Kroma (KRO) introduces a sustainable Layer 2 rollup optimized for web3 gaming, delivering low-cost, fast transactions on Ethereum.

Gaming is one of the fastest growing niches in the crypto industry, but further growth of 

-based games and gaming platforms is hampered by network congestion, poor scalability and high transaction fees on 

 — a blockchain that is frequently the default choice for 

 (DApp) developers. To provide a smooth gaming experience, the underlying platform needs to feature near-instant transactions, low 

 and affordability. Unfortunately, Ethereum often struggles in all of these areas.

 (L2) rollup solution dedicated to web3 gaming that aims to address the speed and cost inefficiencies of the Ethereum 

 (L1) blockchain. Using a combination of optimistic and 

 features, Kroma features two-second block times and gas fees of tiny fractions of a cent. Having launched its mainnet in September 2023, Kroma has already built up a young but thriving ecosystem of DApps, not only in the niche of gaming but also in 

 (EVM)–equivalent Layer 2 rollup platform linked to the Ethereum blockchain that uses a combination of optimistic rollup and ZK proof technologies. 

Built using the OP Stack rollup development framework, Kroma is part of the 

 (OP) Superchain network, an ecosystem of rollup chains based on OP Stack. Kroma aims to provide a highly scalable and low-cost environment for web3 game developers and users.

The platform's mainnet was launched in September 2023, and already boasts over 70 active DApps (as of early November 2024). 

 apps make up about one-third of these, with the remaining ones primarily focused on NFTs, DeFi and infrastructure.

Kroma offers gamers and developers a wide range of user-friendly tools and apps. One of these is 

, a solution that lets you seamlessly deposit crypto assets from the Ethereum Mainnet to Kroma and withdraw from Kroma back to Ethereum. Another one is Blockscout, a versatile blockchain explorer that provides detailed statistics for hundreds of decentralized networks, including Kroma's own mainnet and testnet, Ethereum, Optimism (OP), Base (BASE), Immutable X (IMX), Gnosis (GNO) and more.

There are also over 20 active gaming apps from a variety of genres represented on Kroma. One of the more popular apps is 

, a game that allows you to earn points by exploring galaxies and doing exercises such as squats, combining fun with fitness. Another one is 

, an omnichain artificial intelligence (AI) strategy game integrated with DeFi features.

Kroma was launched by Lightscale, a blockchain development outfit founded by Taekyu Park and Derek Junyoung Chang. Lightscale is a subsidiary of Wemade, a South Korean game development giant and one of the leading Asian gaming companies.

There are four primary network actors on Kroma — validator nodes, full nodes without block validation responsibility, sequencers and end users. End users interact with the Kroma L2 network directly, though they also have the option to utilize Ethereum to move assets between the L1 blockchain and Kroma.

The sequencer is a critical node that batches and organizes the L2 off-chain transactions into blocks and submits the processed blocks to the L1. Validator nodes are responsible for verifying the integrity of transactions and blocks. Kroma validators can also submit zero-knowledge 

to challenge a block's validity on L1. In addition to validators, there are also full nodes without block processing responsibility who read transaction data and outputs, and act as part of the overall 

Using this setup, Kroma can deliver exceptional performance in terms of speed and costs. Transaction blocks on the platform are finalized within two seconds, while the average 

 on the network is small fractions of a cent, a stark contrast with Ethereum's average fee of around $3 (as recorded on Nov 2, 2024).

Transitioning From Optimistic Rollup to ZK-Rollup

Although the Kroma network was built using the OP Stack, a popular framework for 

, it has modified the default OP Stack setup to incorporate ZK proofs to provide a more robust and fault-proof system. Normally, transaction blocks processed on Kroma use optimistic validation, i.e., they’re considered valid unless a validator raises a challenge for a specific block, questioning its validity. Additionally, Kroma uses ZK proofs if a block's validity is challenged. The proofs serve as a backup mechanism to help process transaction blocks as efficiently as possible in case of potential validity challenges.

While the platform currently represents a mixture of optimistic and ZK validation, Kroma aims to eventually move to a universal ZK-rollup based on ZK proofs as its only validation mechanism. Despite the move to a ZK-based proof system, the platform will remain compatible with the Optimism Superchain. Thanks to the modular nature of the OP Stack technology, ZK proof–based rollups can also be part of the Superchain.

 solution. Using it, you can deposit Ether (ETH) and various liquid staking tokens (LSTs), such as stETH and eETH, into a vault in order to receive Spectrum's spETH liquid restaking token. The vaults are hosted on the 

 DeFi platform. spETH is locked in these vaults in the form of weETH tokens, earning you additional yields. While weETH earns you yields through the vault, the spETH that backs it can simultaneously be used to accrue reward points from three DeFi platforms — Kroma, ether.fi and 

Despite the somewhat convoluted design — which is definitely not unusual in the world of DeFi — Spectrum's liquid staking and restaking services can be a great way to earn additional yields and loyalty points on several DeFi platforms using the same underlying investment.

