Mummolin, Inc. has announced a significant milestone in its cryptocurrency project OCEAN, having raised $6.2 million in seed funding. This round, led by Jack Dorsey, along with other investors, marks a pivotal step towards decentralizing Bitcoin mining.

As a project under Mummolin, Inc., a successor to the Eligius Bitcoin mining pool, OCEAN is pioneering a non-custodial, transparent, and permissionless mining approach. Its goal is to empower miners and enhance the decentralization of the Bitcoin network.

According to Luke Dashjr, a Bitcoin Core developer and Mummolin co-founder, the essence of OCEAN lies in transforming the role of mining pools to uphold Bitcoin’s decentralized nature. He envisions OCEAN as a new kind of mining pool that restores miners’ autonomy by allowing them to receive block rewards directly from Bitcoin, setting it apart from traditional pools.

Mark Artymko, co-founder and President of Mummolin, points out a significant flaw in conventional Bitcoin mining pools: their control over block rewards and transaction fees. This control, he argues, can lead to potential withholding of payments to miners. OCEAN’s model, designed to be non-custodial, aims to circumvent this risk by ensuring direct payouts to miners.

According to OCEAN’s press release, Jack Dorsey, a prominent advocate of decentralization in technology, expresses deep respect for OCEAN’s mission. Highlighting the challenges of centralization in Bitcoin mining, he sees OCEAN as a beneficial development for the broader Bitcoin community and his business interests.

Dorsey stated:

“OCEAN is solving a problem for Bitcoiners that I think all of us feel – further centralization of pools and mining pools that could plague Bitcoin, and how that risks a bunch of Bitcoin attributes that we hold dear.” 

Bob Burnett, co-founder & CEO of Barefoot Mining and OCEAN’s first customer, lauds the launch of OCEAN. He views it as a significant advancement in the Bitcoin world, bringing diversity and innovation to mining.

OCEAN’s unveiling at the Future of Bitcoin Mining Conference, held near a 150-year-old hydroelectric dam repurposed for Bitcoin mining, underscores its commitment to novel solutions in energy utilization and mining efficiency. The company anticipates further developments in Bitcoin decentralization in 2024.

The largest Tether (USDT) whales have been growing their holdings over the past six months, adding in $1.67 billion worth of the stablecoin, in an accumulation trend that suggests they’re getting ready to buy cryptocurrencies on the market and potentially helped BTC’s price surpass $40,000.

According to on-chain analytics firm Santiment, the buying power of the largest Tether whales has grown by 9.7% over the past six months as they added $1.67 billion worth of USDT to their wallets. If history is to repeat itself, BTC’s price could be pushed higher, as in the past while USDT holdings dropped as BTC’s price rose while they were using the stablecoin to buy crypto.

In another cross-game promotion, Animoca Brands is teaming up with Pixels to let anyone with a Moca ID earn Realm Points by completing a few introductory quests in this multiplayer farming game. On top of that, those with a Moca NFT can also now use it as their unique, in-game avatar!

Animoca Brands is everywhere these days. And wherever Animoca goes, so goes the Mocaverse! And though the Mocaverse began with the Moca NFTs, it has since expanded to include Moca IDs.

Moca IDS are a new feature from Animoca. These are unique usernames, that will eventually be tied to all of the projects with the Animoca Brands portfolio allowing for ease of connectivity between the projects and allowing them to distribute Mocaverse rewards for participation. Creating a Moca ID is free and can be done with email, crypto wallet, or Google login.

For this particular experience, players will also need a Ronin wallet in addition to a Moca ID. Once linked to the game, players with Moca IDs can earn Moca Realm Points by completing a series of introductory quests.

We still don’t know exactly how valuable these Realm Points will be. Only that players can “redeem benefits using Realm Points, such as digital assets, tokens, digital and physical goods, and more“. Realm Points are not infinite however. There is a limited amount available each ‘season’ and for each experience. So if you wait too long, they may all be gone!

Aside from Realm Points, Moca ID holders also receive access to the back room of the Moca clubhouse where you can find a multiplayer mini-game, a crafting station, and room for what looks like future additions and expansions!

And this is just the first play and earn event for Mocaverse and Moca IDs. If you want to get in on the action, you can get your Moca ID now for free!

What is the Mocaverse?

The Mocaverse is a web3 ecosystem made up of all the developers and companies that are under Animoca Brands or in which Animoca Brands has invested. Which is quite a large portfolio — over 450 projects!

The Mocaverse centers around Moca NFTs, a limited edition, PFP style collection that offer lifetime rewards to their holders. Holding a Moca provides access to special events, whitelists, tournaments, and more! Animoca has been steadily adding utility and value to their Moca NFT collection, pushing the floor price up to over 2.5 ETH!

Animoca Brands has quickly grown into one of the largest players in the web3 gaming scene. They have a number of direct subsidiaries, such as The Sandbox, Darewise (Life Beyond), and Blowfish Studios (Phantom Galaxies). They have also invested in Open Sea, Yuga Labs, Axie Infinity, and many, many more projects!

To learn more about Mocas and the Mocaverse, follow them on Twitter, join their Discord server, and visit their website.

To learn more about Animoca Brands, visit their website and follow them on Twitter.

What is Pixels?

Pixels is a free to play, multiplayer, farming and crafting game. The basics are very similar to Stardew Valley and Sunflower Land. Players plant seeds, water them, harvest crops, plant more seeds, craft simple items, sell them, buy more expensive seeds, and so on, up the crafting chain.

Players have limited energy that gets used every time you plant, water or harvest. Energy replenishes naturally at the rate of 1% every 5 minutes. Players can also consume various items to give them more energy.

Pixels offers public farms, available to everyone, with 24 crop squares to grow on. Even though the space is public, every player has their private, instanced set of farming squares to use. However, public lands have a 20% tax rate. That means that anytime you harvest a crop, there is a 20% chance that it will go to the public land instead of the player. There are also player owned farms that offer lower tax rates.

In addition, there is a main, public town with various shops and quests. Pixels continues to grow, adding new crafting systems, new crops, and new quests on a regular basis. Pixels also lets players use PFPs from a number of different projects as their in-game avatars.

To learn more about Pixels, visit their website, follow them on Twitter, and join their Discord.

