Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes Edition #47

Sony’s Blockchain Launch, Italy Tests Bitcoin, and Blockchain Gaming in Education

January 18, 2025

Hello Blockchain Enthusiast,

Welcome to Edition #47 of Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes! Italy’s largest bank took its first step with a $1M Bitcoin purchase, Sony’s blockchain platform set a new path for creator rights, and the liquid Bitcoin supply continued to tighten, signaling shifts in market activity.

Tech Spotlight: Blockchain Gaming in Education—how gamified learning powered by blockchain is making waves in classrooms worldwide.
Weekly Highlights: Malaysia considers blockchain-friendly legislation, Coinbase introduces Bitcoin-backed loans, and institutional trading on Coinbase Prime sees a notable uptick.
Affiliate Spotlight: Make tax season simple with CoinLedger—accurate, easy-to-use tools for crypto tax reporting.
Chart of the Week: Liquid Bitcoin supply drops further while corporate holdings climb, highlighting evolving supply dynamics.

🧠 Weekly Trivia

Which year did the concept of a "smart contract" first appear, marking a pivotal moment in blockchain technology?

A) 1994
B) 2008
C) 2015
D) 2020

*Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

🌟 Tech Spotlight – Blockchain Gaming in Education

Blockchain gaming is introducing fresh ways to connect learning with real-world applications. By combining gameplay with blockchain technology, students can actively engage in learning while gaining skills in technology, digital assets, and collaboration.

What Is Blockchain Gaming in Education?

These games are designed to teach students through interactive experiences powered by blockchain. Players earn tokens, NFTs, or other digital rewards while solving challenges that teach them coding, economics, or digital literacy.

Real-Life Examples

CryptoZombies: A coding tutorial disguised as a game where students learn Solidity while building their own blockchain-based zombie game.
My Crypto Heroes: An educational tool used to teach students about economics and the mechanics of digital ownership through strategic gameplay.

How It Adds Value

Students learn practical skills, like managing digital assets, programming, and understanding blockchain ecosystems. By incorporating gaming elements, these tools make complex topics like blockchain and Web3 easier to grasp.

The Bigger Picture

Educators and institutions are slowly weaving blockchain gaming into their curriculums to prepare students for a technology-driven future. From teaching financial literacy to training the next generation of coders, these games are redefining the classroom experience.

Blockchain gaming blends education and technology in a way that’s engaging and accessible, creating a platform for students to learn while having fun.

📰 This Week’s Blockchain and Web3 Highlights

Intesa Bank Tests Bitcoin with a $1M Purchase: Italy's largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, steps into Bitcoin with a $1 million acquisition, calling it an "experiment" as part of its exploratory strategy.

Sony Debuts Blockchain Platform for Creators: Sony unveils Soneium, a blockchain platform designed to support creators' rights and foster fair value sharing between fans and creators.

Bitcoin Loans Now Possible with Coinbase and Morpho: Coinbase partners with Morpho to offer Bitcoin-backed loans, enabling clients to use Bitcoin as collateral without relying on credit scores.

Real-World Asset Tokenization Projected to Hit $50B by Year-End: Clearpool's Ozean project leads the way in tokenizing assets, with institutional adoption driving growth toward $50 billion in value.

Corporate Bitcoin Holdings on the Rise: Bitwise CIO highlights a surge in corporate Bitcoin acquisitions, with over 70 public companies now holding Bitcoin, signaling growing interest among institutions.

Malaysia Considers Blockchain-Friendly Policies: Malaysia's prime minister engages with Binance and Abu Dhabi on regulatory strategies, signaling potential blockchain and crypto adoption developments.

Institutional Bitcoin Trading Gains Momentum: Coinbase Prime sees increased OTC Bitcoin trades by institutions, reflecting growing demand amid market shifts and regulatory developments.

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😂 A Little Blockchain Humor Break 🤣

Source: Alan Watts

📊 Chart of the Week: Liquid Bitcoin Supply Shrinks

The chart highlights an ongoing trend: the liquid supply of Bitcoin continues to decline while corporate interest in the asset accelerates. This imbalance suggests that institutional buyers are absorbing a significant portion of the circulating supply.

Key Takeaways:

Tightening Supply: Bitcoin’s liquid and highly liquid supply has reached new lows, reflecting a trend of long-term holding by investors.
Institutional Demand Soars: Corporations are steadily absorbing available Bitcoin, reducing the amount circulating in the market.

This pattern signals Bitcoin’s growing appeal as a long-term asset, especially for institutional portfolios, further solidifying its role in broader financial strategies. For individual investors, it serves as a reminder to stay mindful of shifting supply-demand balances.

Source: Bitwise

That's a wrap for Edition #47 of Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes! This week, I shared insights on Italy's venture into Bitcoin, Sony's blockchain platform for creators, and the role of blockchain gaming in reshaping education. The steady reduction in liquid Bitcoin supply and its growing corporate demand continue to spark conversations about the future of digital assets.

Trivia Answer: A) 1994

The concept of a "smart contract" was introduced in 1994 by Nick Szabo, paving the way for programmable agreements long before blockchain technology became mainstream.

Thank you for being part of this community! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't yet and share this newsletter with anyone who might enjoy staying updated. Let's keep learning together!

Best regards,
Ajay Tomar

Disclaimer:

Content in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, tax, or legal advice. Always do your research and consult with a professional before making financial decisions. As a solopreneur, I may earn commissions from affiliate links in this newsletter at no extra cost to you. This support helps me bring you valuable content. I only endorse products I trust and believe could benefit you.