Wemade to onboard action RPG Crystals of Naramunz to WEMIX PLAY

Relic, a Tokyo-based provider of business co-creation services, has launched a fan-driven short anime project using NFT and blockchain technology in collaboration with MetaMe, a metacommunication service developed by mobile carrier NTT Docomo.Photo by Dex Ezekiel on UnsplashFan empowerment through DAO and NFTsAccording to a press release on PR TIMES, the project, set to officially launch on June 19, 2025, aims to be accessible even to newcomers to NFTs or Web3. It will strive to ensure sustainability through transparent fund management and community-driven decision-making. The project introduces a new anime production model called "Anime DAO," starting with a near-future anime set in Neo Tokyo in 2050 that features characters and the world of the popular NFT collection "NEO TOKYO PUNKS." Funding will be raised through crowdfunding and the sale of celluloid art NFTs. Supporters will have the opportunity to vote on production decisions and own iconic scene NFTs once the anime is completed. The finished anime will premiere on MetaMe, followed by exclusive streaming on d-anime Store, while also integrating with the blockchain game GT6551, where fans can use anime characters and vehicles. This cross-media project combines anime, NFTs and e-sports, enhancing both fan engagement and user experience. Growing blockchain adoption in animeThis further demonstrates how the animation industry is embracing blockchain technology. In January, the Animecoin Foundation—whose early key contributors include Los Angeles-based NFT project Azuki—introduced the ANIME token on Ethereum and Arbitrum. Its tokenomics indicate a total supply of 10 billion tokens. The Foundation aims to connect the global anime fan base to blockchain, enabling creators to gain clearer insights into fan engagement and attribution, potentially unlocking new revenue models to support their intellectual property (IP). Although established in March 2024, the Animecoin Foundation traces its origins to Azuki’s mission of building an open anime universe. Azuki focuses on using blockchain technology and community involvement to develop decentralized anime IP and enrich the fan experience.  In a separate development, South Korea’s blockchain gaming platform WEMIX inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan’s Toei Animation late last year. Known for producing iconic titles such as Dragon Ball, One Piece and Slam Dunk, Toei Animation brings its storytelling and IP expertise, while WEMIX provides blockchain technology. The partnership aims to create an innovative blockchain-based gaming experience for a global audience.

Google Cloud becomes a Volunteer Validator for gaming blockchain XPLAXPLA, a gaming blockchain guided by Korean cultural content company Com2uS Holdings, revealed in a blog post on Tuesday (local time) that Google Cloud has joined as a validator for its blockchain network.Through their collaboration, Google Cloud will take on the role of the first Volunteer Validator for the XPLA blockchain. This partnership enhances the network’s security and governance, as validators are responsible for maintaining the integrity of a blockchain network by validating and relaying transactions.Photo by engin akyurt on UnsplashLayer-1 mainnetXPLA is a layer-1 mainnet that features a diverse group of network participants from the Web3 space. This includes notable enterprises such as Oasys, Animoca Brands, Yield Guild Games (YGG), Blockdaemon, gumi and LayerZero, all contributing to the ecosystem.Commenting on this initiative, Jack Buser, Google Cloud’s director of game industry solutions, said, “We are pleased to take on a role as a Volunteer Validator for the XPLA ecosystem.” According to South Korean news outlet Etoday, Buser expected that the cloud computing services provider’s robust infrastructure will contribute to driving rapid growth and fostering innovation within the realm of Web3 gaming.Better Web3 experiencesPaul Kim, Leader of the XPLA team, echoed similar sentiments as he welcomed Google Cloud’s participation in their project. He mentioned their shared aim to deliver innovative and appealing Web3 experiences to gamers worldwide within a transparent Web3 ecosystem. Kim said, “Through this collaboration, XPLA can secure advanced IT technology and insights into future industries.”

In the aftermath of a substantial security breach in November that resulted in a confirmed loss of over $48 million, Kyber Network, the multi-chain decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator, has taken decisive steps to restructure its operations.Photo by kate.sade on UnsplashWorking towards recoveryCEO and co-founder Victor Tran posted a lengthy message on the X social media platform on Christmas Eve to announce a 50% reduction in the firm’s workforce. The move marks a pivotal moment in the company’s efforts to recover and rebuild. As part of its strategy to ensure sustainability, Kyber temporarily suspended its liquidity protocol initiatives and KyberAI. Despite these challenging measures, the core aggregator and limit order functions remain fully operational. Tran emphasized the company’s commitment to persist and evolve, highlighting its determination to navigate through recent adversities. Despite these challenging measures, the core aggregator and limit order functions remain fully operational. Tran emphasized the company’s commitment to persist and evolve, highlighting its determination to navigate through recent adversities. Zap API additionIn an effort to enhance its services, Kyber Network disclosed plans to introduce the Zap API. This new offering aims to provide decentralized applications, crypto wallets and other DeFi projects with a seamless means to connect their users to liquidity protocols. Tran also revealed that in an effort to support its workforce during the transition, the firm has established a “voluntary database” to assist departing employees in finding new career opportunities. This initiative seeks to connect these individuals with peer projects in the industry. Exploit fall-outKyber Network took to social media on Nov. 22 to advise its KyberSwap Elastic user base of a security incident. With that notification, it advised users to withdraw their funds immediately. Over the next few days, it became clear that $48 million had been exploited on the platform by a hacker. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the hacker posted a message on the blockchain, stating: “Negotiations will start in a few hours when I am fully rested.” He/she progressed to issuing unusual demands, including gaining complete operational control of the company and temporary ownership of the KyberDAO governance mechanism. The nature of these demands sets this particular exploit apart from others. The Kyber team, however, chose to reject these demands. It chose to respond with a blockchain message of its own, outlining that it was cooperating with law enforcement in an effort to track the hacker. The company, which operates from offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore, also offered the hacker a carrot of a 10% bounty if the hacker agreed to return 90% of users’ funds. Instead, the firm pledged to compensate affected users through the KyberSwap Elastic Exploit Treasury Grant Program. On Dec. 20, the firm provided further details on that grant program, outlining how affected users would be refunded. Furthermore, Kyber Network is actively collaborating with authorities to identify the hacker and recover the stolen funds.Earlier this month, blockchain security firm CertiK issued an alert on social media, outlining that the hacker had moved BNB tokens to the value of $338,000 into decentralized crypto tumbler Tornado Cash.