SOL Surges Above Key $205 Resistance: Fibonacci Levels Point Toward $362

In an X post on September 13, Martinez shares an in-depth technical analysis of the Solana price structure, which shows significant potential for a prolonged uptrend. Notably, SOL’s price gain from last week resulted in a breakout from a key ascending triangle formation, signaling strong bullish momentum that projects to higher mid-term targets.

Looking at the chart below, the latest price surge effectively lifted Solana above the multi-month resistance zone near $205, where price had consolidated between April and August. It is clearly observed that breaking above this resistance, combined with the sustained higher lows that formed the ascending triangle, points to a classic bullish continuation pattern.

Notably, the introduction of the Fibonacci extension levels provides more insight into the bullish potential of this recent breakout. The immediate price target presently lies at the 1.272 Fibonacci extension around $250, followed by the 1.414 extension near $277. However, if momentum continues, Solana could reach further upside levels, around $321 (1.618 extension) and the ultimate mid-term target at $362, which corresponds with the 1.786 extension.

On the downside, the $205 breakout zone now serves as critical support. Holding above this level is crucial to maintaining the bullish outlook, as a decisive break below it could open the door for a retest of lower Fibonacci retracement zones, particularly around $176 or $156. However, the rising trendline that has supported price action since April adds another layer of structural support for bulls.

Solana Price Outlook

At the time of writing, Solana is trading at $246, reflecting a modest 1.67% gain over the past 24 hours. However, trading volume has declined sharply by 27.53%, currently standing at $7.49 billion.

According to analysts at Coincodex, investor sentiment toward Solana remains broadly bullish, even as the Greed & Fear Index sits at a neutral 52. Their short-term outlook suggests limited price movement, with the asset projected to remain around $247 for the next month. Looking further ahead, analysts expect Solana to climb to $264 over the next three months, highlighting steady but moderate growth expectations.

Nevertheless, with a market cap of $131.65 billion, Solana continues to rank as the fifth-largest cryptocurrency in the world.

AI is transforming the entertainment landscape. New ideas, concept and protocols continue to push the boundaries of digital creativity – and one such project looks to harness the power of AI whilst rewarding human input. That project is called DreamNet.

Developed by the team behind popular NFT collection Doodles, DreamNet looks to reward creativity whilst allowing AI to help build compelling narratives, worlds, characters and lore – with blockchain technology underpinning it all.

DreamNet is ambitious, massive in scale, and has the potential to have a gigantic impact – but what is it for, how does it works, and when can we expect to get our hands on it?

Here’s our complete guide to DreamNet.

Key Insights

• DreamNet is an AI-based media protocol that rewards human input in world-building, narratives, and lore
• Powered by $DOOD, DreamNet is community-owned and built on Base
• The goal of DreamNet is to adequately reward original creativity whilst allowing AI to train and expand on those ideas
• DreamNet is currently in development, with no release date communicated so far
• In the short term, DreamNet hopes to expand the world of Doodles with new characters, lore, areas and more

What is DreamNet?

DreamNet is a community-owned storytelling protocol designed to drive AI-driven content creation whilst rewarding valuable human creativity.

Developed by the team behind the Doodles NFT collection, DreamNet was revealed in March 2025. At its heart, DreamNet allows humans to contribute characters, lore, locations and more to existing narrative worlds, offering fair rewards based on audience reception, and utilising AI to help further develop and expand these ideas.

Central to DreamNet is the WorldState – a dynamic ledger that records contributions, assesses audience reception, and tracks the development of narrative worlds. WorldState also handles the reward mechanisms of DreamNet, making DreamNet fully-decentralised from the Doodles team.

DreamNet leverages multiple blockchain networks. $DOOD – which was launched on the Solana blockchain, is expected to be bridged to Base – with DreamNet itself to be primarily run on the Base network.

Should DreamNet find support, it could give IP holders and communities alike the tools they need to expand their worlds further, democratising the creative process and challenging the current top-down entertainment landscape.

DreamNet’s potential popularity could also create wider opportunities across Web3. With a leader in NFTs committing to a decentralised, community-driven toolset, other NFT communities could see a demand to follow in their footsteps, helping holders to have a bigger impact on the assets they hold.

What’s next for DreamNet?

DreamNet is an ambitious tool on a scale that we’ve yet to see before – and for many of us, we’re still yet to see it in action.

Should the closed beta test go well – which is available exclusively for Doodles holders – we can anticipate a more public release further down the line, though we’ve yet to receive any indication as to when this might occur.

With DreamNet, Doodles have the idea for a tool that helps to ensure that genuine human creativity is rewarded in a world that is increasingly reliant on AI – and could help storytelling enter an all-new era. Will it be a success? Only time will tell.

Web3 game studios are creating new blockchain-based titles every single day. With Off The Grid, one studio made one of the most impactful Web3 games to date. That studio is Gunzilla Games.

Emerging from relative obscurity into one of the hottest names in the blockchain gaming space, Gunzilla Games continues to lead the way in mainstream Web3 gaming, with Off The Grid continuing to find success on a wide range of platforms.

Gunzilla Games have etched their name into history – but how did Off The Grid come about, what are they working on right now, and what can we expect in future?

Here’s our complete guide to Gunzilla Games.

Key Insights

• Founded in 2020 by an experienced and talented team of games industry veterans
• Secured over $100 million USD in funding from leading venture capital firms and industry figures
• Their debut title Off The Grid entered early access in October 2024, available on all major platforms
• $GUN released in March 2025, becoming the official ecosystem token of Gunzilla Games
• Gunzilla aims to continue to grow Off The Grid, and expanding their reach into mainstream gaming audiences

What is Gunzilla Games?

Gunzilla Games was founded in March 2020, bringing together a wide range of experience in both the gaming and entertainment industries.

Vlad Korolev serves as CEO – a career veteran in both fintech and gaming, being a co-founder of PLINK and developer on Warface. He’s joined by Alexander Zoll as Chief Strategy Officer, who had previously served as studio lead at Crytek Kyiv.

The two are joined by Neill Blomkamp as Chief Creative Officer – a renowned filmmaker who counts District 9, Elysium and Chappie amongst his portfolio. Blomkamp brings Hollywood-level storytelling and visuals to Gunzilla – accompanied by the story of Richard K. Morgan and Olivier Henriot, and the sound of Grammy Award-winning composer Lorne Balfe.

