Dauntless Shutdown: Blockchain Gaming Faces Another Controversial Blow

The intersection of blockchain technology and traditional industries is reshaping the landscape of finance, gaming, and beyond. From the controversial shutdown of "Dauntless" following a blockchain buyout to groundbreaking studies questioning blockchain scalability claims, these stories highlight both the promise and pitfalls of innovation. Dive into the latest developments, including Polygon's vision for digital identity, blockchain's integration into printing, and its transformative role in credit unions, to uncover how this technology is redefining success and efficiency across sectors.

Dauntless Shutting Down After Blockchain Buyout and Layoffs

According to Gamesradar, the popular Monster Hunter-like action RPG "Dauntless" will cease operations on May 29, 2025. The announcement follows a series of challenges for its developer, Phoenix Labs, including a controversial blockchain company buyout by Forte Labs in 2023, a disastrous update in December 2024, and significant layoffs. The game will no longer receive updates or be playable after 11:45 PM PST on the shutdown date. Phoenix Labs expressed gratitude to its community, acknowledging the passion and creativity of its players. However, the game's decline was marked by negative feedback and a failed Steam debut, attributed to the unpopular update that overhauled core systems. The acquisition by Forte Labs reportedly pressured developers to integrate blockchain technology, which has yet to yield successful results in the gaming industry. For more details, visit Gamesradar at https://www.gamesradar.com/games/action-rpg/dauntless-is-dead-after-a-blockchain-company-buyout-a-disastrous-update-and-brutal-layoffs-the-monster-hunter-like-action-rpg-is-shutting-down-this-may/.

Blockchain Performance Overstated by 20x, Taraxa Report Reveals

Crypto.news reports that a study by Steven Pu, co-founder of Taraxa, highlights a significant gap between theoretical and real-world blockchain performance. The analysis of 22 networks revealed that claimed transactions per second (TPS) are overstated by an average of 20 times compared to actual mainnet results. The report introduces a new metric, TPS per dollar spent on validator nodes (TPS/$), to measure cost-efficiency. Findings suggest that many blockchains require expensive hardware for modest transaction rates, challenging claims of scalability. Pu emphasizes the need for transparent, verifiable on-chain metrics to assess blockchain performance. For more information, visit Crypto.news at https://crypto.news/blockchain-performance-overstated-by-20x-taraxa-report-finds/.

Polygon CEO Discusses Digital Identity and Blockchain Utility

In an interview with TheStreet, Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron discussed the transformative potential of blockchain technology in personal data ownership and digital identity. Boiron emphasized that blockchain enables individuals to own and control their data, allowing them to decide how it is used and monetized. He highlighted the importance of building online communities that mirror physical-world interactions, fostering trust and personal connections. Boiron also noted that blockchain adoption depends on its practical utility, comparing it to past technological shifts like online shopping and email. He believes that advancements in blockchain infrastructure, such as Polygon PoS, are paving the way for mainstream applications. Read more at TheStreet: https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/innovation/you-cant-monetize-something-that-is-not-yours-polygon-ceo.

Blockchain Speed Claims Questioned in New Study

CCN.com reports that leading blockchain networks, including Solana and Cardano, significantly overstate their transaction speeds. A study by Taraxa co-founder Steven Pu found that theoretical maximums are often exaggerated, with real-world performance averaging less than one-twentieth of claimed throughput. For instance, Solana's theoretical 65,000 TPS contrasts sharply with its observed maximum of 4,000 TPS. The study also introduced a cost-efficiency metric, TPS per dollar spent on validator nodes, revealing inefficiencies in some of the fastest blockchains. The findings challenge the credibility of blockchain scalability claims and highlight the need for realistic performance metrics. For further details, visit CCN.com at https://www.ccn.com/news/technology/blockchain-overstate-speed-20-average-solana-cardano/.

