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Are NFT Marketplaces the Future of Online Gambling Payments? | NFT News Today

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Are NFT Marketplaces the Future of Online Gambling Payments? | NFT News Today


Cryptocurrency and other crypto assets, like NFTs, are becoming increasingly commonplace in the online casino world. In particular, cryptocurrencies are popular because they offer fast, inexpensive, borderless transactions.

NFTs are seeing some use in platform gamification, where they are given as rewards to regular players, and some online gambling platforms enable NFT staking.

In the future, these assets could be transferred between casinos and platforms, and even bought or sold at NFT platforms, although they are unlikely to become a standard method of payment.  

Online Gambling And Blockchain

Blockchain technology has found many uses. The digital ledger can be used to hold records and store data, while cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have become popular with some businesses and e-commerce stores.

iGaming sites have started accepting crypto deposits, enabling them to offer instant withdrawals and deposits as well as provably fair gaming. According to online betting expert Brett Curtis, the low costs associated with cryptocurrency payments also enable crypto casinos to offer some of the most generous bonuses and rewards.

While they do offer benefits over traditional online casinos, cryptocurrency casinos also offer some unique challenges to players. Users need to use crypto wallets as well as crypto exchanges, and for those players who accept NFTs as prizes or loyalty rewards, and want to sell them, they will need to use dedicated NFT marketplaces.

How Are NFTs Used in iGaming?

NFTs are digital assets stored on the blockchain. Every NFT is unique, and it usually represents digital artwork, audio, or another digital file. Initially, NFTs were used primarily to trade digital collectibles. Artists would create an NFT and then sell it. Collectors and speculative investors purchased the NFTs, hoping they would increase in value over time.

Over time, though, companies and individuals have found increasingly unique ways to use NFTs. NFT trading games, which operate similarly to physical trading card games like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering, have become popular.

Companies, sports teams, and even celebrities and individuals have also launched their own series of NFTs that can include additional privileges such as voting rights or discounted products and services.

Rewards

One way that online casinos use NFTs is as a form of reward for their players. Typically, these are given out as part of loyalty programs or to high rollers who regularly engage with the games on the site. Rewards like this are used to attract players back to the site so they keep playing.

The NFTs may also come with additional benefits, such as quicker deposits, access to exclusive games, or potentially even invitations to physical tournaments and other events. NFTs are a convenient alternative to traditional rewards. They feel more prestigious than a simple email or QR code link, and they can be stored in a compatible NFT wallet that the user can carry to any physical location, such as an associated retail casino.

NFT Trading

NFTs can be traded on open marketplaces. If a player receives a reward they don’t want or won’t use, they could potentially sell the associated NFTs on relevant marketplaces. This transfers the crypto key to the new recipient, and they effectively become the holder and owner of the token.

For the selling player, this would enable them to convert their digital reward into cryptocurrency. The buyer not only receives the NFT but also any bonus or other feature that accompanies that token.

Collectibles

WSOP poker bracelets are awarded to the world’s best poker players when they win World Series of Poker games. The bracelets are highly cherished, and the number of bracelets a player has won is used as an indication of that player’s success at the table.

Although there isn’t really anything similar to that for other online casino games, there is the potential for casinos to introduce them. Players who win slot jackpots, call house at an online bingo game, or hold their nerve to cash out a 100x multiplier at crash games could be rewarded with a digital bracelet.

Because NFTs are developed on the blockchain, rather than on the casino software, these could be transferable between casinos, making them highly coveted collectibles.

NFT Staking

NFT gambling is still a relatively niche area of iGaming, but it does exist. NFT gambling games work in much the same way as any other gambling game. Players stake their NFTs in games of skill or luck, and the gambling site or other players match the stake.

Once a fair price has been agreed upon by all parties, the game commences, and the winner stands to collect NFTs, cryptocurrency, or other blockchain-based assets. For the NFT collector, this can represent a fun way to expand their collection. For speculative investors, it could present a way of getting hold of highly sought-after collectibles.

Other Crypto iGaming Uses

While NFTs continue to gather pace in the cryptocurrency world and are finding purpose as collectibles and rewards at online casinos, they are unlikely to prove as popular as iGaming cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency payments can be completed in a matter of seconds, especially with coins like Solana, which has been ranked the quickest blockchain for transactions, rather than the several working days it takes for traditional payments to complete. As well as being faster, they are also cheaper, with some cryptocurrencies offering trades at less than one cent per trade, on average.

Because blockchain transactions are immutable, the use of cryptocurrencies can also help combat fraud while providing casinos and their players with verifiably fair gaming practices. All of these same benefits are attributable to NFTs, which is why blockchain and crypto assets are considered the future of iGaming.