The company operates from a trio of global studios:

• Frankfurt, Germany: The company HQ, and their home of art, design and marketing
• Kyiv, Ukraine: Responsible for operations, core programming, and support roles
• London, UK: Responsible for strategy and core business functions

Since their foundation, Gunzilla Games have raised over $100 million USD to pursue their vision for the future of gaming.

Their journey began with $25 million in funding from GameGroove – a company created by Zoll and Korolev. Their first funding round in August 2022 saw an additional $46 million enter the pot from names such as Republic Capital, Griffin Gaming Partners and Animoca Brands. This was joined by a further $30 million in 2023, co-led by CoinFund and Avalanche’s Blizzard Fund – with the latter becoming key to their future operations.

What is Off The Grid?

Off The Grid is the flagship title of Gunzilla Games. Announced in May 2022, and entering early access in October 2024.

Set in the dystopian cyberpunk backdrop of Teardrop Island, the game mixes futuristic technology and gritty aesthetics with a humorous outlook. Combining the thrill of an extraction royale with battle royale mechanics in a third-person perspective, the game became a big hit on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Alongside the gripping PvP gameplay, Off The Grid incorporates a concurrent 60-hour narrative campaign, allowing playing to dive more into the lore of the game and the reality of your surroundings.

Since its launch, Off The Grid has achieved remarkable success as unquestionably the biggest blockchain game to date, with over 12 million sign-ups, 120,000 concurrent viewers on Twitch during peak periods, and more than 500,000 daily active users in its first month.

What is GUNZ?

GUNZ is a custom sub-net of Avalanche, and is the blockchain which powers all of Off The Grid‘s on-chain features.

Powered by the $GUN token, GUNZ facilitates the system that allows in-game items to be NFTs. Players can own these digital items independent of the Off The Grid game, and can freely buy, sell and trade these items with other players.

Despite its benefits, GUNZ is totally optional for players to engage with. If you wish to play Off The Grid without any of the blockchain-based features, you can do so – helping the game to build an audience within traditional gaming circles.

The integration of GUNZ hasn’t been without controversy. Several high-profile creators believe that Gunzilla Games downplayed the impact that NFT and crypto integration would have on Off The Grid and its long-term sustainability.

What’s next for Gunzilla Games?

Gunzilla’s immediate focus is on growing and expanding the Off The Grid ecosystem.

The team have held multiple high-profile events so far, such as the $600,000 All-Stars Invitational, and the regular Clash For Cash tournaments that offered daily prizes of $3,000.

The GUNZ platform is also expected to expand its functionality, with the release of a SDK for developers, additional funding expectations, and further developments for the $GUN economy.

Although Gunzilla Games is just 5 years old, and its flagship game Off The Grid has been available for less than 12 months, they’ve already had a significant impact on the blockchain gaming industry. Their success so far has been an inspiration to many, and with their continued success and funding, they’ll remain a major player to watch in the years to come.

XRP bulls appear to be facing one last test of conviction before the market’s next explosive phase, according to CryptoInsightUK’s video analysis released on 16 June. The British analyst argues that the token is sculpting an inverse head-and-shoulders formation whose right shoulder “still needs to form around the high-$1.80s” before any sustained rally can commence.

How Low Must XRP Go?

In the broadcast, he emphasised that “dense liquidity is below us,” pointing to a confluence of resting bids and stop-loss clusters between roughly $1.92 and $1.80. “I still think it comes down to make the right shoulder which is around 1.88,” he said, adding that a swift wash-out into that pocket would “flush the lows, tap in there and send it.”

At present, XRP is changing hands near $2.24, up about 3% over the past 24 hours, which implies a prospective drawdown of roughly 20% if the market fulfills his downside scenario. From the analyst’s vantage point, such a retreat is less a cause for alarm than a prerequisite for the next major leg higher: “If we come down first, we’ve done the downside part. Otherwise I’m still going to be worried about going down even if we come up to $2.42 or higher.”

Related Reading

He linked the bearish short-term bias to structural forces beyond the XRP Ledger’s ecosystem. Bitcoin dominance, he noted, has crept toward a historical inflection zone that previously triggered alt-seasons: “Anywhere in this box could be the start of alt-season… That would probably coincide with Bitcoin dropping to between $100,000 and $93,000.” A dominance spike fed by a late-cycle Bitcoin dip, he argued, would typically inflict outsized percentage losses on major altcoins—including XRP—before liquidity rotates back into them.

Within XRP’s own order book, CryptoInsightUK highlighted a “liquidity vacuum” created by May’s capitulation candle. Although the token has since retraced most of that single-session collapse, he described the rebound as “choppy corrective price action,” lacking the conviction and volume that accompanied earlier impulse waves. The right-shoulder flush, in his view, would neutralise residual leverage, particularly among traders who re-loaded longs too aggressively during the $2.15–$2.40 bounce.

How High Can XRP Explode?

The inverse head-and-shoulders thesis also features prominently on his long-range chart, stretching back to mid-May. The analyst first published the pattern on X, showing a left shoulder near $2.42, a head at $1.47, and a neckline just above $2.50. Completing a symmetrical right shoulder near $1.88 would, by classical pattern-measuring rules, project an upside target above $3.50—a level not visited since late-2021’s cycle top.

Related Reading

Liquidity dynamics across the broader market reinforce his caution. Open interest in perpetual swaps for Ether, he observed, remains “as high as it’s ever been,” suggesting that any sudden drop in majors could spark a forced-liquidation cascade across altcoin pairs. “These people will be flushed out,” he warned, calling attention to negative-funding episodes that hint at an overcrowded short base waiting to be squeezed—once the final downside pocket has been filled.

Despite the near-term jitters, CryptoInsightUK reiterated a resolutely bullish macro stance. “The next stage I’m most certain about is that we’re going to go significantly higher for crypto,” he told viewers. Drawing parallels with gold’s record weekly close, he argued that an undercurrent of global risk aversion is quietly supporting non-sovereign stores of value, positioning both Bitcoin and XRP for accelerated appreciation once the technical reset concludes.

