Tortola, British Virgin Islands, January 31st, 2025, Chainwire

Funtico, the full-stack Web3 gaming platform, announced the launch of its platform to players worldwide. With this launch, users utilize $TICO within Funtico’s ecosystem, the largest gaming platform on Avalanche.

Players can now deposit $TICO directly into their Funtico accounts, secured and insured by BitGo. Deposits can be made through the Avalanche C-Chain network. Additionally, players can purchase $TICO directly with a credit or debit card, facilitated by Funtico’s licensed payment provider, Simplex.

Funtico’s platform also brings Verified Account authenticity features that unlocks a range of exclusive benefits for users that verify their identity, enhancing the gaming experience with added security and rewards.

The launch also brings a host of new features, platform native rewards, and gameplay designed to enrich engagement and reward active players:

• Funtico Shop – Players can use $TICO to purchase Golden Tickets (for the ongoing $100K tournament) and Diamond Capsules, with more assets coming soon.
• Daily Bonus & Wheel of Fortune – Players earn one XP and a free spin daily. Maintaining a 3-day streak grants three additional spins, offering 12 different rewards.
• Capsules – Funtico game play is enhanced with Capsules of varying value, unlocking characters, collectibles, and essential in-game resources.
• TICO Bar – An in-platform Mini-game where spins are earned through platform engagement. Players accumulate points and can hit a “jackpot”.
• Infinity Case – Players unlock loot packs containing Infinity Items or Infinity Item Shards, the first NFT-minted assets within Funtico.
• Shards & Forging – Users that collect 100 shards can forge new items.
• Experience Points & Progression – Earn XP through platform engagement, leveling up to unlock customizable assets and Progress Chests containing rewards.
• Seasonal Progression – Monthly challenges offering unique rewards for players. 

The new set of gamified features positions Funtico as an ideal blend of web2 gaming experience and familiarity, with web3 benefits to incentivize user engagement.

With the platform launch, Funtico is debuting two substantial tournaments: Solitaire Slam and the Formula Funtico tournaments, playable on both desktop and mobile. Solitaire Slam offers a prize pool of 150,000 $TICO, playable until Monday February 3rd, and Formula Funtico with a pool of 100,000 USDT, that users are invited to join until Sunday, February 2nd.

Tournament Structure:

• Tournament Name: Solitaire Slam – Welcome to Funtico 
• Entry Fee: 25 $TICO (max 3 entries per player – 75 $TICO total)
• Unlimited Participants
• Top 210 Players Win $TICO
• Players Ranked 211-500 Win a Gift Box containing various platform rewards
• Tournament Name: Formula Funtico – The Start of a Revolution
• Entry Fee: 15 Golden Tickets can be purchased for 15 entries
• Unlimited Participants
• Rewards:
• 1st: $50,000 NFT Voucher
• 2nd: $20,000 NFT Voucher
• 3rd: $10,000 NFT Voucher
• 4th: $4,000 NFT Voucher
• 5th: $3,000 NFT Voucher
• 6th: $2,500 NFT Voucher
• 7th: $2,000 NFT Voucher
• 8th: $1,500 NFT Voucher
• 9th: $1,000 NFT Voucher

About Funtico

Funtico is at the forefront of merging blockchain technology with the gaming industry, creating an ecosystem where players are incentivized and rewarded through decentralized means. The $TICO Token is central to this ecosystem, offering innovative solutions for gamers and developers alike. Funtico offers a comprehensive Platform as a service (PaaS) solution for game developers, providing publishing support, reward systems, Web3 integration via API/SDK, tokenomics expertise, and management tools, designed to connect games with a thriving player community.

Disclosure:

⁠This press release does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any digital asset. Recipients should conduct their own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any decisions. This offer is not intended for residents of the United States or Canada.

Website | X | Telegram | Discord | YouTube

Contact

Doron Wesly
[email protected]
+1-347-987-0675

This week, GameFi and AI Agents dropped a lot in value but some seem to think it’s a match made in heaven—or should I say Valhalla?

• GameFi is down 2% but optimism remains
• Powell announced banks can serve crypto customers
• Ronin’s AI tool enhances NPCs and game development
• Animoca Brands goes to Davos
• Photo Finish Live partners with BlockBet

Market Overview

Even though the market is down, we have not broken the structure and are still about 29% away from the bottom in August last year.

It does look like we are slowly but surely forming an uptrend. Hopium (real)!