TechLead, whose real name is Patrick Shyu, is a popular YouTuber and social media personality known for his content related to technology, software engineering, and career advice. Before gaining fame on YouTube, he worked as a software engineer at tech giants like Google and Facebook. His experience in these top-tier tech companies forms the basis of much of his content.

On his YouTube channel, TechLead presents a mix of educational content, personal experiences, and opinions about the tech industry, software engineering careers, and the lifestyle of tech professionals. He is known for his straightforward, often humorous style. However, it’s important to note that his views and advice are based on his personal experiences and opinions and may not always represent the broader perspectives of the tech community.

TechLead also discusses topics related to personal finance and cryptocurrency, offering insights based on his experiences and observations in these areas. His approach to these subjects is similar to his tech content — direct, often laced with humor, and based on his personal viewpoint.

In a recent video, TechLead focused on the potential impact of spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) approvals by the U.S. SEC on the cryptocurrency’s market dynamics.

Bitcoin’s Current State and Past Performance

TechLead reflected on his previous predictions about Bitcoin, noting a significant price increase of about 100% since his last call. He highlighted his successful forecast and decision to sell Ethereum at that time, pointing out that Bitcoin had outperformed Ethereum by approximately 40% over the past year.

The Collapse of FTX and Its Impact

He discussed the collapse of FTX in November of the previous year, which coincided with the bottoming of Bitcoin’s price. TechLead suggested that the collapse led to a realization among investors that they were not actually purchasing Bitcoin through FTX, as the platform was misusing customer funds. This realization, according to him, contributed to the actual buying of Bitcoin, driving its price up.

The Prospect of Bitcoin Spot ETFs

TechLead emphasized the significance of the upcoming deadlines for Bitcoin spot ETFs. He noted that the final deadline for the first ETF, particularly the ARK 21Shares Spot Bitcoin ETF, is set for 10 January 2024, and the SEC must decide by then whether to move forward with it. He speculated that the approval of one ETF could lead to the simultaneous approval of multiple ETFs, with 12 currently in motion.

In her Forbes article dated 22 November 2023, Jodie Cook, an expert in entrepreneurship and AI, introduces a novel approach for enhancing income using ChatGPT. She discusses insights from Martin Crowley, the founder of the AI Tool Report.

Cook then explains five key strategies for increasing one’s income.

Identifying and Monetizing Unique Skills

Cook reports on Crowley’s emphasis on the importance of recognizing unique personal skills for monetization. She explains Crowley’s viewpoint that many individuals might not be aware of their marketable talents. Cook elaborates on Crowley’s suggestion to use ChatGPT for generating questions that help uncover these skills, tailored to one’s personal and professional context.

Diversification of Income Streams

In her article, Cook highlights Crowley’s advice on the necessity of creating multiple income sources. She conveys Crowley’s belief, based on successful entrepreneurs’ experiences, that diversifying income streams is crucial. Cook summarizes Crowley’s recommendation of using ChatGPT to gather practical lessons on establishing varied sources of income.

Learning from Successful Business Figures

Cook discusses Crowley’s strategy of learning from the decision-making processes of successful individuals like Ray Dalio and Warren Buffet. She notes Crowley’s suggestion of using ChatGPT to analyze their strategies and distill significant lessons that can be applied to one’s financial aspirations.

Skill Development for New Opportunities

Cook emphasizes Crowley’s point on the need for continuous skill development. She relays his advice on consulting ChatGPT for recommendations on new skills that complement existing ones, focusing on those that are in demand and can open new career opportunities.

Optimizing Financial Habits

Cook also touches on Crowley’s perspective on financial discipline. She explains his approach to using ChatGPT for identifying effective methods to reduce daily expenses, thereby creating a sustainable financial lifestyle that allows for exploring new opportunities without undue pressure.

As CryptoGlobe reported earlier this month, in a Forbes article published on 17 November 2023, Jodie Cook presents innovative ways to boost personal productivity using ChatGPT prompts. The article underscores the impact of daily habits on long-term success and encourages habit transformation for better results.

Cook suggests using ChatGPT to reassess and improve how one utilizes downtime. The idea is to describe current leisure activities to ChatGPT and seek advice on optimizing this time for mental rejuvenation, thereby enhancing productivity during active work hours.

Another key aspect highlighted is the personalization of morning routines. Cook recommends using ChatGPT to redesign morning activities, focusing on those that energize and set a positive tone for the day. Users are encouraged to detail their existing routine and explore improvements with the AI’s assistance.

The concept of gamifying productivity is also introduced. Cook proposes describing personal goals and preferences to ChatGPT, which then suggests a tailored gamification strategy. This might include leaderboards, point systems, and visual progress trackers to maintain motivation and focus.

Interestingly, Cook also explores using ChatGPT to confront the fear of failure. By asking the AI to provide a vivid worst-case scenario for a task one is procrastinating on, the goal is to spark urgency and motivation to act and avoid negative outcomes.

Finally, Cook discusses using ChatGPT as a personal cheerleader. Sharing achievements with the AI and receiving celebratory responses can boost morale and sustain motivation for ongoing challenges.

Cook concludes by emphasizing the importance of starting these transformative habits immediately, leveraging ChatGPT to rethink downtime, revamp morning routines, gamify tasks, and seek motivational support.

Featured Image via Unsplash

Ali Martinez, a respected crypto analyst, offers a complementary perspective. He focuses on various technical indicators that signal a potential rise in Dogecoin’s value. Martinez highlights metrics such as trading volume and the balance of buying and selling pressure. High trading volume with a dominance of buying over selling suggests a growing interest in Dogecoin, often a precursor to a price increase.

Earlier today, he said:

“There’s a notable surge in DOGE transactions exceeding $100,000 in the past month, consistently hitting new highs. This uptick suggests increased interest in DOGE from institutional players and whales, potentially gearing up for a significant price spike.“

Kaleo, another well-known figure in the crypto analysis world, also has a positive outlook on Dogecoin. On November 9, he shared his insights and strategy for Dogecoin, projecting notable movements in its price in the near future. He anticipates that within the next week or two, Dogecoin will start to show an upward trend in its value. Based on past trends, he notes that Dogecoin typically experiences rapid price increases once it begins to move.