For long-term holders, his advice was unequivocal: avoid wholesale portfolio shifts and instead treat any sub-$2.00 wick as a final accumulation window. “Dollar-cost averaging from here is a good thing to do,” he said, revealing that 97% of his own capital remains in spot positions, with only a single-digit percentage reserved for surgical bids in the $1.80–$1.92 zone.

Whether XRP respects that script will become clear in the days ahead. Should the market indeed sweep into the high-$1.80s and rebound with the aggressive thrust the analyst expects, the right shoulder will be complete—and the runway clear—for the long-awaited take-off.

At press time, XRP traded at $2.23.

Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

When NFTs saw their popularity explode in 2021, a rush of newcomers began to collect NFT art. A few of these individuals were praised as NFT art curators – but only one became known as the grand patron of the digital arts. That person is Cozomo de’ Medici.

Taking their name from a leading member of the 15th century Medici family, their actions, acquisitions and donations have been praised far and wide, leaving a lasting legacy on the art world.

NFT art is stronger today because of them – but what exactly has Cozomo de’ Medici achieved, why are they so respected, and what could we see from Cozomo in future?

Here’s our complete guide to Cozomo de’ Medici.

Key Insights

• A pseudonymous digital art collector, named after 15th century art patron Cosimo de’ Medici
• Emerged in July 2021 by purchasing CryptoPunk #3831
• Has acquired many 1-of-1 NFTs from the likes of XCOPY, Sam Spratt, Claire Silver and more
• Donated 22 influential works to LACMA in February 2023
• Widely considered to be one of the world’s leading NFT art patrons

Who is Cozomo de’ Medici?

Cozomo de’ Medici is a digital art collector, angel investor, and popular figure in the NFT community.

Named after 15th century Florentine banker Cosimo de’ Medici, they regard themselves as a patron of digital art. Medici has built a notable collection of blockchain-based artworks – known as the Cozomo de’ Medici Collection – which features works from many of the most celebrated NFT artists in the world.

Cozomo shares their insights on digital art, upcoming artists and life experiences with over 300,000 followers on X – sharing even more via the Medici Minutes newsletter. These updates offer a peek into the world of digital art, covering market trends, breakthrough artists, and their journey as a collector.

On top of acquiring art, Medici promotes digital art through both virtual and physical exhibitions. Using leading platforms such as Deca and OnCyber, Cozomo displays their collection to art fans across the world, helping to bring digital art to the masses.

Medici is an advocate for the idea that anyone can become an art collector, no matter your disposable income. They champion the idea of bringing digital art into the home, and have invested in technologies that help to do this in an effort to make quality art something that’s within reach for a wider audience.

What has Cozomo de’ Medici done so far?

Cozomo de’ Medici emerged in the NFT industry through the purchase CryptoPunk #3831 – known as ‘CoZom’ – in July 2021. That nickname inspired the adoption of the Cozomo de’ Medici alias, and the naming of their purchases as The Medici Collection – which quickly became a notorious collection in NFT art circles.

Rumours over Medici’s true identity quickly began to swirl. In response, Medici posted a tweet stating that they’d reveal themselves on their personal account. Shortly after, Snoop Dogg tweeted “I am @CozomoMedici“.

This seemed to confirm their identity – but subsequent investigations suggested that this was a publicity stunt, with Snoop getting involved to grow his own presence in the industry. To this day, Medici is yet to reveal their true identity, and has remained as an alias ever since.

Though Medici initially intended to only make a single NFT purchase, they soon found themselves acquiring more. Inspired by other collectors and digital art galleries, Medici began to curate a collection of NFTs that spanned a variety of styles and mediums. This included multiple CryptoPunks, Fidenza by Tyler Hobbs, and notable works from XCOPY, DeeKay, Claire Silver and more.

By building this collection – and in turn supporting a large number of high-profile artists – Medici not only became a key figure in the growing NFT art movement, but also one of the world’s leading NFT art collectors.

Medici has used this status to help promote digital art to mass market audience. They’ve helped to organise many physical exhibitions across the world, as well as investing into companies that develop digital art displays for the home.

What NFTs has Cozomo de’ Medici purchased?

Medici has acquired a wide array of NFT art from some of the biggest names in the industry. This includes works from the likes of:

• XCOPY: Known for punk-inspired works, XCOPY‘s art embodies the more outspoken side of crypto art
• Sam Spratt: Discovered through FEWOCiOUS, Medici owns “I. Birth of Luci”, “VII. Wormfood” and many others
• DeeKay: A motion graphics specialist, DeeKay’s NFTs are dynamic, polished and fluid
• Claire Silver: An AI art pioneer, Silver’s work blends human input with breakthrough machine learning concepts
• Yam Karkai: Co-founder of World of Women, her work promotes diversity and inclusivity – a cause that’s close to Medici’s heart
• Vissyarts: A Malaysian artist who moved from traditional art to the NFT space, Medici’s support has been vital in her work finding a new legion of fans

In addition to supporting artists, Medici invests in companies that enhance the digital art experience – including PIP Labs, Fountain, Spaceport and more.

What NFTs has Cozomo de’ Medici donated?

In February 2023, Cozomo de’ Medici announced a donation of 22 NFT artworks to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This was both “the first donation of on-chain art from a collector to a museum,” and “the largest [tokenized] digital fine art collection to enter a museum.”

These 22 pieces represented the work of 13 separate artists, with all pieces created between 2017 and 2022. Styles ranged from AI and generative art to books, videos, sculptures, photos and more, and the donation was quickly seen as a significant moment in NFT art history.

Medici’s intentions with this donation was for this NFT art to “sit in one of the greatest art collections in human history” – with LACMA also in possession of world-renowned artworks from Rembrant, Picasso, Monet and many more.

Furthermore, Medici desired for this donation to “forever cement the on-chain art movement in the canon of art history,” and serve to promote his hope that world-renowned museums could “hold the greatest digital works alongside the greatest physical [works].”

What’s next for Cozomo de’ Medici?

Cozomo de’ Medici continues to be a major name in NFT art, collecting notable pieces on a weekly basis, continuing to organise and promote digital art, and supporting worthwhile causes.

