Sony Group is poised to introduce a U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoin in 2025, a strategic move that would allow American consumers to pay for video game subscriptions, anime content, and digital purchases across its vast entertainment ecosystem. This initiative, reported by Japanese outlet Nikkei, follows Sony Bank’s application for a U.S. national banking charter and is enabled by the regulatory clarity provided by the recently passed GENIUS Act. The plan underscores Sony’s deepening commitment to blockchain technology, aiming to reduce transaction fees and create a more integrated digital payment system for its flagship platforms like PlayStation and Crunchyroll.
about Sony Plans US Stablecoin for Game & Anime Purchases in 2025PlayStation
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekSony Bank Plans 2026 US Stablecoin for PlayStation, Anime Purchases
Sony Bank, the online lending subsidiary of Sony Financial Group, is charting a bold course into digital finance with plans to launch a US dollar-pegged stablecoin in 2026. Targeting the lucrative American market, the initiative aims to enable seamless payments for PlayStation games, subscriptions, and anime content while cutting transaction fees. This strategic move represents a significant expansion of Sony’s Web3 ambitions through its BlockBloom unit and signals a major convergence of traditional finance and cryptocurrency within a global entertainment ecosystem.
about Sony Bank Plans 2026 US Stablecoin for PlayStation, Anime PurchasesSony Raises Profit Forecast on Anime Boom, Tariff Relief
Sony Group Corp. has delivered a robust financial performance, significantly upgrading its annual profit forecast to ¥1.43 trillion ($9.3 billion) amid strong entertainment results and reduced tariff pressures. The Japanese conglomerate’s 7.5% upward revision reflects growing momentum across its diverse business portfolio, with quarterly operating profit of ¥429 billion through September exceeding analyst expectations and demonstrating the company’s resilience in navigating global economic challenges.
about Sony Raises Profit Forecast on Anime Boom, Tariff ReliefGUN Token Expands to Solana for Blockchain Gaming
GUNZ, the blockchain ecosystem powering the AAA game Off The Grid, has announced the expansion of its GUN token to Solana, marking a key step in its multi-chain strategy. The integration, facilitated by LayerZero, aims to improve accessibility for U.S. and global users while leveraging Solana’s high-speed, low-cost infrastructure. To celebrate, GUNZ will release a limited-edition Solana-themed NFT pack. The GUN token serves as a utility asset in Off The Grid, enabling in-game purchases and blockchain-powered interactions. With over 17 million wallets in its ecosystem, GUNZ anticipates significant growth, further solidifying its role in blockchain gaming. The company also teased upcoming updates, including Off The Grid’s Steam release.
about GUN Token Expands to Solana for Blockchain GamingCrypto Gaming Weekly: NFT Sales, Closures & New Launches
This week in crypto gaming, Off the Grid’s NFT marketplace sees high-value trades, including a $2,393 tactical vest, as it prepares for a Steam launch despite platform restrictions. Meanwhile, Ethereum-based MMORPG Ember Sword shuts down due to funding issues, joining a growing list of failed blockchain games. Other notable updates include Ubisoft’s Champions Tactics relaunch without NFTs, Yield Guild Games’ new Ethereum L2 experience, and Mythical Games’ FIFA Rivals pre-registrations. The industry continues to face challenges, with closures outpacing successful launches in the current market.
about Crypto Gaming Weekly: NFT Sales, Closures & New LaunchesOff the Grid Migrates to Mainnet, NFTs Sell for Thousands
Off the Grid, an Avalanche-based battle royale shooter, is migrating players to its GUNZ mainnet, allowing in-game items to be traded as NFTs—some fetching thousands of dollars. Despite Steam’s 2021 ban on blockchain games, Off the Grid plans a June launch on the platform, alongside existing PlayStation and Xbox versions, though crypto features remain unclear. Rare items like the Prankster tactical vest ($2,393) and ZipperMouth mask ($1,100) are driving marketplace activity, with collectors holding Pioneer and Kestrel Legacy items for anticipated updates. Gunzilla Games prioritizes mainnet rollout, while players speculate on future NFT valuations and lore expansions.
about Off the Grid Migrates to Mainnet, NFTs Sell for ThousandsPlayStation Visual Arts Studio Faces Layoffs Amid Industry Job Cuts
PlayStation’s Visual Arts studio has experienced layoffs, with several employees informed that March 7 would be their last day. This follows the cancellation of the game Concord and a restructuring of Sony’s management. Former project manager Abby LeMaster expressed her sadness over the layoffs, highlighting the studio’s strong community.
about PlayStation Visual Arts Studio Faces Layoffs Amid Industry Job CutsForza Horizon 5 Launches on PlayStation 5 with Cross-Platform Play
Forza Horizon 5 will launch on PlayStation 5 on April 29, with early access for Premium Edition buyers starting April 25. The game features cross-platform play between Xbox and PlayStation users and is available in three editions: Standard, Deluxe, and Premium, with various additional content included in the Premium Edition. Preorders offer exclusive in-game rewards, and the game has reportedly reached 40 million players, largely due to Xbox Game Pass.
about Forza Horizon 5 Launches on PlayStation 5 with Cross-Platform PlayBitmap Bureau Announces Terminator 2D Side-Scroller Set for 2025 Release
Bitmap Bureau has announced “Terminator 2D: No Fates,” a 2D action side-scroller set to release on September 5, 2025, for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The game expands on the narrative of “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” allowing players to control Sarah Connor, John Connor, and T-800, each with unique playstyles.Designed as a tribute to classic arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s, the game is available for preorder, with the Day One Edition priced at £37.49 (~$48) and special editions at £74.99 (~$96). Bitmap Bureau, known for their retro game expertise, previously developed the 2D arena shooter “Xeno Crisis.”
about Bitmap Bureau Announces Terminator 2D Side-Scroller Set for 2025 ReleaseAnnapurna Interactive Unveils Exciting 2025 Game Lineup and Release Dates
Annapurna Interactive unveiled its 2025 game lineup, featuring new titles and demos. Highlights include “Wheel World,” launching this summer, and “Lushfoil Photography Sim,” set for April 15, 2025. Other notable releases include “To a T” on May 28, 2025, and “Skin Deep” in April 2025, with demos available for several games.
about Annapurna Interactive Unveils Exciting 2025 Game Lineup and Release DatesPhasmophobia Introduces Voice Recognition for Console Players in Latest Update
Kinetic Games has introduced voice recognition for consoles in Phasmophobia, aligning it with Steam and VR versions. This update enhances gameplay by allowing console players to use the Spirit Box and Ouija Board, facilitating smoother crossplay. Looking ahead, a roadmap for 2025 includes map reworks and a major update, with the full release, Horror 2.0, expected in 2026.
about Phasmophobia Introduces Voice Recognition for Console Players in Latest UpdateShuhei Yoshida’s Passion for Supporting Indie Game Developers
Shuhei Yoshida, former President of PlayStation, expressed his passion for supporting indie game developers, calling it his dream job. After facing criticism for PlayStation’s treatment of indies, he took on the role of Head of Independent Developer Initiative, significantly improving relations and sales for indie games on the platform. Yoshida, who worked at PlayStation for 31 years, emphasized the importance of indie games in shaping the future of the industry.
about Shuhei Yoshida's Passion for Supporting Indie Game Developers