Conclusion

NFTs have been implemented in some online casinos. In particular, they are used as a method of rewarding loyal players, with the tokens including additional benefits like unique bonuses or access to exclusive games and events. In the future, NFTs may be transferable between casino platforms and even with other types of platforms to further expand their uses and benefits. 

Main Image Credit: Unsplash



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Lunar Remastered Collection Review | TheSixthAxis

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Lunar Remastered Collection Review | TheSixthAxis


The opening cutscene of Lunar Silver Star Story might be the most ‘90s introduction to any game I’ve ever played… and I was alive in the 90s. Presented here in glorious 4:3, and accompanied by Noriyuki Iwadare and Victor Ireland’s track ‘Wings’, it captures a moment in gaming and culture where anime was making inroads into the West, and Japanese developers could push the latest hardware to newfound heights, making this a golden age for JRPGs.

While Sony had sewn up huge franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, SEGA still had plenty of clout, and the Saturn – one of my favourite consoles of all time – played host to some amazing JRPGs, with Lunar Silver Star Story sitting at the top of the pile. Admittedly, it later found its way to PlayStations around the world too, but Saturn had it first, alright?

Lunar Silver Star Story Remastered Collection is, in essence, a remaster of a remake, with the very first Lunar appearing for the Mega CD/Sega CD in 1992, before being remade as Lunar Silver Star Story in 1996. GungHo have pulled together Lunar Silver Star Story and its sequel, and given them a buff and a scrub suitable for modern platforms, bumping the resolution, cleaning up the cutscenes and adding in some welcome quality of life changes that make the games easier to live with nearly two decades after their original release.

The first game follows the adventures of Alex, a young man who dreams of becoming the next Dragonmaster, and who, after encountering the White Dragon Quark, discovers that it might just become a reality. Set on this path, he finds himself facing off against the big-bad Ghaleon, a former hero whose outlook was corrupted after the Goddess Althena decided to give up her power, and become human. As with all the best baddies, he believes that he’s right, willing to turn the world upside down to prove a point.

Alex is initially accompanied on this quest by his cute cat/bird companion Nall, Ramus, a dumpy treasure-obsessed friend, and his lifelong companion, Luna, and you’ll meet various other characters and party members along the way who all cement the fact that Lunar Silver Stary Story is a genuine classic. That’s helped by energetic and committed performances from the entire cast, with the characters truly coming to life across the many hours you’ll spend with them.

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue sees you take on the role of Hiro, an adventurer who finds himself caught up with the mysterious Lucia, aiding her in her quest to meet the returning Goddess Althena. Both stories feel enjoyably old-school – timeless tales that still hold up in the modern age.

Whichever of the games you’re playing, the artwork helps to paint an even clearer picture, and Toshiyuki Kubooka’s character design absolutely shines here thanks to the enhanced resolution and widescreen aspect. I love this classic mid-90s look, and it’s reminiscent of artwork in other games and anime of the era like Guardian Heroes and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Both games effectively mix animated cutscenes, pre-rendered backgrounds and pixel-art, and it’s just such an alluring combination. It’s not as spectacular perhaps as Dragon Quest HD-2D, or modern takes on the genre like Octopath Traveller, but it’s great looking, and the visuals help carry the story along perfectly.

Lunar Remastered Collection combat speed and auto-battle

The main action is resolutely turn-based, but there are a few surprises to the way that combat plays out, not least the necessity to choose how your team is positioned, and which enemies they can attack based upon that. It adds a spot more thought to each action, and some surprises along the way when things don’t quite play out as you were expecting. There’s also an auto-battle mode, which would have been trendsetting at the time, and is still a real boon when you’re making your way through dungeons and facing off against low-level mobs.

The key new addition is the ability to alter the battle speed, and alongside the auto-battler function it makes grinding and exploring feel so much less of a chore than it can do in these old-school RPGs. I wish that all RPGs were so considerate of your time!

If you’re a purist who’s looking to play both of the games as they were originally intended, it’s great to find that both the original and the remastered versions have been included here. However, with the reduced resolution and bars either side of the screen, it feels like there’s little to no reason to do this, other than pure curiosity. It would have been nice to be able to switch between the two versions mid-game, but you have to start them separately from the main menu.

Lunar Remastered Collection overworld visuals

There are a few old-school foibles to deal with – whether its tricky route-finding through dungeons, having to work your way back through the same areas, or the constant ‘La La La Laaaaaaa’ of Luna’s magical healing song in the first game, but they’re minor annoyances that you can forgive given the age of the originals.



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ChatGPT May Soon Offer a Lifetime Subscription – Metaverseplanet

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ChatGPT May Soon Offer a Lifetime Subscription – Metaverseplanet


If you’re tired of paying monthly for ChatGPT, there’s good news—OpenAI may soon launch a lifetime subscription plan.

New Subscription Options Discovered in Code

According to recent findings, the latest test version of the app contains code lines hinting at new subscription options. While pricing details have not yet been confirmed, one line mentions a special discount for annual subscribers. There’s also a possibility of a weekly subscription option for users who prefer shorter-term access.