Their support of not just individual artists, but NFT art as a whole, has been significant in both NFT art and digital art finding increased acceptance in the traditional art world as a valuable form of artistic expression, and one that is worthy of equal merit in many ways.

Medici has made an incredible impact on digital art so far – and as their activities continue, expect Medici to play a key role in the future of digital art too.

Ever since Bitcoin first emerged, Web3 has been a breeding ground of innovation, creativity and financial independence. However, it’s also seen its share of rogues, scammers and bad actors. One man has made it his mission to investigate these bad apples and bring them to justice. That person is ZachXBT.

Dedicating himself time to the task of probing on-chain fraud, ZachXBT has played a major role in uncovering some of the biggest scams, frauds and thefts in blockchain history. Whether relating to crypto, NFTs or digital collectibles, he has helped to shine a light on the more unsavoury elements of the industry, and assisted countless victims in recovering their funds.

ZachXBT is one of the most widely appreciated figures in Web3 – but how did he first emerge, what are some of his biggest investigations, and what can we expect from him in future?

Here’s our complete guide to ZachXBT.

Key Insights

• A pseudonymous Web3 investigator
• Played a major role in uncovering big Web3 scams and thefts
• Emerged as an on-chain investigator in 2018
• Has recovered or helped to seize over $500 million USD in assets
• One of the most widely appreciated figures in Web3

Who is ZachXBT?

ZachXBT is a pseudonymous cryptocurrency investor and Web3 fraud investigator.

Little is known about the person behind the name. We know that he has been a crypto investor for many years – since at least 2017 – and that he largely began to investigate on-chain activity in 2018.

Since then, ZachXBT has become arguably the most well-known blockchain sleuth in the world. His work has revealed multiple multi-million dollar scams, frauds and thefts, and his name has become synonymous with what’s ‘good’ in the Web3 industry.

His avatar – a cloaked four-eyed platypus – has become a symbol for justice, becoming a well-recognised positive symbol across the Web3 community.

Though we know little about ZachXBT personally, he has earned a peerless reputation for his detailed blockchain analysis, his investigative talent, and the dedication to his craft.

What does ZachXBT do?

In short, ZachXBT is a specialist in tracking stolen digital assets and exposing fraud within crypto and the NFT markets. Utilising his knowledge of blockchain, he follows on-chain trails, monitoring exchanges and networks to track ill-gotten funds.

Typically, his work involves:

• Tracking transactions: Keeping an eye on blockchain activity to spot transactions connected to theft or fraud
• Exposing scams: Identifying crypto projects and NFT collections that mislead investors or make unethical decisions
• Collaborating with authorities: ZachXBT works with law enforcement agencies to help recover stolen funds
• Publishing his investigations: ZachXBT posts detailed reports on social media, demonstrating the evidence he has collected

ZachXBT has largely operated on donations and grants from leading figures in the Web3 community, with his work described as a public service rather than a path to personal gain. In more recent times, ZachXBT has taken more official roles in the industry – though remains an independent investigator.

Since the inception of his work, ZachXBT’s investigations have led to the recovery or seizure of over $500 million USD, as well as the prosecution and arrest of many of the most notorious blockchain-based scammers.

How did ZachXBT emerge?

ZachXBT began like many others – as a crypto enthusiast exploring this new industry.

In 2017, he invested into a number of crypto tokens that would become rug pulls or outright scams. Additionally, 2018 saw one of his wallets be hacked, resulting in a loss of $15,000 USD in crypto.

These losses led ZachXBT to learn more about how blockchain technology works, how these scams and hacks work, and if there was a way to return his funds.

He began by tracking blockchain transactions, uncovering the patterns and methods used to conceal stolen funds. Realising that there were many like him who had also fallen victim to these losses, ZachXBT started to expose these scams in an effort to protect others.

ZachXBT has gone on to expose larger examples of fraud, and has garnered over 850,000 followers on X. Today, he is a full-time blockchain investigator, spending his time analysing fraud, raising awareness within the community, and obtaining justice for victims.

What are ZachXBT’s biggest investigations?

ZachXBT has played a key role in many high-profile Web3 investigations. Some of the most notable investigations include:

The Bitcoin Heist

August 2023 saw ZachXBT uncover one of the largest individual crypto thefts in blockchain history.

Whilst at an airport waiting for a flight, ZachXBT began to receive alerts on a set of Bitcoin transactions that came to a total of $243 million USD. Feeling that something was wrong, he began to track the funds and discovered that they originated from a wallet that hadn’t been active since 2012.

ZachXBT took his flight, and by the time it had landed, he’d identified the three leading suspects: Malone Lam, Jeandiel Serrano and Veer Chetal. Over the next few weeks, he tracked the stolen funds and gathered evidence, and today, all three suspects have been arrested.

Authorities seized or froze $79 million USD of the stolen funds from this theft – and as of writing, the remainder is still being tracked down.

Pixelmon

Pixelmon emerged in 2022, with the goal to build a 3D Pokémon-style game funded through an NFT collection.

The project raised roughly $70 million USD by selling high-quality, interactive 3D NFTs that promised to have utility in the game – but when the NFTs were revealed, their poor visual quality led to huge community outrage.

ZachXBT took a look at the project and discovered they had misappropriated much of the $70 million USD raised. This included spending 400 ETH on Bored Apes and Azuki NFTs. This backlash saw a new leadership team be installed in September 2022, starting a road to recovery that continues to this day.

Rogue Society

Rogue Society is a 15,777-piece NFT collection on Ethereum, with the goal to build a huge space-themed IP.

Released in September 2021, Rogue Society raised $5.5 million USD – but post-mint, they didn’t deliver on their promises. ZachXBT investigated the founder, Jahvin Bowman (@LecheTheMilky), and discovered that the project was a scam from the beginning.

ZachXBT would further uncover that the team had been holding fake pay-to-enter competitions, extracting even more funds from their community.

Logan Paul

At the height of altcoin season, infamous internet personality Logan Paul promoted several memecoins to his legions of followers.

ZachXBT took a look at these memecoins and found out that most of them were ‘pump-and-dump’ scams that saw Paul and the token creators earn huge amounts off the back of his fans.

