The Independent Community Bankers of America is urging federal regulators to block Sony Bank’s application for a national trust charter to issue stablecoins, warning that the Japanese financial giant is exploiting regulatory loopholes to bypass traditional banking oversight. The banking group’s opposition has sparked accusations of protectionism from crypto advocates, who argue that stablecoins can serve unbanked populations and reduce reliance on traditional banks, setting the stage for a pivotal regulatory battle as the stablecoin market surges past $311 billion.
about Sony Bank's Stablecoin Charter Bid Sparks Banking Industry ClashSony Group Corporation
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekCrypto Gaming Weekly: Square Enix, Adidas & Coinbase News
The crypto gaming industry continues to evolve with major developments this week. Square Enix is bridging its blockchain game Symbiogenesis to Sony’s Ethereum layer-2 network, Soneium, offering cross-game NFT rewards. Adidas collaborates with Sui-based game Xociety to release limited-edition NFT mystery boxes, featuring virtual apparel for player avatars. Meanwhile, Coinbase secures a multi-year deal as Riot Games’ exclusive crypto partner for League of Legends and Valorant esports, introducing Web3-enhanced fan experiences. Other highlights include Sweat’s AI agent reveal, MapleStory Universe NFTs on Avalanche, and significant investments in Web3 gaming infrastructure by Sony and Bandai Namco.
about Crypto Gaming Weekly: Square Enix, Adidas & Coinbase NewsSquare Enix Expands Symbiogenesis to Sony’s Ethereum L2
Square Enix, known for franchises like Final Fantasy, is extending its blockchain game Symbiogenesis to Sony’s Ethereum layer-2 network, Soneium. Originally launched on Polygon, Symbiogenesis is nearing its final season but is introducing limited-time quests that reward players with NFTs usable across three Soneium-based games, including Evermoon and Sleepagotchi. These NFTs offer in-game perks and community benefits. Soneium, developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, is a decentralized network, meaning this isn’t a direct collaboration with PlayStation. Square Enix has a long history with Sony, dating back to Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation. While Symbiogenesis is set to conclude in July, discussions about future collaborations remain open.
about Square Enix Expands Symbiogenesis to Sony's Ethereum L2Tariffs May Push Video Game Publishers Toward Digital-Only Releases
Recent tariffs imposed by President Trump on products from China and Mexico are expected to push video game publishers towards a fully digital model. With a 20% tariff on Chinese imports affecting consoles and electronics, and a 25% tariff on Mexican-produced physical games, companies may raise prices, further impacting consumers. Analysts report a significant shift in sales, with digital software accounting for 80% of sales in early 2025, indicating a trend away from physical copies.
about Tariffs May Push Video Game Publishers Toward Digital-Only ReleasesJapanese stock market rebounds amid global tariff concerns and economic data release
The Japanese stock market ended a two-day losing streak, with the Nikkei 225 rising 113.80 points to close at 38,256.17, driven by gains in financial, technology, and automobile sectors. However, global market concerns over U.S. tariffs and a grim Wall Street lead suggest potential declines ahead. Economic data from Japan is set to be released, with expectations of a slight dip in industrial production and a rise in retail sales.
about Japanese stock market rebounds amid global tariff concerns and economic data releaseRatatan unveils gameplay trailer and Kickstarter success ahead of 2025 release
Ratatan, the spiritual successor to Patapon, unveiled its first gameplay trailer during IGN Fan Fest. Players will use rhythm-based commands to control creatures, with a focus on four-player online co-op and roguelike elements, though specific mechanics remain unclear. The game, funded rapidly on Kickstarter, is set for release in April 2025 on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
about Ratatan unveils gameplay trailer and Kickstarter success ahead of 2025 releaseSuperchain Dominates Ethereum Layer 2 Transactions with Significant Growth Expected
Optimism’s Superchain currently dominates Ethereum’s layer-2 transactions, accounting for 60% and projected to reach 80% by year-end, with over $4 billion in total value locked and 11.5 million daily transactions. Major firms like Coinbase and Uniswap are part of this collective, enhancing Ethereum’s DeFi capabilities. As interoperability upgrades are anticipated, layer-2s are expected to further increase their share of stablecoins, which currently total $13.5 billion on these networks.
about Superchain Dominates Ethereum Layer 2 Transactions with Significant Growth ExpectedSuperchain Dominates Ethereum Layer-2 Transactions with Significant Growth Expected
Optimism’s Superchain is set to dominate Ethereum’s layer-2 transactions, currently holding 60% and projected to reach 80% by year-end, with over $4 billion in total value locked and 11.5 million daily transactions. Major firms like Coinbase and Uniswap are part of this collective, enhancing Ethereum’s DeFi capabilities as layer-2s increasingly attract stablecoins, holding $13.5 billion by December. Interoperability upgrades are anticipated to further boost growth in this ecosystem.
about Superchain Dominates Ethereum Layer-2 Transactions with Significant Growth ExpectedSony’s Missteps Led to FromSoftware’s Dark Souls Partnership with Bandai Namco
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida revealed that FromSoftware chose to partner with Bandai Namco for Dark Souls due to dissatisfaction with Sony’s handling of Demon’s Souls, which was not supported internationally. Despite initial skepticism, Demon’s Souls gained a cult following, leading to a successful franchise. FromSoftware later achieved significant success with Elden Ring, which has sold over 28.6 million copies, surpassing the total sales of the Dark Souls series.
about Sony's Missteps Led to FromSoftware's Dark Souls Partnership with Bandai NamcoJapan stock market shows mild gains amid mixed global trends
The Japanese stock market has seen a slight increase, with the Nikkei 225 rising 96.15 points to close at 39,270.40, supported by gains in financial and automobile sectors. Global markets are expected to remain flat to higher, influenced by modest movements in U.S. indices. Economic data from Japan, including trade balance and machinery orders, is anticipated to show mixed results, with imports and exports projected to rise significantly.
about Japan stock market shows mild gains amid mixed global trendsSony State of Play Sets New Viewer Record with Major Announcements
Sony’s State of Play on February 12, 2025, set a record with 2.18 million concurrent viewers, marking the highest viewership in the event’s history. Major announcements included the action game Saros from Housemarque, a release date for Borderlands 4, and the reveal of PS5 exclusive Metal Eden. The surge in viewership was fueled by co-streaming across over 1,000 channels, with popular creators like Asmongold and xQc amplifying the event’s reach.
about Sony State of Play Sets New Viewer Record with Major AnnouncementsSequel to The Order 1886 Rejected by Sony According to Co Founder
A sequel to The Order: 1886 was pitched to Sony but ultimately rejected, according to Ready At Dawn co-founder Andrea Pessino. He noted that while the sequel had potential, the studio faced budget constraints and the game’s lukewarm reception, with a Metacritic score of 63, likely hindered its chances for redemption. Pessino hinted that if the game had achieved a score in the 70s, the sequel might have been greenlit.
about Sequel to The Order 1886 Rejected by Sony According to Co Founder