Top Gainers:

Top Decliners:

• KGen’s UAW soars by 118.46% as they collaborate with Sovrun.
• LOL surges by 68.81% believing that laughter is the ultimate expression of human connection, and they are using AI to amplify it globally.
• Pixudi rises by 28.38% with 1.6M active users (+70% in the past three months).
• World of Dypians gains 23.97% as their native utility token goes live to 450 million EU citizens.
• STAN is up 7.87%, and they claim to be the No.1 hangout for gamers.

AI Agents For Gaming

These agents can act as highly intelligent personal assistants, handling tasks like blockchain integration and smart contract execution. While they still require human input, rapid advancements suggest fully autonomous AI-driven experiences will be here soon.

Gaming is a major frontier for AI agents, enabling adaptive NPCs, dynamic environments, and real-time content generation. By analyzing player behavior, these AI-driven characters show realistic emotions and interact accordingly.

Beyond NPCs, AI agents will reshape game development by designing quests, landscapes, and personalized storylines, reducing costs and time for studios.

Ronin Gaming Network’s AI Agent Tool

Unlike traditional imitation-based AI, reinforcement learning agents improve through rewards and punishments, making them more adaptive and strategic. Ronin players will help train these AI models, which will later compete autonomously.

Following the initial rollout, Ronin developers will receive an NRN gaming SDK to integrate AI into their games. Potential applications include smarter NPCs, AI-driven in-game economies, and automated AI-vs-AI battles.

Photo Finish Live Partners With BlockBet

Off The Grid’s Token Launch

What You Can Do Now

• Focus on quality over hype: look out for games people play for fun rather than just for earning.
• Check for real utility and in-game integration: projects where tokens and NFTs have multiple use cases within the game such as staking, upgrades, and crafting, tend to be more sustainable.
• Evaluate team experience and transparency: teams with a proven track record in gaming or blockchain are more likely to deliver.
• Assess community activity and growth: high player retention and active communities (Discord, Twitter, Reddit) show that a game can attract and keep players.
• Check out all the latest developments where AI meets gaming.

This article contains links to third-party websites or other content for information purposes only (“Third-Party Sites”). The Third-Party Sites are not under the control of CoinMarketCap, and CoinMarketCap is not responsible for the content of any Third-Party Site, including without limitation any link contained in a Third-Party Site, or any changes or updates to a Third-Party Site. CoinMarketCap is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by CoinMarketCap of the site or any association with its operators.
This article is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only. It is important to do your own research and analysis before making any material decisions related to any of the products or services described. This article is not intended as, and shall not be construed as, financial advice.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s [company’s] own and do not necessarily reflect those of CoinMarketCap.

Kalp Network and Golden Cat established a strategic partnership to bring together blockchain innovation and wildlife conservation through impactful programs. The partnership brings innovative Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization methods to Web3 gaming while establishing connections between traditional finance and digital systems.

Golden Cat: Redefining Web3 Gaming

Through its unique platform, the Web3 gaming leader Golden Cat permits players to adopt virtual cats, care for them, and collect them. The platform allows users to earn $GCT tokens as they integrate DeFi functionality alongside gameplay elements. Players from around the globe are drawn to Golden Cat because its gameplay system links interactive entertainment with wildlife preservation activities through its dual mission structure.

Kalp Network: Pioneering RWA Tokenization

Kalp Network introduced a permissioned cross-chain system for handling RWA tokenization. The platform implements extensive KYC and AML compliance protocols to offer investors robust security and enhanced transparency across retail and institutional investor segments. It’s focus on digital finance integration agrees exactly with Golden Cat’s mission, thus creating a collaborative partnership.

The Partnership: Gaming Meets Real-World Assets

The partnership between Kalp Network and Golden Cat enables the development of Web3 gaming alongside wildlife conservation initiatives through their strategic alignment. Through the partnership, Golden Cat speeds up its implementation of Kalp’s cross-chain infrastructure, enabling improved tokenization features alongside financial innovation in its gaming platform. 

Through this combined approach, the virtual economic system will grow stronger, and its users will now have the chance to support actual societal initiatives actively.