Currently, annual subscriptions are only available under the “Team” and “Enterprise” plans designed for businesses. If this leak becomes a reality, the introduction of an affordable annual plan for individual users would be a significant advantage, especially for those who use ChatGPT regularly. Assuming monthly pricing remains the same, the annual subscription could be priced around $240, though a 15% discount may lower that to approximately $200.

How Much Would a Lifetime Subscription Cost?

A lifetime subscription is a more complex and uncertain matter. Typically, “lifetime” subscriptions are calculated over a period of 10 years. That would suggest a cost between $2,000 and $3,000 for ChatGPT Plus, and potentially between $20,000 and $30,000 for the Pro plan.

However, it’s important to remember that these are only speculations. OpenAI may simply be testing these options and evaluating their financial impact. Until an official announcement is made, it’s best to wait for confirmation from the company.

We Asked ChatGPT About the Lifetime Subscription Rumors — Here’s What It Said

Yes, this news does have some truth to it. Evidence suggesting that OpenAI is working on weekly and lifetime subscription plans for ChatGPT was discovered through an APK teardown of the app’s latest version. These new subscription options may eventually be integrated into the ChatGPT Plus plan.

However, no official announcement has been made regarding the pricing or release date of these plans yet. Therefore, the most reliable approach is to wait for an official confirmation from OpenAI.

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BAFTAs viewers furious as two “iconic” stars missing from In Memoriam segment: “Shame on you”

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    BAFTAs viewers furious as two “iconic” stars missing from In Memoriam segment: “Shame on you”


    The TV BAFTAs took place last night (May 11) at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the glitzy event celebrated the great and good of the TV industry, and also honoured those we’ve lost and lost over the past 12 months.

    Dr Michael Mosley, singer Linda Nolan and actor Paul Danan were all featured in the tribute.

    However, Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Jane Plowright were absent. Joan Plowright was 95 when she died back in January. Maggie Smith died in September 2024 at the age of  89.

    Alan Cumming hosted the TV BAFTAs last night (Credit: BBC)

    Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Joan Plowright ‘missing’ from TV BAFTAs tribute

    The ladies’ absence led to complaints from those watching at home.

    One commented: “No Maggie Smith?? Feels like quite an oversight.” Another was a little more furious and posted: “They left out Dame Maggie Smith from the list of those who died during the last year. DISGUSTING. SHAME on you.”

    Maggie Smith was in iconic Downton Abbey. Plowright has a Golden Globe and Emmy for TV!

    A third said: “No mention of Dame Maggie Smith when remembering those who died in the last year. Shame on BAFTA.”

    Another added: “BAFTA TV Awards snubbed Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright, even if they are known mostly for film/theatre. They did a lot of TV, especially in the early days when they did plays on TV and period dramas especially Shakespeare. Maggie Smith was in iconic Downton Abbey. Plowright has a Golden Globe and Emmy for TV!”

    Concert violinist Esther Abrami performing at the BAFTAs

    The In Memoriam section of the night was accompanied by live music by concert violinist Esther Abrami (Credit: BBC)

    Why they were missing

    However, there is good reason for the apparent ‘snub’. Both ladies were featured in the In Memoriam segment at the BAFTA Film Awards, which look place earlier this year.

    Actors who are more closely associated with television and known for their TV achievements are usually honoured at the TV event, while those whose roles are more aligned with movies are honoured at the Film Awards.

    BAFTA responds to backlash

    Amid the backlash, BAFTA posted to Twitter, sharing a link to the year-round tribute page on its website.

    “The tributes we pay at our Film, Games and Television Awards are moments for pause, reflection and remembrance of all the extraordinarily talented people who dedicated their lives to the screen arts. Our year-round, public testament to those who worked in the screen industries can be found here bafta.org/in-memory-of.”

    Read more: All the tragic celebrity deaths so far in 2025 and the heartbreaking causes

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    So what did you think of last night’s TV BAFTAs? Tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.



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    Bitcoin Mining Costs Exceed Profits in 2025 – Metaverseplanet

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    Bitcoin Mining Costs Exceed Profits in 2025 – Metaverseplanet


    Recent data collected in the United States shows that Bitcoin mining is no longer profitable for many small and medium-sized businesses. The cost of mining a single Bitcoin has now exceeded its market value. On one hand, global energy consumption policies and rising electricity prices, and on the other hand, the decline in the crypto market, have made it increasingly difficult for small and medium-sized miners to stay profitable. In fact, in many countries, Bitcoin mining no longer even covers its own costs.

