The program offers funding through two main categories:

• Builder Grant: Grants of up to $300,000 in RON tokens, released as key milestones are reached. This funding is designed to cover costs such as integrations, audits, and deployments, with a focus on projects that address user challenges.
• Waypoint Gas Grant: Offering up to $20,000 in RON tokens to help cover gas fees, this grant makes it easier for developers to onboard users and improve the experience for projects integrating with Ronin Waypoint.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no strict deadline, and are typically reviewed within 3 to 4 weeks. This flexibility allows developers to apply when it suits them, without the pressure of a fixed cutoff date.

Selected projects will enjoy several key benefits, including:

• Increased visibility: Featured on Ronin’s official channels, including its grants page and Ronin Wallet, with regular updates across their platforms.
• Collaboration opportunities: Access to the Ronin Builders Discord, where developers can connect with other builders, advisors, and VCs.
• Integration opportunities: Approved projects will have the chance to collaborate with Web3 games in the Ronin ecosystem, such as Axie Infinity, and explore other strategic partnerships.
• Discounts on tools: Access to discounted rates from infrastructure providers and technical tool vendors.

While Ronin initially focused on the blockchain gaming space, it is now expanding to include broader applications, such as consumer-facing DApps and DeFi protocols.

The application process is straightforward: developers simply choose the program that fits their needs and submit their application. With continuous acceptance, there are no deadlines to rush against.

Looking ahead, Ronin plans to expand the program with new grant types and developer-focused events, further strengthening its ecosystem.

The post Ronin Dedicates $10 Million in Grants to Support Web3 Project Development appeared first on The Pepes.

The study found that 20% of respondents are open to receiving their pensions in crypto assets. Meanwhile, over 78% prefer options like real estate and private retirement plans over state-backed pension funds.

One of the study’s standout findings is that most young people don’t fully understand traditional pension systems. Over 72% admitted they have no idea how their money is managed or invested.

Those who distrust these systems often point to three key issues:

• Lack of transparency in how funds are managed.
• Government inefficiencies.
• Doubts about the long-term sustainability of pensions given global economic uncertainty.

This mistrust drives many to explore alternatives that offer more control and autonomy, with cryptocurrencies emerging as one of the top contenders.

Crypto: A Compelling Yet Challenging Retirement Option

Cryptocurrencies are rapidly gaining popularity as a retirement savings tool. The study revealed that 20.59% of respondents are already considering adding crypto to their retirement plans, while an impressive 86.95% see digital assets as a viable option for long-term savings or investments.

But despite the enthusiasm, significant hurdles remain:

• Market volatility.
• Regulatory uncertainty.
• Concerns about digital security.

The study also uncovered a generational shift in retirement planning. While Baby Boomers and Gen X typically start saving in their 30s or 40s, 41.24% of young people believe saving for retirement should begin at 18. Currently, 76.47% of respondents are exploring savings options, and 33.52% already have active plans.

Financial Literacy and the Role of Social Media

Social media and online financial education have helped make cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum household names among younger generations. According to the report:

• 93.92% of respondents are aware of cryptocurrencies.
• 52.7% describe themselves as “very familiar” with them.

Bitget’s report highlights the need for a hybrid financial system that blends the stability of traditional pensions with the flexibility and innovation of Blockchain. To achieve this, the report recommends:

• Simplifying pension systems to make them more user-friendly.
• Promoting financial education through targeted campaigns for younger audiences.
• Leveraging Blockchain-based solutions to modernize retirement savings.

With 20% of Generations Z and Alpha ready to include cryptocurrencies in their retirement plans, it’s clear that a financial transformation is underway. For this trend to fully take root, challenges around regulation, security, and volatility must be addressed. Achieving this will require collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and tech innovators.

The post Generations Z and Alpha Are Redefining Retirement: Cryptocurrencies Take the Spotlight appeared first on The Pepes.