From RWA tokenization solutions, Kalp Network provides Golden Cat with a suitable and protective infrastructure to develop new features. Through their partnership, they pursue mainstream markets’ acceptance of blockchain while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Driving Impact Beyond Gaming

The alliance demonstrates dedication to protecting wildlife through its broader scope. Kalp and Golden Cat are examples of purpose-driven technological advancement by combining blockchain with meaningful cause work. Web3 demonstrates its ability to establish meaningful changes through this united effort by uniting entertaining content with actual global impact.

Looking Ahead

In their ongoing partnership, Kalp Network and Golden Cat declared exciting future developments. Their unified objective of uniting gaming with blockchain and conservation creates new possibilities for blockchain technology’s operational spectrum. All investors and players must join their communities for ongoing updates on upcoming plans.

Their joint alliance shows that technology, entertainment, and sustainability can harmonize to create a more connected future.

The financial industry is undergoing a monumental shift, driven by technological advancements and decentralized systems. Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance by eliminating intermediaries, providing borderless financial inclusion, and reshaping the way people interact with money. 

Unlike conventional financial institutions that rely on centralized authorities, Web3 Decentralized Finance (DeFi) operates on blockchain technology, making transactions transparent, permissionless, and secure.

With the rise of DeFi, financial services such as lending, borrowing, and investing are becoming more accessible and efficient. It enables users to take full control of their assets, reducing reliance on banks and other centralized entities. 

In this article, we will explore 7 ways Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance, demonstrating how it is revolutionizing banking, lending, and investments while overcoming the inefficiencies of legacy financial systems.

Understanding Web3 DeFi and Traditional Finance

Web3 DeFi is a decentralized financial ecosystem that operates without the need for banks or financial intermediaries. Instead, it uses blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralized applications (dApps) to facilitate financial transactions.

Key characteristics of Web3 DeFi include:

• Decentralization – No single entity controls the system, ensuring a trustless environment.
• Transparency – Transactions are publicly recorded on the blockchain, eliminating hidden fees.
• Accessibility – Open to anyone with an internet connection, promoting financial inclusivity.
• Programmability – Smart contracts automate financial processes, reducing human errors.
• Security – Cryptographic security ensures safe and immutable transactions.

Limitations of Traditional Finance

Traditional financial systems are heavily centralized, leading to inefficiencies and limitations such as:

• High transaction fees due to intermediary involvement.
• Slow processing times, especially for cross-border payments.
• Restricted access to banking services for millions worldwide.
• Lack of transparency, increasing fraud and corruption risks.
• Dependence on centralized authorities, leading to possible financial crises and restrictions.

As Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance, these limitations are being addressed through blockchain innovations, resulting in a more open and efficient financial ecosystem.

7 Ways Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance

As decentralized finance continues to evolve, it is fundamentally changing how financial systems operate. Traditional banking institutions, reliant on intermediaries, regulatory oversight, and slow processes, are being challenged by blockchain-powered DeFi platforms. 

The shift towards decentralization is removing barriers and making financial transactions more efficient, accessible, and secure. Below, we explore seven key ways in which Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance.

1. Eliminating Middlemen in Transactions

One of the biggest ways Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance is by removing intermediaries such as banks, brokers, and payment processors. In a DeFi ecosystem, transactions occur directly between users via smart contracts, reducing operational bottlenecks and costs.

Key benefits:

• Lower fees – Users save on transaction costs by bypassing intermediaries.
• Faster settlements – No delays due to manual verifications by banks.
• Greater control – Users retain full ownership of their assets without relying on third parties.

For example, Uniswap, a decentralized exchange (DEX), allows users to trade cryptocurrencies without requiring an intermediary, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

2. Borderless Financial Inclusion

Traditional banks require stringent documentation, preventing millions from accessing financial services. Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance by enabling anyone with an internet connection to participate in the global economy. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in underbanked regions who have limited access to financial institutions.

Case Study: DeFi in Developing Nations

• In Africa, platforms like Aave and Compound provide access to lending services without the need for bank accounts, allowing small businesses to grow.
• DeFi protocols enable low-cost remittances, helping migrant workers send money home without incurring high fees charged by traditional banks and remittance services.

By breaking down barriers, DeFi is fostering a truly global and inclusive financial system.

3. Decentralized Lending and Borrowing

Unlike traditional banks that rely on credit scores and collateral, Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance through peer-to-peer lending platforms, where users can borrow against crypto assets without a credit check.

Platforms like MakerDAO and Aave allow users to borrow stablecoins by collateralizing crypto assets, eliminating the need for traditional financial gatekeepers. Borrowers benefit from lower interest rates, and lenders earn higher returns compared to traditional banking systems.

