My Neighbor Alice (MNA), the multiplayer builder game with a player-owned economy, has teamed up with Pudgy Penguins to introduce a new in-game area called Pudgy Land. Players can now take their Pudgy NFTs into the game, where they appear as fully animated characters, ready to explore and interact.

Key Takeaways

• Pudgy Penguins, Lil Pudgys, and Pudgy Rods are now playable avatars in My Neighbor Alice.

• Pudgy Land launches within the Snowflake Wilds region, adding winter-themed gameplay.

• The update goes live alongside Chapter One: A New Beginning on June 17.

• NFT holders unlock exclusive quests, cosmetics, and monetizable emotes.

Bringing NFTs Into the Game World

The collaboration brings 40,000 NFTs from the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem—spanning three collections—into the world of My Neighbor Alice as fully playable 3D characters. Players can now explore the game as their own Pudgy avatars, complete with unique traits.

Pudgy Land, a new winter-themed area nestled within the Snowflake Wilds region, is the heart of this integration. Here, Pudgy NFT holders can take part in quests, socialize with others, and unlock new items tied to their NFTs.

To add to the experience, Lil Pudgys appear in-game as eggs that hatch into the exact NFT owned by the player. Meanwhile, Pudgy Rod holders receive a themed fishing rod skin and access to unique fish. Players can also use their Pudgy Penguin for their in-game profile.

Source: Pudgy Penguins

A Step Forward for Web3 Gaming

Steve Haßenpflug, VP of Games at ChromaWay and My Neighbor Alice, highlighted the technical and creative ambition behind the partnership.

“We haven’t just integrated the Pudgy Penguins brand but have made all 40,000 items awaken as native 3D assets within My Neighbor Alice,” he said, adding, “That’s the power of connected ecosystems and a big step towards the open metaverse.”

His comments point to a broader shift toward interoperability in Web3 gaming—one where NFTs are no longer just static images but playable, interactive assets that can be transferred across platforms.

Play, Customize, and Create

My Neighbor Alice isn’t stopping here, with plans to bring more well-known NFT collections into the game. It’s part of a larger movement in blockchain gaming, where owning an asset means more than holding it—it means being able to use it, play with it, and build on it alongside a community.

These features then tie into the game’s broader player-driven economy, where assets can be created, traded, and sold through MNA’s built-in marketplace.

Pudgy holders can craft and sell exclusive emotes, adding new ways to earn from their NFTs. There are also special quests, NPCs, and themed outfits just for Pudgy owners.

Meanwhile, players from the entire MNA community can take part in seasonal quests and earn rewards when Chapter One: A New Beginning launches on June 17.

Looking Ahead

The team behind My Neighbor Alice says this won’t be the last crossover. They’re looking to bring in other NFT projects over time, building a world where different communities can actually interact in one place. It’s part of a slow but steady shift in blockchain gaming—away from static collectibles and toward experiences that focus on how people use and share what they own.

For both My Neighbor Alice and Pudgy Penguins, it’s a chance to see what can happen when Web3 communities team up—not just to coexist, but to create something new together.

Popular web3 brand Pudgy Penguins has partnered with Random House Children’s Books to release a new picture book titled Worst Birthday Gift Ever, due out on 4 November 2025, marking the brand’s first official venture into traditional publishing.

The book will introduce young readers to Pongo, a character from the “Lil Pudgy” sub-collection, in a story aimed at children aged 4 to 8.

Written by Michael Leviton and illustrated by Kuma Labs, the book will be released as a $9.99 hardcover, in time for the holiday season and is now available for pre-order.

What is Worst Birthday Gift Ever all about?

Set in the fictional world of Pudgy Penguins, the book follows the character Pongo as he celebrates his birthday. Known within the Pudgy community as impulsive but well-meaning, Pongo finds himself in trouble after his friends mistakenly give him real swords instead of inflatable ones. The narrative unfolds with a mix of chaos and problem-solving, offering a simple storyline for early readers.

The book is targeted at children between the ages of 4 and 8 and combines traditional picture book elements—humour, character conflict, and resolution—with characters developed within the Pudgy Penguins universe.

“Worst Birthday Gift Ever is more than a book – it’s the next chapter in a movement that’s already resonating with kids, collectors, and families around the world,” said Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins.

What does this mean for Pudgy Penguins?