After completing a public test that generated over 2.4 million wallets in just two weeks, ZKcandy has proven its ability to capture a massive audience. This success highlights its strong potential to attract AAA companies to the Web3 ecosystem.

The platform is focused on making blockchain technology more accessible to both developers and players, aiming to build a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem. Additional investors in the fundraising include Perlone Capital, Presto, Flowdesk, LECCA Ventures, Efficient Frontier, and Prometheuz.

ZKcandy is focused on expanding and making Web3 gaming more accessible. CEO Lau Kin Wai mentioned that the $4 million in funding will help bring the company’s vision to life, stressing the team’s commitment to creating safe and enjoyable player experiences.

“Securing this funding is a big step for us… Our goal is to make Web3 gaming more open and accessible to everyone. We want to bring in top games and other large IPs and create a space where users can enjoy smooth, secure, and rewarding experiences. With support from our investors, we will keep building toward that vision”.

Lau Kin Wai, ZKcandy CEO.

ZKcandy’s portfolio includes over 25 games in development, including one based on a popular Hollywood IP. With the recent $4 million in funding, the company plans to build the first EVM-powered gaming ecosystem on Telegram –games running on a blockchain compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)- and integrate AI to enhance gameplay.

While ZKcandy is making great strides in integrating Web3 into gaming, one of the industry’s biggest challenges, as highlighted in the 2024 State of the Industry report, is the understanding and adoption of Blockchain by both players and developers. The report notes that 33.6% of professionals identified a lack of understanding as a major barrier, highlighting the urgent need to simplify interfaces and processes in Web3 games to attract a broader audience.

The post ZKcandy raises $4 million to power its Web3 gaming ecosystem appeared first on The Pepes.

On the other hand, Blockchain and crypto specialists now account for just 10.8% of the Web3 gaming workforce, a notable drop from 21.7% in 2023.

A key takeaway from the report is that digital asset ownership continues to be the most valued feature in Blockchain games. Among the 623 respondents, 71% (or 442 people) considered this a major advantage. The report also highlights recent innovations like dynamic NFTs and Soulbound Tokens (SBTs), which enable more personalized experiences and stronger connections with players, expanding the concept of digital ownership in games.

Fully onchain games are an innovation akin to breakthroughs in mobile technology like augmented reality (AR), because they introduce entirely new ways of interaction and functionality, requiring advancements in infrastructure and design to unlock their full potential. Onchain games unlock new possibilities, such as player-owned economies, decentralized governance, and autonomous worlds. Players can vote on rule changes and influence a game’s direction, reshaping the relationship between players and developers.

The study also points out significant challenges the Web3 gaming industry needs to tackle. Notably, 33.6% of respondents in 2024 identified a lack of understanding as a major barrier, underscoring the urgent need for education among both players and developers. To drive adoption among new users unfamiliar with crypto assets or NFTs, it’s crucial to create more accessible Blockchain games with intuitive interfaces and simplified experiences that remove technical complexity.

The introduction of free-to-play options and gasless transactions — where a trusted relayer or the game developer covers the gas fees on behalf of the player, or layer-2 scaling solutions, which significantly reduce transaction costs by bundling multiple transactions off-chain before finalizing them on the main blockchain — has made blockchain gaming more accessible than ever. By eliminating upfront costs and transaction fees, these innovations have removed significant barriers that previously discouraged new players from exploring the industry, making it easier for anyone to get started. By removing the need for players to hold NFTs or cryptocurrencies, or pay transaction fees upfront, these innovations create a seamless entry point for newcomers to blockchain gaming. This, however, is only the starting point as challenges with onboarding are clearly still a major concern for the industry.

Despite the effort to shift the Web3 elements into the background, a lack of understanding of blockchain concepts remains a major challenge, with 33.6% of survey respondents citing this as an issue in 2024. While efforts to educate both players and developers are ongoing, misconceptions around the role of blockchain in gaming persist, mainly due to a need for more simplified explanations and processes surrounding its application. Streamlined communication and clearer explanations will help to fully convey blockchain’s long-term benefits without adding complexity.

