Decentralize with Cointelegraph explores everything Web3 games with executives from five prominent gaming-related projects — Shrapnel, MetalCore, Ex Populus, Saga and HyperPlay — to learn why video games need blockchain, the promises of GameFi, and the challenges that come along the way.
Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph. Follow this episode's host, Jonathan DeYoung, on X at @maddopemadic and on Instagram at @maddopemadic.
Cointelegraph’s website: cointelegraph.com
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to the episode
(02:06) - Introduction to Marc Mercuri, chief blockchain officer of Shrapnel
(03:06) - Integration of blockchain into gaming, benefits and potential of AAA games
(06:55) - Timeline and expectations for Web3 gaming adoption
(08:45) - Introduction to Toby Batton, founder and CEO of Web3 game studio Ex Populus
(11:38) - Blockchain technology and mainstream gaming adoption
(15:57) - Financial outlook and future of the Web3 gaming market
(18:31) - Introduction to Rebecca Liao, founder and CEO of Saga
(20:12) - Gaming as the potential killer app for Web3
(21:10) - Rebecca Liao’s background and experience as a woman in crypto and gaming
(24:57) - Asia’s approach to Web3 and its impact on gaming
(28:51) - Introduction to JacobC.eth, founder and CEO of HyperPlay
(32:34) - MetaMask integration in gaming
(34:50) - Future of Web3 gaming and the role of specialized platforms
(37:55) - Introduction to Matt Candler and Dan Nikolaides, CEO and CTO of Studio369 and MetalCore
(39:47) - General sentiment in the gaming industry about blockchain and Web3
(42:52) - Regulation, market conditions and technical challenges in developing Web3 games
(46:16) - Discussion on whether an AAA game will be the first successful blockchain game
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Web3 gaming deep dive: Why video games are embracing blockchain
Episodes
AI in crypto: Insights from Polygon and NEAR Protocol founders
In this special episode of Decentralize with Cointelegraph, Gareth Jenkinson, head of multimedia at Cointelegraph, sits down with Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon, and Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of Near Protocol, during the Cointelegraph Longitude side event at Token2049 in Dubai.
The trio delves into the intersection of AI and blockchain technology, discussing how decentralized systems can address the challenges posed by centralized AI models. They explore the potential of blockchain to enhance transparency, security and user control in AI applications, emphasizing the importance of open-source models and on-chain reputation systems.
Tune in for insights on how AI and blockchain can collaboratively shape a more equitable and secure digital future.
(02:19) Introducing AI’s growing role in the blockchain space
(02:53) How Near Protocol is thinking about AI assistants
(05:42) The difference between AI hype and real utility in crypto
(09:11) What personalized AI could look like in decentralized ecosystems
(12:37) Where Polygon sees real use cases for AI in Web3
(18:28) The risks and tradeoffs of centralized versus decentralized AI
(23:08) Could smart agents be the next evolution after smart contracts?
This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.
Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Paul Atkins' SEC leadership: What it means for crypto regulation
In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we dig into the appointment of Paul Atkins as the new SEC chair and what his crypto-friendly stance could mean for digital asset regulation in the US.
Atkins, a former SEC commissioner and longtime advocate for market-driven oversight, takes the helm at a pivotal moment — with over 70 crypto ETF applications awaiting review and industry players calling for clearer guidance. His swearing-in marks a sharp contrast to Gary Gensler’s enforcement-first approach, raising hopes for a more coherent regulatory framework.
We speak with Bitwise general counsel Katherine Dowling, CoinFund president Chris Perkins, and Exodus chief financial officer James Gernetzke to unpack what this leadership change signals for the future of tokenization, investor protection and the broader Web3 ecosystem.
From policy priorities to market sentiment, and a surge in chatter across Crypto Twitter, we cover the shift from resistance to potential regulatory reset.
(00:29) Paul Atkins sworn in as SEC chair
(01:15) Key takeaways from Atkins’ White House speech
(02:21) Atkins’ background: SEC, crypto and finance
(04:42) CoinFund’s Chris Perkins on Atkins and crypto regulation
(07:22) Bitwise’s Katherine Dowling on industry response and SEC signals
(09:49) Exodus chief financial officer James Gernetzke on retail impact under new SEC
(11:20) How Atkins may handle pending crypto ETF approvals
(13:29) Market structure shifts expected under Atkins’ SEC
(15:08) Predictions for the first year of Atkins’ leadership
(17:58) Crypto community reacts to Atkins as new SEC chair
This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.
Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Crypto in Q1 2025: Cointelegraph editorial roundtable
What made headlines and what flew under the radar in crypto’s first quarter of 2025? Join members of the Cointelegraph editorial team as they break down the trends, turning points, and surprises that defined Q1.
From memecoin mania and political power plays to regulatory shakeups and market momentum (or lack thereof), this roundtable dives into the stories behind the stories, and what they might mean for the rest of the year.
This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis @savannah_fortis. Follow our team on X: Gareth Jenkinson, managing editor and head of multimedia at @gazza_jenks; Zoltan Vardai, breaking European news reporter at @ZVardai; and Vince Quill, US news reporter @VinceQuill.
Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Inside the Trump-backed Bitcoin mining mega-deal with Hut 8
In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we dig into the Trump family’s entrance into Bitcoin mining in it new partnership with Hut 8 to create American Bitcoin. We’re joined by Hut 8 CEO Asher Genoot to unpack the launch of the new venture backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and its ambitions to become the world’s largest Bitcoin mining company.
We also explore what this move means for the future of U.S.-based Bitcoin mining, how it fits into the broader Trump administration’s pro-crypto agenda, and American Bitcoin’s plan for its own strategic BTC reserve.
As the political and economic stakes around Bitcoin continue to rise, will this bold new venture shift the global mining landscape?
(00:27) Trump family expands crypto ventures
(01:17) U.S. Bitcoin mining landscape: challenges and opportunities
(01:53) Inside Hut 8’s strategic partnership with Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump
(03:51) Why Hut 8 chose now to launch American Bitcoin
(05:34) Building a corporate Bitcoin reserve: American Bitcoin’s long-term strategy
(07:44) Breaking down Hut 8’s shareholder base and investment strategy
(08:48) American Bitcoin’s approach to energy efficiency and sustainable mining
(12:12) What’s next for American Bitcoin: scaling, IPO plans, and beyond
This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.
Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
Pavel Durov Leaves France—What’s Next for Telegram & Toncoin
In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we break down the latest developments surrounding Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s release from France and what it means for free speech, privacy, and decentralized platforms. After being detained in August 2024, Durov was finally permitted to leave for Dubai—but his legal battle isn’t over.
With governments tightening their grip on encrypted platforms, what does this case signal for the future of Telegram, Toncoin, and digital privacy? How has the crypto community reacted? And is this just a temporary victory?
To unpack it all, we’re joined by Jack Booth, Co-Founder of the TON Society, who shares insights on decentralization, government pressure, and what’s next for TON and Telegram.
(01:15) Why was Telegram’s Pavel Durov arrested in August 2024?
(02:19) France’s conditional release: what it means for Durov
(02:54) Telegram vs. governments: the ongoing battle over privacy
(04:04) How Telegram, TON, and Toncoin are connected
(05:39) TON Society’s response to Durov’s legal battle
(08:17) Durov’s arrest: political targeting or legal misstep?
(10:27) The future of decentralization and innovation in Europe
(11:35) What’s next for Pavel Durov and Telegram?
This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.
Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
US goes all-in on crypto? Breaking down Trump’s Bitcoin strategy
In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we break down the biggest takeaways from President Donald Trump’s Crypto Summit, including the groundbreaking move to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a US Digital Asset Stockpile. What does this mean for Bitcoin’s role in global finance? How is the market reacting? And could stablecoins play a role in securing the dollar’s dominance?
To make sense of it all, we’re joined by Bill Hughes, senior counsel at Consensys, and Cointelegraph market analyst Marcel Pechmann, who provide expert insights on regulation, market impact, and what comes next for crypto under the Trump administration.
(00:36) Flashback to the Crypto Summit and Trump’s initial promises
(01:48) What was signed to action at the 2025 Crypto Summit
(03:11) The strategic Bitcoin reserve and the digital asset stockpile
(05:49) The crypto industry’s reaction to the Crypto Summit
(07:04) Bill Hughes’ (Consensys) take on the summit
(09:35) What does this mean for U.S. crypto businesses?
(11:00) Effects of the Crypto Summit on the crypto marks
(14:43) What did the White House say about stablecoins?
(16:41) The U.S. Senate Banking Committee advances the GENIUS bill
Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most pivotal moments in crypto policy.
This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.
Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
Authors
About podcast
The Decentralize with Cointelegraph podcast covers all things Web3 and cryptocurrency, from challenges facing the industry to breaking news and in-depth dives into the culture of BTC, Ethereum and Web3. Experience crypto news like never before with the Decentralize with Cointelegraph podcast.
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Disclaimer These podcasts (and any related content) are for entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial advice, nor should they be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcasts' participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.