These projects included DinkDoink, Elongate and $FLOKELON. Accusations of blockchain-based scams follow Paul to this day – with his failed CryptoZoo project continuing to receive major backlash.

BitBoy Crypto (Ben Armstrong)

For much of the initial explosion of interest in Web3, BitBoy Crypto was the #1 crypto influencer, with hundreds of thousands of followers receiving his tips on the latest crypto coins and assets on a daily basis.

ZachXBT investigated BitBoy Crypto and found that he had been paid significant fees – between $2,500 USD and $40,000 USD per project – to promote a variety of scams.

BitBoy claimed that he took a thorough look at any projects that paid him, however ZachXBT provided substantial evidence of his direct involvement in at least seven scam projects that defrauded investors. Future controversies would see BitBoy disappear from Web3 altogether.

Machi Big Brother

Machi Big Brother – real name Jeff Huang – is a Taiwanese entrepreneur and NFT collector.

ZachXBT investigated numerous suspect transactions involving Huang, leading to the publication of an article that accusing him of involvement in multiple fraudulent activities. This included the misappropriation of funds from blockchain treasury platform Formosa Financial.

Huang filed a defamation lawsuit against ZachXBT in June 2023, however leading Web3 names banded together to contribute to his legal defence, including companies such as Coinbase, Binance and OKX.

North Korean hackers

A substantial amount of ZachXBT’s time over the past year has been spent exposing North Korean activity in Web3. This includes a number of scams and hacks originating from the country, as well as citizens of North Korea that have infiltrated the development teams of leading Web3 projects.

These investigations have resulted in the discovery of over $200 million USD in stolen funds across a minimum of 25 thefts, with over half of these thefts yet to be public knowledge prior to ZachXBT’s involvement. His actions helped to freeze millions in stolen assets, and provided crucial knowledge into how North Korean hackers are infiltrating the industry.

What’s next for ZachXBT?

ZachXBT has – and will continue to have – an incredible impact on the Web3 industry.

His reputation as an investigator is unmatched, and thanks to his efforts, the blockchain industry is more secure, aware and transparent place today than ever before. Thanks to his actions and others like him, we’ve seen a noticeable decline in frauds and scams over the past few years – and those that do occur lead to prosecutions and recovered assets in more and more cases.

Though ZachXBT’s identity remains a mystery, his actions speak louder that many in Web3. His name is synonymous with community, support and justice – and long may it continue to be so.

Cryptocurrency has moved from being a niche investment to a practical payment option for everyday transactions. Businesses, shoppers, and service providers are increasingly turning to digital currencies for their speed, security, and global reach. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pay bills and shop online using cryptocurrency, why businesses should consider crypto payments, and how partnering with a Cryptocurrency exchange Development Company can help you integrate these solutions effectively.

Cryptocurrency is no longer just a speculative asset-it’s a viable way to pay for goods and services online and in-store. With the rise of crypto-friendly merchants and payment processors, both consumers and businesses can enjoy faster, borderless, and often lower-cost transactions. For businesses, integrating crypto payments can open up new markets, reduce payment processing fees, and attract tech-savvy customers. Working with a Cryptocurrency exchange Development Company can simplify this process, ensuring you have the right tools and support to accept, manage, and convert digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional money issued by governments, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks called blockchains. When you pay with crypto, you send digital tokens from your wallet to the recipient’s wallet address. The transaction is recorded on the blockchain, making it transparent and irreversible.

To pay with cryptocurrency, you need:

• A cryptocurrency wallet (software or hardware)
• Some cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins)
• The recipient’s wallet address or a compatible payment processor

Once you have these, you can send payments to anyone, anywhere in the world, usually within minutes.

A cryptocurrency wallet is an app or device that stores your private keys and allows you to send and receive digital currencies. Wallets come in several forms:

• Software Wallets: Apps for your phone, tablet, or computer. Examples include BitPay, Exodus, and Trust Wallet.
• Hardware Wallets: Physical devices like Ledger or Trezor that store your keys offline for extra security.
• Web Wallets: Online wallets managed by a third party, such as those offered by exchanges.

For most users, a reputable software wallet is a good starting point. Businesses may need a more robust solution, which a Cryptocurrency exchange Development Company can provide.

You can buy cryptocurrency with fiat money (like USD, EUR, or INR) on exchanges or through apps like MoonPay, PayPal, or BitPay. Simply sign up, verify your identity, and use your credit card, bank transfer, or other payment methods to purchase crypto.

Securing Your Wallet

Security is critical. Always:

• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Back up your wallet’s recovery phrase.
• Keep large amounts in offline (cold) storage.

Paying bills with cryptocurrency is becoming easier as more service providers and billers accept digital payments. Here’s how it works:

Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, etc.)

Some utility companies accept crypto directly, while others use third-party payment processors. Platforms like BitPay and CoinGate allow you to pay bills by converting your crypto to the local currency and settling with the provider.

Steps:

1. Visit the biller’s website or use a crypto payment processor.
2. Enter your account details and the amount due.
3. Select cryptocurrency as your payment method.
4. Scan the QR code or copy the wallet address provided.
5. Send the exact amount from your wallet.
6. Wait for confirmation (usually a few minutes).

Internet and Mobile Bills

Similar to utility bills, you can pay for internet, mobile, and phone services using crypto. Check with your provider or use a crypto payment gateway that supports these services.

Subscription Services

Many streaming, software, and SaaS companies accept crypto. Look for the crypto payment option at checkout or contact the provider to inquire.

Other Recurring Payments

You can set up recurring crypto payments for services like web hosting, domain registration, and more. Some wallets and payment processors support automated payments.

More online retailers are accepting cryptocurrency, making it easy to shop with digital money.

Major Retailers Accepting Crypto

Companies like Overstock, Newegg, and Shopify stores accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Payment processors like BitPay and PayPal enable crypto payments at millions of merchants.

How to Use Crypto at Checkout

• Select cryptocurrency as your payment method.
• Enter the recipient’s wallet address or scan the QR code.
• Confirm the transaction in your wallet.
• Wait for confirmation and order processing.

Some platforms, like PayPal, automatically convert your crypto to the merchant’s preferred currency at checkout.