4. Higher Yield Opportunities Through Staking and Yield Farming

Another major way Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance is through staking and yield farming, which offer significantly higher returns than traditional savings accounts.

These opportunities attract users looking to maximize passive income, further challenging traditional banking models.

5. Enhanced Security and Transparency

DeFi platforms operate on blockchain networks, ensuring complete transparency and security through public ledgers and smart contract audits. Users can track transactions in real-time, reducing fraud risks and enhancing trust in financial systems.

6. Automated Asset Management with Smart Contracts

One of the most powerful aspects of DeFi is its ability to automate asset management through smart contracts. These self-executing contracts eliminate the need for financial advisors and intermediaries by automating processes like portfolio rebalancing, dividend distributions, and investment strategies. Users can lock their funds into smart contracts that execute predefined investment rules, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring optimal returns.

Key Advantages:

• Efficiency – Reduces manual intervention and transaction delays.
• Cost Savings – Eliminates management fees associated with traditional asset managers.
• Customization – Users can set personalized investment rules tailored to their financial goals.

7. Governance and Community-Driven Financial Decisions

Governance in DeFi is decentralized, allowing token holders to participate in decision-making processes that shape the future of financial protocols. Unlike traditional financial institutions, where executives make key decisions, DeFi protocols use Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) to give control back to the community.

With DAOs, users can vote on crucial matters such as protocol upgrades, fee structures, and platform developments. This democratized approach ensures that no single entity holds excessive power over the ecosystem.

Examples of DeFi Governance in Action:

• MakerDAO – Token holders vote on collateral requirements and stablecoin regulations.
• Uniswap DAO – Determines liquidity incentives and platform improvements.
• Compound Governance – Users propose and vote on protocol adjustments.

By integrating community-driven governance, Web3 DeFi ensures financial systems remain fair, transparent, and adaptable to user needs.

Final Thoughts

Web3 DeFi Is Disrupting Traditional Finance in unprecedented ways, reshaping how individuals and institutions engage with financial services. 

By eliminating middlemen, increasing transparency, and providing greater financial inclusion, DeFi is revolutionizing the global economy.

As technology advances and adoption grows, DeFi will continue to redefine the financial landscape. The question remains: Are you ready to embrace the future of finance? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome to another edition of Crypto NFT Today! The past two weeks have been full of must-know events that will define the future of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and NFTs.

With a huge Bitcoin profit reported for Tesla this week, Fairshake announcing money that has the potential to influence the 2026 election, and more, there’s lots of essential news you should know about. So, let’s dive in and see what’s happening! 

$600 Million Bitcoin Profit for Tesla

Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings contributed to a significant surge in reported net income for the fourth quarter, thanks to a recent change in accounting rules for digital assets. Tesla’s digital asset value jumped from $184 million over the past four quarters to $1.08 billion for the December period, according to its earnings release on Wednesday.

This increase follows a recent policy shift by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), which now requires companies to mark their digital asset holdings to market each quarter, starting in 2025. Prior to this change, companies that owned Bitcoin had to report their holdings at the lowest value recorded during their ownership, even if the asset’s value increased later.

Trending

5 Things to Know Before Your Morning Coffee — Friday, April 23, 2021

Fairshake Announces Money to Influence 2026 Election

Fairshake, the super PAC funded by some of crypto’s biggest backers, revealed Thursday that it has $116 million in cash on hand, positioning itself with a substantial war chest for the 2026 midterm elections. The fundraising total, which includes $11 million in new contributions, solidifies Fairshake as one of the most powerful political forces in the country.

“With the midterms approaching, we are ready to continue supporting candidates who are dedicated to advancing innovation, creating jobs, and implementing thoughtful, responsible regulation,” Fairshake said in a statement.

Updates on Trump Memecoins

Several online marketplaces selling Donald Trump-branded merchandise—such as GetTrumpWatches.com, GetTrumpFragrances.com, and GetTrumpSneakers.com—have begun accepting the Trump memecoin (TRUMP) as a payment method, in addition to credit cards and Bitcoin (BTC).

Payments via TRUMP will be processed through Solana Pay, a decentralized payment system that enables users to send money directly to merchants without intermediaries. According to the website’s FAQ, the watches are made-to-order and will start shipping in October. These products are not sold directly by Trump but are part of a licensed partnership with CIC Digital LLC, the company responsible for issuing the TRUMP tokens.