 (KCU) is designed to attract users from across the Kroma ecosystem to participate in a common gamified environment. In KCU’s gamified environment, hosted on the Kroma network, you can mint your own Kromans, dwellers of the Universe; complete a variety of quests to earn Ore, a resource used to reveal Mystic Boxes; and use Mystic Boxes to reveal additional gear and items to equip your Kroman NFTs. While participating in the KCU and completing quests, you can also socialize with other players through their Kromans. Participation in the KCU also gives you opportunities to qualify for KRO airdrops.

 is a solution designed to help any user contribute to the block validation process on Kroma Layer 2 and earn a share of block rewards. This staking format is possible thanks to Kroma's 

 (DPoS) block validation procedure. KGH was launched in late October 2024.

Holders of Kroma's native cryptocurrency, KRO, can 

 their funds on their preferred validator to help secure the network's operations, earning a share of block rewards commensurate with the amount they stake. Each validator node charges a small commission on the total amount earned by a delegator. The rate of commission varies between validators, typically ranging between 3% and 10%.

Validators themselves stake KRO on Ethereum to gain the right to process transaction blocks. Kroma claims that there have been more than 350 nodes registering on the network as validators since the platform's launch. However, as of Nov 3, 2024, there are only 13 validators to whom you can delegate your assets through the 

 interface. These are mostly members of the Kroma Security Council, which we'll cover in the next section.

Another group of users who can take advantage of staking opportunities on Kroma is that of holders of KGH NFTs, an NFT collection issued by the project that sold out by January 2024. However, these NFTs can still be bought in the secondary market via 

’s NFT marketplace. Using these NFTs to back up a validator earns you boosted staking rewards on top of the standard rate.

 is a group of key network actors whose main responsibility is to jointly act as the final layer of security for the platform's proof system. If there are inconsistencies or problems with Fault Proofs raised on the network, council members are expected to resolve these.

Members of the council are also involved in decision-making processes related to Kroma's 

 on L2 and L1. Kroma currently lists nine organizations as members of its Security Council. Among these are the nonprofit Kroma Foundation, as well as Animoca Brands, one of the giants of web3 gaming.

Kroma's native cryptocurrency, KRO, is an 

 asset with a total supply of just over 875 million and a maximum supply set at 1 billion. KRO is envisioned to power three key functions on the network — gas fee payments, staking and on-chain governance. The token was launched on Oct 30, 2024, over a year after Kroma's mainnet introduction. Its supply allocation shares are shown in the chart below.

 is designed to reward various groups of early adopters and active participants on the network. Besides this airdrop, you can also take advantage of the 

 between Oct 29, 2024, 10AM UTC and Nov 12, 2024, 9AM UTC via Bybit's 

 program. Under the terms of the airdrop campaign, you can receive a share of the 6.6 million KRO prize pool by following Bybit’s and Kroma’s accounts on X, reposting the campaign announcement with comments, depositing at least 1,000 KRO to your Bybit account and trading at least 100 USDT worth of KRO on Bybit's Spot market. You can also earn KRO rewards by inviting friends and new users to join Bybit.

Web3 gaming depends upon the ability of blockchain platforms to provide the necessary levels of speed, scalability and cost-efficiency. With its highly efficient rollup setup, Kroma hopes to become a key enabler of blockchain-based gaming. Fast transactions, two-second block times, minuscule gas fees and the security of ZK proofs make Kroma a potentially serious player within the web3 gaming niche.

Having operated without a native token for over a year, Kroma finally launched KRO in late October 2024. This new token might significantly boost the platform's appeal and recognition among crypto gamers, developers and investors. However, these projections are currently assumptions, and only time will tell if this new platform progresses into an influential web3 gaming sector player.

Intermediate

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Kroma (KRO): The Layer 2 Supercharging Gamified Web3

A surge in Bitcoin's value pushed it beyond $74,000, exceeding Bitcoin's earlier record of approximately $73,750 and setting a new all-time high. 

