One in 10 game developers lost their job in 2024. That’s according to the results of the annual Game Developers Conference state of the video game survey. The survey sampled over 3,000 developers and covered a number of topics including industry layoffs and what kind of games developers are working on.

Prolific layoffs have ravaged the industry over the last two years making the question of their impact on developers one of the most important in the survey. In addition to 10 percent of developers losing their jobs, 41 percent of respondents said they had been impacted by layoffs in some way, either by being laid off directly or seeing coworkers or colleagues in other departments let go. The survey also noted that the number of people impacted is potentially much higher because of the students and graduates who reported having a difficult time simply getting a job in the industry at all.

When asked what reason companies gave for layoffs, 22 percent said restructuring while 18 said declining revenue. 19 percent gave no reason at all. Developers, though, have their own ideas about why layoffs keep happening. In an analysis of responses to what developers think the reason behind layoffs is, the majority were general statements about the industry’s over-expansion during the pandemic. Companies acquired workers and studios in hopes of meeting a level of demand for games that dried up as covid restrictions loosened. However, some developers believe the reason for layoffs is much simpler. Companies like Microsoft and Sony still reported growing revenues despite multiple rounds of layoffs and studio closures. It’s no surprise then that 13 percent of respondents attributed layoffs to corporate greed.

In addition to layoffs, the last few years have also seen the failure of a number of high-profile, big-budget, live-service games. While there has been some success in that area with new games like Marvel Rivals, it’s generally tough to launch a live-service game that can compete with the overbearing likes of Fortnite, Roblox, and Call of Duty. 2024 was also the year that Balatro, Animal Well, and Astro Bot dominated headlines and award lists suggesting a greater appetite for those kinds of smaller-scoped, single-player experiences. It’s interesting, and perhaps concerning then, that according to the survey, over 30 percent of AAA developers are working on a live-service game.

When it asked developers their thoughts on live-service games the survey answered, “One of the biggest issues mentioned was market oversaturation, with many developers noting how tough it is to break through and build a sustainable player base.”

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OpenAI is making gains at the expense of its chief rivals.

On Tuesday, the company announced the Stargate Project, a new joint venture involving Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, Oracle, and others to build AI infrastructure for OpenAI in the U.S. Stargate could attract up to $500 billion in funding for AI data centers over the next four years, should all proceed according to plan.

The news was surely to the chagrin of OpenAI competitors like Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI, which will see no comparable enormous infrastructure investment.

xAI intends to expand its data center in Memphis to 1 million GPUs, while Anthropic recently signed a deal with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon’s cloud computing division, to use and refine the company’s custom AI chips. But it’s difficult to imagine that either AI company can outpace Stargate, even, as in the case of Anthropic, with Amazon’s vast resources.

Granted, Stargate may not deliver on its promises. Other tech infrastructure projects in the U.S. haven’t. Recall that, in 2017, Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn pledged and subsequently failed to spend $10 billion for a plant near Milwaukee.

But Stargate has more backers — and momentum, from what it seems at this juncture — behind it. The first data center to be funded by the effort has already broken ground in Abilene, Texas. And the companies participating in Stargate have promised to invest $100 billion at the outset.

Indeed, Stargate seems poised to cement OpenAI’s incumbency in the exploding AI sector. OpenAI has more active users — 300 million weekly — than any other AI venture. And it has more customers. Over 1 million businesses are paying for OpenAI’s services.

OpenAI had first-mover advantage. Now it could have infrastructure supremacy. Rivals will have to be smart if they hope to compete. Brute force won’t be a viable option.

News

Microsoft exclusivity no more: Microsoft was once the exclusive provider of data center infrastructure for OpenAI to train and run its AI models. No longer. Now the company only has a “right of first refusal.”

Perplexity launches an API: AI-powered search engine Perplexity has launched an API service called Sonar, allowing enterprises and developers to build the startup’s generative AI search tools into their own applications.