This book marks the first publishing collaboration for Pudgy Penguins, originally launched in 2021 as a collection of Ethereum-based NFTs. Since then, the brand has expanded into physical toys, gaming, and social media content, and has built a significant following on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

By entering the children’s book market, Pudgy Penguins is moving further into mainstream consumer media. The brand has previously placed toy products in major US retailers including Walmart, Target, and Walgreens, reporting over one million units sold and more than $13 million in retail revenue.

“Random House Children’s Books is the gold standard in publishing,” said Luca Netz. “They understand the power of narrative and building lasting characters. As the leading web3 brand bringing digital culture into the mainstream, this collaboration marks a major milestone in our continued expansion.”

The collaboration with Penguin Random House suggests Pudgy Penguins is pursuing a multi-platform strategy that includes retail, publishing, and digital engagement. Future projects have not been announced but are expected to follow in a similar direction.

Known for its widely popular NFT collection and viral digital toy line, Pudgy Penguins is now expanding into gaming with Pengu Clash, a fast-paced multiplayer experience inside Telegram. Built on the TON blockchain, Pengu Clash is designed for quick pick-up-and-play sessions—no crypto experience required—and rewards players purely on skill.

Key Takeaways

• Pengu Clash is a new Telegram mini-app game created by Pudgy Penguins, featuring real-time challenges in Football, Bomber, and Darts.

• Built on the TON blockchain, it taps into Telegram’s massive user base to bring casual users into Web3 gaming.

• The game uses a skill-first Play2Win model, where rewards are earned through gameplay, not purchases or chance.

• Developed using the Elympics engine, a real-time gaming infrastructure that enables low-latency matches and scalable tournaments.

• With over 350,000 pre-registrations, Pengu Clash is gaining strong traction within the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem.

What Is Pengu Clash?

Pengu Clash is a fast-action multiplayer game developed by Pudgy Penguins on the TON blockchain. Accessible directly through Telegram as a mini-app, the game allows players to lead teams of digital penguins through engaging mini-games, like Football, Darts, and Bomber—in short, competitive matches. Designed for fun and replayability, it requires no upfront crypto knowledge.

Pengu Clash follows a Play2Win model, ensuring rewards are earned through skill and consistency.

Source Pengu Clash

How to Play Pengu Clash on Telegram

Getting started is fast and beginner-friendly—perfect for those new to crypto or Telegram games.

Step 1: Sign Up

Pre-registration began on May 9, 2025, via the official Pengu Clash Telegram channel. It’s still open for early access and updates.

Step 2: Launch the Game

No downloads required. Just open the Pengu Clash mini-app directly within any Telegram chat.

Step 3: Customise Your Team

Choose and personalise your squad of “Pengus” with an unlockable “outfit”, accessories, and gear to suit your style.

Step 4: Compete in Mini-Games

Dive into dynamic rounds of Football, Darts, or Bomber. Each game is short, strategic, and designed for replayability.

Step 5: Win and Collect Rewards

Climb the leaderboard and earn tokens by showcasing your skills. NFT perks and exclusive in-game items are coming soon.

Pengu Clash in Action

The launch of Pengu Clash is another expansion for Pudgy Penguins into a broader interactive ecosystem:

• Mainstream Web3 Gateway: By embedding the game in Telegram, it lowers the barrier to entry for Web3 newcomers across the globe.

• Community-Powered Growth: 350,000+ pre-registrations highlight strong organic interest and community backing.

• High-Performance Infrastructure: Powered by Elympics, a Web3 gaming engine that ensures real-time responsiveness and supports larger-scale multiplayer tournaments.

Final Thoughts

Pengu Clash brings something different to the table—it’s easy to jump into, runs right inside Telegram, and focuses on fun, skill-based play instead of pay-to-win mechanics.

It’s a fresh start for Pudgy Penguins as they branch out into gaming, and with more titles on the way, like Pudgy Party and Pudgy World, it’s real momentum building. Whether it catches on long-term will come down to how players connect with it, but for now, it’s an interesting move in the Web3 space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Pengu Clash free to play?

Yes. There are no upfront costs, no NFTs required, and no pay-to-win mechanics. All players compete on equal footing.

Do I need a crypto wallet to play?

No wallet is required to start playing. However, players who want to claim token rewards or access advanced features may need one in future updates.

Can I earn real rewards?

Yes. Players can earn tokens based on performance in matches and tournaments.

Despite concerns that the broader memecoin “supercycle” may be fading, recent moves suggest renewed investor appetite, especially around Solana-based speculative tokens.

After falling from grace earlier this year, the memecoin market has seen surprise breakouts from coins like $FARTCOIN, $BONK, and now $PENGU, reigniting enthusiasm among degens and speculative traders.