Bob Menendez Sentenced to Prison

Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a vocal crypto skeptic, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Wednesday after being convicted on charges of bribery and acting as an agent for Egypt.

Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, was known for his strong criticism of cryptocurrency. He once described Bitcoin (BTC) as an “ideal choice for criminals” and opposed El Salvador’s adoption of BTC. “You were successful, powerful, you stood at the apex of our political system,” District Judge Sidney H. Stein told Menendez, as reported by AP.

For Sébastien Borget, what started as a passion for gaming has flourished into co-founding The Sandbox, now one of the most recognized metaverse platforms in the world with more than 6.3 million user accounts with connected crypto wallets.

Its recent Alpha Season 4 curated event attracted more than 580,000 unique players in just six weeks, generating 1.1 million blockchain transactions and 350,000 NFT sales, while its creator economy continues to thrive, with over 1,500 user-generated games published on the platform.

As a serial entrepreneur with a background in telecommunications, Borget has helped The Sandbox secure over 400 major brand partnerships and establish its native token, SAND, as the second-largest gaming token by market cap, according to CoinMarketCap.

This series is brought to you by Consensus Hong Kong. Come and experience the most influential event in Web3 and Digital Assets, Feb.18-20. Register today and save 15% with the code CoinDesk15.

Here, Borget, who will be a speaker at Consensus Hong Kong, discusses Asia’s dominance in blockchain gaming, The Sandbox’s approach to cultural localization and AI’s potential impact on the gaming industry.

This interview has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

What led you to start The Sandbox?

I’ve always been a tech geek and an early adopter of gaming hardware. My journey started with a Super Nintendo, and since then, I’ve owned nearly every console on launch day. That childhood passion fueled my dream of one day creating my own video games.

My co-founder, Arthur Madrid, and I started working together in 2007, founding three companies — two of which we successfully exited. In 2011, we shifted to mobile gaming, launching The Sandbox as a 2D world-building game. It gained 40 million downloads and 70 million player creations, but we faced challenges in retaining game creators. App Store and Google Play limitations prevented us from sharing revenue, leading creators to leave over time.

By 2017-2018, I was experimenting with Bitcoin mining and blockchain technology. When CryptoKitties emerged, I saw NFTs as a game-changing solution — allowing players to truly own and monetize their creations. That’s when we decided to rebuild The Sandbox on the blockchain, making avatars, virtual land and assets into NFTs and launching our own token-driven economy.

How have you handled challenges like bear markets and shifting user expectations?

We’ve built through every market cycle. When we started in 2018, it was a bear market — fundraising was incredibly tough. We pitched over 100 investors before securing seed funding from Animoca Brands, True Global Ventures, Square Enix and HashKey — all based in Asia. That was our first indicator that Asia had a stronger appetite for blockchain gaming than the West.

Our Series B round in 2021 was led by SoftBank from Japan, reinforcing that trend. While 2022-24 were bearish years, we focused on expanding in Asia, where we saw continued interest. Over the past two years, we’ve grown small, agile teams in India, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Turkey and even Saudi Arabia. Today, Asia accounts for 40% of our audience, partnerships and revenue, making it a key pillar of our growth strategy.

How is The Sandbox adapting to markets like Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, which each have their own unique user base?

Unlike some Western companies that prioritize the U.S. first, we built The Sandbox as a “metaverse of culture,” focusing on localization from the start. Instead of launching with a large centralized team, we embed small, regionally-focused teams in each country. This approach helped us to form strategic partnerships across key Asian markets, collaborating with Bollywood studios and music labels in India, securing high-profile projects in Korea such as Solo Leveling — one of the top webtoons — and even partnering with South Korea’s Incheon City. In Japan, a major milestone was our collaboration with Attack on Titan, a globally recognized franchise.

Localization, for us, extends far beyond translation — it’s about integrating culturally significant brands that truly resonate with local audiences. This strategy has been instrumental in driving strong engagement across Asia.

How is The Sandbox using AI to engage creators and gamers?

AI is still in its early adoption phase in gaming, but we’re already exploring its potential in several key areas. For chat moderation, we’re leveraging GGWP AI to ensure a safe and well-moderated player experience. In motion capture, our partnership with Kinetix AI allows us to create realistic avatar animations directly from video captures. We’re also experimenting with generative AI for game creation, particularly in AI-powered level design based on text prompts, though full integration is still in progress.