Kaleo predicts a swift rise in Dogecoin’s price to the range of 9 to 10 cents, followed by a period of stabilization. He then foresees another quick increase to around 15 cents. While he expresses hope for a substantial rise, he realistically caps the potential peak at around 20 cents during this rally.

His analysis includes a specific focus on Dogecoin’s price in relation to Bitcoin, using a high time frame (HTF) approach. He is looking for a point where Dogecoin, measured in satoshis (the smallest unit of Bitcoin), reaches around 550 satoshis. This level, he believes, is where Dogecoin might encounter resistance—a point where the price historically stops rising and may start to fall.

Kaleo also touches on the longer-term prospects of Dogecoin, suggesting that a more significant rally might not occur until later in 2024. However, he believes there’s still potential for notable price movements before then. He draws parallels between Dogecoin’s current price and its behavior in the spring of 2021, noting similarities in its price action before a major increase.

An active cryptocurrency trader has managed to receive over $11 million in the token airdrop of the non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace Blur from Season 2, a period marked by intense trading activity and substantial airdropped rewards.

The trader, known as Hanwe, was active on Blur across NFT bids, listings, and lending, and with the use of the hanwe.eth pseudonym emerged as the top beneficiary of Season 2, earning 22.85 million BLUR tokens out of the total 300 million pot allocated for the season.

The tokens, when received, were worth around $7.3 million, but the price of the cryptocurrency has since risen, to the point that the airdrop is now worth $11.3 million.

Yesterday, in an interview with Bloomberg TV’s Kailey Leinz and Sonali Basak, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce discussed various aspects of digital asset regulation and internal dynamics within the U.S. SEC.

On Regulatory Framework and Binance Case

Peirce emphasized the importance of proactively building a regulatory framework that allows companies to operate legally in the U.S. While she couldn’t comment on ongoing cases, including the SEC’s case against Binance, she highlighted the need for clarity in regulations to prevent issues currently seen in the industry.

On Remedies and Civil Charges

Discussing potential remedies in cases like Binance’s, Peirce noted that each case’s facts and circumstances differ. It’s common for criminal aspects to be addressed before civil ones, but she refrained from generalizing this approach.

On Crypto Industry’s Future

Peirce stressed the need for a proactive regulatory approach. She warned against shutting the industry out from traditional financial systems, which could lead to adverse outcomes for everyone involved.

Internal Dynamics at the SEC

Peirce clarified that her advocacy is not for the crypto industry per se but for clear regulatory guidelines. She expressed frustration shared by many in the industry over the lack of a clear regulatory framework, emphasizing the need for realistic guidelines to prevent future violations.

On Conversations Within the SEC

Regarding spot Bitcoin ETFs, here are the key points she made:

Personal Advocacy for Spot Bitcoin ETFs: Peirce has been a vocal advocate for the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs. She expressed her longstanding belief that there is no valid reason for the SEC to prevent the launch of such products.Each Application’s Unique Consideration: She emphasized that every application for a spot Bitcoin ETF should be judged on its own set of facts and circumstances. However, she noted that there have been several applications where she didn’t see a reason for their denial by the SEC.Nudge from the Court: Peirce referenced a recent court case that nudged the SEC regarding its stance on spot Bitcoin ETFs. This case likely pertains to a decision where the court found the SEC’s denial of a particular spot Bitcoin ETF application to be arbitrary and capricious.Future of Spot Bitcoin ETFs: While Peirce couldn’t comment on specific ongoing applications or predict the exact timeline for approval, she indicated that the court’s decision might influence how the SEC approaches future spot Bitcoin ETF applications.

On SEC’s Enforcement Approach

Peirce believes litigation is not the most effective regulatory tool and advocates for using other methods. Despite ongoing enforcement actions, she urges a more productive approach.

On Potential Changes Under the Gensler Administration

Peirce sees Congressional action as a significant factor that could change the SEC’s approach. She remains hopeful for a shift towards a more productive regulatory stance.

On Congressional Legislation

Peirce views Congress as the appropriate body to make decisions on crypto regulation, acknowledging the complexity of drafting legislation in this multifaceted field.

On Crypto Community’s Perception of the SEC

Peirce noted the SEC’s busy agenda, with many rules unrelated to crypto. She expressed concern that initial regulatory steps in crypto might force centralization or push businesses out of the U.S., which contradicts the decentralization ethos of crypto.

The price of Cardano’s native token ADA could surge to a new all-time high of around $11 after Bitcoin’s upcoming halving event – which will cut in half the supply of BTC miners receive per block – to hit a $400 billion market capitalization in 2025.

In a recently published video the founder of Crypto Capital Venture Dan Gambardello noted that he believes Cardano is gearing up for a bull run, predicting a dramatic increase in its value which would see it surge nearly 2,800% from its current $0.38 price tag to $11 following the Bitcoin halving event scheduled for the upcoming spring.

Other analysts have been bullish on the price of Cardano’s ADA, with popular analyst Ali Martinez recently noting that ADA’s current consolidation trend “eerily mirrors” that of 2018-2020, without the COVID-19 crash.

Per the analyst, if the trend is to repeat itself, the price of ADA could break through the $0.45 resistance in early December, which would set it up for a surge to $0.75 by the end of next month.

As CryptoGlobe reported, Cardano’s percent price performance has seen 38% of ADA holders be in a state of profit on their investment, in a rise that came amid growing adoption, which is clear by the growth of its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

Data from DeFiLlama shows that the total value locked (TVL) on Cardano’s DeFi protocols has grown from around 200 million ADA at the beginning of the year to now stand above 670 million tokens. In USD terms, the TVL grew from $50 million to $56 million at the time of writing.

Moreover, Cardano has also maintained its top stop in cryptocurrency development activity after surpassing the “blockchain of blockchains” Polkadot ($DOT) and its public pre-production environment Kusama ($KSM).

More bullish price predictions suggest the price of Cardano will explode over the next year to reach the $30 mark, with crypto analyst Lucid basing this prediction on global inflation acting as a catalyst for the cryptocurrency market’s total capitalization to grow past the $10 trillion mark.

