Solana 🤝 teams up with Google Cloud

gm 👋

Kamala Harris hit up NYC’s deep-pocketed donors at Cipriani Wall Street, promising to boost AI and crypto investment if elected, while pledging to protect consumers and cut red tape. The event raised $27 million, making it her biggest haul yet in the race against Trump.

TL;DR

Solana 🤝 Google Cloud: Solana teams with Google Cloud to simplify Web3 game development through GameShift.

Worldpay's blockchain dive: Worldpay becomes a blockchain validator to better understand decentralized payments.

Mmerch's NFT fashion drop: Mmerch launches NFT-linked hoodies blending digital art and fashion innovation.

Solana 🤝 teams up with Google Cloud to power Web3 gaming

Solana Labs is joining forces with Google Cloud to push the boundaries of Web3 gaming, introducing GameShift, a toolset now available on Google Cloud Marketplace. GameShift enables developers to integrate key Web3 elements—like wallets, tokens, and marketplaces—directly into their games without diving into the complexities of blockchain.

Why it matters: This partnership makes it easier for developers to create Web3-enabled games, allowing them to focus on gameplay and user experience. Solana’s high throughput and reliability make it an ideal platform for gaming projects looking to onboard players into Web3, while Google Cloud provides the scalability and security necessary to handle millions of daily operations.

The tech:

• GameShift: One-stop tool for blockchain integration in gaming, supporting in-game asset creation, secure payments, and decentralized marketplaces.

• Google Cloud’s Contributions: With products like Blockchain Node Engine and Web3 BigQuery datasets, Google Cloud is solidifying its support for decentralized platforms, helping developers power the next wave of Web3 games.

The opportunity: Web3 gaming allows players to become co-creators and co-owners, giving them control over in-game assets through microtransactions and trading. Developers can unlock new revenue streams without making players feel exploited, all while benefiting from enhanced security measures like non-custodial wallets and hack-resistant transactions.

Bottom line: The Solana-Google Cloud partnership is a game-changer, simplifying the adoption of Web3 in gaming and opening up new possibilities for player-centric experiences. With Solana’s continued expansion into mobile and tournament features, expect big things in the Web3 gaming world.

Worldpay to dive into blockchain validation for crypto payments insight

Worldpay Inc. plans to become a blockchain validator to gain deeper insights into digital ledger transactions. By verifying blockchain activity, the global payments provider will directly observe how funds move across decentralized networks.

Why it matters: This move allows Worldpay to engage directly with blockchain infrastructure, positioning itself at the forefront of Web3 payments.

The numbers: Worldpay has processed $1.3 billion in stablecoin payments this year, a small slice of its $2.3 trillion total payments volume.

Bottom line: Worldpay is betting on blockchain's future in payments by getting involved in transaction validation.

News

🇦🇪 Dubai now requires crypto companies to warn customers about asset volatility and potential total loss.

🖥️ The U.S. seized crypto domains linked to $2.5 billion in illegal transactions, targeting money laundering and fraud schemes.

🎙️ Web3 music platform Audius now allows artists to receive direct stablecoin payments, giving them full control over pricing and fan engagement.

📱 Crypto exchange Bitget has integrated Telegram mini-apps with its Web3 development kit, enabling users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) directly within the messaging platform.

🤝 HTX (formerly Huobi) and TRON have partnered to build a robust Web3 ecosystem, focusing on blockchain infrastructure, decentralized finance (DeFi), and fostering broader Web3 adoption.

☕️ An L.A. "Godfather" allegedly impersonated an FBI agent to steal crypto at gunpoint, per witness testimony.

Mmerch combines AI, NFTs, and on-demand fashion for unique drop

Web3 fashion brand Mmerch, founded by Colby Mugrabi, is releasing a new collection of one-of-one hoodies tied to NFTs and digital art. The collection, inspired by CryptoPunk #8348, features pieces adorned with Swarovski crystals and offers digital identities via NFTs. Collaborating with AI artist Claire Silver, the drop merges generative art, blockchain tech, and on-demand manufacturing. With strong backing from the Web3 and fashion communities, Mmerch aims to blend digital innovation with physical fashion in a groundbreaking way.

Bottom line: Mmerch is pushing the boundaries of fashion and Web3 by creating digitally-empowered, unique physical items.

WEB3 NOTES

• Stat: 10 million. That’s the number of daily active wallets interacting with decentralized apps (dApps) in 2024, a 40% increase from earlier in the year. (DappRadar)

  Quote: “Web3 is reshaping industries by offering a more transparent, decentralized, and efficient way of doing business. The companies that fail to embrace this shift will find themselves left behind.” — Justin Sun, Founder of TRON, speaking at a September 2024 Web3 summit.

• Read: Morocco turns to AI, blockchain to achieve ‘digital hub’ goal by 2030 (CryptoSlate)