Podcast: Why Microsoft Could Win the Metaverse Wars | Weekly Roundup

Jason Yanowitz and Santiago Roel Santos talk about Microsoft, the Curve Wars, major acquisitions, tokenomics and more.

by Brianna Beckford /
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In the latest episode of “Empire,” weekly roundup, Blockworks’ Jason Yanowitz and Santiago Roel Santos gear up for a jam-packed week as they explore the hottest in crypto news. They review changing opinions on tokenization, DeFi and the Curve Wars.

They also discuss the biggest in acquisitions, from new funds stepping into the crypto space with billion-dollar backing to Microsoft’s metaverse news — and what it could all mean for the future of crypto.

Jason and Santiago also talk about:

  • What’s happening with OlympusDAO?
  • Token backing and main market drivers
  • OpenSea’s Dharma Labs acquisition
  • and so much more

Check out what they had to say in the video below. 👇

About the show

“Empire” is a twice-a-week show. On Thursdays, Jason interviews crypto industry movers and shakers to talk about their struggles, bold moves and tough decisions. Friday’s weekly roundup episodes feature co-host, Santiago Roel Santos and cover the top news from the past week.

For any NPR or Guy Raz fans out there, you can think of “Empire” as a “How I Built This” for the bitcoin and crypto industry.

Subscribe to “Empire” today on Apple or Spotify. Watch episodes on YouTube.


Get the day’s top crypto news and insights delivered to your inbox every evening. Subscribe to Blockworks’ free newsletter now.


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Research

The tokenization wave has arrived for trading cards, with protocols like Collector Crypt and Phygitals leading the charge. By tapping into the same dopamine loops that made Pop Mart’s Labubu blind boxes a phenomenon, their gacha mechanics show how TCGs can thrive in a crypto-native setting. Yet with razor-thin margins, limited product differentiation, and hype-driven cycles, building a lasting moat is a challenge. In my latest report, I share insights from the Collector Crypt and Phygitals teams on the opportunities and risks shaping onchain TCGs and what comes next for them.

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