It’s worth noting that institutional investors are showing interest in Cardano. According to CoinShares’ latest Digital Asset Fund Flows report, Cardano-based investment products attracted over $800,000 last week, bringing the total investment for the year to $8 million.

Featured image via Unsplash.

Partnerships seem to be the hot item this month, as we have yet another announcement of cooperation between web2 and web3 organizations, in this case, Animoca Brands and Ubisoft!

Ubisoft recently announced their foray into web3 gaming with Champions Tactics, a strategy game currently in development. Now they kick things up a notch by partnering with one of the biggest names in web3 gaming, Animoca Brands! This partnership will see Champions Tactics integrated into the Mocaverse through its “Web3 Frequent Player Program”. This program lets players earn Realm Points that can be exchanged for various game and real life rewards.

A year ago traditional video gamers rebelled at any mention of blockchain or NFTs. But now the game developers seemed to have wised up, minimizing their focus on NFTs, and building different versions of their games to allow both web2 and web3 players to participate and play together. And Ubisoft has hit the ground running as they have also partnered with Immutable to help with the onboarding experience.

This is more big news for web3 gaming in general, which is slowly and steadily gaining ground on the more traditional gaming models. Each year the web3 gaming scene gets bigger and bigger. And I think 2024 will continue that trend with exponential player growth!

What is Champions Tactics?

Champions Tactics (full title of Champions Tactics Grimoria Chronicles), is an in development, web3-enabed game from Ubisoft. Billed as a PvP, tactical RPG, Champions Tactics promises a world of collectible, craftable Champions!

We really don’t have much information about the Champions Tactics gameplay, though it looks like it may be an strategic, face-off style game with three Champions per team. You can watch the official trailer on YouTube.

Ubisoft will also hold a free mint for a PFP collection known as Warlords sometime in the near future. It’s unclear if these are also usable in-game characters, but they will provide early access to Champions Tactics releases. Keep an eye out for contests on Twitter and Discord for your chance to earn a mint spot.

To learn more about Champions Tactics, visit their website, follow them on Twitter, and join the Ubisoft web3 Discord.

What is Animoca Brands?

Animoca Brands is a web3 focused, investment and development studio with investments in over 400 web3 projects. These include Yuga Labs, The Sandbox, Phantom Galaxies, Life Beyond, and many more!

Animoca Brands also has their own founder-type PFP collection known as Mocas. These Mocas are part of a larger Mocaverse that encompasses everything that Animoca Brands touches. Those who hold Moca NFTs and participate in the Mocaverse can win special prizes, receive access to early releases or special tournaments, and they can even vote on proposals from the Bored Ape Yacht Club DAO!

If you’re involved in the web3 gaming scene and aren’t already familiar with Animoca Brands, then you should visit their website, follow them on Twitter, and join their Discord to learn more!

According to a report by CNBC published earlier today, Mastercard has announced a significant step in its efforts to combat fraud in cryptocurrency transactions.

The financial services giant is partnering with Feedzai, a regulatory technology (RegTech) platform specializing in using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify fraudulent payment transactions and minimize risk in the financial services, retail, and e-commerce industries.

Here’s a brief overview of what they do:

Fraud Detection and Prevention: Feedzai develops AI and machine learning algorithms designed to detect and prevent various types of financial fraud. This includes credit card fraud, payment fraud, and other types of banking fraud.Real-Time Analysis: One of the key features of Feedzai’s technology is its ability to analyze transactions in real-time. This means it can identify potentially fraudulent activity as it happens, allowing for immediate action to prevent fraud.Big Data Analytics: Feedzai’s systems are capable of processing and analyzing large volumes of data. This includes transaction data, customer behavior patterns, and other relevant information, which helps in accurately identifying fraudulent activities.Customizable Solutions: They offer solutions that can be customized to the specific needs of different businesses and financial institutions. This means that their technology can be adapted to different types of transactions, customer profiles, and risk management requirements.Risk Management: Beyond fraud detection, Feedzai’s platform also assists in broader risk management. It helps financial institutions assess and manage the risk associated with various transactions and customer activities.Compliance: Feedzai’s solutions also help financial institutions comply with various regulatory requirements related to financial crime and money laundering.Global Reach: The company serves a global market, providing solutions to banks, payment platforms, and other financial services providers around the world.

CNBC says that the collaboration will see Feedzai’s technology directly integrated with Mastercard’s CipherTrace Armada platform, which is instrumental in monitoring transactions from over 6,000 cryptocurrency exchanges, identifying potential fraud, money laundering, and other suspicious activities. Unlike traditional API-based integrations, Feedzai will directly “inhale” data from CipherTrace Armada, enabling real-time alerts on dubious crypto transactions.

Nuno Sebastio, CEO and co-founder of Feedzai, explained to CNBC the significance of this partnership. He highlighted that approximately 40% of scam transactions currently move from bank accounts to crypto exchanges. The integration aims to protect consumers from fraud and identify potential money laundering activities and mule accounts, which are often exploited by fraudsters to launder illicit funds.

Feedzai’s RiskOps platform, as reported by CNBC, analyzes transactions worth over $1.7 trillion annually. The company, with headquarters in Portugal and California, holds close to 100 patents, securing an average of 10 patents yearly to protect its technology.

This move by Mastercard, as CNBC notes, signifies a broader push to legitimize cryptocurrency as a mainstream financial asset, subject to the same regulatory and compliance frameworks as traditional assets. CNBC goes on to say that despite the growing interest from banks and financial institutions in incorporating crypto into their services, the deployment of commercial crypto products remains challenging due to regulatory uncertainties and associations with fraud and scams.

CNBC also notes that Mastercard’s vast network, utilized by banking institutions globally for payment processing, places it in direct competition with Visa and other fintech service providers. It points out that in the U.K., several major banks have shown reluctance in associating with crypto, with some halting transactions with crypto exchanges due to fraud risks.

Ajay Bhalla, president of cyber and intelligence solutions at Mastercard, conveyed to CNBC the heightened risk of fraud in crypto transactions compared to regular fiat transactions. With the new partnership, Mastercard aims to distinguish legitimate transactions from fraudulent ones more effectively.

Featured Image via Pixabay

A new phase of the Iluvium beta is set to arrive on November 28th, bringing with it the first PvP content for this auto-battler game, and potentially, prizes and rewards as well!