Additionally, we’re considering AI-driven non-player characters (NPCs) and virtual agents capable of engaging in intelligent conversations and strategizing in PvP battles. Other platforms like Minecraft and Roblox have already begun experimenting with AI-driven virtual agents, and we’re closely monitoring their progress to determine if similar innovations would be a good fit for The Sandbox.

How do you see monetary incentives and monetization models changing within The Sandbox?

Web3 monetization is still evolving, but our LiveOps game management system has emerged as a proven model, with regular in-game events, quests and mission-based rewards driving engagement. In Q4 2024, we launched Season 4, which became our strongest season yet despite the bear market. Building on this momentum, we plan to scale up in 2025 by expanding from one major season per year to four seasonal events.

However, the broader Web3 gaming landscape remains uncertain. Telegram-based games are gaining traction, though their monetization models are still untested. Meanwhile, high-quality Web3 titles like Shardbound, Shrapnel and MetalCore are working to replicate traditional AAA gaming revenue models, signaling a shift toward more sustainable economic frameworks in the space.

With Asia driving stablecoin adoption, do you see The Sandbox integrating stablecoins into its ecosystem?

Stablecoins are key for business and enterprise adoption, but they’re still highly centralized. We’re seeing emerging regional stablecoins, such as the Hong Kong dollar-pegged stablecoin, alongside USDC and USDT. The broader question is whether the U.S. dollar will remain the dominant reserve currency in Web3, or if Asian alternatives like the Chinese yuan or HKD will rise. This could impact international trade and crypto settlements.

What’s the most underappreciated aspect about the gaming ecosystem in Asian markets?

I think what is very undervalued and underappreciated is how much technology is ingrained into the culture and the daily habits of people in Korea, Japan, China and other Asian markets. For example, you look at those countries and you see older generations already invested in stocks, real estate, digital payments and transportation systems. There’s no resistance to adopting new technology, unlike in Western countries..

Another thing that’s really underappreciated is how storytelling, characterization and branding matter in gaming and Web3. Look at memecoins like Shiba Inu or Dogecoin — they resonate because they align with Asian branding strategies where mascots and storytelling are a big deal. That’s why gamification works so well here.

And even though Web3 gaming levels the playing field — removing traditional regional spending disparities in gaming — adoption still requires local teams, local manpower and cultural adaptation. You need people on the ground because local content and engagement still drive growth in these markets.

What are you most excited to talk about on-stage in Hong Kong?

I’m interested in the evolution of AI-powered virtual agents, moving beyond static NPCs to fully interactive, AI-driven characters that enhance immersion in gaming. Another key development is the rise of app chains, with projects like Abstrakt and Pudgy Penguins pioneering new models that are reshaping Web3 gaming infrastructure.

At the same time, the global crypto landscape is undergoing a major shift, especially with Hong Kong positioning itself as a leading crypto hub. With a new U.S. presidential administration, the question remains: how will shifting policies impact the broader Web3 ecosystem? As Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore and even France compete to become the world’s top crypto hub, it’ll be fascinating to see which jurisdiction takes the lead in shaping the future of digital assets.

New York, NY, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Somnia, the blockchain bringing the entire world’s data on-chain with its high-performance infrastructure, is excited to announce a transformative partnership with Uprising Labs, a leading Web3 game publisher. Together, they are launching a six-month gaming accelerator program to accelerate Web3 gaming by empowering developers and expanding the decentralized gaming ecosystem.

The Somnia-Uprising partnership builds on a shared commitment to creating immersive and scalable gaming experiences that leverage blockchain technology. Uprising Labs, known for its “fun first” philosophy, specializes in working with mid-to-hardcore games for PC and console, helping indie and AAA developers transition into Web3.

Accelerator: Backed by $10M in Funding

Backed by a $10M grant from Somnia Blockchain and led by Uprising Labs, this accelerator equips game studios with the tools, guidance, and resources needed to thrive.

Key Features of the Accelerator:

• Mentorship and Development: Uprising will mentor game developers, providing support and guidance to transform ideas into polished Web3 games.
• Funding and Deck Review: Helping developers refine their pitches and secure funding.
• On-demand Classes: Covering key disciplines from game development, on-chain integration, web3 go-to-market, and more.
• Ecosystem Expansion: The program aims to grow the Somnia ecosystem by introducing innovative games that highlight the scalability and performance of the blockchain.