Additionally, two-thirds of respondents pointed to allegations of scams as a major challenge, while 30% expressed concerns about bot activity in Web3 games. To tackle these issues and build trust, companies in the sector need to carry out independent audits to verify project legitimacy and ensure they adhere to quality standards. Clear communication and continuous engagement with the community are crucial to overcoming skepticism.

The Blockchain gaming space is gaining momentum, driven not only by the growing involvement of traditional industry developers but also by the interest of major gaming giants like Sega, Square Enix, and Konami. These companies have partnered with the crypto platform Coincheck in a deal announced by the Japan Cryptocurrency Business Association (JCBA).

This collaboration also brings together gaming companies like COLOPL and Drecom, as well as top law firms like Mori Hamada & Matsumoto and Anderson Mori & Tomotsune. The formation of this subcommittee aims to drive the development and regulation of blockchain securities, NFTs, and other decentralized technologies.

The post Traditional Gaming Professionals Lead Web3 Game Companies, Report Says appeared first on The Pepes.

The goal is to prevent crypto ATMs from being used for criminal activity. AUSTRAC says the team will ensure that crypto exchanges running these services comply with minimum security standards.

Under the AML/CTF Act of 2006, crypto exchanges in Australia must register with AUSTRAC, verify customer identities (KYC), monitor transactions, report suspicious activity, and disclose cash transactions over $10,000.

The Australian agency announced the initiative on the social media platform X. AUSTRAC stated that it will take action against crypto ATM providers who don’t comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

Brendan Thomas, the agency’s head, issued this statement:

“Cryptocurrency ATM providers need to ensure they are complying with their money laundering obligations and are reducing the risks of crime. If they’re ignoring those obligations they risk being subject to significant financial penalties and AUSTRAC won’t hesitate in taking action”.

“This is the first step in AUSTRAC’s focus to reduce the criminal use of cryptocurrency in Australia. We will be focusing on this industry over the course of next year”.

AUSTRAC notes that although only a small number of the 400 registered crypto exchanges provide ATM services, Australia has around 1,200 crypto machines in total. The agency is focused on encouraging more companies to register and comply with regulations. According to Coin ATM Radar, there are currently 1,308 Bitcoin ATMs across the country.

In August this year, Australian authorities uncovered a major crypto scam that affected over 2,000 local wallets. The scammers used phishing to trick victims into authorizing fraudulent transactions. Reports suggest this tactic has enabled criminals to steal more than $4 billion in cryptocurrency since 2021.

Australia’s cryptocurrency market has seen significant growth in recent years, ranking ninth globally in adoption. With a rate of 17%, higher than the global average of 15%, the country has experienced a steady increase in crypto users, particularly among younger people, many of whom are under 24. Bitcoin remains the dominant cryptocurrency.

Cointree’s data shows that the most popular cryptocurrencies in Australia are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB), with Dogecoin (DOGE) and Cardano (ADA) following closely behind.

Further news:

• Russian Government to Ban Crypto Mining in Some Regions.
• Ant CEO Eric Jing says asset tokenization is essential for economic transformation.
• Bolivian Bank Bisa Launches USDT Custody Service.
• More Than 60 New Bitcoin Addresses Holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC Emerged in 2024.
• Uruguay Passes New Law to Regulate the Crypto Industry.
• Worldcoin Grows in Mexico While Facing Sanctions in Argentina and Global Scrutiny.

We’re excited to introduce the Hamza.biz Ambassador Program—a great chance to see how Web3 is changing e-commerce. As an ambassador, you’ll get exclusive access to our private Discord channel, where you can share your ideas and earn gifts and bonuses. Click here to learn more

The post Australia Tightens Control Over Crypto ATMs appeared first on The Pepes.