A new era arrives in the Illuvium Arena as phase 3 of their beta launches on November 28th. This phase of the Illuvium beta introduces Arena PvP, letting players create their teams from all the available Illuvials and items, and pit them against other players in the Arena, fighting until only one team remains standing!

For anyone who wants to get a headstart on developing their battle strategy, Illuvium offers a special Team Builder page. This page includes game guides and the ability to play around with team creation. With more than 250 Illuvials, 80 Augments, 400 Weapons, and 50 Suits to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to try different setups! The Team Builder also provides a couple of starter setups to help you get started.

This release also coincides with Illuvium’s addition to the Epic Games store. The Epic Games platform is quickly becoming the Steam replacement for web3 gaming and allows players to easily download and update their games from one central location. This will also open the game up to many more players as anyone can now download and try out the new beta!

The Illuvium team has hinted that there may be prizes and rewards for players during this PvP beta, but they have not yet provided any details on that.

What is Illuvium?

Illuvium is an open-world RPG adventure game built the Ethereum blockchain, and using the Immutable X layer. Players journey across a vast and varied landscape to hunt and capture creatures, or Illuvials. Together with their tamed Illuvials, players are tasked with discovering what caused the cataclysm that shattered the world.

Though the core Illuvium game is an open-world adventure game that is part auto-battler and part creature collector, the Illuvium web3 space encompasses much more. This includes Illuvium Zero, a land-based builder game and Iluvium Beyond, a PFP collecting and editing game. All of the various Illuvium projects will interconnect at some point in the future.

Illuvium Overworld, the open-world, RPG, will feature over 100 Illuvials to capture, each with different attributes and powers. Capture them, upgrade them and combine two Iluvials to fuse a new one. Players can store their Illuvials on Shards, a bit like a collectible card. These cards hold the essence of an Illuvial. Players can trade shards in the marketplace or give them to a friend.

Illuvium has its own marketplace known as the IlluviDex. This serves as a central point for trading all things Illuvium related. Illuvium also includes player governance in the form of a Council that goes through regular election periods.

To learn more, visit the Illuvium website, follow them on Twitter, and join their Discord chat.

In a recent video, Crypto Jebb, a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency analysis sphere, presented an optimistic forecast for Cardano’s ADA token. He predicts a substantial surge in ADA’s value, expecting it to reach $0.90 within the next six months, a 142% increase from its current price as of 17 November 2023.

ADA, which is currently trading at around $0.37 consistently ranks in the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Despite a recent 60% rally over four weeks, ADA remains significantly below its all-time high of $3.09 (reached on 2 September 2021), requiring a 732% rally to reclaim that peak.

Jebb’s prediction is rooted in several key factors. He emphasizes Cardano’s persistent top-10 ranking, attributing this to its robust, research-driven blockchain technology and its growing role as a foundational layer for decentralized applications. He says that Total Value Locked (TVL) on Cardano has seen a notable increase, growing from $50 million to $250 million over the past year, bolstered by projects like Indigo, Minswap, Liquid, Opum Finance, and the Djed stablecoin.

The intrinsic value of Cardano is a central theme in Jebb’s analysis. He argues that the cryptocurrency is currently undervalued, especially when considering the ongoing development and expansion within its ecosystem. He supports this perspective through technical analysis, including signals from the Lux Algo indicator, which he says recently indicated a buy for ADA, projecting a rise to the $0.91 to $0.92 range.

Jebb also draws comparisons with other top cryptocurrencies, noting that ADA’s required rally to reach its all-time high is more substantial than most. He factors in broader market dynamics, including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions and general trends in the cryptocurrency market, suggesting these could positively influence ADA’s price trajectory.

Regarding investment strategies, Jebb discusses the merits of both lump sum investment and dollar-cost averaging. He suggests that the current undervalued state of ADA might make it a suitable time for a lump sum investment. However, he particularly advocates for dollar-cost averaging as an effective strategy, especially for newcomers to the cryptocurrency market.

In terms of the timeframe for this price increase, Jebb anticipates that ADA could hit the $0.60 to $0.90 range within six to nine months. This forecast hinges on various factors, including Bitcoin’s price movements and overall market trends.

Featured Image via Unsplash

According to Messari’s report, Cardano demonstrated substantial progress in Q3 2023. A standout highlight was the 461% year-to-date increase in stablecoin value. The period also marked the completion of Project Catalyst Fund10 and continued development in the Voltaire governance phase. Messari highlights the launch of Mithril as a significant technological advancement, enhancing node syncing efficiency.

Messari describes Cardano as a Proof-of-Stake Layer-1 smart contract network focused on security, scalability, and sustainability. The report notes that Cardano, supported by entities like IOG and The Cardano Foundation, uses the Ouroboros consensus model and an eUTXO accounting model. Post-Alonzo, the network has expanded into DeFi and NFT markets while maintaining its core focus​​.

The Messari report indicates a decline in ADA’s price and revenue in Q3 2023. However, the treasury balance grew by 7.2% QoQ. Staking yield remained around 3.3%, with real yield slightly higher, considering ADA’s circulating supply-based inflation calculation​​.

Messari reports a decrease in transaction fees in Q3, mainly attributed to ADA’s price action. Daily active addresses and transactions declined, suggesting a concentration of activities among active users. The blockchain’s average load decreased, indicating the potential for increased throughput​​.

As per Messari, the number of stake pools and delegators in Q3 remained stable. Stake distribution was uneven, with a small percentage of pools holding a significant portion of staked ADA. The Nakamoto coefficient stood at 34, reflecting better decentralization than many networks​​.

Messari highlights Mithril’s launch as a key development, aiming to improve network scalability and efficiency. SanchoNet, a testnet for on-chain governance, is another significant development, moving Cardano towards decentralized governance under the Voltaire phase​​.

Despite a slight decline in daily Dapp transactions, Messari notes overall growth in the DeFi sector. The introduction of stablecoins has been pivotal. The TVL’s relative growth and the influx of bridged assets indicate a robust DeFi ecosystem on Cardano​​.