Additionally, the partnership introduces Club, making the Web3 gaming industry more accessible and empowering participants with tailored resources. Connect with like-minded players, expand your network, receive premiere whitelist and airdrops, and get alpha on the latest trends in Web3 gaming. 

Whether you’re a developer seeking hands-on experience or a player eager to explore the future of gaming, the club is your entry point to innovation and community in Web3.

Uprising Labs: A Full-Stack Web3 Publisher

Uprising Labs brings a comprehensive approach to game publishing, focusing on:

1. Elevating Web3 Games: Improving gameplay and growing communities for existing blockchain titles.
2. Incubating New Projects: Supporting emerging developers to bring engaging new games to market.
3. Transitioning Web2 Games: Helping successful Web2 games embrace blockchain for new revenue streams and deeper player engagement.

Additionally, Uprising offers a single token ecosystem across its portfolio, fostering interconnected gaming economies that benefit developers and players alike.

Why Somnia?

Somnia provides the infrastructure that modern Web3 games need to thrive, including:

• 400k TPS and Sub-Second Finality: Supporting millions of players with real-time interactions.
• Sub-Cent Fees: Making gaming affordable and accessible for developers and players.
• Reactive Blockchain Technology: Enabling fully on-chain games to respond dynamically to live events and data.

“Partnering with Uprising Labs is an exciting step forward for Somnia’s mission to bring mass-consumer gaming fully on-chain,” said Paul Thomas, founder of Somnia. “Their expertise in gaming, combined with our blockchain’s capabilities, will empower developers to build scalable, immersive games that resonate with players worldwide.”

Learn more about how you can get involved on the Somnia gaming page. 

About Somnia
Somnia is the fastest and most cost-efficient EVM Layer 1 blockchain, designed to support real-time, fully on-chain applications. Its cutting-edge technology delivers unparalleled speed, scalability, and cost efficiency, making it the ideal platform for Web3 games, social platforms, and immersive virtual experiences.

About Uprising Labs
Uprising Labs is a Web3 game publisher dedicated to delivering engaging and immersive gaming experiences in the blockchain space. Focused on mid-to-hardcore games for PC and console, Uprising Labs collaborates with Indie to AAA game developers to help them transition seamlessly into Web3. 

Mobile-first Web3 games developer Pixion has raised $12.4 million in its latest funding round led by VC firm Delphi Ventures.

The funding will add further investment to Pixion’s flagship web3 project, an isometric RPG and base builder called Fableborne.

Gam3s.gg reported that further support towards the round came from Animoca Brands, Arete Capital, L1D, Sky Mavis, Spartan Capital and Yield Guild Games.

Tokens and ecosystems

The funds raised during this latest round will be used to accelerate Fableborne’s development and expand its Power Protocol ecosystem, intended to secure “long-term sustainability and growth” for its ecosystems.

Comprised of veterans from Konami, Square Enix, Ubisoft and more, Pixion has been developing Fableborne since late 2020 and previously received a $5.5 million investment to bolster its development.

The launch of its native token, $POWER, is expected to follow.

“We all know the struggle of finding the time to have satisfying gaming experiences and keeping up with the competition. Fableborne is the antidote to this – a new category of esports games that fits around your lifestyle and plays the way you want it to,” Pixion founder and CEO Kam Punia said previously.

The blockchain scene

Being a web3 game, Fableborne has seen notable support from the blockchain scene, such as Axie Infinity creator Sky Mavis. Axie Infinity was one of the big games of 2021, picking up steam three years after its launch and leading Sky Mavis to a $3 billion valuation.

However, the game later had $625 million worth of cryptocurrency stolen from its Ronin Network and its utility currency temporarily devalued to $0.004. Sky Mavis later released Axie Infinity: Origins in 2023.

Pixion’s Fabelborne, meanwhile, has been designed with ambitions as a “lunchtime esport“, intended to offer asynchronous competitive elements to players, allowing play at their own pace.

Recent shifts in U.S. cryptocurrency policy have significantly impacted Ripple’s XRP, a key player in the crypto market despite incurring over $100 million in legal costs from its SEC battle.

At the same time, PlutoChain, an emerging blockchain platform integrating AI and smart contracts with Bitcoin, is capturing whale attention with its innovative approach. Here’s a closer look at what’s driving these two projects forward.