Benefits for Online Merchants

• Lower fees compared to traditional payment processors.
• Global reach-accept payments from anywhere.
• Faster settlements-no waiting for bank transfers.
• Reduced fraud risk-blockchain transactions are irreversible.

Businesses can integrate crypto payments using gateways like BitPay, CoinGate, and PayPal. These services handle the conversion, settlement, and security, making it easy to accept crypto without technical expertise.

Overview of Popular Gateways

Integration for Businesses

Most gateways offer:

• API integration for custom solutions.
• E-commerce plugins for platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix.
• Point-of-sale (POS) systems for in-store payments.

Integrating cryptocurrency payments into your business operations can seem complex, but with the right partner, it’s straightforward and efficient. A Cryptocurrency exchange Development Company specializes in building custom solutions for accepting, managing, and converting digital currencies. Whether you’re launching a new online store, upgrading your existing payment systems, or exploring crypto bill payments, these companies offer:

• Custom Wallet and Payment Solutions: Secure, branded wallets and payment processing tailored to your business needs.
• White-Label and API Integration: Ready-to-deploy platforms and APIs for quick and easy integration with your website or app.
• Support and Maintenance: Ongoing technical support, security updates, and compliance assistance to keep your systems running smoothly.

By working with a reputable development company, you can focus on your core business while leaving the technical details to the experts.

Ready to start accepting cryptocurrency payments and unlock new opportunities for your business? codezeros is a leading Cryptocurrency exchange Development Company with a proven track record in building secure, scalable, and user-friendly crypto payment solutions. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to full deployment and ongoing support.

Contact codezeros today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you integrate cryptocurrency payments into your business.

Before you go:

Gold has always been recognized as the ultimate symbol of wealth. However, the reputation of gold has reached new heights thanks to the concept of gold tokenization. The novel process has made it possible to represent physical gold in the form of digital tokens on blockchain networks. Although the concept is fairly new, it has shown immense potential along with promise. This gold tokenization guide will help you explore the concept in depth. You can understand how gold tokenization serves as a highly flexible and secure medium for trade. Let’s dive deeper into the guide of gold tokenization and examine it closely.

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What is Gold Tokenization?

Gold tokenization is a process involves the conversion of tangible or physical gold into digital tokens that are powered using blockchain technology. In recent times it has emerged as a highly transformative force in the investment arena. Many individuals today consider gold tokenization to be a smart investment option.

In the case of gold tokenization, every single token serves as the representation of a specified amount of gold has been stored in insured vaults. Moreover, it is backed at 1:1 with tangible allocated bullion. The particular token can be bought, sold, or exchanged, just like any other cryptocurrency. The fact that gold tokenization is based on blockchain technology, complete visibility exists for users. Thus, there is no concern about security or fraud. The promise of the innovative idea is evident from the fact tokenization Goldman Sachs has shown immense interest in it.

How Does Gold Tokenization Work?

In order to understand the gold tokenization concept thoroughly you need to answer the question ‘How does gold tokenization work?’ If you are wondering about this question, the answer is quite straightforward. The gold tokenization process involves a series of processes.

The very first step in gold tokenization involves the acquisition of gold. Thus, an entity or institution needs to acquire physical gold. Furthermore, it has to be stored in a secure and safe vault. 

The next step involves the creation or issuance of tokens. The specific entity is responsible for issuing digital tokens on the blockchain. It is essential to remember every token corresponds to a specific amount of gold. It could be one ounce or one gram of gold. 

• Verification of ownership

In the subsequent step, the focus is shifted towards the verification of ownership of the digital tokens. With the help of Blockchain technology, it is possible to engage in a seamless and real-time verification process. The transfer of ownership takes place when tokens are traded. 

Enroll now in the Tokenization Fundamentals Course to understand the fundamentals of tokenization and its practical implications.

Benefits of Gold Tokenization

In the current times, gold tokenization is considered to be a highly useful process in the world of investment. By combining physical gold with the concept of digital tokens, several benefits have emerged. Some of the chief benefits of gold tokenization include:

The emergence of the tokenization concept, especially the gold tokenization concept, has been transformational. This is because it has become possible for individuals to own fractional amounts of gold. Thus, they do not need to purchase an entire bar of gold. Instead, they can become the owners of digital tokens which represent gold. This benefit has certainly made gold accessible to a wider audience. 

Another benefit of gold tokenization revolves around higher liquidity. Typically, the gold market has always been quite slow, with limited liquidity. However, due to the concept of gold tokenization, there has been a significant improvement in its liquidity. In fact, gold tokenization supports fast, secure and seamless trades at the global level. 

One of the core benefits of gold tokenization centers around the high degree of transparency. As blockchain serves as the foundation of the novel concept it is entirely transparent. So, users and investors do not have to bother about fraud or manipulation. Since there exists an immutable record relating to ownership, a sense of trust exists in the community. 

A major advantage of gold tokenization is highly cost-efficient practice. When it comes to conventional gold practice, a common concern arises is related to secure storage. However, thanks to the concept of gold tokenization, you do not have to worry about this. Since tokenized gold is securely kept by credible custodians, you do not have to worry about it. 

Gold tokenization certainly eliminates barriers relating to geographical boundaries. In conventional gold ownership, one heavily relies on intermediaries or physical transportation. However, this is not the case when it comes to gold tokenization. This is because you do not have to go to a specific location or destination. All you need is internet access so you can trade in digital tokens representing gold. 

The potential of the gold tokenization concept has been recognized by one and all today. In fact, the Goldman Sachs tokenization platform also intends to make the most of the concept and derive immense value from it.

Challenges Relating to Gold Tokenization

It is true that gold tokenization promises to give rise to a broad range of benefits. However, it is equally true that there exist certain challenges one cannot ignore. In order to get a holistic insight into gold tokenization, you need to look at the below challenges and concerns: 

One of the fundamental challenges revolves around the lack of clarity relating to regulations and legislation. Due to this, there exists certain ambiguity for investors you just cannot negate. 

In order to ensure trust at all times it is essential to carry out audits at regular intervals. Furthermore, it is equally important to focus on transparent reporting practices so investors will have faith in the concept of gold tokenization. 

