Category: Cryptocurrency

Editing and additional information by Michael Mislos.

Following the surge in Bitcoin’s value, the Philippines is witnessing a significant increase in online searches about the leading cryptocurrency.

With Bitcoin prices soaring, the country’s curiosity and involvement in digital assets are on the rise, evident through Google Trends data.

In this article, BitPinas delves into the recent trend of search interest surrounding Bitcoin over the past seven days—from February 22-29, coinciding with the cryptocurrency’s surge in value from $50,000 to surpassing $60,000.

Note: Please be advised that this analysis is founded upon publicly available interest data and may not necessarily reflect individual actions or investment decisions.

Bitcoin Price All-Time High in Philippine Pesos

While Bitcoin has yet to surpass its all-time high of $69,044 in USD terms, it has exceeded its previous peak when measured in Philippine Pesos.

On the morning of February 29, 2024, the price of Bitcoin soared beyond ₱3,600,000, a milestone that can be attributed to fluctuations in the peso-dollar exchange rate. Previously at 50 pesos to the dollar, the rate has since adjusted to 56 pesos to the dollar, significantly impacting the local valuation of Bitcoin in the Philippines.

Bitcoin Surge Spurs PH Search Spike

As depicted in the graph, a notable surge occurred on February 29th at 1:00 AM, just prior to Bitcoin briefly peaking at around $63,600 by approximately 1:25 AM.

Since February 22nd, there has been a fluctuation in interest surrounding BTC, aligning with the gradual rise in the cryptocurrency’s value. By February 27th, when BTC surpassed the $50,000-$51,000 threshold, there was a notable surge in search interest.

Over the past seven days, the average search score for Bitcoin hovered around 10. However, by the 27th onwards, it exceeded 20, and at 1 AM on February 29th, it surged to a peak of 100. As of writing, the search score stands at approximately 30.

In the past week, as per the data from Google Trends, Bitcoin has been most searched in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Central Luzon, and Davao Region.

Additionally, from January 29 to February 25, there was a clear escalation in the search interest for Bitcoin as it gradually approached $50,000. Notably, on February 14th, the search interest intensified as the cryptocurrency surpassed $51,000, although it subsequently tapered off as the price stabilized within the $50,000-$51,000 range until February 27.

Nonetheless, it can be remembered that the previous BitPinas article revealed that while 

Bitcoin price surges Google search interest lags behind its price.

Read: Bitcoin Price Peaks, Yet Google Searches Remain Surprisingly Low

Bitcoin and Crypto Searches

During the same period, a correlation is observed between searches related to Bitcoin and the term “crypto.” The fluctuations appear to be synchronized for both terms.

The parallel fluctuations in search activity between “Bitcoin” and the broader term “crypto” suggest a shared interest and interconnectedness within the digital currency sector. This correlation indicates that changes in Bitcoin’s popularity often coincide with shifts in overall interest in cryptocurrencies, reflecting a collective sentiment or trend in the digital asset market.

Bitcoin Price 2024 Timeline

Prior to the onset of 2024, various firms and entities have offered forecasts for the price of the dominant cryptocurrency. Jan Van Eck, CEO of investment management firm VanEck, anticipates Bitcoin reaching $69,000. Matrixport Research predicts an increase to $63,140 by April and $125,000 by year-end, while Bitget projects a value of approximately $42,000. Moreover, Standard Chartered Bank forecasted a potential Bitcoin surge to over $200,000 by 2025.

By the end of 2023, Bitcoin had exceeded $42,000. In January, it surged to $45,000, reaching over $46,000 at its peak before declining to $38,000 a week before the month’s end. The decline is attributed to factors including the liquidation of holdings by the bankrupt exchange FTX, and the mixed response to the approval of Bitcoin Spot exchange-traded funds (ETF) applications.

Read: Beginner’s Guide: What is Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds?

During the initial week of February, Bitcoin’s value remained stable within the range of $40,000-$42,000 until February 7th, when it commenced an upward trajectory, ultimately reaching $50,000.

On Valentine’s Day, it surpassed the $50,000 milestone, and within two weeks, it soared to reach the $60,000 threshold.

However, the upward momentum in Bitcoin’s price may persist, with one significant event still on the horizon for this year—the scheduled halving, slated for April.

Read: 

Previous Bitcoin in Google Trends News

Recently, BitPinas unveiled that Solana has surpassed Ethereum in search volume, with an average score of 42 compared to Ethereum’s 21. However, Bitcoin maintains higher search interest than other cryptocurrencies in the Philippines, with an average score of 47. Solana leads in search interest among top cryptocurrencies in the Philippines, with an average of 42.

In 2020, Google Trends data illustrated how the surge in Bitcoin’s value ignited search interest in the cryptocurrency. During that period, there was a peak in U.S. search interest for Bitcoin, while search trends in the Philippines hinted at the possibility of surpassing previous levels.

In June 2019, Google Trends data from the Philippines indicated peak interest in Bitcoin compared to the previous 12 months. The search term “cryptocurrency” also experienced a similar search interest cycle, albeit to a lesser extent than “Bitcoin”.

This article is published on BitPinas: Google Trends: As Bitcoin Price Surges, PH Search Interest Spikes

Disclaimer:

• Before investing in any cryptocurrency, it is essential that you carry out your own due diligence and seek appropriate professional advice about your specific position before making any financial decisions.
• BitPinas provides content for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Your actions are solely your own responsibility. This website is not responsible for any losses you may incur, nor will it claim attribution for your gains.

