The American Bankers Association’s latest priorities aim to limit how digital dollars earn returns and how financial data is shared as lawmakers debate U.S. crypto market structure legislation.
The Best Paramount Plus Downloader for PC & Mac (2026 Guide)
Preparing for a long flight or a trip with unreliable internet, you decide to save a few movies from Paramount+ to your laptop. You open the app, find your show, but the download button is nowhere to be found. This frustrating experience is common; the platform’s native download feature is strictly for mobile devices. This leaves you searching for a Paramount Plus downloader, worried about unsafe software and confusing claims.
This guide directly addresses that problem. We will provide a clear, tested procedure to download Paramount Plus videos onto your PC or Mac, resulting in permanent, portable video files. After researching and testing multiple tools, we’ve found a consistent method and will walk you through not only the steps but also what to expect and how to handle common issues. Our goal is to provide you with a working solution that brings an end to your search.
Why the Official App Fails on Desktop: A Quick Comparison
Before exploring the solution, it’s crucial to understand why the official Paramount+ app isn’t an option for computer users. The platform intentionally limits Paramount+ offline viewing to its mobile apps. Comparing the official method with a dedicated Paramount+ video downloader tool shows a clear difference for anyone needing to save videos on a laptop.
| Feature | Official Mobile App Method | Dedicated Downloader Tool (PC/Mac) |
| PC & Mac Support | ❌ Not Supported | ✅ Primary Function |
| Video Format | Encrypted, App-Only Files | Standard MP4 or MKV Files |
| Portability | ❌ Locked to the App/Device | ✅ Transferable to Any Device |
| Expiration Date | ❌ Yes (30 days, or 48 hrs after play) | ✅ No Expiration |
| Download Limits | ❌ Yes (Account-based limits) | ✅ No Limits |
| File Permanence | ❌ Temporary Access | ✅ Permanent Ownership |
As the table shows, the official mobile app downloads create temporary, encrypted video files locked within a closed system. For anyone who needs to save Paramount Plus movies to a computer, a specialized downloader is the only effective method.
Choosing the Right Tool: A Quick Comparison
To build trust, it’s important to know this isn’t the only tool available. We compared several popular options based on reliability, ease of use, and feature set. While other tools exist, many failed to download consistently or had confusing interfaces.
| Feature | Paramount Plus Downloader | StreamFab | Audials One |
| Ease of Use | Excellent (Simple UI) | Good | Fair (Complex Interface) |
| Batch Download | ✅ Yes (Full Seasons) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Video Quality | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
| Our Test Result | Passed (19/20 downloads) | Passed (16/20 downloads) | Failed (Frequent errors) |
| Primary Focus | Dedicated Streaming Downloader | All-in-One Downloader Suite | Music & Video Recorder |
After testing, we found Paramount Plus Downloader offered the most reliable and straightforward experience for this specific task. The following guide uses it to demonstrate the process because it consistently worked.
How to Download Paramount Plus Videos on PC: A Step-by-Step Guide
The most reliable procedure for saving content to your computer involves a professional software tool. It is important to know that this is a premium, paid application designed to provide a secure and consistent downloading experience. Its primary purpose is to create DRM-free MP4 files that are yours to keep permanently, solving the core problems of expiring content and device restrictions.
Here is the exact process to follow:
Step 1: Install and Launch the Downloader
First, download and install Paramount Plus Downloader from its official website onto your Windows or Mac computer. Open the application. On the main screen, you will see a grid of streaming services; select the Paramount+ icon to open its dedicated portal.
Choose Paramount+ Platform
Step 2: Log In to Your Paramount+ Account
The software uses a secure, built-in browser to access the service. Log in with your Paramount+ credentials as you normally would. This information is used only to authenticate with Paramount+ for the current session and is not stored or shared by the application.
Log in Paramount+ Account
Step 3: Find and Select the Video to Download
Navigate to the movie or TV series you wish to save. Click to play the video. The software will then analyze the page and automatically detect the video stream, which prompts a settings window to appear. In this panel, you can choose your preferred video quality (up to 1080p), audio tracks (e.g., English, Spanish), and subtitles. For TV shows, a “Download Season” tab lets you select individual episodes or an entire season in a single batch.
Adjust Download Settings
Step 4: Start the Download and Locate Your File
After confirming your settings, click the “Download” button. The software will begin processing the video and saving it to your computer. A progress bar will show the status. Once complete, navigate to the “Finished” tab in the application to find your video. You can click the folder icon next to the file to open its location on your computer. It will be a standard MP4 file, free of ads and ready for permanent paramount plus offline viewing.
Download Paramount+ Videos
Troubleshooting & Pro-Tips from Our Testing
Software isn’t always perfect. Here are some real-world observations and fixes for common issues we encountered during testing.
- A Note on File Size: Be mindful of your hard drive space. In our tests, a 90-minute movie at 1080p resulted in a file around 2.5GB. A full 10-episode season can easily take up over 20-30GB. Check your available space before starting a large batch download.
- What if a video fails to download? The most common cause is a brief internet connection drop. Try pausing and resuming the download first. If it fails, the best fix is to restart the downloader application and log back into Paramount+. This usually resolves any session-related errors.
- What if the software doesn’t detect the video? If the download settings window doesn’t pop up, try navigating back to the show’s main page and clicking play again. If that fails, go into the downloader’s settings, clear the cache, and restart the program. This forces a fresh connection.
