Major Blockchain Updates This Week: Crescendo Upgrade, STRK Token Unlock, and More

According to the Top 7 ICO, a few major blockchain developments will occur this week. Starting today, 13 projects will reveal more details about these developments. From token unlocks to the launch of bounty programs, we have big blockchain developments coming this week.

Aleph Zero Mainnet Launch

Layer-1 privacy-enhanced blockchain Aleph Zero has announced on the X platform that it plans to launch its EVM mainnet today, on August 12. The mainnet launch will let developers build decentralized apps on Aleph Zero, likely increasing usage and demand. 

APT Token Unlock

Next, we have an APT token unlock worth $65 million today, August 12th. Aptos, a leading Layer-1 blockchain, is set to unlock 11.31 million APT tokens, which represents 2.4% of APT’s circulating supply. Since May 2024, Aptos has been unlocking 11.31 million tokens around the 12th of each month, a process that will continue until October 2026. Historically, these token unlocks have had varying impacts on the price, depending on market conditions.

Immutable X Marketplace Closure

Thirdly, Immutable X will close its marketplace tomorrow, August 13th. The Immutable Marketplace was initially launched to demonstrate the capabilities of the Immutable SDK, but it is now redirecting its focus towards supporting third-party marketplaces rather than maintaining its trading platform. The site will cease operations entirely by September 27.

STRK & SAND Token Unlock

The Sandbox conducts two token unlocks per year, i.e., in February and in August. Its second unlock for 2024 is scheduled for August 14, 2024. The project is expected to unlock 205.59 million SAND tokens, which make up 9% of the circulating supply. 

On the other hand, on August 15, StarkNet will unlock 64 million STRK, which will be distributed to investors and early contributors.

Crescendo Upgrade of Flow Testnet

Flow will launch the Crescendo upgrade on the testnet on August 14th. The upgrade aims to attract developers with its fully equivalent EVM environment.

AneeMate Closed Beta Launch – QORPO World

QORPO World is set to launch the closed beta of AneeMate on August 15. The AneeMate will be available exclusively for Genesis Zero holders and completed AneeMate Stickers book Vol. 1 & 2 participants. 

Bug Bounty Program by ZeroLend

ZeroLend, the decentralized lending blockchain built on the zkSync Era, has partnered with ImmuneFi to launch a bug bounty program on August 15th. This program offers up to $62000 USDC in rewards. 

BitSmiley Ends Liquidity Grant Program

In May, BitSmiley launched on the Merlin Chain mainnet and initiated a Liquidity Grant program. The Liquidity Grant period was planned to run from May 15th to August 15th. Throughout this period, users could engage with BitSmiley products while earning Season One bitPoint points. 

Launch of Etherscape on Epic Games

Epic Games is set to welcome another groundbreaking title to its platform with the launch of Etherscape on August 16, 2024. This highly anticipated multiplayer online rogue-lite action RPG is the latest addition to the growing list of Enjin-fueled games, offering players a unique blend of immersive gameplay and blockchain technology.

Etherscape distinguishes itself from traditional RPGs by integrating an on-chain backend that enhances the gaming experience in several ways. Players can own, trade, and even sell in-game items as NFTs, providing real-world value and true ownership over digital assets. This integration offers players a more personalized gaming experience and opens up new possibilities for earning and investment within the game.

UNI & ARB Token Unlock

Arbitrum, developed by Offchain Labs, is one of the most popular Layer-2 solutions for Ethereum. Next week, Arbitrum will unlock over 90 billion ARB, currently valued at approximately $50 million. The team, advisors, and investors will receive these tokens. Similarly, Uniswap will unlock UNI tokens valued at roughly $52 million. Both of these unlocks are scheduled for August 16th.