The S&P 500 rose 1.23%, led by gains in consumer, industrial, utility, and tech sectors, as investors await election results and a potential Fed rate cut. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was up by 5.69%, with Bitcoin and Ether rising by 3.20% and 1.79%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today’s top performer is DOGE, which surged 17.0% amid speculation fueled by Musk’s support for Trump and talk of a potential "D.O.G.E." role.

Dogecoin (DOGE), launched in 2013, is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency created as a decentralized "joke coin." Dogecoin surged on Election Day, fueled by 

 support for Trump and speculation about a potential government role, "D.O.G.E.," if Trump wins. This extended Dogecoin’s recent gains, with Musk’s influence boosting the meme coin despite his limited involvement in crypto.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

A surge in Bitcoin's value pushed it beyond $74,000, exceeding Bitcoin's earlier record of approximately $73,750 and setting a new 

. This price movement occurred amid early exit polling from US elections that suggested Donald Trump was performing well and leading the polls. As of this writing, Polymarket is indicating a 90% chance that Trump wins. 

Yesterday, the total BTC Spot ETF flow was -$72.6 million, with GBTC showing no flow and Non-GBTC products experiencing a $72.6 million outflow.

, the first Unified Restaking Token on Eclipse, is now available for minting. Users can mint tETH by selecting a supported asset on the minting site. However, redemption is not yet available, so only mint what you're comfortable holding long-term.

Beginner

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Bitcoin Breaks $75,000 Record as Early US Primary Results Show Trump Lead

Some of the best decentralized identity projects are Lifeform, Worldcoin and SPACE ID. Read more in this article.

 in 2023, the need for secure digital identity solutions has never been more urgent. Centralized systems often jeopardize user privacy and security, leaving personal data vulnerable to breaches and theft. Decentralized identity systems offer a promising solution by allowing individuals to control their own identity data through blockchain technology.

This article explores some of the leading decentralized identity projects that are transforming digital privacy, and discusses how these projects enhance security, empower users with greater control and build trust in the digital world.

 is a user-centric system that enables secure, self-sovereign identity management using blockchain technology and cryptography.

Online identities are created and managed through usernames, avatars, followers and shared content. However, the control of this data lies with platforms like Meta, Google and Twitter, not with the users. This lack of ownership becomes problematic when users face bans, algorithm changes or platform shutdowns. Again, these large platforms exploit user data for their own services, often against user preferences, and even worse, centralized databases are often prime targets for hackers. Scandals such as Facebook/Cambridge Analytica highlight the dangers of this model. For a more secure and user-friendly online experience, it becomes imperative to find a better way to manage and control our digital identities

Decentralized identity fundamentally changes how we manage and verify our digital identities, shifting control from centralized institutions to individuals. 

Using blockchain technology and cryptography, decentralized identity provides individuals with secure, self-sovereign control over their digital identities, moving beyond traditional, centralized systems. Following are 17 of the best projects making strides in this space.

PingOne for Individuals is a decentralized identity solution from Ping Identity

 that empowers users with control over their personal identity data. It allows you to verify and manage various forms of identification, such as driver’s licenses and other important documents. With PingOne, you can easily issue and share digital credentials with organizations to prove your identity quickly and securely, without relying on central authorities..

 offers a secure, passwordless way to manage and share verifiable credentials, streamlining the verification process for both individuals and organizations. Users benefit from enhanced privacy, reduced risk of identity theft and a more convenient and efficient experience when accessing services or proving their identities online. This solution from Microsoft aligns with the principles of self-sovereign identity, giving users ownership and control over their personal information.

 provides a powerful open-source digital identity and wallet infrastructure that simplifies the creation, management and verification of digital credentials. This platform benefits users by providing a secure and privacy-focused way to manage their identity attributes. One standout feature is its customizable verification policies, based on REGO and the Open Policy Agent (OPA), which allow for precise control over access rights and data verification. This flexibility makes walt.id suitable for a wide range of industry needs.

 is a secure and tamperproof platform for managing digital identities and credentials. It enhances user trust and speeds up identity verification with its auditable, traceable system. The platform features a private and secure infrastructure that keeps personal data confidential, and accessible only to authorized network participants.

 is a cutting-edge product that enhances online identity verification, offering users a secure and private way to prove their identities and share verified data with trusted entities. Its digital wallet technology provides a more privacy-preserving method of data exchange, safeguarding against bots and unauthorized access. 

 is a digital identity project designed to give anyone and everyone a unique, verifiable identity. It helps users prove their humanity securely, preventing fake or AI-generated identities. The project uses iris scanning technology to create individual identification codes, ensuring that each identity is both unique and secure on a decentralized blockchain.

