Where I think we are heading (part 1)
Amid the bad/bear-ish market, I got some time to think about how some top narratives that will play out in 2025.
Just 2 key themes.: AI, Gaming.
Where I think we are heading (part 1) 👇🧵
AI: Speculation to Infrastructure
I’ve been deep in the AI x crypto rabbit hole, and one thing is clear: AI is here to stay and becoming the infrastructure layer that will reshape on-chain markets. We’re seeing AI agents already outperforming humans in liquidity optimization, trade execution, and market-making. The big unlock would be no-code AI platforms that let anyone deploy autonomous trading agents without needing a quant background. This means capital will flow faster, execution will be more precise, and markets will become increasingly machine-driven.
The smartest teams aren’t asking if AI will take over DeFi, but how quickly they can integrate it before they get left behind. I believe the next phase would be AI-driven capital allocation at scale with fully autonomous hedge funds running on-chain, executing yield strategies, and dynamically adjusting risk, giving birth to a "DeFAI" (DeFi + AI) renaissance. The fundamnetals of DeFi will shift and pivot towards a more DeFAI market structure, and the winners will be those who figure out how to stay ahead of this evolution.
@griffaindotcom #GRIFFAIN
Built on Solana, Griffain offers AI-powered agents for automated yield optimization, portfolio rebalancing, and liquidity provision. Its natural language interface simplifies complex DeFi tasks..
@HeyAnonai $ANON
Developed by @danielesesta, Hey Anon uses natural language processing (NLP) to streamline on-chain interactions like trading, staking, and portfolio management across Ethereum and Solana.
@virtuals_io $VIRTUAL
This Base AI ecosystem tokenizes AI agents as tradeable assets, enabling automation for yield optimization and liquidity management. Its G.A.M.E framework supports complex, multimodal AI applications. It bridges AI and DeFi by making agents revenue-generating tools, appealing to both developers and investors.
@Chain_GPT $CGPT
ChainGPT integrates AI with blockchain data to provide predictive analytics, market analysis, and automated trade execution within DeFi ecosystems. Its focus on actionable insights helps traders navigate volatile markets, positioning it as a go-to tool for data-driven strategies.
@Fetch_ai $FET
Fetch ai powers a decentralized network of autonomous AI agents that automate tasks like trading, data processing, and supply chain optimization. With real-world use cases in DeFi and beyond, FET’s infrastructure supports scalable automation, backed by a robust token economy.
@SingularityNET $AGIX
A marketplace for AI services on blockchain, SingularityNET enables developers to build and monetize AI tools, including those for crypto trading and analytics.
@oraichain $ORAI
Oraichain is a Layer 1 blockchain that integrates AI into smart contracts, offering trustless automation for DeFi, Web3, and predictive analytics. Its focus on verifiable AI inference enhances security and efficiency in decentralized systems.
@opentensor $TAO
Bittensor decentralizes AI model training and deployment, rewarding developers for contributing machine learning solutions usable in crypto markets. It creates an open-source AI ecosystem, driving innovation in trading bots and market intelligence.
@autonolas $OLAS
Autonolas provides a framework for autonomous AI agents that manage DeFi tasks like liquidity provision and governance, emphasizing transparency and rewards for innovation. Its governance-focused design aligns with the ethos of decentralization, gaining traction among DeFi enthusiasts.
@askthehive_ai $BUZZ
Built on Solana, Hive AI uses multiple AI models to automate staking, lending, and trend detection, offering a modular platform with a natural language interface.
Crypto Gaming: The GTA 6 Effect & Streamer Shill Meta
Play-to-earn is dead, but gaming tokens are far from over. The smartest projects are moving away from unsustainable reward loops and embedding themselves into gaming culture instead of trying to force blockchain mechanics where they don’t fit. The speculation around GTA 6 servers integrating crypto is a perfect case study. Whether Rockstar actually embraces Web3 or not, I won't deny there is demand for crypto-powered economies in massive, open-world games.
I am also seeing this play out with @MaplestoryU @MapleStory coming to the @avax , another major signal that Web2 gaming giants are experimenting with blockchain. Nexon is building an entirely new blockchain-based economy where in-game assets have permanence and scarcity.