Messari reports on Cardano’s sidechain landscape, including networks like Milkomeda C1 and the upcoming Midnight. Hydra, a scaling protocol, was launched as the first solution, demonstrating Cardano’s commitment to enhancing scalability and efficiency​​.

Messari’s report covers Project Catalyst’s latest funding round, underscoring community engagement in governance. Discussions on improving the governance model are ongoing, with the need for more inclusive models highlighted​​.

Educational initiatives like the IOG Academy and community-run projects are vital for Cardano’s growth, as noted by Messari. These efforts contribute to nurturing the developer ecosystem​​.

Messari’s Q3 2023 report notes significant advancements in interoperability and infrastructure. It also mentions that the DeFi sector, supported by new infrastructure and liquidity sources, is poised for further growth and innovation​​.

Featured Image via Unsplash

So far this year the price of the native token of the smart contract platform Cardano, ADA, has moved up around 50% amid increasing adoption and as the total value locked (TVL) on its decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms surges. Price predictions for 2024, however, are increasingly bullish.

ADA is currently trading at $0.368 after rising more than 4.6% over the past week and Cardano price predictions for 2024 suggest a significant rise. Popular analyst Ali Martinez, for example, noted that Cardano’s current consolidation phase “eerily mirrors the 2018-2020 phase,” which means that if history repeats itself, it’ll keep consolidating until July of next year.

Nevertheless, this means ADA could see a breakout “as soon as December,” with his price prediction suggesting that the consolidation could lead to a rise that could see ADA get near the $10 mark in 2024.

As CryptoGlobe reported, Total Value Locked (TVL) in Cardano’s decentralized finance ecosystem has seen a significant increase. It started the year just under 200 million ADA and has now reached 682 million ADA., according to DeFiLlama

This growth is reflected in various projects within the ecosystem, such as the collateralized debt protocol Indigo and the decentralized exchange Minswap. Both have seen their total value locked exceed the $50 million threshold as adoption grows.

Cardano has, on top of that, maintained its top stop in cryptocurrency development activity after surpassing the “blockchain of blockchains” Polkadot ($DOT) and its public pre-production environment Kusama ($KSM).

Another bullish Cardano price prediction from cryptocurrency analyst Lucid pointed to the $30 mark next year, which would mean a surge of over 9,000 from current price levels. The prediction is based on global acting as a catalyst for the cryptocurrency market’s total capitalization to grow past the $10 trillion mark.

An even more bullish price prediction came from trader FieryTrading, which suggested a rise of over 10,000% – albeit over the next two years – as the cryptocurrency’s price “has practically been going up in a straight line” after bouncing off a support level within a trading channel called a parallel channel, formed through a line between two bull market tops and copying that same line towards the bottom.”

That prediction would see Cardano’s price rise to the $35 mark in the future. While analysts are bullish for Cardano in 2024, more short-term price predictions suggest moderate growth in the near future.

Notably, institutional investors have been betting on Cardano, with data from CoinShares’ latest Digital Asset Fund Flows report showing Cardano-based investment products saw over $800,000 of inflows last week, bringing their year-to-date totals to $8 million.

Featured image via Unsplash.

In an interview with El Financiero Bloomberg TV on 14 November 2023, Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, provided an in-depth analysis of several critical aspects of the U.S. economy, including inflation, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies, and the country’s credit rating.

Dimon discussed the recent data indicating a slowdown in U.S. inflation in October. He expressed a view that people might be overemphasizing short-term figures, suggesting that these numbers, due to various adjustments, might not fully represent the actual situation. He believes that inflation could be more persistent than the latest data suggests.

Regarding the Federal Reserve’s response to these inflation figures, Dimon believes that their decision to pause rate hikes is appropriate for the moment. He pointed out that the Federal Reserve has already significantly increased rates and it would be prudent to observe the impact of these hikes on the U.S. economy. This observation is particularly relevant as the U.S. is experiencing a reduction in excess fiscal spending and the onset of quantitative tightening.

However, Dimon cautioned that further rate hikes might still be necessary. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for this possibility, viewing it as a crucial aspect of risk management. Dimon expressed concern that inflation might not subside as quickly as some might hope, indicating a potentially prolonged period of economic adjustment.

Dimon also reflected on the recent actions by credit rating agencies regarding the United States’ credit rating. He acknowledged the downgrade of the U.S. credit rating by Fitch Ratings three months ago and Moody’s recent decision to change its outlook on the U.S. credit rating to negative. These actions were attributed to concerns over increasing debt servicing costs and political polarization. While Dimon recognized the validity of these concerns, he expressed a degree of skepticism about the timing and rationale behind these rating changes.

He pointed out the irony in the rating agencies’ decisions, noting that despite the increased debt and financing issues, the market still prices the U.S. as AAA-rated, which he believes is a more accurate reflection of the situation. Dimon argued that the market’s assessment is likely more accurate than that of the rating agencies.

Furthermore, Dimon highlighted an interesting perspective on the global context of these ratings. He noted that many countries rated AAA by these agencies rely on the protection of the American military, questioning the logic behind rating these countries higher than the U.S.

Despite his criticisms, Dimon agreed that the U.S. needs to address its fiscal challenges. He expressed concern over the growing deficit, which is larger than anticipated this year, and the potential consequences that might arise from it. He emphasized the importance of managing these issues effectively, as they could worsen over time if not addressed.

Despite having run into some funding issues earlier this year, the developers of Aradena Battlegrounds continue to solider on, bringing us a new playtest weekend, with rewards for everyone who plays at least one match!

Though progress on the development of Aradena Battlegrounds, a web3-enabled, turn-based, PvP strategy game, has been slowed, it has not stopped altogether. In fact, the Aradena team wants everyone to come and playtest their game this weekend, providing feedback on the gameplay and reporting any bugs found. In return, players can earn resources and card packs for playing this weekend, and everyone who plays at least five matches will be entered into a raffle for even more prizes, including Warrior NFTs!

Playtest Details

The playtest began on Friday, November 17th, at 12pm UTC, and runs through Monday, November 20th, 12pm UTC. During this time, anyone who logins and plays a match earns 50 silver coins and five of each commodity (all in-game items). Additionally, those who win matches and earn points can earn additional prizes including more resources and card packs. On top of that, anyone that plays at least five games will be automatically entered into a raffle. Raffle prizes consists of one Mighty Warrior NFT, one Mighty Warrior Woman NFT, a Silver Cosmetic Set, ten Genesis card packs, and ten Loot Chests!