$PENGU Rebounds from Deep Correction After NFT Airdrop Dump

DappRadar ranked Pudgy Penguins as the top NFT project globally, recording over $4.36 million in trading volume and a market cap exceeding $2.5 billion. But the euphoria didn’t last.

Within three days, Pudgy Penguins’ native token, $PENGU plummeted to $0.023 as airdrop farmers and NFT flippers dumped their holdings.

At the time of the airdrop, holders received tokens worth around $60,000 per NFT, valued at just $14,000. The NFT floor price has since nosedived from 27 ETH to around 10 $ETH.

Despite this downturn, $PENGU remains central to the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem, enabling governance participation, exclusive content access, and community engagement via the Abstract chain.

ETF Filing and Solana Validator Ignite Fresh Momentum

Momentum returned on March 28 when Canary Capital filed an S-1 registration with the U.S. SEC to launch an ETF focused on $PENGU and Pudgy Penguins NFTs.

If approved, it would mark the first U.S.-based ETF to directly hold NFTs, alongside crypto assets like Ethereum and Solana.

Further support came on April 15, when $SOL Strategies unveiled a partnership with Pudgy Penguins to launch a dedicated Solana validator.

Live now, the $PENGU Validator offers APY rewards between 7% and 11% for delegators, supporting both the Solana network and the Penguins’ broader ecosystem.

Technical Analysis: $PENGU Eyes $0.01 Reclaim After Breakout

The 4-hour chart for $PENGU/$USDT shows a bullish breakout above consolidation within an ascending channel.

After touching $0.008789, the token trades around $0.008411, with the 20 EMA and 50 EMA trending upward, a typical indicator of strength.

If the price retests the $0.006725 level, a former resistance now turned support, a strong bounce could validate the breakout and pave the way toward the next resistance at $0.010086, which aligns with the blue arrow projection on the chart.

However, failure to hold $0.006725 may trigger a 15% correction, targeting support near $0.006000, close to the 100 and 200 EMAs, which have historically served as support.

A move above $0.008789 could extend gains to the psychological resistance of $0.01, a likely zone for short-term profit-taking.

The post Pudgy Penguins’ $PENGU Jumps 37% Amid ETF Filing and Validator Launch on Solana appeared first on Cryptonews.

Plus: Is your Android possessed?

GM. Sippin’ on some cold-pressed crypto facts – no pulp, just the weirdest headlines and spicy rumors.

New phones that come with malware.

News drops: BNB ETF plans, stablecoin regulation updates + more

Market flavor today

Crypto Market Cap: $2.64T -4.66% (24H)
Name		Price	24H	7D
	Bitcoin BTC	$81,874.04	-5.56%	-5.95%
	Ethereum ETH	$1,776.58	-6.42%	-11.68%
	XRP XRP	$2.00	-8.03%	-14.68%
	BNB BNB	$585.61	-3.45%	-8.17%

Donald Trump’s Liberation Day came and went – and yeah, we were liberated… from the burden of being rich.

He announced tariffs on 185 countries at once – one of the biggest tariff announcements in US history.

Here’s the full list…

… and it includes a 10% tariff on the Heard and McDonald Islands, which have a total population of 0 and are inhabited by PENGUINS.

TRUMP TAXED PENGUINS.

Aaanyways, what’s the deal?

The base rate is a 10% tariff on every country.

BUT! It’ll go higher for some – the US will match half of whatever tariff a country charges on American goods. For example:

• The EU charges a 39% tariff on US goods → so it gets hit with a 20% tariff;

• China charges 67% → they’re getting 34% (except that’s on top of the 20% tariff Trump previously announced, so China’s total is 54%).

Quick n simple mafematics, but this whole thing was still surprising, because most people assumed it would just be 10% across the board.

That said, a few countries and industries managed to dodge the full Trump special this time:

• Canada and Mexico have been exempted from the new round of tariffs because they’re still dealing with earlier ones;

• Russia, Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea have also been excluded, because they already have so many sanctions and tariffs on them that there’s barely any trade left to tax;

• As for industries – copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber won’t be touched by any of the new tariffs.

The 10% tax starts on Saturday, and the higher, country-specific tariffs begin next Wednesday.

They’ll stay in place until Trump decides the US trade deficit isn’t a “problem” anymore (… yeah, no clue when that’ll be).

And the market reaction? Well…

S&P 500 futures lost $2 trillion in market cap in under 15 minutes. That’s trillion. With a T. Yes.