• Risks relating to technology

Gold tokenization is based on technology. Thus, it is true technology-related risks arise. For example, vulnerabilities in smart contracts can act as a major concern for investors and users. In case such concerns arise in the case of Goldman Sachs crypto people may start getting anxious.

• High reliance on custodians

When it comes to gold tokenization, the role of custodians is crucial. In fact, without their involvement, it is not possible to go ahead with the practice of gold tokenization. These custodians need to showcase faith in the novel idea so they will be willing to take part in it. Without their direct involvement, the gold tokenization process may falter. 

In the crypto space, a common source of concern is related to market volatility. Although digital tokens representing gold may not be directly volatile in nature one cannot ignore they are traded on a volatile platform. This may automatically give rise to a certain degree of concern for diverse participants. 

These are some of the most common challenges that arise when it comes to gold tokenization. In order to derive optimum value from gold tokenization it is instrumental to identify, address each of these challenges in a proper way. By addressing them it is possible to extract maximum worth from the novel practice in the crypto ecosystem. 

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Future of Gold Tokenization

The future of gold tokenization is certainly full of promise. Although there exist certain challenges relating to gold tokenization the innovative concept can revolutionize the investment and trading landscape. In spite of the fact that the gold tokenization practice is relatively new, it has given rise to new possibilities for investors as well as traders.  

With the evolution of blockchain technology, new opportunities along with new possibilities may arise in the context of gold tokenization. It may certainly encourage new participants including individuals and organizations to engage in the practice. In the future, it may become a viable investment option that people may accept as well as adopt at the global level. Thus, it has the potential to transform the face of investment entirely.

The merger of asset security with technological advancement has undoubtedly positioned gold tokenization as a transformative force. With the growing popularity of the novel idea, people may show high enthusiasm to trade in digital tokens to become owners of gold. It may also transform how people invest in gold in the current era. Since the gold tokenization concept is still in its nascent stage it is better to wait and watch to understand its growth path.  

Conclusion

The concept of gold tokenization has been nothing less than revolutionary in the current era. It has shown how it is possible to fuse together the security of gold and the novelty of digital transactions. A gold tokenization guide provides detailed insight relating to how gold tokenization works and can help you derive optimum value from the innovative idea. In fact, you can leverage the gold tokenization concept for trading purposes. In order to help you understand the true promise that gold tokenization holds, you must understand the benefits, as well as challenges of novel concepts. 

*Disclaimer: The article should not be taken as, and is not intended to provide any investment advice. Claims made in this article do not constitute investment advice and should not be taken as such. 101 Blockchains shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article. Do your own research!

Key Insights

• Mythical Games is a Web3 gaming pioneer founded by industry veterans (ex-Activision leaders) with a vision to let players truly own in-game assets through blockchain.
• The company secured significant investments, quickly becoming a “unicorn” with a valuation over $1 billion – demonstrating strong market belief in their blockchain-based gaming model.
• Their Mythical Platform streamlines blockchain integration for developers, hiding the technical complexities so that players can join games with just an email address.
• Blankos Block Party made headlines by being the first blockchain game on the Epic Games Store, yet its pivot from PC to mobile highlighted the challenges of keeping Web3 gamers engaged.
• Partnerships with major sports leagues and franchises – such as the NFL (NFL Rivals) and FIFA (FIFA Rivals) – show Mythical’s strategy of fusing blockchain with widely recognized brands.

A New Era of Gaming Dawns

In 2018, whilst cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology continued steamrolling their way into the mainstream, certain video game industry veterans saw a rising chance to change how players could interact with their favorite pasttime.

Mythical Games stepped forward with a vision to create quality video games where players could actually own their in-game items through the integration of blockchain technology. This ownership meant players could collect, trade, and even sell their digital assets, which had previously been tricky to implement in any meaningful way.

Founded in Los Angeles by former Activision executives and gaming industry leaders, Mythical Games quickly rose up as a leader in Web3 gaming, creating games that resonated with a growing audience of players searching for the cutting-edge.

Industry Veterans Champion a Potent Vision

Mythical Games was created by a formidable team with an impressive wrap sheet from all across the gaming industry. CEO John Linden was a studio head at Activision before founding Seismic Games. Chief Creative Officer Jamie Jackson was also from Activision as another studio head, bringing his experience working on massive franchises like Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, and Skylanders.

Other early team members included Rudy Koch, who led business development, and Chris Downs, who oversaw infrastructure. Together, this founding team’s experience with AAA game development gave Mythical Games solid credibility in an industry where blockchain games were still trying to gain a foothold.

The company’s leadership has changed over time, with executives like Arron Goolsbey (Chief Operating Officer), Kasper Mai Jørgensen (Chief Financial Officer), and Jung Suh (Chief Business Officer) joining to help develop Mythical as it furthers its reach.

Funding Success from Major Investors

Mythical Games have captured investor attention with their bold vision and potent team:

• 2018: Secured $16 million in early funding.
• 2019: Raised an additional $19 million.
• 2021: Landed a $75 million Series B.
  • Shocked the market with a $150 million Series C led by Andreessen Horowitz, lifting Mythical’s valuation to $1.25 billion.
  • Attracted a broad mix of investors, from traditional tech firms like D1 Capital to crypto-focused groups like Binance, plus sports-world heavyweights including the NFL’s investment arm, Patriots owner Jonathan Kraft, and Michael Jordan.
  • Unicorn Status: Hitting a $1 billion valuation milestone in under three years highlighted market confidence in Mythical’s blockchain gaming approach.
• 2023: Despite a down crypto market, Mythical still managed to raise another $37 million, though at a slightly reduced valuation, proving they could continue to attract capital even while many others struggled.

A Fresh Take on Gaming Economics

At the core of Mythical’s approach lies their Platform – a tech ecosystem powering their entire game portfolio. This system handles all the behind-the-scenes blockchain complexity that makes digital ownership possible, freeing up game creators to focus on what they do best: crafting engaging experiences instead of wrestling with blockchain technicalities.

The Platform offers everything developers need: tools to create and manage NFTs, marketplace capabilities for trading digital assets, and streamlined wallet management for players.

In the pursuit of adoption, Mythical have taken sensible steps to make sure blockchain gaming is accessible to everyone. Players simply sign up with an email, while all the technical blockchain mechanics occur unseen in the background.