Kullmann took to social media platform X to share the outcome and thank those involved. The initiative aims to explore how the Proof of Work (PoW) consensus algorithm can help reduce energy waste and support renewable energy systems. The upcoming study will examine whether Bitcoin mining aligns with the Canton of Bern’s current energy policies.

• We recommend reading: Cryptocurrencies and Sustainability: Addressing the Energy Consumption Debate.

The bill, introduced in March by 23 congressmen calling themselves the “Bitcoin Parliamentary Group”, was inspired by the rise of crypto mining in regions like Texas, USA. The group called for a study to explore the mining potential in the Canton of Bern, but the cantonal government opposed the motion, citing concerns over the high energy consumption and questioning mining’s financial and regulatory implications.

Samuel Kullmann pointed out that the study isn’t a commitment to Bitcoin mining right away, but rather an evaluation of its potential. While the local government initially opposed the idea, most lawmakers felt that ignoring Bitcoin’s potential could mean missing out on investment opportunities, job creation, and improved energy efficiency.

If the study produces positive results, Bitcoin mining could play a big role in the Canton of Bern’s energy strategy, helping to manage surplus energy and stabilize the power grid. It could also attract crypto mining companies to the region, boosting the local economy and driving innovation in renewable energy sources.

As Bitcoin mining gains momentum, many countries are looking for ways to incorporate cryptocurrencies into their economies and energy policies. For example, both the United States and Brazil are exploring the possibility of creating strategic Bitcoin reserves.

Senator Cynthia Lummis has proposed creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the U.S. to accumulate up to 1 million Bitcoins, boosting the country’s economic resilience. Likewise, lawmakers in Brazil are pushing for a national BTC reserve, aiming to convert up to 5% of their foreign currency reserves.

Further news:

• Russian Government to Ban Crypto Mining in Some Regions.
• Ant CEO Eric Jing says asset tokenization is essential for economic transformation.
• Bolivian Bank Bisa Launches USDT Custody Service.
• More Than 60 New Bitcoin Addresses Holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC Emerged in 2024.
• Uruguay Passes New Law to Regulate the Crypto Industry.
• Worldcoin Grows in Mexico While Facing Sanctions in Argentina and Global Scrutiny.

We’re excited to introduce the Hamza.biz Ambassador Program—a great chance to see how Web3 is changing e-commerce. As an ambassador, you’ll get exclusive access to our private Discord channel, where you can share your ideas and earn gifts and bonuses. Click here to learn more

The post Swiss lawmakers will assess the potential of Bitcoin mining to strengthen the country’s power grid appeared first on The Pepes.

Under the new rules, miners must disclose the locations of their facilities, as well as their energy consumption. Once a miner connects to the ERCOT grid, they have one business day to register. Failure to do so could result in fines accumulating up to $25,000 per day.

This move comes as Texas strengthens its role as a leading hub for cryptocurrency mining. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) argues that the new requirements are necessary to address the rising energy demand from mining operations connected to the region’s power grid.

In October, CriptoNoticias covered Texas mining growth, focusing on Rockdale. Once hit hard by an economic collapse in 2008, the town has seen a revival thanks to bitcoin mining. Mayor Ward Roddam pointed out that since 2020, Whinstone’s entry, a Riot Blockchain subsidiary, has driven job creation and economic growth through the construction of a new mining farm.

PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson commented:

“To ensure the ERCOT grid is reliable and meets the electricity needs of all Texans, the PUCT and ERCOT need to know the location and power needs of virtual currency miners. This is another example of the PUCT and ERCOT adapting to support a rapidly changing industrial landscape. Most importantly, we will always take the steps necessary to ensure reliable, affordable power for all Texans”.

Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz recently told Fox Business that he plans to make Texas “the oasis of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies”. He also pointed out that the biggest threat to Bitcoin comes from the federal government since they can’t control it. Cruz reaffirmed his commitment to attracting global entrepreneurs to Texas and creating blockchain-related jobs.