And for those super competitive players, there will also be a leaderboard with even more rewards for the top eight players!

You can read more details on the official blog post. Aradena Battlegrounds is free to play. Head over to their website to get started!

What is Aradena Battlegrounds?

Aradena Battlegrounds is a free to play, turn-based, fantasy, strategy combat game. Players each have a Golem that marches across the board towards the opposing team. Whoever reduces the opponent’s Golem’s health to zero first wins the game.

Before heading off to combat, players must assemble a deck of cards, made of Units, Spells, and Warriors. Warriors are the Genesis NFTs of the Ardena collection and provide various bonuses and abilities. Players build and train their army of NFTs and battle other players for loot chest rewards. Loot chests include tokens and NFT collectables which players may trade through the in-house marketplace, or add to their army.

Aradena will feature a merge-up / shining feature similar to Gods Unchained. Players can merge multiple copies of a card to create a shinier version. Players can trade cards with Gold and higher level shines on the NFT markets. The Ardana team also wants to add a breeding system, a scholarship program, and land-based gameplay.

Aradenean Gold (AG) is the utility and governance token for Aradena Battlegrounds which was just launched recently via Seedify. A staking system for the AG tokens should open soon.

To learn more about Aradena Battlegrounds, visit their website, follow them on Twitter, and join their Discord.

In a recent report, CNBC explored the significant increase in Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) across the United States.

A Bitcoin ATM is a kiosk that allows individuals to buy and sometimes sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using cash or debit cards. These machines look similar to traditional ATMs, but they function quite differently. Instead of connecting to a bank account, a BTM interacts directly with a cryptocurrency exchange to conduct transactions. This setup enables users to convert their physical cash into digital currency, which is then transferred to their digital wallet, a software program that stores and manages their cryptocurrency.

The process of using a BTM typically involves verifying one’s identity, which aligns with regulatory requirements to prevent money laundering and other illicit activities. Users scan their wallet’s QR code at the machine, insert cash, and then the equivalent amount of Bitcoin (or another cryptocurrency, depending on the machine’s capabilities) is deposited into their wallet. Some BTMs also offer the reverse service, allowing users to sell cryptocurrency in exchange for cash. This feature of BTMs makes them a crucial tool for increasing accessibility to cryptocurrencies, providing a straightforward and immediate way for people to engage with the digital currency market, especially for those who may not have easy access to traditional banking or online cryptocurrency exchanges.

CNBC noted that from 2020 to mid-2022, the U.S. experienced a substantial rise in BTMs, with numbers reaching around 34,000. This growth was apparently partly fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increased interest in cryptocurrencies as people spent more time at home.

CNBC reported on Bitcoin Depot, a dominant BTM operator, which went public in July 2023. Despite fluctuations in Bitcoin’s price, CNBC highlighted that Bitcoin Depot’s revenue grew by 17.5% year-over-year in the second quarter, reaching approximately $197.5 million.

According to CNBC, BTMs have gained popularity among the underbanked or unbanked, serving as an alternative to traditional banking services. CNBC’s coverage included a survey by Bitcoin Depot, which found that 40% of BTM users use them for peer-to-peer transactions, including cross-border payments and sending money to family.

CNBC pointed out that despite the higher fees charged by BTMs compared to online crypto exchanges, the demand for these machines continues to grow, indicating a preference for their convenience and accessibility.

CNBC discussed the challenges faced by the BTM industry, including scams and money laundering. The network reported on the measures taken by operators, such as fraud prevention warnings and customer support teams. CNBC also mentioned the regulatory requirements for BTM operators, including anti-money laundering compliance and registration as money transmitters.

CNBC observed that the BTM market is undergoing consolidation, with larger companies acquiring smaller operators. This trend is partly due to the challenges smaller operators face in maintaining regulatory compliance.

Featured Image via Unsplash

Phantom Galaxies officially launches into the early access phase of their space-based, action, MMO game! This launch not only offers new features such as a battle pass system, but it also brings Phantom Galaxies to the regular gaming world with a web2 version available exclusively through Steam!

The Phantom Galaxies early access has arrived! And it’s completely free to play! You don’t even need to deal with any blockchain or web3 features if you don’t want to, as the Phantom Galaxies team has also launched a web2 version of their game on Steam!

Phantom Galaxies is available for download through the website, or through the Epic Games launcher and on Steam. However, it should be noted that the Steam version has no web3 integration. So if you’re into crypto, blockchain, and/or NFTs, you’ll want the web3 version.

Early Access also brings a type of battle pass to Phantom Galaxies known as the Ranger Activity Burnup Chart. This is a monthly progression system that tracks player engagement and hands out Activity Points. Reaching new levels on the Chart earns new rewards. There will actually be three different reward tracks available. The Standard Track is available to everyone and includes rewards such as Ores, Credits, and U-Cubes. Then there is the Advanced Track for Steam players. This includes more in-game rewards, but costs 60 Starlings to join. Starlings will be the in-game equivalent of ASTRAFER tokens for those playing the web2 version of the game.

Then there is the web3-enabled Elite Track. Getting on this track costs 100,000 Credits. There will be an option in the future to pay in ASTRAFER tokens, but for now, players can convert ASTRAFER to Credits at the rate of 1 Credit per $0.0001 worth of ASTRAFER. The Elite Track will include ASTRAFER tokens as well as additional in-game rewards.

U-Cubes are a new resource used for upgrading weapons, shields, and other gear.

In addition, Phantom Galaxies now offers players the option of joining a public or private space when warping to new locations. So if players just want to focus on their missions without any distractions, they can choose a private space, or if they want to be more social, then they can choose a public location.

Players will now be able to see their owned NFTs in-game, as well as their status. NFTs will need to be ‘bound’ to be used in-game, making them unable to be sold or transferred. But, players will be able to use their generative Pilots and Starfighters in-game, showing off their unique looks to their fellow players!

And of course, this is all just the start. Phantom Galaxies has many game improvement plans in the works as well as the addition of new co-op challenges, more multiplayer options, item minting, mech customization, a fusion system, additional gear, and more!