    Back in 2009, when Bitcoin mining first began to spread, those involved could earn far more than the energy they consumed. However, it was clear from the start that this wouldn’t last forever. The number of Bitcoins was capped at 21 million, and it was known that as this cap was approached, the block rewards would decrease. In 2009, the block reward was 50 BTC, but by 2024, it had dropped to 3.125 BTC. This significantly reduced the income of miners. While large corporations that have invested millions of dollars in the business can still make money, it is becoming increasingly difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to earn a profit.

    The Cost of Mining One Bitcoin for Small Businesses Has Risen to $137,000

    According to data gathered by Gizmodo in the U.S., the energy cost of mining a single Bitcoin for small-scale operations has risen to as much as $137,000. Meanwhile, the current market value of Bitcoin hovers around $90,000, meaning these businesses are now operating at a loss. For large-scale companies with more powerful GPU networks, the cost of mining one Bitcoin is approximately $82,000.

    Of course, in markets where energy costs are lower or where the local currency is weaker than the U.S. dollar, the equation might still favor Bitcoin profitability. However, given the ongoing decline in rewards, it’s likely that even in these markets, costs will soon exceed earnings.

    The data from the U.S. is valuable in showing how quickly energy costs have increased. In September 2024, the cost to mine a Bitcoin was about $56,000, while now, even the most optimized systems require $82,000—a clear indicator of how fast electricity expenses have surged.

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    Metaplanet Adds 1,241 BTC, Surpasses El Salvador’s Holdings

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    Metaplanet Adds 1,241 BTC, Surpasses El Salvador’s Holdings


    On May 12, 2025, Metaplanet Inc., a Tokyo-based investment firm often referred to as “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” announced the acquisition of 1,241 Bitcoin (BTC) for ¥18.42 billion (approximately $126.7 million). This latest purchase elevates Metaplanet’s total Bitcoin holdings to 6,796 BTC, surpassing El Salvador’s national reserves of 5,995 BTC, which were valued at $562 million as of December 2024. 

    Metaplanet Surpasses El Salvador’s Holdings

    Metaplanet’s official notice detailed that the 1,241 BTC was acquired at an average price of $102,119 per Bitcoin, contributing to a cumulative investment of $608.2 million across its entire Bitcoin portfolio. The average purchase price for its 6,796 BTC now stands at $89,492 per BTC. 

    Metaplanet Surpasses El Salvador’s Holdings

    This acquisition follows a series of purchases in 2025, including 319 BTC on April 14 for $26.3 million and 497 BTC on March 5 for $43.9 million, highlighting Metaplanet’s consistent accumulation strategy.

    The company also reported a BTC Yield of 38.0% for the first quarter of 2025 (January 1 to March 31), a key performance indicator that measures the percentage change in the ratio of Total Bitcoin Holdings to Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding. This metric reflects the net Bitcoin accretion, excluding dilution effects. 

    Since adopting its Bitcoin strategy in July 2024, Metaplanet has achieved impressive yields, with 41.7% from July to September 2024 and 309.8% from October to December 2024, demonstrating the financial impact of its approach.

    Read more: Metaplanet Hits 5,000 BTC Mark in Crypto Surge

    Metaplanet Stock Surged over 15x in the Past Year

    Metaplanet began its Bitcoin treasury operations in May 2023, and its holdings have grown steadily, from 908.832 BTC on September 30, 2024, to 1,761.988 BTC by December 31, 2024, and now to 6,796 BTC. 

    Metaplanet Stock Surged over 15x in the Past YearMetaplanet Stock Surged over 15x in the Past Year

    The firm has funded these acquisitions through strategic financing, including a $25 million interest-free bond issuance in 2025, signaling a long-term commitment to Bitcoin. 

    This aggressive accumulation has significantly boosted its stock price, which surged over 15x in the past year, as reported by BeInCrypto on May 7, 2025.

    Surpassing El Salvador’s Bitcoin holdings marks a symbolic milestone. El Salvador, which adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, has been a prominent national adopter of the cryptocurrency. Metaplanet’s 6,796 BTC, valued at approximately $656 million at Bitcoin’s current price of $96,600, highlights the scale of corporate adoption compared to state-led initiatives.





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    Japan Industrial Robotics Market Size to Reach USD 2,710 Million by 2033 | With a 9.8% CAGR | Web3Wire

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    Japan Industrial Robotics Market Size to Reach USD 2,710 Million by 2033 | With a 9.8% CAGR | Web3Wire


    Japan Industrial Robotics Market 2025

    Industrial Robotics Market – JapanMarket StatisticsBase Year: 2024Historical Years: 2019-2024Forecast Years: 2025-2033Market Size in 2024: USD 1,171 MillionMarket Forecast in 2033: USD 2,710 MillionMarket Growth Rate: 9.8% (2025-2033)

    Japan industrial robotics market size reached USD 1,171 million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 2,710 million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% during 2025-2033.

