Blockchain
Gala Games and AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead: Empires’ Begins First Public Playtest
Gala’s Web3 massively multiplayer survival game set in the world of AMC’s The Walking Dead will fully launch in 2023.
Jackson, Wyoming–(Newsfile Corp. – August 31, 2022) – Today marks the beginning of the first pre-alpha, open playtest for The Walking Dead: Empires. Developed by leading Web3 game publisher Gala Games in partnership with AMC, the game lets players fight for survival in the world of AMC’s The Walking Dead. In the game, players will gather resources and fortify their base to defend against other players and Walkers alike.
A small group of players took part in a closed playtest for convention attendees at this summer’s Galaverse in Malta, but this will be the first opportunity for anyone in the public with a Gala account to test the new game. The playtest will run through September 1st.
The Walking Dead: Empires takes place in the post-apocalyptic world of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Players are survivors, working to create a life in the ruins of society. Players will need to gather resources and craft tools, weapons, and defenses to defend their home from any who would try to take it – whether they be human or Walker.
As a Web3 title, The Walking Dead: Empires allows players ownership of certain in-game items represented as NFTs; such as land, crafting tables and Hero Cards. Land allows players ownership over a digital plot to build and defend, and crafting tables can be used to craft gear, weapons, tools, and other supplies. Hero Cards let players change their avatar’s appearance and grant special abilities – some will be original characters to the game, but many more are based on characters from the iconic AMC series.
The demo represents the game in a pre-alpha state, giving players an up-close look at the game world in development. Much of the art and gameplay are not in their final state, and are subject to change. But gamers will have an early chance to experience the core game and see the initial vision of the developers before the full game launches in 2023.
“The Walking Dead has such a rich and well-developed world already that it was important our art direction stayed true to the source material, while also creating a deep and immersive experience within the world. Bringing the world of The Walking Dead to life in this game has been a delight and I can’t wait for players to experience what we’ve built.”
– Christopher Miller, Lead Artist
The game will be free to play, both in the playtest and eventual full launch. While players can choose to own and collect in-game assets, they will not be required to enjoy the game. Players can craft rudimentary tools without a Crafting Table, or use NFT Crafting Tables owned by other players placed throughout the world. Landowners can allow others to access and live on their plot with them to forge a stronger alliance and defense.
“It’s been amazing helping to craft a totally unique experience where players can be a part of the struggle for survival in AMC’s The Walking Dead. We’re very excited to see players inside the game and working together – or against each other – in this very immersive world.”
– Zach Peterson, Development Director
“The world of The Walking Dead is brutal, unforgiving, and a constant struggle for survival. It’s not for the faint of heart, and yet it’s one that our fans have consistently yearned to experience for themselves. Be careful what you wish for! We’re excited to present this first look at what we’ve been cooking up with Gala Games – and even more so to immerse our fans in the world of the show when the full game releases next year.”
– Clayton Neuman, VP of Games, AMC Networks.
The Walking Dead: Empires is being developed by a dedicated team within Gala Games, one of the largest Web3 gaming platforms in the world. The game will join Town Star, Gala’s flagship release, along with 26 other titles currently in development. Like other games on the platform, the game will feature player-owned game assets, and be supported by Gala’s Founder’s Node Network of over 42,000 player-owned, decentralized gaming Nodes.
ABOUT GALA
As the global leader of Web3 Entertainment, Gala is building a massive world of rewarding entertainment upon their three pillars of Games, Music, and Film. From the AAA quality video games produced by Gala Games to the emerging artists whose careers are kick-started by the opportunities of Gala Music, everything Gala creates is built for user empowerment and ownership. With dozens of games from top-tier developers in the pipeline, yet-unannounced deals with well-known musicians, and the recent announcement of the upcoming Gala Film platform, Gala is paving the way for an entire universe of Web3 entertainment.
ABOUT AMC
AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with Mad Men in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before Breaking Bad won it in 2013 and 2014. The network’s series The Walking Dead is the highest-rated series in cable history. AMC’s current original drama series are Better Call Saul, Fear the Walking Dead, Kevin Can F*** Himself, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond and the forthcoming series 61st Street, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, Dark Winds, Moonhaven, Pantheon, Ragdoll and Tales of the Walking Dead, among others. AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like Talking Dead, AMC Visionaries and Ride with Norman Reedus. AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.