AI speeding the “kill chain”: My colleague Max interviewed the Pentagon’s chief digital and AI officer, Radha Plumb. Plumb said that the Department of Defense is using AI to gain a “significant advantage” in identifying, tracking, and assessing threats.

Benchmarks in question: An organization developing math benchmarks for AI didn’t disclose that it had received funding from OpenAI until relatively recently, drawing allegations of impropriety from some in the AI community.

DeepSeek’s new model: Chinese AI lab DeepSeek has released an open version of DeepSeek-R1, its so-called reasoning model, that it claims performs as well as OpenAI’s o1 on certain AI benchmarks.

Research paper of the week

Last week, Microsoft spotlighted a pair of AI-powered tools, MatterGen and MatterSim, which it claims could help design advanced materials.

MatterGen predicts potential materials with unique properties, grounded in scientific principles. As described in a paper published in the journal Nature, MatterGen generates thousands of candidates with “user-defined constraints” — proposing new materials that meet highly specific needs.

As for MatterSim, it predicts which of MatterGen’s proposed materials are stable and viable.

Microsoft says that a team at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology was able to use MatterGen to synthesize a new material. The material wasn’t flawless. But Microsoft has released the source code of MatterGen, and the company says it plans to work with other outside collaborators to further develop the tech.

Model of the week

Google has released a new version of its experimental “reasoning” model, Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental. The company claims it performs better than the original on math, science, and multimodal reasoning benchmarks.

Reasoning models like Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental effectively fact-check themselves, which helps them to avoid some of the pitfalls that normally trip up models. As a consequence, reasoning models take a little longer — usually seconds to minutes longer — to arrive at solutions compared to a typical “non-reasoning” model.

The new Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking also has a 1 million token context window, meaning it can analyze long documents such as research studies and policy papers. One million tokens is equivalent to about 750,000 words, or 10 average-length books.

Grab bag

An AI project called GameFactory shows that it’s possible to “generate” interactive simulations by training a model on Minecraft videos and then extending that model to different domains.

The researchers behind GameFactory, most of whom hail from the University of Hong Kong and Kuaishou, a Chinese company that’s partially state-owned, published a few examples of the simulations on the project’s website. They leave something to be desired, but the concept is still an interesting one: a model that can generate worlds in endless styles and themes.

What do you need to implement cryptocurrency payouts for your business?

If you wish to implement cryptocurrency payouts for your business, you will need to complete the following steps:

Choose a cryptocurrency: There are many different cryptocurrencies to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons. It is important to research and compare different options to properly determine which cryptocurrency is best suited for your needs.

Obtain a cryptocurrency wallet – the crypto wallet is a digital tool, that allows you to store, send, and receive cryptocurrency. There are a few different types of wallets available, including software wallets, hardware wallets, and paper wallets.

Set up a payment system – you’ll have to integrate a system for making cryptocurrency payments to your clients or contractors. This may involve accommodating a payment processor or using a separate platform to manage cryptocurrency payments.

Comply with legal requirements – depending on the jurisdiction of the country you are in, there may be specific regulatations that apply to the use of cryptocurrency as a payment method. It is important to be aware of these prerequisistes and to take any necessary steps in ensuring you are in compliance with the law.

Implement security measures – Cryptocurrency is also vulnerable when it comes to hackers, so it is mandatory that you take steps to protect your crypto and provide extra security. This may involve implementing safety measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and secure way of storage.

Are crypto payouts legal?

In general, it is considered legal to use cryptocurrency as a means of payment, including for paying out employees or partners. However, the legal status of cryptocurrency can vary, depending on the regulations imposed by the government of the country you’re in, and it is important to be aware of any current laws that may apply.

In some cases, there may be specific requirements or restrictions related to the use of cryptocurrency as a form of payment. For example, some countries may demand that you register with a regulatory agency or obtain a license before you can use cryptocurrency for this purpose.

Overall, it is important to be aware of the legal rules that may apply when conducting any cryptocurrency payment, and to seek legal or financial advice, if you have any questions or concerns.