Although the concept is still vague, and there is room to clarify things, the metaverse is stealing the spotlight thanks to its bright features and high potential. Numerous users have already started to play metaverse games, and their number will only keep on increasing.

In this article, we will talk about the top metaverse games that change the face of the gaming industry and set a new trend most of us will embrace and follow.

Thus, let’s dive into the metaverse games list that will surely make you want to join the wave and discover the metaverse.

First, it feels just fair to give a clear definition of the metaverse. Many experts still believe that the term is abstract, and each definition has some details that are not directly related to the metaverse. However, Investopedia offered a pretty simple definition that makes us understand the core features of the concept:

“The metaverse is a digital reality that combines aspects of social media, online gaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and cryptocurrencies to allow users to interact virtually.”

Now, with this definition in mind, it is a little easier to think of what a metaverse game is. Basically, a metaverse game is an application or platform that allows you to interact with others in a metaverse while also offering you the opportunity to earn in-game assets (or digital assets), progress in the game, and interact with various advanced technologies from the metaverse, such as augmented reality and virtual reality.

1. Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is one of the most popular play-to-earn games, being available worldwide and gathering millions of users around its story and adorable characters. Axie Infinity was developed by Sky Mavis and released in March 2018.

Axie Infinity welcomes players to a stunning universe with catchy graphics and a story that keeps you playing and playing until you discover more and get more earning opportunities.

In the Axie Infinity world, the characters are called Axies and are very similar to the Pokémons we all are excited about. Axies can have various powers and traits, and users can improve their characters after they start winning battles and earning in-game items. For instance, if you win a battle, you can earn tokens or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that you can then use to make your Axie better.

Players can collect Axies, raise and breed them, make them compete in battles, and build kingdoms for their characters with the help of the rewards they get when beating other users.

To start playing, users must have at least 3 Axies (NFTs). Once they get them (they are available on various NFT marketplaces), they can download the app and start exploring the Axie Infinity universe.

Axie Infinity is available as a desktop app that can be installed on MacOS and Windows devices. Users have to first download and install Mavis Hub, from where they can access Axie Infinity. They should also set up a compatible crypto wallet to store crypto and NFTs. The game maker recommends Ronin Wallet, as it is compatible with all Axie Infinity-related digital assets.

AXS and SLP

Axie Infinity developed 2 tokens for its game: AXS (Axie Infinity Shards) and SLP (Smooth Love Potion). AXS is the governance token of the game, while SLP is a reward token.

Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) is an ERC-20 token, meaning that it was developed on the Ethereum network. To earn AXS tokens, users have to play games in the Axie Infinity universe. After earning their first tokens, they can start staking them to earn extra rewards. Furthermore, they can participate in key governance votes.

SLP tokens can be earned while playing Axie Infinity in the battle and adventure modes. SLP is also an ERC-20, and it functions like a utility token. Smooth Love Potion tokens can be used to improve your characters by adding new traits.

Why Is Axie Infinity Popular?

Axie Infinity became pretty popular in a short time thanks to its well-developed platform and tokenomics. On Axie Infinity, most things are extremely clear, and users have plenty of activities to choose from.

Furthermore, being a P2E (Play-to-Earn) game, Axie Infinity offers an intriguing earning opportunity, making users consider the game more and more. While its long-term economics can be improved a little to become more sustainable, those looking for short-term profits can download the game and start earning some crypto in a fun and engaging way.

2. The Sandbox

The Sandbox games have been around for over 10 years, the first games being launched around 2011. However, The Sandbox started developing a metaverse game that welcomes users in a virtual world that surprises them with plenty of bright features.

The Sandbox is a multiplayer game that encourages users to compete to earn NFTs. The Sandbox ecosystem is based on user-generated content (UGC), so it encourages players to develop their lands through a process that can be considered similar to Minecraft.

The game developers of The Sandbox worked on 3 main products that contribute to user-generated content production: Voxel Editor, the Marketplace, and the Game Maker.

Voxel Editor (VoxEdit) is a 3D voxel modeling and NFT creation platform available on Windows and MacOS. The tool allows users to create, edit, and animate 3D projects (humans, animals, tools, in-game items, vehicles, etc.). The platform works with voxels, which are 3D pixels similar to building blocks (another Minecraft resemblance).

The Sandbox marketplace is an NFT marketplace where players can upload, sell, purchase, and exchange NFTs created on VoxEdit. The NFTs can then be used to improve your gaming experience on The Sandbox.

The Sandbox Game Market is a platform where users can develop 3D games for free. The tool does not require coding knowledge, as it provides accessible visual scripting tools that contribute to the creation of 3D gaming.

About SAND

SAND is the native token of The Sandbox ecosystem. It is an ERC-20 token, so it was developed and is stored on the Ethereum blockchain.

The Sandbox users must hold SAND tokens if they want to purchase NFTs on The Sandbox marketplace (LAND and ASSET). Furthermore, SAND is required to participate in the governance of The Sandbox metaverse.

Why Is The Sandbox Popular?

Initially, The Sandbox gained popularity thanks to its non-crypto-related games. Afterward, once it entered the blockchain industry, the game gathered increasingly more users around its concept thanks to its similarities with Minecraft.

Minecraft has always been extremely popular all over the world, but The Sandbox has another great advantage – it offers access to the metaverse, the security provided by blockchain technology, and the opportunity to create NFTs and earn crypto along the way.

3. Decentraland

Decentraland is all about socializing in virtual worlds. It is one of the most popular metaverse games, and users usually describe it as a 3D decentralized virtual world where crypto, blockchain, and metaverse enthusiasts can interact with each other while also developing the ecosystem.

