Latest Crypto News – May 21, 2025: Crypto Market Trends, Predictions, GameFi, DeFi & Web3

Here’s a comprehensive summary of the most significant crypto market developments from May 21, 2025, focusing on Market Updates, GameFi, DeFi, NFTs, Web3, and newly launched tokens:

Market Updates

• Despite Bitcoin's rise, altcoins like Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) remained below their previous peaks. Analysts suggest that sustained Bitcoin dominance is necessary for altcoins to gain momentum.

• Bitcoin (BTC) has surged past $110,000, marking its highest level since March 2025. This rally is attributed to significant ETF inflows, dovish signals from the Federal Reserve, and aggressive accumulation by whale wallets, which have added 83,000 BTC in the past month.

• The NFT market has experienced a remarkable comeback, with its total market capitalization soaring by 69% to $4.8 billion. This resurgence is driven by deeper utility in NFTs and highly engaged communities, particularly through Web3 gaming and metaverse integrations.

GameFi

• Hamster Kombat, a play-to-earn game integrated with Telegram, continues to engage users with daily challenges and rewards.

• Tokyo Games Token (TGT) was listed on Bybit, marking its entry into the AAA Web3 gaming space.

• Ember Sword, a prominent Web3 game, announced its shutdown due to funding challenges and broader market difficulties. Despite raising over $7 million and selling more than 40,000 virtual land NFTs, the project couldn't sustain its operations.

• Immutable (IMX) has emerged as a leader in the GameFi sector, with its market cap surpassing $1.2 billion. The platform's recent implementation of "Zero-Knowledge Rollups" has enhanced scalability and reduced transaction fees, attracting top-tier gaming IPs.

• Ember Sword, a blockchain-based MMORPG, announced its shutdown due to funding challenges, highlighting the volatility in the Web3 gaming sector.

• Gamers L.A.B. was launched on the Somnia blockchain, aiming to bring real-time, on-chain game data to enhance Web3 gaming experiences.

DeFi

• Apollo Global launched a $785 billion tokenized credit fund, ACRED, on the Solana blockchain, representing a significant move in institutional DeFi adoption.

• XpFinance, a DeFi platform on the XRP Ledger, filled 20% of its token presale soft cap within days, indicating growing interest in XRP-based DeFi solutions.

• DeFi Development Corp. (DFDV) executed a 7-for-1 stock split, with its stock trading near a 52-week high, reflecting strong investor confidence.

• Kaanch Network has entered its fifth presale stage, integrating DeFi, GameFi, and real-world asset tokenization. The project aims to offer a comprehensive ecosystem for decentralized finance enthusiasts.

• DexBoss (DEBO) is gearing up for its 2025 milestones, promising varied opportunities within the DeFi ecosystem for both newcomers and seasoned traders.

NFTs

• FIFA, in collaboration with Ava Labs, launched its NFT blockchain on Avalanche, aiming to enhance trading performance and scalability for digital collectibles.

• SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce clarified that NFTs with built-in resale royalties are unlikely to be classified as securities, providing regulatory clarity for creators and marketplaces.

• Chillonic introduced a revolutionary NFT collection utilizing the "Chill-404" protocol, aiming to innovate in the NFT space.

• The Solana Seeker Web3 Phone is set to launch in August, featuring a native token and aiming to provide seamless Web3 experiences to users.

Web3

• HashKey Group partnered with Alibaba Cloud to advance Web3 innovation, focusing on accelerating blockchain adoption in Asia.

• WISeKey launched WISe.ART 3.0, one of the world's largest Web3 marketplaces for digital art, NFTs, and crypto collectibles.

• Sophon unveiled a zkTLS-based social oracle to integrate private Web2 data on-chain, enhancing privacy and user experience in Web3 applications.

Top Newly Launched Tokens (as of May 21, 2025)

GameFi Tokens

• The Last Dwarfs ($TLD) – A Telegram-native platform on the TON blockchain, combining GameFi mechanics with real financial incentives.

• LHUNT – A token offering staking rewards and integrating real-world applications within the Web3 gaming ecosystem.

• Qwadrox – A new entrant in the GameFi space, aiming to blend engaging gameplay with blockchain technology.

• DLUME (AurealOne) – Leading the GameFi evolution with early access alerts.

• DEBO – Gaining traction in both GameFi and DeFi sectors.

  
  

DeFi Tokens

• DexBoss (DEBO) – A utility-focused token with deflationary characteristics, offering rewards and governance within the DexBoss platform.

• Kaanch Network – A DeFi platform integrating GameFi elements, currently in its presale stage.

• DLUME – A DeFi project aiming to provide innovative financial solutions within the crypto space.

• XpFinance – A new DeFi platform on the XRP Ledger.

• XenDex ($XDX) – DeFi token with an ongoing presale, set to list on major exchanges.

• Kaanch Network – Entered presale Stage 5, focusing on DeFi solutions.

  
  

NFT & Web3 Tokens

• FIFA NFT Blockchain Token – Launched in collaboration with Ava Labs, focusing on enhancing NFT experiences within the sports sector.

• Gamers L.A.B. Token – Associated with the Gamers L.A.B. platform on Somnia, aiming to revolutionize on-chain game data.

• Solana Seeker Token – Tied to the upcoming Solana Seeker Web3 phone, integrating native token functionalities.

• AurealOne – A project focusing on blending NFTs with immersive Web3 experiences.

Other Notable Tokens

• Tokyo Games Token (TGT) – AAA Web3 gaming token listed on Bybit.

• Solaxy (SOLX) – Introduced the Igniter Protocol for token creation.

• MIND of Pepe (MIND) – A new entrant in the meme coin space.

• Vela AI (VELAAI) – Combining AI with blockchain technology .

• Giza Protocol (GIZA) – Focusing on decentralized finance solutions .

  
  

Top Crypto Movers – May 21, 2025

Top Gainers

• H2O DAO (H2O) – +247.3% Surged due to renewed interest in decentralized governance platforms.

• PayPal USD (PYUSD) – +65.17 % Gained momentum following increased adoption in digital payments.

• MANTRA DAO (OM) – +58.4 % Benefited from strategic partnerships and ecosystem expansion.

• KAITO (KAITO) – +29.6 % Experienced growth due to advancements in AI-driven analytics.

• Official Trump (TRUMP) – +11.77 % Continued to rise amid political endorsements and media attention.

Top Losers

• Pyth Network (PYTH) – -3.88% Declined due to concerns over data feed reliability.

• Neiro (NEIRO) – -4.85% Faced setbacks amid development delays.

• Aave (AAVE) – -2.5% Dropped following regulatory scrutiny in certain jurisdictions.

• Synthetix (SNX) – -2.1% Experienced a pullback after recent gains.

• Story (IP) – -3.7% Declined amid decreased user engagement.