Are crypto payouts subject to taxes?

The tax treatment of cryptocurrency payments, including payments made to employees or contractors, can vary due to the local jurisdiction. In some cases, cryptocurrency payments may be subject to taxes in the same way as payments made in fiat currency.

In the United States, for example, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued guidance stating that cryptocurrency transactions are taxable by law, and that virtual currency payments made to employees are subject to federal income tax withholding, FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax, and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) tax.

In other countries, the tax treatment of cryptocurrency payments may be similar or different. It is important to be aware of any relevant tax laws and regulations, and to seek professional advice if you have any questions about the tax treatment of cryptocurrency payments.

Conclusion

Being able to accept digital payments is now easier than ever, because of the easy integration of virtual tools, which are made to take care of the entire payment process. Even if you’re not very well educated about the purpose and use of crypto, you don’t have to break a sweat cramming in all the missed information about it. All you need is a reliable crypto payment gateway provider and crypto assets of your own to make efficient payouts. However, one should never forget to be mindful about the potential legal reprocussions of such activity, which the key to conducting successful crypto payments to both individals or commercial institutions.

Please note that this article is not a financial advise and has only informational purpose.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of the $500 billion artificial intelligence project Stargate could drive a fresh surge in AI tokens.

That’s according to Dr. Max Li, founder and CEO of OORT, a decentralized cloud computing platform. OORT previously collaborated with BNB Greenfield in March 2024 to enhance the BNB Chain ecosystem.

On Jan. 21, Trump revealed that ChatGPT creator OpenAI, along with Japanese investment firm SoftBank, U.S. tech giant Oracle, and Emirati sovereign wealth fund arm MGX, are partnering to launch the $500 billion AI infrastructure project. The initiative will be based in the United States, with an initial $100 billion in funding already secured.

According to Dr. Li, the Stargate project could significantly influence price trends across the market.

“With AI coins making recent headlines, the Trump administration’s investment in AI infrastructure could directly impact price trends. While we need to exercise caution with AI agents, the immediate beneficiary is AI-based digital asset management such as Ai16z,” Li said in comments shared with crypto.news.

The announcement sparked a rise in the market capitalization of AI tokens and agents. Notable gainers included Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET), Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) and ai16z (AI16Z) were among top gainers.

OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman linked Worldcoin (WLD) also experienced a notable spike.

Over the past year, AI tokens have outperformed other digital assets amid developments and news related to artificial intelligence. Companies such as OpenAI and Nvidia have been central to these trends, while the market has also seen growing activity at the intersection of AI and cryptocurrency. AI agents have emerged as one of the latest hot topics.

Li added;

“DeFi’s convergence with AI will also be accelerated, as developers and investors have had their eyes on this area for some time. We can expect a surge in AI projects launching their tokens, followed by a cycle of filtering and reshuffling. Ultimately, only those with real business value and practical use cases will endure.”

[PRESS RELEASE – Santa Clara, California, January 22nd, 2025]

CARV, an AI chain ecosystem enabling data sovereignty at scale, today unveils its D.A.T.A Framework to transform how AI agents interact with both on-chain and off-chain data. The framework converts static information into actionable insights, enabling AI agents to independently analyze, adapt and act with unprecedented clarity and autonomy.

In today’s decentralized landscape, fragmented and inaccessible data limits the potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI). By solving these critical challenges, the D.A.T.A Framework – Data Authentication, Trust, and Attestation – delivers real-time decision-making capabilities while maintaining rigorous privacy and security standards. This advancement redefines how AGI operates within decentralized ecosystems, creating new possibilities for both developers and users.

“AGI needs more than computational power—it needs intelligent data,” said Yukai Tu, CTO of CARV. “The D.A.T.A Framework bridges the gap between raw data and meaningful action, setting a new standard for AI-powered decision-making in decentralized ecosystems.”