Decentraland was developed on the Ethereum blockchain, and it is entirely user-owned, so there is no central authority controlling the activity.

On Decentraland, users can spend their time playing games, simply socializing, or creating, buying, selling, and exchanging digital assets. Furthermore, you can create your own games, environment, or marketplace seamlessly without the need for advanced coding knowledge.

Those using Decentraland can host community events, such as dancing nights, parties, movie screenings, or concerts. The list never ends, as any event you imagine can be created in the Decentraland ecosystem.

For instance, at the moment of writing, considering that we’re only a few days past Valentine’s Day, there is a Valentine’s Day-themed event going on. During the event, anyone can join and collect hearts through various activities, such as fishing, mining, and chopping trees. Those who add their hearts to the Grand Heart can get a ticket for a special limited NFT skin.

About MANA

MANA is the governance token in the Decentraland ecosystem. It is an ERC-20 token and is burned whenever it is used to purchase something in Decentraland. Besides spending it on Decentraland marketplaces, you can also earn MANA.

Decentraland allows users to monetize their in-game creations, such as games, apps, and other tools. Thus, they can earn MANA by charging users to look at, use, or interact with the things they created on the platform.

Decentraland also uses two NFTs (ERC-721 tokens): LAND and Estate. LAND is a 52-foot x 52-foot plot of digital real estate, while an Estate is formed by two or more adjacent plots.

Why Is Decentraland Popular?

Besides its constantly increasing popularity, Decentraland is also one of the oldest metaverse gaming platforms. Although the crypto market is still volatile and unpredictable, and there still is some speculation around crypto, blockchain technology, and the metaverse in general, the wide adoption of these concepts is closer than we think.

The opportunities Decentraland offers are almost endless, and this only intrigues users from all over the world. Furthermore, the opportunity to monetize your creations increases interest even more, and these are just some reasons why Decentraland is popular and will become even more popular in the near future.

4. Illuvium

Illuvium is a metaverse gaming platform offering a fantasy role-playing game (RPG) developed on the Ethereum network. It is often considered the first AAA game on Ethereum and is perfect for both gaming enthusiasts and DeFi fans. 

The main characters in the Illuvium universe are called Illuvials and can be captured by players who win the battles and then revive them. Each Illuvial has a range of characteristics used to rank the characters by their rarity, utility, and desirability. The characteristics include:

• Classes: Empath, Fighter, Guardian, Rogue, and Psion;
• Affinities: Air, Earth, Fire, Nature, and Water. 

Illuvials also have other attributes that help determine their strength in combat, such as attack damage, savagery, and attack speed. Illuvials are represented by NFTs and can be improved through various in-game assets. 

About ILV

ILV is the native token of the Illuvium universe and can be used in many ways in the Illuvium ecosystem. First, it is the token used as a reward for users. Thus, whenever they complete in-game achievements, they can get ILV.

Furthermore, the ILV token entitles players to their share of the Illuvium Vault and also gives them the opportunity to participate in the governance of the Illuvium universe through the Illuvium DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization).

Why Is Illuvium Popular?

Illuvium was built by tens of dedicated developers and artists, and to get a high-quality platform, the team took 2 years to develop the entire project. Thus, Illuvium was designed with a major focus on quality and usability.

Thus, it is no wonder that Illuvium became so popular. Its graphics, gameplay, and the high usability of the ILV token make the game a top choice in the gaming world.

5. Alien Worlds

Alien Worlds is an NFT metaverse game developed on Ethereum, WAX, and BNB Smart Chain. In the Alien Worlds universe, users’ main goal is to compete for scarce resources, such as NFTs and in-game tokens. 

In Alien Worlds, players are called Explorers and focus on mining by acquiring and renting lang, as well as voting for Planetary governance. 

Alien Worlds is based on 4 main concepts: Trilium (TLM), NFT tools, Planet Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (Planet DAOs), and lands. In what concerns the NFTs, there are several types of such digital collectibles:

• Land – Parcels of land on the planets of Alien Worlds. Users can mine it or charge others to mine it for them and then share the rewards;
• Minions – Characters used in the fighting game model. They can also be used in other Alien Worlds games;
• Tools – Users can get various tools as they progress in the game. When they start playing, they get a free shovel to begin mining;
• Weapons – They are used for fighting against other Explorers;
• Avatars – They are NFT game cards that can be used as your avatar in the game. You can choose from five types of avatars: Greys, Reptiloids, Little Green Persons, Nordics, and Robotrons. 

About Trilium

Trilium (or TLM) is the native token of the Alien Worlds ecosystem. Explorers can earn TLM as a reward when playing various games in the Alien Worlds metaverse. Those who hold TLM tokens can participate in the governance of the Planet DAOs.

Trilium is available on Ethereum, WAX, and BNB Smart chain; thus, users can hold it on any of the 3 blockchains. Furthermore, it is essential to note that players can earn more TLM by mining it or renting land to other miners.

Why Is Alien Worlds Popular?

Alien Worlds has always focused on launching new and significant updates, keeping users close and engaged for more time, if not even all the time. Furthermore, the Alien Worlds ecosystem provides many opportunities for its players, from earning opportunities through mining TLM all the way to winning NFTs and participating in the governance of the game.

6. Bloktopia

It is only fair to say that Bloktopia is among those “one-of-a-kind” games. It is a virtual space that focuses on both education and entertainment, being suitable for all crypto enthusiasts, regardless of their crypto experience. It was developed on the Polygon network and is powered by Unity, a cross-platform game engine. 