Crypto got dragged too – the total market cap dropped by $130 billion.

So yeah. Happy Liberation Day to those who celebrate. The penguins will remember this

Memecoin harvest

From wtf is this? to I should’ve sold my kidney

Data as of 08:00 AM EST.

Check out these memecoins and plenty more here.

On Monday, we told you not to trust random apps because a crocodile might hurt you. If you have no idea what I’m talking about… uhh, long story, read it here.

Well, now, we’ve got another fun update to get you even more paranoid!! Just what we all need in this economy!!

Jokes aside, tho’ – you do have to be aware of this.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky warns: be careful when buying Android phones from unknown sellers.

That phone you got online for a too good to be true deal might end up costing you WAY more later.

Cuz some of ’em are fake versions of popular models, and they come with a little surprise: the Triada Trojan.

That’s a nasty type of malware that’s already installed in the phone’s firmware. So no, you can’t just delete it – it’s buried deep in the system.

And it can do a ton of creepy stuff, like:

• Send messages on your behalf;

• Spy on pretty much everything you do – for example, what kinda weird sh*t you Google;

• Download and run other programs;

• Block your internet connection to stop anti-fraud tools from working;

• Replace wallet addresses to steal your crypto;

• Etc etc etc.

Basically, if your phone’s infected, it stops being your phone. Scary stuff.

So far, more than 2,600 people (mostly in Russia) have already fallen victim, and the hackers have stolen at least $270K in crypto.

(Which could be more, especially since they’re also going after Monero – a cryptocurrency that’s super hard to trace.)

VERY scary stuff.

How do you protect yourself?

• Only buy phones from official stores or trusted sellers;

• As soon as you get your new phone, install antivirus or security software. Right away. NO excuses.

Stay safe out there – your phone should be smart, not evil

News drops

Representative Maxine Waters slammed Trump at a House hearing. She said that the stablecoin launched by a company linked to his family is a major red flag.

VanEck filed to set up a Delaware trust company for a BNB ETF. It’s the first time anyone’s tried to launch a BNB ETF in the US.

Kraken got a new license from Canada’s OSC. It’s another step in showing they’re serious about running smoothly for their Canadian users.

The STABLE Act passed the Financial Services Committee. It now heads to a full House vote.

OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely’s new app, Zoop, and the HBAR Foundation want to buy TikTok. TikTok must be sold to a non-Chinese company by April 5 or face a ban in the US.

Juicy memes

In building Pudgy Penguins, Igloo Inc. have turned a dud into one of the world’s biggest NFT collections. With watchful eyes locked on their every move, they’re now looking to build a mainstream-ready blockchain. That blockchain is the Abstract Chain.

Abstract is a consumer-focused Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain. Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins, states that it will “change the dynamic of how users interact with blockchain technology and easily merge both the real and digital worlds.”

Upon its debut in January 2025, community reactions were mixed – but the team behind it stayed committed. They’ve continued to build, with apps, tools and services arriving at a rapid pace. Why is Abstract so notable, how is it doing things different, and what could we see in its future?

Here’s our complete guide to the Abstract Chain.

Key Insights

• A consumer-focused Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain
• Created by Igloo Inc., owners of Pudgy Penguins
• Announced in June 2024, debuted in January 2025
• Saw huge pre-release hype, but a mixed launch
• Aims to supply “users, liquidity, and community to builders and brands”

What is Abstract Chain?

Abstract is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain, developed by Igloo Inc. which launched in January 2025.

The Abstract Chain is the inaugural new project from the Igloo Inc. company. Its aim is to create “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, where “culture & community building and dedicated builder & brand support” are central to how the chain is built, developed and maintained.

Abstract utilises zero-knowledge technology from zkSync and EigenDA to make this consumer-focused approach a reality. As an Ethereum L2, Abstract also inherits Ethereum‘s well-known security, reliability and decentralisation.

The Abstract Chain will be powered in future by a native token – though details on this token, including the ticker, have yet to be revealed. Since its mainnet launch, Abstract has featured its Abstract XP system. This rewards users with XP points for using Abstract apps, doing Abstract transactions, and being active in the Abstract ecosystem. These XP points are expected to translate into an allocation of Abstract’s future native token.

Much of Abstract’s popularity so far is due to its relationship to Pudgy Penguins. This NFT collection, and its CEO Luca Netz, have driven much of the excitement around Abstract to date – and as Abstract will be the home of future Pudgy Penguins experiences, such as their Vibes TCG, the chain will be a core party of the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem long-term.