Lucid Dream Software Brings Blockchain to Print Companies

ASI reports that Lucid Dream Software is integrating blockchain technology into the printing industry through its Smart Supply System. This platform tokenizes real-world assets, such as inks and substrates, ensuring tamper-proof and permanent digital representation. The system also tracks licensing agreements and consumables, enhancing workflow efficiency and security. David Lewis, president of Lucid Dream Software, envisions blockchain as a solution for protecting data and assets in the printing sector. Global spending on blockchain solutions has surged, reaching $19 billion in 2024, reflecting growing adoption across industries. For more information, visit ASI at https://members.asicentral.com/news/strategy/february-2025/lucid-dream-software-wants-to-bring-the-blockchain-to-print-companies/.

Bay Federal Credit Union Joins Metal Blockchain Program

Newswire reports that Bay Federal Credit Union has joined the Metal Blockchain Banking Innovation Program, an initiative by Metallicus to integrate blockchain technology into traditional finance. The program explores use cases such as stablecoins, digital identity, and tokenization of assets, aiming to enhance efficiency, security, and member services. Carrie Birkhofer, CEO of Bay Federal, emphasized the credit union's commitment to innovation and financial well-being. The program aligns with regulatory standards and connects institutions through The Digital Banking Network, enabling seamless global payments and decentralized financial products. For more details, visit Newswire at https://www.newswire.com/news/bay-federal-credit-union-joins-metal-blockchain-s-banking-innovation-22524486.

The closure of "Dauntless" highlights the precarious intersection of gaming and blockchain technology, underscoring the risks of integrating emerging technologies into established platforms. Phoenix Labs' acquisition by Forte Labs and the subsequent push for blockchain integration appear to have alienated the game's core audience, a critical misstep in an industry where community engagement is paramount. The failed update and layoffs further illustrate the challenges of balancing innovation with user expectations. This case serves as a cautionary tale for developers considering blockchain adoption, emphasizing the need for a clear value proposition and careful execution to avoid eroding player trust.

The Taraxa report on blockchain performance exposes a significant credibility gap in the industry, where exaggerated claims of transaction speeds have long been a marketing staple. The introduction of the TPS per dollar metric is a step toward greater transparency, offering a more practical lens through which to evaluate blockchain scalability and cost-efficiency. This revelation could pressure blockchain projects to recalibrate their messaging and focus on delivering measurable, real-world performance. For investors and developers, the findings underscore the importance of due diligence and the need to prioritize substance over hype in blockchain innovation.

Marc Boiron's insights on blockchain's role in digital identity and data ownership reflect a broader shift toward decentralization and user empowerment. His emphasis on practical utility aligns with the industry's need to move beyond speculative use cases and deliver tangible benefits. The comparison to past technological shifts, such as e-commerce, is apt, as blockchain's mainstream adoption will likely hinge on its ability to seamlessly integrate into everyday life. Polygon's focus on infrastructure development positions it as a key player in this transition, but widespread adoption will require addressing scalability, user experience, and regulatory hurdles.

The recurring theme of overstated blockchain performance, as highlighted by the Taraxa study, raises questions about the industry's maturity and accountability. Networks like Solana and Cardano, which have built reputations on high TPS claims, may face reputational risks as these discrepancies come to light. The study's findings could catalyze a shift toward more realistic benchmarks and foster a culture of transparency, which is essential for building trust among users and institutional stakeholders. This development also underscores the need for independent performance audits to validate claims and guide investment decisions.

Lucid Dream Software's application of blockchain in the printing industry exemplifies the technology's potential to transform traditional sectors. By tokenizing assets and enhancing supply chain transparency, the Smart Supply System addresses long-standing inefficiencies and security concerns. This initiative demonstrates blockchain's versatility beyond finance and gaming, offering a blueprint for its integration into other industries. However, the success of such applications will depend on user adoption and the ability to scale solutions without compromising cost-effectiveness or accessibility.

Bay Federal Credit Union's participation in the Metal Blockchain Banking Innovation Program signals a growing interest in blockchain's potential to modernize traditional finance. The program's focus on stablecoins, digital identity, and asset tokenization aligns with broader trends in financial technology, where efficiency and security are paramount. By adhering to regulatory standards and fostering interoperability through The Digital Banking Network, the initiative positions itself as a bridge between legacy systems and decentralized finance. This move reflects a cautious yet forward-thinking approach to blockchain adoption, balancing innovation with the need for compliance and risk management.

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