Notably, Satoshi Action Fund (SAF) CEO Dennis Porter proposed creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve in Texas. Porter recently shared that his team had successfully convinced local congressmen to start discussing the idea’s viability. The story was also covered by CriptoNoticias.

Further news:

• Russian Government to Ban Crypto Mining in Some Regions.
• Ant CEO Eric Jing says asset tokenization is essential for economic transformation.
• Bolivian Bank Bisa Launches USDT Custody Service.
• More Than 60 New Bitcoin Addresses Holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC Emerged in 2024.
• Uruguay Passes New Law to Regulate the Crypto Industry.
• Worldcoin Grows in Mexico While Facing Sanctions in Argentina and Global Scrutiny.

We’re excited to introduce the Hamza.biz Ambassador Program—a great chance to see how Web3 is changing e-commerce. As an ambassador, you’ll get exclusive access to our private Discord channel, where you can share your ideas and earn gifts and bonuses. Click here to learn more

The post Bitcoin Miners in Texas Will Be Required to Register and Disclose Key Operational Information appeared first on The Pepes.

According to the OSCE website, up to twelve officials from Ukraine’s National Securities Market Commission participated in the session. They were introduced to the basics of blockchain and trained to use both public and private analysis tools to track transactions effectively.

Participants examined real-world Bitcoin and Ethereum use cases to gain a better understanding of the risks associated with virtual assets, particularly money laundering and other financial crimes. Maksym Mishalov Dragunov, a key figure at the OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), remarked:

“Criminal activity on blockchain networks is on the rise. While cash remains the most common tool for illicit transactions, cryptocurrency offers a unique advantage: the ability to facilitate borderless, instantaneous transfers globally”.

A Chainalysis report revealed a significant increase in institutional transactions within Europe’s DeFi sector in 2023, with Ukraine emerging as a leading player in this trend. Last year, transactions over $10 million in Ukraine grew by an impressive 362%, driven by the need to secure financial stability amid war and economic volatility.

This growth wasn’t limited to Ukraine; it spread across much of Eastern Europe, with DeFi activity increasing by 40% year-on-year. According to Chainalysis, decentralized exchanges in the region saw $148.68 billion in cryptocurrency inflows. Ukrainian exchanges accounted for $34.9 billion, while Russian exchanges handled $58.4 billion. Meanwhile, countries like Moldova, Hungary, and the Czech Republic also saw growth in DeFi lending, attracting $11.29 billion in cryptocurrency.

It’s important to highlight that this isn’t the first crypto training Ukrainian officials have received. In November 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in partnership with the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Activities Division, held a four-day intensive course focused on tracking financial crimes related to cryptocurrencies.

Further news:

• Immutable Introduces Pre-Approved Transactions: Simplifying the Web3 Gaming Experience.
• Tether Unveils Wallet Development Kit for Non-Custodial Wallet Integration.
• Japan Plans Measures to Safeguard Domestic Cryptocurrencies Against Foreign Failures.
• “Bolivia is set to top the crypto adoption rankings”, says Deputy Mariela Baldivieso.
• Tether Expands Investments and Completes Its First Oil Transaction in the Middle East.

We’re excited to introduce the Hamza.biz Ambassador Program—a great chance to see how Web3 is changing e-commerce. As an ambassador, you’ll get exclusive access to our private Discord channel, where you can share your ideas and earn gifts and bonuses. Click here to learn more

The post Ukrainian Officials Trained on Tracking Financial Crimes with Cryptocurrencies appeared first on The Pepes.

The new kit will allow businesses and developers to easily integrate non-custodial wallets into any application, improving the experience for USDT and Bitcoin users. Tether calls the launch “a tribute to the foundation of decentralized financial systems that put user sovereignty first”.