    Request PDF Sample for more detailed market insights: https://www.imarcgroup.com/japan-industrial-robotics-market/requestsample

    Japan Industrial Robotics Industry Trends and Drivers:

    The leading role of the country in the field of industrial robotics is endowed by its advanced manufacturing sector and ongoing innovations and upward trend in demand for automation in various industries. Among the key trends are pertaining to the use of collaborative robots (cobots), advanced robotics which are equipped with AI and the integration of IoT devices in the manufacturing process. Aging demographics and excess of the labor market are driving increased automation in industries such as automotive, electronics and healthcare markets in Japan. Furthermore, national efforts such as Society 5.0 will seek to increase productivity and competitiveness through development on Robotics Technology. Industry 4.0 and precision robotics technologies advancements are opening up the market, which makes Japan a major supplier of innovative robotic technologies.

    For automotive manufacturing, heavy reliance on robotics, and increased needs for highly advanced precision in electronics production are major market drivers. Mutual cooperation between robotics enterprises and makers, as well as the development of R&D, is contributing to more innovation. There is an emerging market opportunity for energy and customizable robotic systems, and SMEs are amongst the main target audience of such a market that desire to streamline their operations. To continue, Japan’s exportation of robotics further strengthens its hold on the global industrial robotics industry. Business trends in industrial robotics are poised to grow with the latest advances in automation and machine learning, and Japan is predicted to continue to remain competitive since it will not only power its domestic market, but international customers as well.

    Japan Industrial Robotics Market Segmentation:

    The market report offers a comprehensive analysis of the segments, highlighting those with the largest Japan industrial robotics market share. It includes forecasts for the period 2025-2033 and historical data from 2019-2024 for the following segments:

    Type Insights:

    • Articulated• Cartesian• SCARA• Cylindrical• Others

    Function Insights:

    • Soldering and Welding• Materials Handling• Assembling and Disassembling• Painting and Dispensing• Milling, Cutting, and Processing• Others

    End User Insights:

    • Automotive• Electrical and Electronics• Chemical Rubber and Plastics• Manufacturing• Food and Beverages• Others

    Regional Insights:

    • Kanto Region• Kinki Region• Central/ Chubu Region• Kyushu-Okinawa Region• Tohoku Region• Chugoku Region• Hokkaido Region• Shikoku Region

    Buy Report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/checkout?id=17964&method=1326

    Competitive Landscape:

    The report offers an in-depth examination of the competitive landscape. It includes a thorough competitive analysis encompassing market structure, key player positioning, leading strategies for success, a competitive dashboard, and a company evaluation quadrant. Additionally, the report features detailed profiles of all major companies in the Japan industrial robotics industry.

    • Fanuc Corporation• Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation• Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp.• Seiko Epson Corporation

    Other Key Points Covered in the Report:

    • COVID-19 Impact on the Market• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis• Strategic Recommendations• Market Dynamics• Historical, Current, and Future Market Trends• Market Drivers and Success Factors• SWOT Analysis• Value Chain Analysis• Comprehensive Mapping of the Competitive Landscape• Top Winning Strategies• Recent Industry News• Key Technological Trends & Developments

    Note: If you need specific information that is not currently within the scope of the report, we will provide it to you as part of the customization.

    Trending Reports by IMARC:

    Japan Oxygen Cylinders Market: https://www.imarcgroup.com/japan-oxygen-cylinders-market

    Japan Toluene Market: https://www.imarcgroup.com/japan-toluene-market

    Japan Plastic Furniture Market: https://www.imarcgroup.com/japan-plastic-furniture-market

    Japan Ports Infrastructure Market: https://www.imarcgroup.com/japan-ports-infrastructure-market

    Japan Battery Management System Market: https://www.imarcgroup.com/japan-battery-management-system-market

    Japan Industrial Smart Sensors Market: https://www.imarcgroup.com/japan-industrial-smart-sensors-market

    Contact:

    Street: 563-13 KamienArea: IwataCountry: Tokyo, JapanPostal Code: 4380111Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

    About Us:

    IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provides a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

    This release was published on openPR.

    About Web3Wire Web3Wire – Information, news, press releases, events and research articles about Web3, Metaverse, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrencies, Decentralized Finance, NFTs and Gaming. Visit Web3Wire for Web3 News and Events, Block3Wire for the latest Blockchain news and Meta3Wire to stay updated with Metaverse News.



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    How Web3 Gaming Infrastructure Became the Top Investment Priority in 2025 | NFT News Today

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    How Web3 Gaming Infrastructure Became the Top Investment Priority in 2025 | NFT News Today


    In 2025 Web3 gaming infrastructure has become the top priority for investors and is set to shape the future of blockchain based entertainment. They are investing in scalable platforms and simpler onboarding and redefining how participants connect with decentralized games.

    Key Takeaways

    Web3 gaming projects raised $91 million in Q1 2025, a 71% drop from the previous quarter.

