Influence is a single-shard, open-economy, space strategy massively multiplayer online game, in which players colonize asteroids, construct infrastructure, uncover technologies, and engage in combat.
the crypto market hopes to shake off months of geopolitical pressure this week. Following a temporary peace agreement between the US and Iran, Bitcoin rose to near $66,000 on Monday, up about 3.5% from Friday. Crypto-related stocks such as Strategy (MSTR) and Galaxy Digital (GLXY) also advanced in pre-market trading.However, the market remains cautious, as past ceasefire agreements have often collapsed. The April truce failed to hold, and last month's US military action broke another round of peace talks, which also dragged down crypto asset prices at the time.This week, the spotlight will shift to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. On Wednesday, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh will preside over the first rate-setting meeting, with the market widely expecting the Fed to hold rates steady in the 3.50%-3.75% range.Analysts point out that the release of the new “dot plot” (showing Fed officials' interest rate expectations) and the shortened trading day due to the Juneteenth holiday on Friday could reduce market liquidity. This week's economic data and Fed policy guidance will determine whether the crypto market can sustain a rebound on the back of easing geopolitical risks. (CoinDesk)
Odaily News: South Korean police recently raided cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb to investigate allegations that independent lawmaker Kim Byung-gi used his influence to secure a job for his son. According to reports, Kim’s son joined Bithumb in January 2025 and worked there for about six months. Police are investigating whether external pressure or preferential treatment was involved in the hiring process. Additionally, the case has also implicated Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s largest crypto exchange Upbit, with the investigation scope expanding from simple hiring issues to potential abuse of power and conflicts of interest.Investigators noted that during his tenure on the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, Kim Byung-gi raised multiple inquiries against Dunamu during committee meetings, sparking external speculation that he may have been seeking benefits for the company where his son was employed.It is understood that police have previously questioned executives from several cryptocurrency firms and have conducted search and seizure operations at Bithumb’s headquarters and Bithumb Financial Tower. Kim Byung-gi himself is under investigation on 13 charges, including allegations related to job placements, bribery for nominations, and requests concerning university transfers. He has stated that he believes he will ultimately be able to prove his innocence.Notably, Bithumb has been facing sustained regulatory pressure recently. In March this year, South Korea’s financial regulator fined Bithumb approximately $24.5 million for violations related to KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations, and issued a six-month partial business suspension order. However, the Seoul court temporarily suspended the penalty in late April, and the relevant legal proceedings are still ongoing. (Cointelegraph)
the crypto market hopes to shake off months of geopolitical pressure this week. Following a temporary peace agreement between the US and Iran, Bitcoin rose to near $66,000 on Monday, up about 3.5% from Friday. Crypto-related stocks such as Strategy (MSTR) and Galaxy Digital (GLXY) also advanced in pre-market trading.However, the market remains cautious, as past ceasefire agreements have often collapsed. The April truce failed to hold, and last month's US military action broke another round of peace talks, which also dragged down crypto asset prices at the time.This week, the spotlight will shift to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. On Wednesday, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh will preside over the first rate-setting meeting, with the market widely expecting the Fed to hold rates steady in the 3.50%-3.75% range.Analysts point out that the release of the new “dot plot” (showing Fed officials' interest rate expectations) and the shortened trading day due to the Juneteenth holiday on Friday could reduce market liquidity. This week's economic data and Fed policy guidance will determine whether the crypto market can sustain a rebound on the back of easing geopolitical risks. (CoinDesk)
Odaily News: South Korean police recently raided cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb to investigate allegations that independent lawmaker Kim Byung-gi used his influence to secure a job for his son. According to reports, Kim’s son joined Bithumb in January 2025 and worked there for about six months. Police are investigating whether external pressure or preferential treatment was involved in the hiring process. Additionally, the case has also implicated Dunamu, the operator of South Korea’s largest crypto exchange Upbit, with the investigation scope expanding from simple hiring issues to potential abuse of power and conflicts of interest.Investigators noted that during his tenure on the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, Kim Byung-gi raised multiple inquiries against Dunamu during committee meetings, sparking external speculation that he may have been seeking benefits for the company where his son was employed.It is understood that police have previously questioned executives from several cryptocurrency firms and have conducted search and seizure operations at Bithumb’s headquarters and Bithumb Financial Tower. Kim Byung-gi himself is under investigation on 13 charges, including allegations related to job placements, bribery for nominations, and requests concerning university transfers. He has stated that he believes he will ultimately be able to prove his innocence.Notably, Bithumb has been facing sustained regulatory pressure recently. In March this year, South Korea’s financial regulator fined Bithumb approximately $24.5 million for violations related to KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations, and issued a six-month partial business suspension order. However, the Seoul court temporarily suspended the penalty in late April, and the relevant legal proceedings are still ongoing. (Cointelegraph)
The decentralized card game fantasy.top will cease operations by the end of June. The primary reason is that the long-term economic viability of the TCG (trading card game) model has revealed inherent limitations. Similar to other consumer-facing crypto products previously launched in this space—such as TopShot and Sorare—the trading volume has proven insufficient to sustain long-term operations. Over the past year, the team explored multiple product concepts and iterative directions within the social domain, yet none achieved lasting product-market fit. The main Fantasy tournaments will continue until June 18, after which all remaining rewards will be fully distributed and all Hero payouts completed. Additionally, the prediction market, prize pool, lobby, King of the Hill, Arena, Influence, and all associated gameplay features will cease operations starting May 21. Unused paid Arena tickets will be refunded.