The Bloktopia universe is formed of a decentralized VR skyscraper of 21 floors. The 21 number was not chosen randomly; it represents the total supply of Bitcoin, which is 21 million. 

Bloktopia uses various technologies, such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), blockchain, and crypto, in order to develop a decentralized ecosystem where entrepreneurs, investors, players, and developers interact freely. 

To start playing, users have to create avatars that will help them discover the Bloktopia skyscraper. After creating their avatars, they can enter the 1st level, which is a first-class commercial space, where they can learn more about crypto prices, talk with the support team, and see the agenda of events from the ecosystem. 

Along the way, Bloktopians will have many other opportunities to discover the Bloktopia universe, each floor of the 21-story skyscraper having various activities and new places prepared. 

About BLOK

BLOK is an ERC-20 token that acts as the utility token of the Bloktopia metaverse. BLOK holders can get access to exclusive events and perks, as well as purchase various assets in the Bloktopia metaverse.

It is essential to note that BLOK is required to purchase customized avatars or lease virtual real estate, which makes the token extremely valuable and highly traded in Bloktopia.

BLOK was launched in 2021 and has a maximum supply of 200 billion. The tokens from real estate purchases are burned, thus decreasing the token supply. Those looking for BLOK tokens can find and purchase them on decentralized exchanges (DEXs).

Why Is Bloktopia Popular?

Bloktopia has thought of a unique and new approach to developing a virtual world, and this has set the project among those epic games everyone wants to try out. The team of developers leveraged multiple advanced technologies, and this led to a better user experience and more immersive gaming experiences.

Furthermore, the use of blockchain technology in the creation of a decentralized virtual world increases security surprisingly, and who does not look for high security these days, right? Besides, the Bloktopia metaverse has numerous interactive features that can contribute to users’ long-term gaming experience.

7. Gods Unchained

Gods Unchained is one of the free-to-play online games, having a unique game model that has intrigued numerous users since its launch. It is a strategy game that focuses on trading cards through fast-paced gameplay. To win the game, users have to align themselves with one of the six gods, build decks of 30 cards, and use their strategies to outsmart their opponents. 

When starting to play Gods Unchained, users have to align one of the gods or goddesses of nature, deception, magic, light, death, or war. Each god has various traits and weaknesses and comes with a different set of cards. Thus, it is extremely important to choose your god wisely. 

Then, players have to create their decks of cards, with a maximum of 30 cards per deck. Each card must have unique abilities, stats, and artwork. They can combine the cards to build powerful decks to win against their opponents. 

The actual game starts when users enter the mulligan phase, where they can reshuffle the cards that are not useful for them. Players have to use their cards to defeat their opponents or their gods by attacking their cards. 

About GODS

GODS is the native cryptocurrency of the Gods Unchained universe. It is an ERC-20 token that can be used to purchase in-game assets in the Gods Unchained marketplace, create NFTs, and get rewards. The maximum supply of GODS is 500 million tokens.

GODS also acts as the governance token in Gods Unchained; thus, GODS holders can also vote on various ecosystem matters, making a difference in the decision-making process and contributing to establishing Gods Unchained as a community-driven project.

Why Is Gods Unchained Popular?

Gods Unchained has become one of the top metaverse games thanks to the unique game model brought to the blockchain industry. Unlike other strategy card-based games that promote centralized ecosystems, Gods Unchained comes with a new, safer, and better approach that gives users more power and, most importantly, the concept of ownership.

8. Voxels

Voxels (formerly known as Cryptovoxels) is a metaverse virtual world that can be considered a bit similar to Minecraft. We’re saying “a bit similar” because it might look similar, but the activities differ from one game to another. 

Originally launched in 2018 as Cryptovoxels, the game was developed on the Ethereum network, and developers planned to make it part of the larger metaverse. One of the most intriguing concepts in Voxels is the Voxel spaces. Spaces are represented by pieces of land that are not directly accessible by any user. Instead, only the player who initially claimed them can access them. However, the claimers can share access to their spaces by sending a URL to their friends. 

The URL can open a teleport link that leads to the claimed space. This process can be completed on a standard browser, and this can make the Voxels universe a little limited compared to other metaverse games.

Voxels also focuses on improving creativity on the platform; thus, it has integrated NFTs into its universe. NFTs can contain many in-game elements, such as land, resources, or even wearables. The Voxels NFTs can be traded on various NFT marketplaces, including OpenSea, which is one of the most popular such platforms. 

What Is the Native Token of Voxels?

When talking about Voxels, things get a bit more interesting. When it first launched, the game did not use a native cryptocurrency. Instead, it only focused on NFTs.

However, in 2021, Voxels announced that it started tackling this problem by looking for the best way to develop its governance token, which was called Scarcity Island. The team of developers stated that the token was to be launched in the first half of 2022.

The token was developed and passed through a testing phase, but little is known about its evolution and whether it will become a widely used token in the Voxels world.

Why Is Voxels Popular?

Voxels started gaining remarkable popularity when users realized how easy it was to build spaces on the platform. Furthermore, sharing your space with others is extremely easy, too, and this increases the accessibility of the metaverse and makes increasingly more users interested in the concept.

9. Chain of Alliance

Chain of Alliance is a P2E (Play-to-Earn) fantasy role-playing game developed on the Chromia network. It welcomes users into an amazing universe, offering them an immersive gaming experience and plenty of opportunities. 

In the Chain of Alliance universe, users are allowed to form parties of adventurers in order to fight against other parties or AI-controlled monsters that loot points. With each battle they win, users can improve, develop, and customize their characters. 