    Most of the funding shifted to infrastructure rather than consumer-facing titles.

    Deal counts climbed by 35%, indicating broader support for early-stage ventures.

    Companies like MARBLEX and Immutable launched a $20+ million fund for new Web3 games.

    Onboarding accessibility is pivotal for expanding user adoption and platform resilience.

    Explaining Web3 Gaming

    Web3 gaming offers interactive experiences built on decentralized networks where participants truly own their digital assets. Instead of relying on traditional servers and middlemen, these games use blockchain-based infrastructures and smart contracts to ensure transparent ownership and reward distribution.

    By adding decentralized elements, Web3 gaming enables user-driven communities and open markets. Players can trade in-game collectables; developers can implement fair rules that run through verifiable code. This is what investors are looking to tap into new revenue streams. They are looking to invest in new revenue models that align with user sovereignty.

    Practical Steps for Building Scalable Infrastructure

    Below are some methods developers and startups follow to support high user volumes and enhance game performance:

    Layer-2 Solutions

    Rollups or sidechains help offload transactions from mainchains, resulting in lower fees and faster confirmations.

    Cloud-Based Node Services

    Outsourcing node management to providers cuts downtime and infrastructure overhead, letting developers focus on gameplay features instead of server maintenance.

    Cross-Chain Compatibility

    Using cross-chain protocols and bridges enables smooth asset transfers between different blockchains, opens up market access.

    User-Centric Onboarding

    Designing straightforward sign-up flows, wallet integrations, and intuitive tutorials helps newcomers engage without confusion, laying the groundwork for long-term growth.

    Implications of Investing in Web3 Gaming Infrastructure

    Redirecting capital to Web3 gaming infrastructure carries far-reaching consequences for the blockchain ecosystem and investors:

    Long-Term Ecosystem Stability

    Infrastructure projects form the backbone of any decentralized platform. By funding foundational technologies, investors nurture an environment where future gaming ventures can launch with fewer performance issues and stronger security features.

    Enhanced Innovation

    Solid infrastructure allows developers to prototype and roll out new ideas at scale. This attracts a wide range of game creators who can experiment without worrying about network limitations or high gas fees.

    Strategic Positioning

    Through infrastructure investments, stakeholders are forming key partnerships that can influence industry standards. Being early in protocols or scaling solutions gives a competitive advantage, later entrants have to adapt to existing infrastructures.

    Reduced Volatility Risks

    Infrastructure has broader use cases beyond a single title or hype cycle. So, these investments are more resilient and protect investors from market swings tied to individual game launches.

    Addressing the Bottleneck of User Onboarding

    Despite ongoing progress, user onboarding remains one of the biggest hurdles for Web3 gaming:

    User Friction in Setup

    Many players find it hard to create wallets, manage private keys and convert fiat to tokens. If it feels complicated, users will give up.

    Security Concerns

    Individuals worry about scams, hacks, or losing access to assets. Concise education modules and built-in safety features can help dispel anxiety.

    Complex Payment Flows

    Without streamlined on-ramps, buying cryptocurrencies can be an extra step that puts off mainstream audiences. Partnerships with trusted payment providers can simplify transactions and break down barriers.

    Companies are realizing that welcoming new users should be as easy as downloading a traditional game. Infrastructure efforts now focus on simplifying logins, non-custodial or semi-custodial wallets and device compatibility. This attracts new users and keeps existing users engaged by reducing friction.

    Real-World Investment Examples

    Investors are pouring more capital into foundational systems to fuel future growth. Recent activity shows this trend:

    MARBLEX and Immutable

    Collaborating on a fund exceeding $20 million, these industry players support projects that streamline publishing and distribution of Web3 titles. This move highlights a focus on infrastructure that can manage large-scale user bases.

    The Game Company

    $10m has been invested in the Dubai-backed startup to create a cloud gaming platform on the blockchain, allowing users to play any game on any device. Investors see cross-device compatibility as key to scalability and low latency.

    Q1 2025 saw an overall $91m raised for Web3 gaming. However, that was a 71% drop from the previous quarter. In retrospect, the total number of investments was up 35%, though, so many investors spread smaller checks across early-stage teams to refine the base layers of Web3 gaming.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. Why did Web3 gaming investments drop sharply in Q1 2025?

    Investors are cautious and reallocated capital to AI and real-world assets. That’s why the total amount raised went down despite the increase in deal count.

    2. Which areas within Web3 gaming show the most promise for growth?

    Infrastructure remains the leading focus. Scalable blockchains, efficient payment rails, and simpler onboarding systems stand out as core pillars for attracting mainstream audiences.

    3. How can better onboarding boost Web3 gaming adoption?

    Straightforward wallet setup, familiar user interfaces, and transparent tutorials make newcomers comfortable. Simplifying complex blockchain elements encourages more people to try decentralized games and stay engaged.