WDK is set to make it easier for developers to create advanced experiences across web, desktop, and mobile wallets, providing versatile, independent, and highly robust tools. As Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino puts it:

“With the launch of WDK by Tether, we’re giving developers and businesses the tools they need to seamlessly integrate USDT and Bitcoin into their applications, shifting towards a new paradigm of financial resilience.

The future is unpredictable: chaos, instability, or prosperity – no one knows. But with WDK by Tether we can build programmable, open, and resilient monetary systems that connect people, machines, robots, families, communities, AI agents, societies, and even planets, to remain in control of our own financial destiny”.

With this announcement, Tether is commemorating the anniversary of the 2008 Bitcoin whitepaper. On October 31, 2008, someone using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto released a paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System”. In just nine pages, the document laid out the fundamentals of Bitcoin as a decentralized digital currency, enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries.

Beyond giving users full control over their assets, Tether’s WDK is customizable and enables quick integration. As the company puts it:

“(Tether’s WDK) Offers a flexible and adaptable design, making it easy for businesses across industries to implement, from game studios to fintech platforms. It also simplifies the setup process, enabling developers to integrate wallet functionality and save valuable time and resources”.

Further news:

• Russian Government to Ban Crypto Mining in Some Regions.
• Ant CEO Eric Jing says asset tokenization is essential for economic transformation.
• Bolivian Bank Bisa Launches USDT Custody Service.
• More Than 60 New Bitcoin Addresses Holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC Emerged in 2024.
• Uruguay Passes New Law to Regulate the Crypto Industry.
• Worldcoin Grows in Mexico While Facing Sanctions in Argentina and Global Scrutiny.

The post Tether Unveils Wallet Development Kit for Non-Custodial Wallet Integration appeared first on The Pepes.

What’s the point of pre-approved transactions? They let players keep playing without pausing to interact with wallets or external interfaces, which has been a major hurdle in creating a seamless experience for Web3 games.

Immutable took to X to announce the new feature, emphasizing that players can now handle blockchain transactions without ever leaving the game. This ensures a smooth, uninterrupted experience, much like what players are used to in Web2 games.

With notifications built directly into the game, players can enjoy a smoother, more efficient approval process. This enhances immersion and makes interactions with blockchain networks as seamless as possible.

The Immutable ecosystem keeps expanding with continuous innovations, like its integration with Telegram. This feature allows users to access Immutable Passport — a non-custodial wallet and login platform, similar to an ‘Xbox Gamertag’, but designed specifically for gamers in the blockchain ecosystem.

Immutable’s Recent Troubles with the SEC

In early November, Immutable issued a statement revealing that it had received a Wells notice from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which accused the company of making misleading statements and violating securities laws.

Immutable representatives took to social media to voice their disappointment, pointing out that a Wells notice is typically issued after several rounds of discussions between a company’s legal team and the SEC. However, they stated that the notice came immediately after their first meeting with the SEC and was just under 20 words, offering no real explanation.

“Immutable is well capitalized with a large war-chest to build for the future of gaming, and if needed, we will stand up and fight to defend digital ownership for gamers. But the SEC’s approach hinders every startup trying to innovate in an already difficult industry”.

Further news:

• Russian Government to Ban Crypto Mining in Some Regions.
• Ant CEO Eric Jing says asset tokenization is essential for economic transformation.
• Bolivian Bank Bisa Launches USDT Custody Service.
• More Than 60 New Bitcoin Addresses Holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC Emerged in 2024.
• Uruguay Passes New Law to Regulate the Crypto Industry.
• Worldcoin Grows in Mexico While Facing Sanctions in Argentina and Global Scrutiny.
• Argentina is now the biggest player in the crypto market in Latin America.
• Switzerland, Dubai, and South Korea: The Best Places for Crypto Business in 2024, According to Social Capital Markets.

The post Immutable Introduces Pre-Approved Transactions: Simplifying the Web3 Gaming Experience appeared first on The Pepes.