’s digital identity platform features hyperrealistic 3D virtual human avatars, minted as NFT-based identities. It offers a visually rich and personalized avatar creation experience that enhances users’ digital presences. What makes Lifeform unique is its ability to integrate these avatars into a broader ecosystem, redefining digital citizenship and ownership in the metaverse.

 (previously Polygon ID) is a decentralized identity system that offers self-sovereign, private and scalable identity verification. It uses 

 (ZKPs) to ensure maximum user privacy. The platform features dynamic credentials that automatically refresh expired ones, keeping digital interactions current and compliant. This innovation also supports volatile data such as credit scores, providing an accurate and up-to-date representation of a user's financial status.

 (ENS) is a decentralized naming system that simplifies cryptocurrency transactions by letting users replace long hexadecimal wallet addresses with easy-to-remember names. This makes transactions more user-friendly and reduces the chance of errors. Built on Ethereum's 

, ENS offers better security, privacy and resistance to censorship than traditional DNS systems. As a community-driven and not-for-profit service, ENS is dedicated to supporting an open and decentralized internet.

 is a universal name service network designed to simplify the management of web3 domains. It offers an all-in-one platform for discovering, registering, trading and handling web3 domains across different blockchains. One of its standout features is its multichain name service, which helps users easily create and manage their web3 identities. For developers, SPACE ID’s Web3 Name SDK and API makes it easier to integrate and work with decentralized identities. This approach creates a centralized hub that streamlines the user experience in the web3 space.

 is a top web3 infrastructure that offers a secure and self-sovereign digital identity network. It enhances web3 experiences by combining modular AI, digital identity and blockchain technologies. Galxe features a proprietary Identity Protocol, which uses advanced ZKP technology. This allows users to verify confidential data without revealing the data itself, ensuring both privacy and control over personal information.

 offers an innovative decentralized identity solution that gives users complete control over their personal identity data online. It enhances security and privacy in digital identity management, tackling issues prevalent in centralized systems. A key feature of Dock is its Reusable Digital Identity platform, which converts verified ID data into trusted credentials that can instantly be verified and even monetized when verified by third parties. This system allows users to own and manage their digital identities independently, reducing the risk of fraud and data breaches.

Idena is a unique blockchain using Proof-of-Person technology to support digital identity. It ensures a 1-person-1-vote system that maintains the integrity and fairness of the network. Idena shines with its cryptoidentity, which verifies the authenticity and uniqueness of each participant without disclosing personal details. This approach enhances privacy and security, while also enabling democratic participation and protecting against bots and 

Ontology is a high-performance public blockchain specializing in decentralized identity (DID) and data solutions. It offers users a secure platform for identity verification and data management, ensuring privacy and control over personal information. Its cross-chain collaboration capability enables 

 with other blockchain networks, expanding the utility and reach of its identity solutions. Combined with its 

scalability, Ontology provides a flexible and robust framework for both businesses and individuals.

Civic provides a tokenized identity system that offers users a secure and private way to manage their digital identities. It allows users to authorize the use of their identities in real time, ensuring trust and control over their personal information. Civic gives users physical identity cards, which helps prevent AI-driven identity fraud by combining digital and physical verification. This card is accepted globally in 190 countries, making Civic’s solution both comprehensive and widely applicable. Civic focuses on giving individuals a reliable method to protect and authenticate their identities across various platforms.

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17 Best Decentralized Identity Projects: Pioneers of Digital Privacy

A $100,000 Bitcoin could profoundly affect individuals, influencing early investors' wealth and prompting new adopters to manage risks with strategies such as buy-and-hold, dollar-cost averaging, hedging, and diversification.

The meteoric rise of Bitcoin created millionaires and billionaires on its rise to an astonishing price of $68,530 in November 2021. As of Nov 6 2024, it has hit a new 

, driven by election results suggesting a lead for Trump over Harris, though the race remains ongoing.

If Bitcoin keeps climbing and hits that elusive six-figure mark, what would it mean for finance, technology and society? This article will explore the potential scenarios and implications of a $100,000 Bitcoin and consider the factors that could drive or slow its growth, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities.