A suite of popular apps, tools and services already support Abstract. This includes NFT marketplaces such as Magic Eden, exchanges such as Uniswap, and services such as Seedify. Notable games and NFT collections on Abstract include 77-Bit, Onchain Heroes, and Abstract Pepes.

How does Abstract Chain work?

Abstract puts the consumer experience first and foremost, with architectural and design decisions made with what the user will experience as the primary driving force.

Notable aspects of Abstract include:

• User experience. Abstract’s tools, features and design are optimised for simplicity and mass adoption.
• Community ethos. Culture is at the heart of Abstract, with the team stating their aim to “highlight the vital role that a strong community and cultural relevance” can play.
• Discoverability. Abstract’s app curation and discoverability is top-tier, ensuring that users have access to a full suite of apps, tools and services.
• EVM compatibility. Abstract adopts Ethereum’s security, reliability and infrastructure – and boosts it with zero-knowledge technology.

The Abstract Chain also looks to attract builders with a variety of tailored tools and services. This includes the Abstract Builder Incubator – a programme where major products can obtain direct support from the Abstract team.

With a focus on building “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, Abstract want to provide the best platform possible for top-tier builders. By giving these teams the tools, support and infrastructure they need, Abstract hopes to become home to the next-generation of powerful Web3 apps.

The history of Abstract Chain

Abstract was officially announced when Igloo acquired Frame in June 2024. This move saw development on the Frame blockchain come to a close, with their talented team joining Cube Labs and Pudgy Penguins to build Abstract Chain.

As 2024 progressed, anticipation for Abstract grew to a fever pitch. Influencers changed their avatar backgrounds to Abstract’s signature green. Popular games – such as ChronoForge – announced that they would migrate to Abstract. Popular apps, tools and services announced that they would support Abstract on launch – such as Magic Eden.

Hype grew further after the launch of $PENGU – the official token of Pudgy Penguins – in December 2024, as many saw Abstract as the Pudgy blockchain.

Abstract held its mainnet launch on January 27, 2025 – but the debut saw mixed results.

Many users had core concerns, such as a lack of contract security scanners, failing RPCs, and unexpected Ethereum gas fees. Some even claimed that popular relayer tools did not work with Abstract, leading to lost funds – with one user stating that Abstract “was not ready to be launched.”

In spite of these setbacks, the debut of Abstract did result in some clear improvements for Web3 users – particularly on mobile. The Abstract app attracted praise for its streamlined mobile experience, where in many cases, users can complete transactions without switching between apps.

Abstract’s mainnet launch also introduced the Abstract XP system. By engaging with Abstract Chain, users collect Badges and XP. These are expected to translate into an allocation of the future Abstract ecosystem token.

Users can earn Abstract XP in many different ways:

• Create your Abstract profile
• Swap $ETH for $PENGU on Abstract
• Upvote dApps on Abstract
• Play Multiplier on Abstract
• Conduct “organic interactions” on Abstract

Additional amounts of Abstract XP can be earned by users if they:

• Own an Abstract partner NFT (Pudgy Penguins, Doodles, Azuki and more)
• Hold $PENGU in their Abstract wallet
• Become an Abstract creator
• Host Abstract livestreams

For each XP point earned, users will receive allocation of the future Abstract token, set to arrive later in 2025.

Following the launch of Abstract, the first Abstract NFT collections began their mints. Two of the most anticipated NFT collections were Bearish and Pixelady Maker – but both saw their floor price dip below their mint price, creating frustration amongst Abstract supporters.

In the following weeks and months, many additional apps, tools and services arrived on Abstract. This includes the likes of Roach Racing Club, BUZZ, Top Hat, Kabu and Finalbosu.

What’s next for Abstract Chain?

Thought Abstract saw a mixed mainnet launch, their team has continued to build. The past weeks and months have seen regular updates, improvements and new features – many informed directly from user feedback.

Members of the Abstract team, such as @0xCygaar, post regularly on X to inform the community of their latest developments. This has boosted Abstract’s image, and has kept the community engaged and hopeful.

Although interest in Abstract has declined since its landmark debut, the Web3 community still has big expectations. With official Pudgy Penguins experiences set to debut on Abstract, its promises to become “the dominant consumer crypto chain”, and an XP system leading to a future token airdrop, there is plenty of promise that lies ahead.

As more apps, tools, services make their way to Abstract – not to mention an increasing list of games and NFT collections that are building a strong ecosystem for the chain – this Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain could have a big future ahead.