risks. Investors should conduct thorough research, including whitepapers, team credentials, and roadmap analysis. They should also recognize the volatility and potential for technical challenges inherent in nascent projects and allocate only a manageable portion of their portfolio to high-risk assets. Monitoring ongoing community and development activity for transparency and progress, as well as utilizing Binance Wallet’s security and on-chain trading features, can enhance transaction safety.

By integrating projects like Space Nation (OIK), Binance Alpha reinforces its position as a crucial platform for early-stage crypto discovery. Its unique combination of rigorous curation, seamless on-chain trading, and community focus offers users a trusted environment to explore innovative digital assets. As the crypto market evolves, platforms like Binance Alpha will be instrumental in connecting investors with the next generation of decentralized applications and tokens.

Binance Alpha’s recent spotlight on Space Nation (OIK) exemplifies its commitment to fostering innovation within the crypto space. Through a meticulous selection process and integrated on-chain trading, Alpha provides a secure and accessible avenue for investors to engage with promising early-stage projects. This approach not only enhances discovery but also supports the sustainable growth of emerging sectors like Web3 gaming and the metaverse, positioning Binance Alpha as a vital player in the future of decentralized finance.