Chain of Alliance primarily focuses on character development, so users can choose from numerous species, classes, and loot to create and improve their characters. All characters take the form of NFTs; thus, users can prove ownership in the game and outside the Chain of Alliance universe.

Currently, Chain of Alliance offers 2 main game modes: PvP (Player vs Player) and PvE (Player vs Environment). Each game mode requires a solid real-time strategy to defeat opponents.

About COA

COA is the governance token in the Chain of Alliance world, the game using a single-token model. COA has numerous use cases, including the fact that it is the main currency in the Chain of Alliance marketplace.

Users can also receive COA when playing in the PvE and PvP game modes, staking their existing COA tokens, and much more. You can use COA to pay for various characters, arenas, and transaction fees and contribute to the governance of the Chain of Alliance universe.

Why Is Chain of Alliance Popular?

Chain of Alliance offers an intriguing back story and comes with stunning graphics that can intrigue and attract plenty of gaming, blockchain, and metaverse enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the game is pretty easy to set up and play, and this can encourage an increasing number of users to try it out. Once they set up their avatar and start playing, the rewards in the form of COA tokens and NFTs can play a major role in keeping them close to the game.

10. Star Atlas

Star Atlas is an RPG focusing on space exploration. It was built on the Solana blockchain, and its story takes place in 2620. In the Star Atlas world, territorial pursuit, political factions, spacecraft, and high-tech weaponry are the main concepts that encourage users to go on with discovering the game.

Star Atlas uses a P2E (Play-to-Earn) game model. Thus, users can earn digital assets by simply playing the game, completing various tasks, and reaching certain levels in the game. 

As a Star Atlas player, your main goal is to expand your space empire by getting new land, mining it for resources, and exploring the galaxy to look for ancient artifacts. Each such adventure can get you closer to other users, lost ships, new weapons, and teams of deceased players who also tried to discover the world but did not make it further. 

About ATLAS and POLIS

The utility token of Star Atlas is called ATLAS. It can be used to purchase in-game assets like ships, land, weapons, and mining equipment. Each such item is represented by an NFT; thus, it allows users to prove ownership. ATLAS is also part of the in-game economy.

POLIS is the governance token of Star Atlas; thus, it allows token holders to become part of the decision-making process of the game and the DAO governing. Those who hold POLIS can vote on numerous decisions, thus making the Star Atlas as decentralized as possible.

Why Is Star Atlas Popular?

Star Atlas developers have built a complex universe where users have to focus on multiple goals, such as territorial conquest, space exploration, and political domination. Each such pillar is carefully developed and leads to numerous opportunities for players, be they passionate about gaming, blockchain enthusiasts, or eager to discover what the metaverse has to offer.

This, along with solid in-game economics, has made Star Atlas popular in no time, setting it on a path to success, especially considering the constant growth of the metaverse topic.

All the metaverse games we have talked about, along with many others, aim to change the gaming industry by introducing new advanced technologies. Each such technology has a clear goal, usually focusing on improving a feature that could not be improved before.

Thus, while VR and AR focus on improving the overall gaming experience and creating more immersive virtual worlds, blockchain technology comes to entirely change how we perceive games and how we can contribute to their development.

The metaverse concept comes to prove that virtual interaction can get better, faster, and more detailed, moving it as close as possible to the reality we all experience.

The True Earning Potential

Another concept worth considering when talking about metaverse games is the implication of cryptocurrencies and digital assets in general. Truth be told, you can try out metaverse games to make money. Besides providing higher security and decentralization, in-game digital assets represent the true earning potential that many gamers were looking for.

While in a regular online game, you could win game assets, but you could not say that you actually owned them. They were owned by a central entity that was also the owner of the game.

However, crypto games offer users the opportunity to earn digital assets that they truly own, also offering them a way to prove that ownership, thanks to the fact that both cryptocurrencies and NFTs are stored on the blockchain.

FAQ

Who owns the metaverse?

The metaverse does not have a clear owner. Instead, it is owned by its users and enriched by the UGC (User-Generated Content).

Who is leading in metaverse technology?

One of the most popular companies that contributes to the development of the metaverse is Epic Games, which is the creator of numerous popular games.

What is higher than metaverse?

The metaverse is just a small part of the entire virtual universe. A concept bigger than the metaverse is the multiverse.

Can I enter a Metaverse on my phone?

While entering the metaverse usually requires VR equipment, you can also enter it on your phone, as some games provide such an option. Still, it is essential to note that that version of the metaverse will be somewhat limited due to the limited abilities of smartphones when it comes to this concept.

In Conclusion

The metaverse is the one topic that intrigues so many of us at the moment. The good thing is that it also intrigued game developers, who started thinking of the best ways to combine gaming with the metaverse and other advanced technologies.

Each metaverse game comes with its advantages and special features, and considering the wide variety of such platforms and applications at the moment, it is easy to find the best option for you. We hope that our NFT metaverse games list helped you decide which game you will try out first. Now, we have to get back to improving our Axies!

* The information in this article and the links provided are for general information purposes only
and should not constitute any financial or investment advice. We advise you to do your own research
or consult a professional before making financial decisions. Please acknowledge that we are not
responsible for any loss caused by any information present on this website.

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You may have probably encountered Bitcoin ATMs at various establishments like convenience stores, gas stations, and malls. 

While they may resemble traditional ATMs, these kiosks enable customers to purchase, and sometimes sell, cryptocurrency tokens using cash.

The history of Bitcoin ATMs is relatively short, but it reflects the rapid growth and evolution of the cryptocurrency market. Here are some key points:

Early Beginnings

• October 29, 2013: The world’s first publicly available Bitcoin ATM, a Robocoin machine, opened in Vancouver, Canada, at the Waves Coffee Shop.