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To learn more about Gala Games, visit https://app.gala.games
To learn more about The Walking Dead: Empires, visit https://twdempires.game
Media Contact:
Gala Games
[email protected]
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/135549
Blockchain
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TransFi
The blockchain universe never sleeps. From pioneering cross-border payment systems in Central America to city-wide crypto strategies in New York City, today’s headlines reveal an industry maturing at breakneck speed. In this edition of Blocks & Headlines, we explore five landmark developments:
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Guatemala’s Banco Industrial integrates blockchain for seamless cross-border remittances.
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NYC Mayor’s Office unveils a comprehensive crypto and blockchain roadmap.
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OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative sign an MOU to launch the OSRH token.
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Bybit’s “Chicken Trader” livestream—crypto meets poultry in the world’s first poultry-powered trading showdown.
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FIFA taps Avalanche to build a dedicated blockchain for its NFT platform.
These stories underscore three key trends reshaping the ecosystem:
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Institutional Adoption & Regulation: From national banks to municipal governments, legacy institutions are embracing decentralized technologies.
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Tokenization & Community Engagement: Strategic partnerships are launching specialized tokens that bridge niche communities with global markets.
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Innovative Use Cases: Whether gaming, entertainment, or live-stream events, blockchain’s versatility spawns ever-more creative applications.
Join us as we unpack the implications, weigh the opportunities, and forecast where these trajectories might lead.
1. Guatemala’s Largest Bank Integrates Blockchain for Cross-Border Payments
What Happened
Guatemala’s Banco Industrial, the country’s biggest financial institution, announced the deployment of a private‐permissioned blockchain network to streamline remittances from the U.S. into Guatemala City and beyond. The solution reduces settlement times from days to minutes, cuts fees by up to 60 %, and offers real-time traceability for senders and receivers.
Source: Cointelegraph
Analysis & Commentary
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Financial Inclusion Boost: Remittances account for over 12 % of Guatemala’s GDP. By minimizing friction and cost, blockchain integration will extend financial services to remote communities reliant on diaspora funds.
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Risk & Compliance: Permissioned networks allow Banco Industrial to retain AML/KYC controls, mitigating concerns around illicit flows. This hybrid approach demonstrates that enterprise blockchain can balance decentralization with regulatory rigor.
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Regional Ripple Effects: Neighboring Central American banks are watching closely. Should Guatemala’s pilot succeed, we can expect a domino effect across El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica—each seeking to capitalize on faster, cheaper cross-border rails.
Implications
Legacy banks worldwide should view this as a blueprint: private blockchains can coexist with existing compliance frameworks while delivering transformative user benefits. Early movers will capture remittance market share and cultivate fintech partnerships across the Latin American corridor.
2. NYC Mayor Unveils Ambitious Crypto & Blockchain Agenda
What Happened
New York City Mayor Eric Adams detailed his administration’s multi-pronged strategy to make NYC a global crypto hub. Key initiatives include:
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A regulatory sandbox for crypto startups to pilot DeFi, NFTs, and token-based fundraising under city supervision.
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Partnerships with CUNY and Columbia University for blockchain research and talent development.
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Deployment of a blockchain-based public record system for land titles and business registrations.
Source: GovTech
Analysis & Commentary
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Regulatory Harmony vs. Overreach: By offering a controlled sandbox rather than blanket deregulation, NYC signals a nuanced stance—encouraging innovation without sacrificing consumer protection.
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Talent Pipeline: Academic partnerships aim to remedy the talent shortage plaguing blockchain firms. Local graduates trained in distributed ledger technologies (DLT) will feed startups, financial institutions, and government agencies.
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Public Services on Chain: Land registries and business filings on blockchain promise greater transparency and fraud reduction. If scaled effectively, NYC could set a global standard for government-blockchain integration.
Implications
Other major cities—London, Singapore, Dubai—will feel pressure to match NYC’s playbook. Municipal leaders should prioritize sandbox frameworks and academia-industry liaisons to nurture homegrown crypto ecosystems.
3. OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative Launch OSRH Token
What Happened
OSR Holdings, BCM Europe, and the Taekwondo Cooperative signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop the OSRH token, a blockchain-based digital asset aimed at supporting global Taekwondo practitioners. Features include:
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Membership Rewards: Tokens earned through event participation, coaching certifications, and tournament wins.
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Decentralized Governance: Athletes vote on sponsorship allocations and rule-change proposals via on-chain ballots.
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Marketplace Integration: A dedicated NFT marketplace for Taekwondo memorabilia, from digital belts to highlight reels.
Source: PR Newswire
Analysis & Commentary
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Niche Tokenization: OSRH token exemplifies the power of community-focused tokens. By aligning incentives with passion points—training, competition, governance—stakeholders gain ownership and engagement.
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Governance Innovation: Athlete-driven decision-making on sponsorship and funding disrupts top-down federation models. This could democratize sports governance across disciplines.
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Commercial Ecosystem: The NFT marketplace offers monetization channels for athletes and federations alike. Strategic royalties on secondary sales ensure sustainable funding.
Implications
Other sports federations and niche communities should explore token models that blend rewards, governance, and commerce. Successful launches will hinge on clear utility, user education, and regulatory compliance in key jurisdictions.
4. Bybit Presents “Chicken Trader”: The World’s First Poultry-Powered Trading Showdown
What Happened
Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit debuted “Chicken Trader,” a live-streamed event where two contestants trade crypto pairs—and manage live chickens—to earn “Egg Points.” Viewers can stake on their favorite trader, earning NFTs and token rewards based on performance.
Source: PR Newswire
Analysis & Commentary
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Gamification Meets DeFi: Chicken Trader’s fusion of live-stream engagement, staking mechanics, and NFTs exemplifies Web3’s playful ethos—turning trading into interactive entertainment.
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User Acquisition Strategy: Bybit gamified acquisition funnels, leveraging viral social content to onboard nontraditional crypto audiences intrigued by the novelty factor.
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Regulatory Tightrope: Combining staking with competition and livestock raises jurisdictional questions around gambling, securities, and animal welfare. Bybit must navigate diverse regulations to scale globally.
Implications
Other exchanges will replicate gamified formats to differentiate UX and grow communities. Yet long-term viability demands balancing flashy live-events with rigorous compliance, sustainable tokenomics, and authentic value for participants.
5. FIFA Taps Avalanche to Power Its NFT Platform
What Happened
Global soccer body FIFA selected the Avalanche blockchain to launch its official NFT marketplace, featuring digital collectibles—from World Cup highlights to player-card packs. Avalanche’s high throughput and low fees were cited as decisive factors.
Source: TradingView (via Cointelegraph)
Analysis & Commentary
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Scalability & Sustainability: Avalanche’s consensus mechanism delivers sub-second finality and carbon-offset commitments, aligning with FIFA’s environmental pledges.
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Fan Engagement: Tokenized highlights and limited-edition digital memorabilia expand revenue streams beyond broadcast rights, offering fans verifiable ownership and collectible provenance.
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Interoperability: Avalanche’s growing DeFi ecosystem enables future integrations—staking fan tokens, launching prediction-market games, or embedding NFT rewards in FIFA’s mobile apps.
Implications
Major sports leagues and entertainment brands eyeing NFT forays will scrutinize Avalanche’s performance under FIFA’s global load. Blockchain platforms must prove they can handle spikes during marquee events—kickoff times, finals, transfer windows—while preserving UX and sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Today’s Blocks & Headlines illustrate blockchain’s multifaceted evolution:
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Legacy institutions like banks and city governments are unlocking new efficiencies and transparency through private and public DLT networks.
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Community-driven tokens are redefining governance and monetization in sports and niche domains.
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Innovative engagement—from poultry-fueled trading spectacles to global soccer NFTs—demonstrates blockchain’s capacity for gamification, fan loyalty, and novel revenue models.
Yet with opportunity comes responsibility: scalable architectures must coexist with robust compliance; token economies require thoughtful design to sustain value; and regulators, academia, and industry must collaborate to craft frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection.
As blockchain weaves deeper into finance, governance, entertainment, and sports, stakeholders who embrace strategic partnerships, prioritize user education, and invest in resilient infrastructures will lead the charge into Web3’s next frontier.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 22, 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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