Phantom Galaxies is completely free to play. Head over to the website to download the game or get your access code to install it through the Epic Games launcher!

What is Phantom Galaxies?

Phantom Galaxies is a free to play, story-based, FPS, MMORPG set in a future of space travel and planet colonization. Players follow the storyline quests, fight pirates, and upgrade their character and starships along the way. Phantom Galaxies includes starship piloting and fighting, as well as walkable, 3D space stations where most of the NPC interactions occur.

Players will own their own Starfighters in the form of NFTs. They will also use equipment and fusion NFTs to upgrade their fighters. Phantom Galaxies also includes a bounty system, daily and weekly quests, and a PvP system. The Phantom Galaxies team has plans for many additional features as well. These include arena PvP, PvE raids, and even potential permanent loss of Starfighter NFTs (in certain zones)!

Phantom Galaxies opened early access to players on November 15th, 2023, with the game accessible through both Steam and the Epic Games store.

To learn more about Phantom Galaxies, visit their website, follow them on Twitter, and join their Discord.

According to crypto analytics firm Santiment, Solana (SOL) has achieved a notable milestone by surpassing $54 for the first time since May 2022. This price surge has been accompanied by a spike in discussion rates, suggesting increased mainstream attention. Santiment notes that Solana is showing signs of decoupling from other assets, with funding rates being high but not yet in a ‘danger zone.’

Eric Wall, a notable cryptocurrency analyst, has brought to light a series of violent incidents targeting Swedish crypto owners, as shared in his recent social media posts. Wall’s detailed account on platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on 8 November, paints a grim picture of the current state of personal security for crypto enthusiasts in Sweden.

Eric Wall is a pivotal figure in the cryptocurrency arena, holding a position on the board of the StarkNet Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering an open, decentralized, and censorship-resistant Ethereum Layer 2 zk-rollup solution. He previously co-founded and led Arcane Assets as its CIO, driving the fund to a remarkable 640% net return, outperforming Bitcoin and other crypto funds. His comprehensive role spanned across various facets, including fundraising, strategy, and client relations.

Wall also shared his expertise with Vinter Capital as an advisor and served as an expert witness in a Norwegian crypto-related lawsuit. Additionally, he advised the Human Rights Foundation on crypto and privacy matters. His academic credentials include a Master’s in Engineering with a blockchain specialization from Lund University, underlining his deep-rooted knowledge in the field.

Wall reports a recent attack on a middle-aged couple in their home by four masked men, an event that culminated in severe physical abuse and the theft of Bitcoin. The victims were left bound for hours, with one requiring hospitalization via helicopter. Wall emphasizes that this is not an isolated incident; similar attacks have been occurring with alarming frequency. Last month, two prominent crypto personalities were assaulted in their homes, with one enduring three hours of abuse despite not owning physical Bitcoin.

The first of such attacks, as Wall recounts, happened last year to a well-known Swedish Bitcoiner. After surrendering a significant amount of cryptocurrency, the victim was still subjected to prolonged physical abuse. The trauma from this event led to a withdrawal from public life.

Wall identifies a common thread among the victims: their recent participation in Bitcoin-related podcasts or public discussions on cryptocurrency. He attributes this vulnerability to Sweden’s “Offentlighetsprincipen,” the Principle of Public Access to Information, which allows for easy access to personal data such as residential addresses and tax records. While this law was established to promote government transparency and combat corruption, Wall argues that it has become a tool for criminals to target individuals for their digital assets.

Sweden’s Offentlighetsprincipen is a cornerstone of the country’s open society, dating back to the Freedom of the Press Act of 1766. It enshrines the right of public access to official documents and is intended to foster transparency and prevent corruption. However, in the digital age, this principle has inadvertently made personal information readily available, which can lead to privacy concerns. The law’s noble intent is now being questioned in the context of these security breaches, as the ease of obtaining personal information has proven to be a double-edged sword.

As a result of these security concerns, Wall has decided to leave Sweden, stating that he does not plan to return until there is a change in the legislation surrounding personal privacy. The impact of these events has been significant within the local crypto community, leading to the shutdown of several Swedish crypto-focused podcasts.

In a bold move that could signal a significant turnaround in the cryptocurrency industry, Tom Farley, the former president of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), is reportedly making strides to relaunch the bankrupt crypto exchange FTX.

According to a report published by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) yesterday, Farley’s technology firm, Bullish, is actively participating in an auction to acquire the remnants of FTX.

Tom Farley, the current CEO of Bullish, a regulated digital asset exchange, is known for his strategic leadership in the financial services sector, particularly within the digital assets and blockchain space. At Bullish, Farley is responsible for steering the company’s strategic direction, focusing on the intersection of finance and emerging technologies.

Before taking the reins at Bullish in May 2023, Farley had a notable tenure as Chairman of Global Blue Group Holding AG, a company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange. His experience also includes leading Far Peak Acquisition Corporation and Far Point Acquisition Corporation as CEO and President, where he played a pivotal role in navigating the companies through the fintech industry’s evolving landscape.

Farley’s prominence in the financial world was cemented during his time as President of the New York Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2018. There, he managed the operations of the world’s largest equities listing and securities trading venue, overseeing a period of significant change and technological advancement in the exchange’s operations.

His earlier career was shaped by a series of strategic roles at the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), including serving as Senior Vice President and later as President, COO, and Board Member of ICE Futures US. These roles saw him managing financial products and contributing to the company’s growth in the derivatives and futures markets.

Bullish is not the only party interested in FTX. It is one of three contenders in the running to purchase the assets of the once-prominent exchange. Initially, the interest in acquiring FTX was quite substantial, with 70 different entities showing intent. This number has since been whittled down to just three firms, with the final decision expected to be made by December.

The WSJ report notes that while a frontrunner is expected to emerge from this process, the possibility of a new suitor entering the fray at any moment remains. It is also important to highlight that FTX’s assets located in the Bahamas are not included in the ongoing sales process.

The other two competitors alongside Bullish are Figure Technologies, a fintech startup, and Proof Group, a venture capital firm. The outcome of this auction could have far-reaching implications for the future landscape of the cryptocurrency exchange market.