    4. What types of infrastructure solutions are attracting the most capital?

    Layer-2 networks, interoperable protocols and node service providers are top priorities for investors. These help deliver smoother, faster and cheaper experiences for players.

    5. Is traditional gaming at odds with Web3 gaming?

    They can coexist. Many existing studios are exploring blockchain-based elements, and hybrid models blend both, harnessing decentralized ownership while retaining classic gameplay appeal.

    Summary

    Scalable infrastructure has become the standout priority for investors in Web3 gaming. Even though total funding in Q1 2025 dipped, the decisive move toward base-layer developments signals ongoing optimism about blockchain-based titles. Projects that focus on improving user onboarding and efficient systems show the greatest potential for shaping the future of interactive entertainment. By investing in infrastructure, investors are positioning themselves at the forefront of a technology that will attract new and old players alike and set the industry up for wider adoption and long-term success.



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    Ellie’s Darkest The Last Of Us Season 2 Scene Is An Exact Recreation From The Game – SlashFilm

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      Ellie’s Darkest The Last Of Us Season 2 Scene Is An Exact Recreation From The Game – SlashFilm









      Liane Hentscher/HBO

      At no point could you accuse “The Last of Us” of being a happy show, nor could you say the same of the video games on which the HBO series is based. There are times when it seems to be about the perseverance of the human spirit, our capacity to heal and rebuild, and moments of joy hidden amidst dark times. But more often than not, the bigger ideas are death, grief, and revenge.

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      Joel (Pedro Pascal) embodies these two sides of the story well, showing a loving side to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) but a brutal one whenever violence is called for. While Joel’s death in “The Last of Us” season 2, episode 2 is gut-wrenching, it’s also hard to see it as out of place in a show like this.

      In the wake of that heartbreak, Ellie is taking on Joel’s mantle with some new story threads pushing her further and further toward darkness, even as her burgeoning relationship with Dina (Isabela Merced) offers an optimistic alternative to her quest for vengeance. In “The Last of Us” season 2, episode 5, Ellie tracks down Nora (Tati Gabrielle), part of the crew led by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) that murdered Joel. Their confrontation is one of the darkest scenes of the show so far, and certainly the darkest for Ellie, showing just how far she’s now willing to push her own brutality to get revenge. While the TV series takes many liberties with the source material, those who haven’t played the games may be surprised to learn that this particular scene is basically a shot-for-shot recreation of the same moment from “The Last of Us Part II.”

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      Ellie tortures Nora in the exact same way in The Last of Us Part II




      Nora holding her hands up in surrender in The Last of Us season 2

      Liane Hentscher/HBO

      There are few differences to the setup in Ellie’s encounter with Nora in the “The Last of Us Part II,” but it’s mostly the same there as well. She finds Nora in a makeshift hospital for the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Nora gets the better of her and flees, prompting a chase. When Ellie is confronted by armed soldiers, she drags Nora down to a deserted floor of the building that’s been covered in cordyceps spores. The soldiers follow with breathing masks, and Ellie defeats them, then hunts a wheezing, infected Nora down to a solitary corridor.

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      Save for the extra action of the game (hey, it’s a third-person shooter), this is basically what happens in the show as well, though the spore floor gets a little added oomph by virtue of it being the show’s first introduction of the airborne cordyceps. All prior encounters in the HBO adaptation involve bite-based infections.

      In both versions, Nora tries to make the case for why Joel had to die, going into a bit more detail in the show (as in the game, certain details are still hidden from the player at this point). Unphased, Ellie demands Abby’s location, and when Nora refuses to cooperate, she takes a bit of pipe and begins to beat her with it until she gets what she wants. Both scenes are staged and lit the same way, with Abby looming over a crumpled Nora in a dark hallway lit only by a dim red warning light. It’s an intentionally hellish setting for what’s arguably Ellie’s darkest moment, and it plays just as well (or horribly, depending on your point of view) in the show as it did in the game.

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      How will HBO’s The Last of Us deal with Ellie’s trauma?




      Ellie investigating a cordyceps infected in the dark in The Last of Us season 2

      Liane Hentscher/HBO

      In the game, Ellie is immediately traumatized by her choice to brutally torture Nora. It’s the moment when her bluff is called — when the circumstances demand her to prove her own capacity for severe violence, which turns out to be quite high. Ellie returns to Dina a shell of herself, barely focused as the thing she has just done torments her. We don’t get to see that reunion in “The Last of Us” episode 4. Instead, the episode cuts from the torture scene to a brief flashback of Ellie sharing a happy moment with Joel.

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      Presumably, this scene will impact her in the same way on HBO as it does in the games, though there are still some question marks concerning Ellie’s overarching arc. There have been some big changes to Tommy (Gabriel Luna) in “The Last of Us” season 2, which could mean that he’ll be less of a force goading Ellie toward vengeance later in the story, as happens in the games. We’ll likely have to wait for season 3 to see just how differently these events could impact Ellie on the show.