• December 8, 2013: Europe saw its first Bitcoin ATM installed in Bratislava, Slovakia.

• February 18, 2014: The first Bitcoin ATM in the United States went live in a cigar bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but it was removed a month later.

• May 2014: The first licensed Bitcoin ATM in the US, developed by Coinme, was installed at the Spitfire Grill in Seattle, Washington.

Growth and Challenges

Since the early days, the number of Bitcoin ATMs has grown significantly. According to data from CoinATMRadar, Bitcoin ATMs surged in popularity during the peak of the crypto bull run between 2020 and mid-2022, reaching up to 38,800 installations across the US at their peak.

• However, the industry has also faced challenges, including regulatory scrutiny and the volatility of the cryptocurrency market.

• In February 2023, a major Bitcoin ATM operator, Cash Cloud, filed for bankruptcy due to its exposure to the cryptocurrency crash and financial difficulties. 

• Regulatory efforts have also emerged, with some cases like the arrest of three individuals operating unlicensed Bitcoin ATMs in Ohio in March 2023.

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges, the presence of Bitcoin ATMs reflects the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies and their integration into traditional financial systems.

How Do They Work?

Unlike traditional ATMs connected to your bank account, Bitcoin ATMs connect to cryptocurrency exchanges to facilitate buying or selling Bitcoin (or other supported cryptocurrencies) using cash or sometimes debit cards. They do not dispense Bitcoin directly but rather transfer it to your digital cryptocurrency wallet, which is where you store your Bitcoin.

Steps

1. Locate a Bitcoin ATM: Use a service like Coin ATM Radar to find one near you.

2. Choose the “Buy” option: The ATM interface will guide you through the process.

3. Provide your wallet address: You can either scan a QR code linked to your wallet or manually enter the address.

4. Insert cash: The ATM will specify the amount based on the current exchange rate and any fees.

5. Confirmation and receipt: Once confirmed, the Bitcoin will be transferred to your wallet, and you’ll receive a receipt.

Additional Points

• Transaction fees: Be aware of the fees associated with using a Bitcoin ATM, which can be higher than those on online exchanges.

• Two-way vs. one-way machines: Some ATMs are bidirectional, allowing both buying and selling Bitcoin, while others are unidirectional, supporting only one function.

• Security: Always ensure you’re using a reputable Bitcoin ATM operator and exercise caution when handling cash and your wallet information.

How Do Bad Actors Use Crypto ATMs To Commit Fraud?

While Bitcoin and crypto ATMs offer an easy way to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, they have become a primary medium for bad actors due to the relative anonymity surrounding them. Here are some ways criminals are exploiting these machines to commit fraud:

Social Engineering Scams

• Impersonating authority figures: Scammers pose as investment advisors, tech support, or other trusted individuals. They convince victims to send cryptocurrency through ATMs as part of a “secure” transaction, often targeting vulnerable populations unfamiliar with the technology.

• Fake investment schemes: Criminals lure victims with promises of high returns by directing them to purchase cryptocurrency via ATMs and transfer it to their wallets, ultimately stealing the invested funds.

• Romance scams: These scams involve building online relationships and manipulating victims into sending cryptocurrency through ATMs for fake investments or fabricated emergencies.

Exploiting ATM Vulnerabilities

• Skimming: Criminals install hidden devices on ATMs to steal user information like PINs and card details, allowing them to withdraw funds or sell stolen information on the dark web.

• Malware injection: Malicious software can be installed on ATMs to manipulate transactions, redirecting funds to the criminals’ wallets.

• Phishing attacks: Fake ATM interfaces or websites can trick users into entering their credentials and personal information, leading to stolen funds or compromised accounts.

Facilitating Illegal Activities

• Money laundering: Criminals use crypto ATMs to convert illegally obtained cash into cryptocurrency, making it harder to trace and hindering law enforcement efforts.

• Funding illegal purchases: Crypto ATMs can be used to anonymously purchase illegal goods or services on the dark web, bypassing traditional financial systems.

Challenges In Combating Fraud

• Anonymity: Cryptocurrency transactions are often pseudonymous, making it difficult to track down criminals and recover stolen funds.

• Regulation: The evolving regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies can create loopholes that criminals exploit.

• Consumer awareness: Many users are unfamiliar with the risks associated with crypto ATMs, making them more susceptible to scams and social engineering tactics.

It’s important to be cautious and exercise due diligence when using crypto ATMs. Here are some safety tips:

• Only use reputable and well-maintained ATMs from established operators.

• Be wary of anyone urging you to use a specific ATM or invest in cryptocurrency through sudden, unexpected opportunities.

• Never share your PIN or personal information with anyone, even someone claiming to be from technical support or law enforcement.

• Educate yourself about cryptocurrencies and the risks associated with using crypto ATMs.

By being informed and vigilant, you can help minimize your risk of becoming a victim of fraud involving crypto ATMs.

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the role of Bitcoin ATMs and the broader crypto landscape, it is clear that they represent both an opportunity and a challenge for the industry’s maturation. Bitcoin ATMs have played a significant role in making cryptocurrencies more accessible to the masses, offering a tangible bridge between the digital realm of blockchain and everyday cash transactions. However, as with any emerging technology, there are inherent risks and challenges, particularly when it comes to addressing criminal activities.