The D.A.T.A Framework

The D.A.T.A Framework serves as the eyes and ears for AI agents, providing them with the ability to perceive, interpret, and act on data across decentralized ecosystems. By transforming static data into actionable insights, the framework enables AI agents to make real-time, intelligent decisions while maintaining unmatched privacy and security. It leverages cutting-edge technologies like zero-knowledge proofs, Trusted Execution Environments (TEE), and CARV ID to ensure enriched, context-aware, and privacy-preserved data access.

Key features include:

• Enhanced Metrics and Tags: Identifying whales, traders, and market manipulators with tailored, actionable insights.
• CARV ID Integration: Linking Web2 identities with Web3 behavior for a holistic understanding of users.
• Real-Time On-Chain Insights: Automating actions based on blockchain activities like token transfers and market trends.
• Cross-Chain and Off-Chain Data Integration: Providing comprehensive insights by unifying multiple data sources.

Benefits for Developers and Users

For developers, the D.A.T.A Framework simplifies the creation of smarter, autonomous AI agents with built-in tools for accessing and processing enriched data. Applications range from trading bots that respond instantly to market shifts to gaming AI agents capable of intelligent, personalized interactions.

For users, D.A.T.A enables secure control and monetization of personal data while providing tailored, data-driven experiences. By bridging trust gaps and fostering collaboration, the framework creates an ecosystem where everyone—from businesses to individual users—stands to benefit equitably.

Both of these applications lead to future-forward use cases including:

• Trading and Alerts: Autonomous bots that analyze blockchain activity in real-time, identifying market opportunities and executing trades.
• Gaming Evolution: Intelligent NPCs and companions that learn and adapt, enhancing engagement and replayability.
• DeSci Innovation: Privacy-preserved research collaborations, accelerating breakthroughs in medicine and science.
• Holistic Personalization: AI companions offering emotionally intelligent support tailored to individual needs.

Driving the Evolution of AGI

CARV’s D.A.T.A Framework is more than just a toolset – it’s the foundation for AGI’s collaborative evolution. By enabling AI agents to share insights, learn dynamically, and operate autonomously within decentralized ecosystems, CARV is paving the way for a future where AGI not only interacts with data but truly understands it.

“The launch of D.A.T.A Framework marks a significant leap forward for decentralized AI,” said Victor Yu, COO of CARV. “It’s not just about building smarter AI – it’s about empowering a new era of trust, privacy, and collaboration across industries.”

The D.A.T.A Framework is set to evolve over the coming months with a series of phased enhancements that will expand its capabilities. In the first phase, D.A.T.A. Framework will introduce real-time on-chain activity alerts, autonomous actions such as airdrops and token transfers, and comprehensive cross-chain insights. Then, rolling out in February, the framework will integrate social media data via CARV ID for enhanced user profiling. and enabling a swarm of AI agents to collaborate seamlessly for modular data access. Further development and phases will be announced gradually over the coming months.

The D.A.T.A Framework is now live, inviting AI developers, blockchain innovators, and businesses to explore its capabilities. To learn more and start building, users can visit CARV’s official documentation.

About CARV

CARV is building an AI chain ecosystem to enable data sovereignty at scale. By empowering AI agents with secure, unified infrastructure, CARV enables intelligent, collaborative operations through its SVM Chain, offering trustless consensus, cryptographic proofs, and verifiable execution. With the D.A.T.A Framework, CARV enriches AI with high-quality, on-chain and off-chain data, allowing agents to learn, evolve, and collaborate dynamically. With over 15M users and 8M CARV IDs, CARV ensures privacy and data control while providing AI agents with powerful, cross-chain insights, creating a secure, innovative ecosystem for both AI and human collaboration.

Supported by $50M in funding from top-tier investors like Tribe Capital, HashKey Capital, and Animoca Brands, and backed by a team of veterans from Coinbase, Google, and Binance, CARV is committed to fostering a decentralized future where data is a valuable, user-owned asset.