Can XRP Reach $8 by 2025 as DeFi Expands Its Horizon?

XRP is trading at $2.78, down 10.5% in 24 hours, 15.9% over the past week, and 28.6% from last month. Key support levels are $2.52 and $2.32, while breaking $3.15 and $3.21 could signal recovery. With an RSI of 24.45, XRP is in oversold territory.

The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) approved Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, boosting its digital payment platform. In Europe, WisdomTree launched the WisdomTree Physical XRP ETP on major exchanges, offering investors affordable XRP access with a 0.50% management fee and secure dual custody.

On the legal front, optimism is growing as President-elect Donald Trump considers crypto-friendly Paul Atkins for SEC leadership, potentially easing Ripple’s legal challenges stemming from the SEC’s 2020 lawsuit.

Armando Pantoja, a prominent crypto analyst on X, predicts that XRP could reach a price range of $8 to $12.

Another analyst, DC, predicts that XRP will surge to $10 and potentially climb even higher, ending the current bull run in the $15-$20 range.

PlutoChain ($PLUTO) Could Redefine Bitcoin with Lightning-Fast Transactions and a Developer-Friendly Ecosystem

PlutoChain ($PLUTO) has the potential to address Bitcoin’s biggest limitations — slow transaction speeds, high fees, and congestion.

By introducing a hybrid Layer-2 solution, PlutoChain provides a parallel network that could work seamlessly with Bitcoin’s blockchain, ease traffic, and cut costs while dramatically boosting scalability.

Bitcoin’s 10-minute block time has always been a hurdle, especially when compared to faster networks like Solana and Ethereum.

PlutoChain, however, offers a 2-second block time on its own hybrid L2 chain. This could open up Bitcoin to new possibilities, including smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), and even NFTs.

Developers could also migrate Ethereum-based projects onto PlutoChain with ease, thanks to its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility.

One feature that sets PlutoChain apart is its emphasis on empowering developers. The platform provides user-friendly tools and comprehensive documentation.

This support could encourage developers to explore Bitcoin’s untapped potential, which could lead to the creation of real-world applications that were once out of reach.

PlutoChain’s performance isn’t just theoretical. Its testnet already handles over 43,200 daily transactions without delays or congestion, which proves its scalability.

Security is equally robust. Audits by SolidProof, QuillAudits, and Assure DeFi, coupled with regular stress tests, make sure the network remains secure and reliable.

Final Thoughts

XRP remains a strong contender, backed by Ripple’s ongoing innovations and improving regulatory outlook. Its potential to reach new heights hinges on DeFi growth and market adoption.

However, for developers and users seeking cutting-edge scalability, PlutoChain ($PLUTO) could be interesting to keep an eye on.

With its lightning-fast block times, EVM compatibility, and robust security, PlutoChain could address Bitcoin’s limitations while potentially opening doors to DeFi, NFTs, and more.

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Please keep in mind that this article is not financial advice. All crypto tokens are volatile, and trading involves risk. Always do your own research and consult a qualified expert before joining any crypto venture. Mention of any tokens in this article does not guarantee future performance. Statements regarding the future carry risks and are not assured to be updated.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here.

For Sébastien Borget, what started as a passion for gaming has flourished into co-founding The Sandbox, now one of the most recognized metaverse platforms in the world with more than 6.3 million user accounts with connected crypto wallets.

Its recent Alpha Season 4 curated event attracted more than 580,000 unique players in just six weeks, generating 1.1 million blockchain transactions and 350,000 NFT sales, while its creator economy continues to thrive, with over 1,500 user-generated games published on the platform.

As a serial entrepreneur with a background in telecommunications, Borget has helped The Sandbox secure over 400 major brand partnerships and establish its native token, SAND, as the second-largest gaming token by market cap, according to CoinMarketCap.

This series is brought to you by Consensus Hong Kong. Come and experience the most influential event in Web3 and Digital Assets, Feb.18-20. Register today and save 15% with the code CoinDesk15.

Here, Borget, who will be a speaker at Consensus Hong Kong, discusses Asia’s dominance in blockchain gaming, The Sandbox’s approach to cultural localization and AI’s potential impact on the gaming industry.

This interview has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

What led you to start The Sandbox?

I’ve always been a tech geek and an early adopter of gaming hardware. My journey started with a Super Nintendo, and since then, I’ve owned nearly every console on launch day. That childhood passion fueled my dream of one day creating my own video games.