The prevalence of cryptocurrency investment and financial fraud poses significant challenges to victims, often leaving them unable to recover defrauded assets even after cases are solved. In a groundbreaking collaboration, Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Judicial Reform Foundation (JRF), and blockchain-enabled financial institution XREX have successfully cracked down on a cryptocurrency fraud case, setting a remarkable legal milestone in Taiwan’s judicial history. 

Using advanced blockchain intelligence tools and on-chain tracking technologies, XREX’s anti-money laundering (AML) and information security departments proved the flow of illicit funds and the owners of cryptocurrency assets, even when there were no identifiable suspects or accused, assisting Taiwan’s law enforcement agencies in returning defrauded Ether (ETH) to the victim.

The uniqueness of this investigation lies in the following:

• The attacker phished the Taiwanese victim while he was using the decentralized wallet MetaMask, resulting in his ETH being stolen from the wallet. Since MetaMask is a self-custodial and decentralized wallet, there was no customer service to assist the victim.

• The perpetrator likely belonged to a criminal organization overseas. Taiwanese law enforcement could not know the perpetrator’s identity when processing this case. Therefore, the prosecution lacked a suspect.

• The attacker moved the stolen cryptocurrency assets into an account with OKX, an exchange that operates outside of Taiwanese jurisdiction.

• Multiple parties collaborated to seize almost all of the illicit assets and return them to the victim.

The victim, Mr. Wan, is a professional trader and has been active in cryptocurrency communities. 

“I never expected the fraud group to impersonate a Forbes ‘media interview’ to phish and send web pages with malicious programs to steal my cryptocurrency assets, all under the guise of filling out information on the website,” Wan said. “I appreciate the help and support from the CIB, the JRF’s advocate Miffy Chen, XREX, OKX, and SlowMist. I hope my case can serve as a cautionary tale and convince law enforcement agencies that fraud cases involving such decentralized wallets outside our jurisdiction can be handled and resolved.”

The attacker phished Wan while he was using his Metamask wallet to access a decentralized social platform, Friend.tech, on the Base blockchain network. The attacker drained his wallet and transferred the stolen funds to OKX. Upon realizing the fraud, Mr. Wan immediately shared his experience on social media and gained the attention of Web3 communities. Within six hours, SlowMist contacted OKX and intercepted the stolen ETH. According to OKX’s compliance policies, they can only implement a temporary seizure of 72 hours, within which Taiwanese law enforcement must intervene.

On-chain analytics tracked the bridged assets to the attacker’s wallet, then to OKX.

Miffy Chen from JRF assisted in organizing and compiling documents detailing the cryptocurrency’s flow, assisting the victim in filing a report, and cooperating with the CIB and prosecutors to apply to the court for a seizure ruling.

But how can funds be legally returned to the victim if the case lacks an accused? 

To solve procedural problems in the law, law enforcement agencies requested the intervention of a professional and neutral third party. XREX, an international crypto-fiat exchange, played a key role in verifying Mr. Wan’s ownership of the attacked wallet, as well as re-verifying details of the cryptocurrency flow. XREX’s security and AML teams used TRM Labs and SlowMist’s MistTrack to cross-analyze blockchain asset flows, and identify the flow of funds, submitting a complete cryptocurrency flow report with reliable evidence.

Chen stated, “This case relies on the mutual trust of multiple agencies to act quickly and effectively. It demonstrated that even if criminals have transferred the stolen assets to overseas exchanges, the assets can still be tracked and recovered. This case serves as a great encouragement to all law enforcement units and experts involved. I hope this unprecedented case is not just a stroke of luck, but an important reference for future cases.”

The case’s in-charge, Detective Hsieh Rui Xuan from the CIB’s Sixth Investigation Corp, remarked, “Scam syndicates are extending their reach globally through the Internet and emerging technologies like blockchain technology. This has become a serious social issue in Taiwan. While Taiwan’s ability to combat overseas crime remains limited, seizing and returning fraudulent proceeds holds significant meaning for victims.”

He added that while law enforcement continues to enhance cryptocurrency tracing techniques, this has to be done within existing regulatory constraints.

“I hope this case is an important foundation, not only for remotely seizing cryptocurrency assets, but also for promoting collaborations between law enforcement agencies and experts in blockchain, law, and cybersecurity to combat the misuse of blockchain technology for fraudulent activities,” Hsieh said.

Sun Huang, XREX’s Chief Security Officer and General Manager, has over 15 years of international experience in cybersecurity and possesses both offensive and defensive capabilities recognized globally. He said, “This cooperation with law enforcement highlights how it is more difficult to launder money via a transparent and open blockchain network. All transactions are permanently recorded on-chain and cannot be tampered with or erased. The current difficulty lies in introducing and effectively using blockchain tracking and analysis tools. We believe XREX is already a leader in this regard and can be a partner trusted by law enforcement agencies.”

XREX has integrated top-tier blockchain analysis technologies and monitoring tools such as JPMorgan’s portfolio company TRM Labs, Mastercard’s CipherTrace, Chainalysis, and MistTrack. XREX continues to fulfill its corporate social responsibility by assisting investigations to analyze illegal currency flows, disclose scam tactics, and produce forensic reports, pro bono.

XREX is also the first company in Taiwan to be audited by the British Standards Institution, attaining the latest version of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management System certification. XREX Taiwan is listed on the Financial Supervisory Commission’s list of virtual assets service providers that have completed anti-money laundering compliance statements.

Sun Huang urged, “All cryptocurrency users must be vigilant and careful to verify. If one becomes a victim of scams, immediate action should be taken, such as transferring assets to a new wallet, filing a report as soon as possible, and preserving evidence. All these help in reducing losses. Be mindful to avoid follow-up scams targeting victims and claiming they can help recover assets. Always seek assistance from qualified operators and law enforcement agencies.”

