Web3 ads, trillions in tokenization, and Solana’s new phone...

Hello 👋

Here’s your quick rundown of this week’s Web3 buzz…

TL;DR

• Web3 game ads: Pixels is betting big on in-game ads with crypto companies, offering players a 33% cut from ads on their virtual land.

• Chainlink's big bet: Chainlink’s Sergey Nazarov predicts tokenized assets will bring trillions from TradFi into Web3 via DeFi.

• Solana's Seeker phone: Solana’s new Seeker phone, built for Web3, aims to make crypto management seamless—if it can compete with Apple and Samsung.

Web3 game publisher sees ad revenue as the next frontier for gaming

Blockchain farm sim Pixels—the largest Web3 game with over a million daily users—has entered the in-game ad space, launching clickable ads embedded into natural in-game spots like billboards. In just two weeks, one ad had a 20% conversion rate, with 50 out of 237 clicks leading to crypto purchases. While Web3 gaming isn’t as massive as before, it’s still a hotbed for targeting young, tech-savvy users.

Why it matters: For now, Pixels’ ad clients are mostly crypto companies and Web3 game publishers. But founder Luke Barwikowski sees big potential beyond this niche, eyeing sectors like gambling that already target big-spending digital natives.

The challenge: There’s a catch: ads that pull players away from the game may hurt retention, a key reason many Web3 games haven’t embraced clickable in-game ads. Platforms like The Sandbox focus more on custom-branded game worlds rather than risking the user experience with clickable ads.

The opportunity: Despite the risks, Pixels offers a twist: players who own virtual land can cash in on the ads displayed on their plots, raking in a 33% annual yield on their NFTs. It’s not huge for the publisher, but it’s a decent return for players.

Bottom line: In-game ads could be the future of Web3 gaming monetization—but it’s a delicate balance between revenue and user experience. Pixels is betting big that they can pull it off.

Chainlink’s Sergey Nazarov predicts trillions to flow into Web3 via tokenization

Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov dropped a major prediction at Token2049 in Singapore: tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) are about to outpace cryptocurrencies in Web3. With this shift, trillions from traditional finance (TradFi) could soon flow into decentralized finance (DeFi), fundamentally changing the blockchain industry.

Why it matters: Nazarov believes TradFi will become the largest customer of DeFi, and Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) could be the bridge that makes it happen. CCIP enables seamless integration across different chains, allowing TradFi systems to link with blockchain tech, unlocking huge value.

Details:

• Chainlink’s oracle network is already powering DeFi, handling $15.49 trillion in transaction value since 2022.

• For TradFi to thrive on the blockchain, it needs real-time data and cross-chain connectivity. CCIP offers both, creating efficient, programmable token transfers that trigger automated events.

The catch: TradFi operates on decades-old tech like SWIFT, but it’s starting to catch up. Legal barriers, especially in Asia and the Middle East, are loosening, setting the stage for massive adoption.

Bottom line: Once these systems are fully integrated, we’re talking trillions in assets migrating to Web3. Get ready for a tokenized future.

New Solana phone branded 'Seeker' unveiled with special Genesis Token

Solana Mobile is shaking up the smartphone game with Seeker, a Web3-centric device dropping in 2025. With over 140,000 presales at $450 each, Seeker is designed to streamline cryptocurrency transactions and digital asset management, making Web3 easier for everyday users.

Why it matters: Seeker isn’t just another phone—it’s tailor-made for Web3 users. The device features a built-in Seed Vault self-custody wallet, enabling secure crypto management and transactions directly from the phone. Plus, with Near Field Communication (NFC) tech, proximity payments using crypto are a breeze.

Key features:

• Seed Vault: Integrated self-custody wallet with biometric authentication and encrypted storage, keeping your digital assets secure.

• Direct dApp Access: Forget app stores—Seeker connects you directly to decentralized apps, simplifying interactions with Web3 platforms.

The catch: Despite the buzz, Seeker faces stiff competition from traditional giants like Apple and Samsung, and its $450 price tag may deter casual users. Plus, Web3 adoption is still in its early days, and potential regulatory crackdowns on crypto could slow its rollout.

Bottom line: If you're deep in the Web3 world, Seeker might be your dream phone. But mainstream adoption will hinge on how quickly decentralized tech catches on and how well it competes with traditional smartphones.