Mythical met another milestone in 2022 by launching the Mythos Foundation to guide the ecosystem with more community input. They introduced the MYTH token, which pulls double duty as both a practical utility token for marketplace transactions and a governance tool, letting holders vote on important ecosystem decisions.

Their blockchain architecture has evolved significantly over time, too. Though initially built on Ethereum-based technology, Mythical announced in 2023 that they were switching to Polkadot – a strategic move to speed up transactions, cut fees, and better connect with other blockchain networks.

Breaking Into New Gaming Territory

Blankos Block Party

Mythical’s first big splash was Blankos Block Party – a vibrant multiplayer game built around digital vinyl toys called Blankos. When it hit open beta in December 2020, players could collect, personalise, and play as unique Blanko characters, each existing as an actual NFT that could be bought, sold, or swapped with other players.

Blankos made waves in 2022 by becoming the first blockchain game to land on the Epic Games Store – a massive step for Web3 gaming. To generate buzz, they teamed up with some unexpected partners: fashion house Burberry created exclusive Blankos, and electronic artist Deadmau5 designed limited-edition characters that quickly became collector’s items.

However, despite the initial excitement, Blankos struggled to keep players coming back. By late 2023, Mythical pulled the plug on the PC version and announced they were shifting focus to mobile instead. This move showed both sides of the coin – the game concept clearly had potential, but sustaining interest in the still-evolving Web3 gaming landscape proved tougher than expected.

NFL Rivals

NFL Rivals hit the App Store and Google Play in April 2023, marking a major win for Mythical. Created through a partnership with the NFL and Players Association, this arcade-style football game puts players in the General Manager’s seat, where they collect digital player cards as NFTs to build the ultimate dream team.

The game strengthened Mythical’s philosophy on Web3 gaming – allowing users to jump in and play without requiring any knowledge of blockchain. For those on the NFT side, the ownership of digital items held even greater appeal, greatly expanding the potential audience.
This balanced approach clearly worked – NFL Rivals racked up nearly a million downloads in its first month alone and even grabbed the #1 spot on App Store charts for sports and action games.

By early 2024, Mythical was boasting some impressive stats: over 5 million players and more than 1 million active wallets plugged into the game’s economy. They’ve kept the momentum going with regular updates and seasonal content drops (Super Bowl player cards were a massive hit), showing serious support for their games over the long haul.

Nitro Nation: World Tour

Mythical didn’t stop at their own games – they teamed up with Creative Mobile to bring blockchain features into the already-popular Nitro Nation racing series. When Nitro Nation: World Tour dropped in mid-2023, it let petrolheads collect, soup up, and race virtual cars – with many existing as tradable NFTs.

What made this stand out was the impressive lineup of over 65 licensed cars from brands car enthusiasts actually care about – Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus, and more.

By working with an established franchise that already had tens of millions of downloads under its belt, Mythical showed how blockchain could be woven into existing games without scaring off long-time fans, a smart play that bridged the gap between traditional and Web3 gaming.

Expanding the Ecosystem

Mythical’s game lineup keeps expanding, with exciting new titles in the works. They’re developing Epic Spell Wars: Magic Fight, a digital card game based on Cryptozoic’s cult favorite franchise. Beyond being fun, this game aims to show off how NFT ownership can add tangible benefits to trading card games better rather than just being a gimmick.

Two upcoming games showcase Mythical’s knack for teaming up with familiar brands.

There’s Pudgy Party, which they’re creating with the intensely popular Pudgy Penguins NFT crew, set to drop sometime in 2025. Then there’s FIFA Rivals, which builds on their sports game success but takes it to global soccer, developed with FIFA and aiming to launch around Summer 2025.

These partnerships are great examples of Mythical’s broad approach – whether they’re working with traditional sports giants like the NFL and FIFA or trending NFT projects like Pudgy Penguins, they’re finding ways to connect mainstream entertainment with blockchain tech that actually makes sense.

Challenges and Controversies

The Web3 roller coaster hasn’t been kind to many startups, and Mythical Games got its share of bumps along the way.

In late 2022, they faced some serious internal drama when three executives – including co-founder Rudy Koch – jumped ship to launch Fenix Games, a direct competitor. Mythical didn’t take this lying down and slapped them with a lawsuit, claiming they’d walked off with business plans. Though they eventually buried the hatchet in early 2024, the debacle exposed some growing pains they were experiencing during their rapid expansion.

Like many in the space, Mythical felt the sting of the crypto winter that stretched from 2022 into 2023. They had to make the tough call to trim their team through several rounds of layoffs, cutting around 15% of their staff. These painful belt-tightening moves showed how they were shifting gears from “grow at all costs” to “let’s actually survive” as investor excitement for blockchain gaming cooled considerably.

Perhaps most telling was their decision to pull the plug on the PC version of Blankos Block Party just a year and a half after its splashy Epic Games Store launch. This wasn’t just a minor pivot – it highlighted the real struggle of keeping players engaged in Web3 games beyond the initial hype. Their quick switch to mobile showed they weren’t afraid to change course when Plan A wasn’t panning out.

Can Mythical Games Shape the Future of Gaming?

Mythical Games has carved out a spot at the forefront of bringing blockchain into everyday gaming. They’ve locked down some seriously impressive partnerships with the NFL and FIFA, secured major backing from top investors, and built up a diverse game lineup spanning multiple genres. Through it all, they’ve stayed laser-focused on their vision of letting players actually own pieces of their gaming worlds.

The jury’s still out on whether Mythical will ultimately transform how we play games. They’re juggling some tough challenges: making blockchain simple enough for casual gamers, keeping players engaged beyond the initial “cool factor,” and navigating the regulatory minefield that seems to change every few months.

One thing can’t be denied, though – Mythical has forged crucial steps for the gaming industry. They’ve convinced established platforms like the Epic Games Store to welcome blockchain games, partnered with major sports leagues that wouldn’t give most crypto projects the time of day, and built out a complete ecosystem for digital ownership.

Whatever happens next, Mythical has helped legitimize Web3 gaming and pushed it into conversations where it wasn’t welcome before. As gaming continues to evolve, Mythical’s influence on our relationship with digital content is only going to grow stronger.