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      Blake Lively Makes New Request In Legal War With Justin Baldoni

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        Blake Lively Makes New Request In Legal War With Justin Baldoni


        According to reports, the actress wants to have access to Baldoni’s financial documents after he hit her with a $400 million countersuit in response to her sexual harassment lawsuit.

        This comes shortly after Justin Baldoni’s lawyer subpoenaed Blake Lively’s close pal, Taylor Swift, as a witness in the ongoing case.

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        Why Blake Lively Is Requesting Justin Baldoni’s Financial Documents

        Image Press Agency / MEGA

        According to TMZ, Lively has issued a bold letter requesting Baldoni’s financial records.

        This move by the actress and her lawyers is in order to ascertain that the actor has indeed lost money equal to his $400 million countersuit demand due to Lively’s allegations.

        Back in December 2024, Baldoni was hit with a lawsuit by Lively, accusing him of fostering a toxic work environment and sexually harassing her.

        Baldoni then fired back with a $400 million countersuit in early January, against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, claiming that the duo defamed him and made attempts to seize control of the movie “It Ends With Us” from him.

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        Now, Lively’s legal team has said they already requested the financial documents from Baldoni, but they were turned down and only given “non-privileged documents concerning their damages.”

        The actress’s team believes that Baldoni and his lawyers are obligated to divulge how they arrived at the $400 million sum they seek. Her lawyers also emphasized that while Baldoni claims he has suffered financially, the film, “It Ends With Us,” which he directed and co-starred in, was a box office success.

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        Blake Lively Slammed Justin Baldoni For Subpoenaing Her Close Pal Taylor Swift

        Taylor Swift and Blake Lively holding hands
        MEGA

        Lively’s demand for Baldoni’s financial records came shortly after her rep released a scathing statement, blasting the actor and his lawyers for subpoenaing singer Swift as a witness in their ongoing case.

        The rep also criticized Baldoni’s lawyer’s suggestion to sell tickets to Lively’s deposition and donate the proceeds to organizations supporting victims of domestic abuse.

        “Mr. Baldoni, Mr. Sarowitz, and team continue to turn a case of sexual harassment and retaliation into entertainment for the tabloids, going as far as suggesting that they sell tickets to a concert venue – Madison Square Garden – to witness Ms. Lively’s deposition, to subpoenaing Taylor Swift, a woman who has given a voice to millions all over the world,” said the rep for Lively, per People Magazine.

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        The rep further stated that the ongoing case is a “very serious legal matter,” not a “circus” that Baldoni’s legal team seems to be trying to turn it into.

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        Blake Lively’s Rep Claims The Actor Is Trying To ‘Bully’ And ‘Shame’ His Former Co-Star

        Justin Baldoni at It Ends With Us premiere
        RCF / MEGA

        In the statement, Lively’s rep criticized Baldoni and his co-defendants in the sexual harassment suit, who had previously opposed her motion to dismiss Baldoni’s defamation countersuit.

        The rep noted, “The defendants continue to publicly intimidate, bully, shame, and attack women’s rights and reputations. Including in the past month, seeking to strike down for all, a powerful California victims’ rights law, calling it ‘unconstitutional.”

        “The disturbing actions by a billionaire, men who made their careers as ‘female allies’ and their team, continue to show their true colors,” they further remarked.

        Justin Baldoni’s Lawyers Slammed The Actress’s Attempt To Dismiss His Lawsuit

        Blake Lively films 'It Ends With Us' in New Jersey
        BeautifulSignatureIG / MEGA

        In their motion to dismiss Baldoni’s defamation suit, Lively’s legal team cited the Protecting Survivors from Weaponized Defamation Lawsuits Act.

        This act was implemented in 2023 to shield harassment accusers from retaliatory defamation claims.

        However, Baldoni’s attorneys pushed back, arguing that invoking the law would set a “dangerous precedent.”

        According to Variety, they also stated that it threatens the film director’s First Amendment right to challenge what they described as Lively’s “false and harmful” accusations.

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        Why Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer Mentioned Selling Tickets To The Deposition Of Blake Lively

        Justin Baldoni at It Ends With Us premiere
        RCF / MEGA

        The comment about selling tickets made by Lively’s rep stemmed from Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman’s, proposal to live-stream and monetize the deposition of the actress.

        Freedman told People Magazine that he would like to sell tickets to her deposition, which will be held at Madison Square Garden, with the cash raised going to domestic abuse victims.

        “Since Ms. Lively is open to testifying, let’s make it count,” Freedman said. “Hold the deposition at MSG, sell tickets or stream it, and donate every dollar to organizations helping victims of domestic abuse.”r

        Both Baldoni and Lively will testify in the upcoming trial, which is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026.



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