The $100K Scenario: Feasibility and Timeline

, Bitcoin could reach an all-time high again in the fourth quarter of 2024. A thawing “crypto winter” could

 propel Bitcoin's price to $100,000, based on the following factors: 

Based on historical price movements, BTC halving cycles and other factors, analysts predict that Bitcoin could reach $100,000 or more by late 2024 or early 2025. One common reference point is the next 

 executed around April 2024, which cut miners' block rewards from 6.25 to 3.125 bitcoins. History has shown that Bitcoin tends to surge in price before and after each halving due to a supply shock that boosts Bitcoin's scarcity and value, often hitting new highs within a year. 

Upcoming Events That Could Cause a BTC Price Surge

Some of the possible catalysts that could propel Bitcoin to new highs in the future include the following.

Impact on Individuals and the Global Economy at $100K/BTC

Let’s take a look at the implications of Bitcoin reaching $100,000.

Impact on Early Investors and New Adopters

A $100K Bitcoin would have different impacts on early investors and new adopters, depending upon their goals, strategies and risk profiles. 

Strategies used to trade and invest in Bitcoin will vary, depending upon investor needs and time horizons. Following are a few common strategies.

Individual needs and circumstances determine the impact on financial planning. For some, this could mean achieving early retirement, financial independence or fulfilling their lifelong dreams. For others, it might mean having more savings to support their families and communities. 

If an investor’s portfolio has grown, a plan to rebalance it and sell concentrated positions may be necessary. In general, be careful not to let emotions cloud your judgment, and try to make rational and educated choices about your finances.

Impact on Traditional Financial Systems and Institutions

A potential rise in Bitcoin's value to $100,000 could lead to further excitement and adoption of cryptocurrencies, especially among those who wish to avoid government censorship. However, this shift could also create significant challenges related to consumer protection and financial safety. Governments are still figuring out how to tax and regulate crypto effectively while protecting consumers who are in essence becoming their own banks by holding Bitcoin. 

Achieving such a significant milestone could spark a wave of innovation and competition within the financial industry. Established intermediaries like banks and payment systems may face increasing pressure to provide more on- and off-ramps for Bitcoin. Results could include declining transaction costs, improved speed and efficiency of financial transactions, and new opportunities for financial inclusion and cross-border payments. Still, this surge of innovation may also bring new risks, such as regulatory uncertainties and funding mismatches, because traditional payments lag in speed.

In anticipation of such developments, authorities may consider regulations to rein in or endorse cryptocurrencies. Some governments might opt for restrictive measures, citing concerns over financial stability or consumer protections. Conversely, others might explore developing or adopting state-backed digital currencies to compete with or complement existing cryptocurrencies. For example, certain central banks are exploring the feasibility of issuing their own digital currencies, seeking to combine the benefits of digitization with the trust and oversight associated with the public sector.

Implications for International Trade and Global Currency Markets

With more consumer wealth tied up in Bitcoin, demand for it could increase as a medium of exchange for bigger ticket items like real estate or international trade. This shift could lower fees for international transactions while making real-time payments possible.

Operating independently of any governing authority, Bitcoin has limited supply that shields it from inflation, devaluation or manipulation by any single entity. It may attract individuals seeking to evade censorship or central authority on transactions. 

A $100,000 Bitcoin could introduce new dynamics to the foreign exchange market, generating fresh sources of demand and supply for various currencies. For instance, increased BTC usage for cross-border transactions would necessitate conversions between fiat and digital currencies. This phenomenon could impact exchange rates and the availability of on- and off-ramps for Bitcoin.

Bitcoin's emergence has also spurred innovation and competition within the financial sector, driving the development and adoption of new technologies and services to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of financial systems. The world’s foremost digital currency has also facilitated the rise of alternative financial service providers and platforms offering 

 lending, remittances and crowdfunding, potentially reducing transaction costs while enhancing speed and convenience.

The road to the top can be slick, and Bitcoin faces challenges and risks that could impact its price, adoption and sustainability. 

A $100,000 Bitcoin valuation could shake up cryptocurrency markets and highlight its place as 

 and a store of value. A substantial rise in BTC’s worth could validate Bitcoin’s role as a store of value, easier and more convenient to transact than commodities such as gold.

However, reaching a valuation of $100,000 isn’t guaranteed, and comes with its own risks and challenges. Regulation and scalability could limit its growth, and its volatility could also impact its investability. Additionally, Bitcoin faces competition from other cryptocurrencies and technologies that may offer alternative solutions.

The future of Bitcoin is uncertain — yet also exciting and promising. Bitcoin could become a global reserve currency, a digital gold, a catalyst for change or a tenured relic. Whatever change occurs, the question remains: Are you ready for it?

17 Best Decentralized Identity Projects: Pioneers of Digital Privacy

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