The key success factor here for game developer is not just making every game on-chain but rather integrating crypto into existing ecosystems where the players already are. Gaming tokens would function as engagement primitives rather than just financial assets. This is a clear shift from transactional economies (earn-to-play) to influencer-driven monetization and loyalty loops. Streamers and gaming communities hold the distribution power, and crypto gives them a new way to monetize audiences without relying solely on ads or sponsorships. Custom in-game assets, player-owned economies, and reward mechanics that augment existing games instead of disrupting them. I am looking at projects that figure out how to seamlessly blend crypto into gaming culture, rather than forcing it, will define the next cycle.
@MaplestoryU
Nexon’s MapleStory, with its 250M+ player base, is integrating blockchain via Avalanche $AVAX to create a player-driven economy. They are focusing on "true ownership" over speculative earning, and its IP strength positions it for influencer adoption.
@pixels_online $PIXEL
Why It Fits: A browser-based farming MMO that transitioned from Polygon to Ronin, Pixels has surpassed 1M daily active users. It integrates customizable NFT land and interactive gameplay into a familiar retro aesthetic, resonating with gaming culture. Streamers and communities drive its growth, with $PIXEL enhancing engagement rather than dominating the experience. Its success on Ronin shows how existing ecosystems can amplify crypto adoption.
@playSHRAPNEL $SHRAP
A first-person shooter built on Avalanche, Shrapnel emphasizes player-created content and ownership of in-game assets (e.g., skins, maps). It’s designed with a "gameplay-first" ethos, appealing to streamers and competitive gamers. I like its subtle web3 integration yet impactful, aligning with my idea of crypto as an engagement primitive rather than a forced economy.
@ParallelTCG $PRIME (via Echelon Prime ecosystem)
A sci-fi trading card game on Base, Parallel blends strategic depth with NFT-based card ownership. It’s gaining traction among gaming communities and streamers for its polished design and cultural fit within the TCG niche. $PRIME powers rewards and governance, enhancing loyalty loops without disrupting the core experience—a model for influencer-driven monetization.
@PlayOffTheGrid
A cyberpunk battle royale from Gunzilla Games, Off The Grid integrates blockchain for tradable in-game items. Backed by a AAA team, it targets mainstream gamers and streamers, with crypto augmenting customization (e.g., skins, weapons) rather than defining the game. X buzz emphasizes its potential to bridge Web2 and Web3 audiences seamlessly.
@illuviumio $ILV
An open-world RPG on Immutable X, Illuvium offers creature collection and battles with NFT ownership. Its high-quality visuals and gameplay appeal to existing gaming fans, while $ILV fuels staking and governance. Streamers are drawn to its immersive world, and its focus on enhancing, rather than overhauling RPG mechanics.
@TheBeaconGG
An action RPG on Arbitrum, The Beacon prioritizes fun and community-driven content (e.g., player-crafted dungeons). It’s part of TreasureDAO’s ecosystem, which thrives on gaming culture over financial hype. It has streamer-friendly design, with crypto enhancing asset ownership without breaking immersion.
@GuildOfGuardian $GOG
A mobile RPG on Immutable X, Guild of Guardians taps into a massive casual gaming audience. $GOG enables hero and item trading, building loyalty loops within an established genre. Its beta launch has drawn streamer attention, and its focus on accessibility aligns with integrating crypto into existing ecosystems.
@BigTimeGames $BIGTIME
A multiplayer RPG with time-travel themes, Big Time uses blockchain for player-owned gear and cosmetics. Its polished gameplay and co-op focus make it streamer-friendly, while $BIGTIME enhances engagement without forcing transactional mechanics. The community likes it for balancing Web3 with mainstream appeal.
@CRETA_WORLD $CRETA
A metaverse platform partnering with Web2 gaming firms e.g., @joinrepublic, Creta World integrates crypto into a customizable virtual world. $CRETA powers asset ownership and creation, appealing to content creators and streamers. Its emphasis on enhancing existing gaming culture over disrupting it aligns with your vision.