XREX, co-founded by internationally-renowned cybersecurity expert Wayne Huang, is the first cryptocurrency company in Taiwan to obtain an in-principle approval for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and has completed anti-money laundering statements to the Financial Supervisory Commission. Its predecessor, security software startup Armorize, specializes in vulnerability analysis and advanced persistent threat (APT) network attacks.

About XREX

XREX is a blockchain-enabled financial institution working with banks, regulators, and users to redefine banking together. We provide enterprise-grade banking services to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in or dealing with emerging markets, and novice-friendly financial services to individuals worldwide.

Founded in 2018 and operating globally under multiple licenses, XREX offers a full suite of services such as digital asset custody, wallet, cross-border payment, fiat-crypto conversion, cryptocurrency exchange, asset management, and fiat currency on-off ramps.

Sharing the social responsibility of financial inclusion, XREX leverages blockchain technologies to further financial participation, access, and education.

This press release was originally published on this site

The crypto scene keeps on changing, ya know? New coins and tokens pop up all the time, keeping things interesting. In the last seven days, two coins that have been making waves are Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Pepe Coin (PEPE). They each bring something special to the table, and in this piece, we’ll dig into what makes them tick. Let’s take a look at this Shiba Inu vs PEPE coin article in more detail.

Shiba Inu vs PEPE Coin: How has the price moved in the recent days?

As of today, the price of Shiba Inu stands at $0.00001053, with a trading volume of $545.17 million over the past 24 hours. Its market capitalization sits at $6.20 billion, with a market dominance of 0.29%. Over the last day, the price of SHIB has gone up by 9.53%.

Shiba Inu hit its peak price on October 28, 2021, reaching an all-time high of $0.00008819. Its lowest recorded price was on November 28, 2020, when it traded at its all-time low of $0.000105637. Since reaching its all-time high, the lowest price experienced was $0.000055821 (cycle low), while the highest SHIB price post-cycle low was $0.00001168 (cycle high). Currently, sentiment around the Shiba Inu price prediction is bullish, and the Fear & Greed Index indicates a reading of 79 (Extreme Greed).

On the other hand, as of now, the price of Pepe Coin stands at $0.000002105, with a trading volume of $905.91 million over the past 24 hours. Its market capitalization is recorded at $882.22 million, with a market dominance of 0.04%. Over the last day, the price of PEPE has surged by 41.27%.

Pepe Coin hit its peak price on May 5, 2023, reaching an all-time high of $0.000004310. Its lowest recorded price was on April 14, 2023, when it traded at its all-time low of $0.00000000001057. Since reaching its all-time high, the lowest price experienced was $0.0000006111 (cycle low), while the highest PEPE price post-cycle low was $0.000002286 (cycle high). Currently, sentiment around the Pepe Coin price prediction is bullish, and the Fear & Greed Index indicates a reading of 79 (Extreme Greed).

Shiba Inu vs PEPE Coin: What’s the current developments?

Shiba Inu, that big-time meme coin rollin’ on Ethereum, just did something wild today, February 27th—they dropped a zero from their token value! Talk about a hype boost! And alongside this crazy jump, Shiba Inu’s SHEboshi got some serious attention, thanks to none other than Shytoshi Kusama, the main brain behind the project.

Now, after Sheboshi made its debut not long ago, it went through a dry spell in terms of availability, proving just how big of a deal it is in the crypto world. And get this, Shytoshi Kusama himself spilled the beans on a major SHEboshi listing announcement over on CoinW, a popular crypto exchange. Things are heating up!

Even though the listing happened on February 23, Kusama’s repost is just another sign of how hot this project is and how the community keeps pushing to boost SHIB tokenomics. And hey, speaking of boosts, SHIB token made some serious gains today, riding the wave of the community’s recent progress and a big jump in burn rate. Things are really picking up steam!

So, here’s the scoop from CoinW: on February 23, they rolled out the SHEB/USDT trading pair in their MEME & NFT trading zone at 13:00 UTC. The very next day, February 24, they opened up deposits and withdrawals for it at 6:00 UTC.

But wait, there’s more! CoinW sweetened the deal by announcing extra rewards for folks depositing over 50 USDT worth of SHEB. They scrapped the idea of random airdrops and instead promised a prize pool of 1,000 USDT worth of SHEB, given out on a first-come-first-serve basis. Plus, users trading with a volume of over 100 USDT also get a piece of a 3,000 USDT equivalent prize pool in SHEB tokens, according to CoinW’s statement.

These perks are meant to draw more folks into Shiba Inu’s world and give a boost to SHIB tokenomics, like we mentioned earlier. And speaking of boosts, Shiba Inu has been making major moves lately, from teaming up with K9 Finance to talk of a potential SHIB ETF, not to mention burning through hefty amounts of SHIB tokens. Things are definitely heating up in the Shiba Inu crypto world!

On the other hand, Pepe hit its all-time high of $0.000001438 just six hours back, showing some ups and downs throughout today. It seems like Pepe is staging a comeback after a whole year, and if this momentum keeps up, it could mark another big moment in the history of meme coins.

The crypto market is currently in the greed zone, sitting at a score of 75, and the big players are doing pretty well. Bitcoin has crossed the $57,000 mark, while Ethereum is cruising above $3200, which bodes well for investors.

#Binance Simple Earn launches a new $PEPE promotion!

Complete a quiz to earn 700,000 #PEPE in rewards and up to 9% bonus tiered APR 🤝

Get involved ⤵️

— Binance (@binance) February 23, 2024