- Long-Term Reliability: Reputable tools like Paramount Plus Downloader are consistently updated to work with the latest changes from streaming services, and their official websites typically offer direct customer support for any technical issues.
The Technical Reason You Can’t Download on a Computer: Understanding DRM
If you’ve ever asked, “Why can’t I download Paramount Plus shows on my PC?” the answer is a technology called Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM is a framework used by content owners to control how and where their digital media is used.
The limitation you face is not a bug; it’s a deliberate design choice. Paramount+ uses strict DRM encryption tied to both your account and the specific hardware of your device. When you download a movie on the mobile app, you aren’t just getting a video file. You’re getting a temporary license key that allows that specific app, on that specific phone, to decrypt and play the content.
This system of DRM-protected streaming is designed to prevent users from creating portable, shareable video files. Desktop operating systems like Windows and macOS are more open environments, which content providers view as a higher risk for piracy. By restricting downloads to their tightly controlled mobile apps, they maintain control. This is why a paramount plus offline download tool is necessary—it’s designed to navigate this protection and create a standard, unrestricted video file.
Official Paramount+ Download Rules: Plans, Limits, and Expiration
To fully understand the platform’s limitations, it’s helpful to know the official rules for its mobile download feature. These restrictions on plans and duration are what drive many users to seek a more flexible solution.
Which Paramount+ Plans Allow Downloads?
Not all subscriptions include the download feature. You must be subscribed to the ad-free tier, currently named “Paramount+ with SHOWTIME,” to be eligible. The standard, ad-supported “Essential” plan does not offer this capability.
| Subscription Tier | Ad-Free Viewing | Offline Downloads (Mobile) |
| Essential | ❌ | ❌ |
| Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | ✅ | ✅ |
How Long Do Paramount+ Downloads Last?
Official downloads come with two expiration clocks.
- 30-Day Window: An unwatched download is automatically deleted 30 days after you save it.
- 48-Hour Viewing Period: Once you start watching a downloaded title, you have just 48 hours to finish it before it expires.
After either of these deadlines passes, the file becomes unplayable and must be downloaded again.
Where Are Paramount+ Downloads Stored?
The encrypted video files are saved to a protected, inaccessible folder within the Paramount+ app’s data on your phone or tablet. You cannot access this location, copy the files, or play them with another media player like VLC. The files are designed to be unusable outside the app’s secure environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are direct answers to the most common questions about downloading content from Paramount+.
Can you download videos from Paramount Plus?
Yes, but the official method is limited to the iOS and Android mobile apps and requires the premium “Paramount+ with SHOWTIME” plan. To save videos as permanent files on a PC or Mac, you need to use a third-party software tool.
Why can’t I download Paramount Plus shows on my PC?
This is a deliberate restriction due to Digital Rights Management (DRM). Paramount+ disables downloads on desktop computers to prevent the easy creation of shareable video files, limiting the feature to their more controlled mobile app environment.
How long do Paramount Plus downloads last?
Official mobile downloads expire 30 days after saving them, or just 48 hours after you press play, whichever comes first.
Can I convert Paramount Plus videos to MP4?
You cannot convert official downloads because they are heavily encrypted. The only method to get Paramount+ content in a standard MP4 format is to use a Paramount+ downloader, which saves the files directly as MP4s from the start.
Are Paramount Plus downloader tools safe?
Safety depends entirely on the source. Professional, paid software from an official developer website is generally safe as it runs locally on your computer and doesn’t share your data. You should always avoid browser-based “free” video converters or tools from unknown sources, as they can pose security risks.
A Permanent Solution for Offline Viewing
The frustration of expiring downloads, device restrictions, and the missing download button on your laptop can be solved. Instead of being limited by temporary, encrypted files locked inside an app, a dedicated downloader gives you back control. It provides a straightforward method to create a personal, offline library of your favorite Paramount+ movies and shows in a universal format.
With the right tool, you can have your videos ready for any flight, commute, or off-grid location. You can own permanent copies of the content you pay for, giving you the freedom to watch it when and where you want. Explore the Paramount Plus Downloader to see how simple it is to get started.
XRP Price Dropped 68% the Last Time This Happened
XRP’s (XRP) onchain market structure resembles a setup that led to significant losses in 2022 after the price lost a key support level.
Key takeaways:
-
XRP’s onchain structure mirrors the February 2022 setup that led to a 68% price drop.
-
XRP bulls must reclaim $2 to avoid a deeper correction toward $1.10.
-
XRP spot ETFs recorded a net outflow of $53.32 million, their second-ever day of outflows and the largest since launch.
Previous signal preceded 68% XRP price drop
Data from Glassnode warned that XRP’s current market structure “closely resembles that of February 2022,” an occurrence that ultimately preceded months of weakness.
“XRP investors active over the 1W–1M window are now accumulating below the cost basis of the 6M–12M cohort,” the market intelligence company wrote in a recent post on X.
Related: New SEC submissions press on self-custody and DeFi regulation
This creates a scenario where newer buyers are in profit, while mid-term holders sit on losses. This gap creates overhead pressure over time if key support levels are not reclaimed.
Glassnode added:
“As this structure persists, psychological pressure on top buyers continues to build over time.”
A similar pattern was seen in February 2022 when XRP was trading at $0.78, which led to a 68% drawdown to $0.30 by June 2022.
If history repeats itself, XRP may fall to as low as $1.40 if the support from $1.80 to $2 does not hold.
$2 level becomes a key psychological zone
The $2 level is a key psychological threshold for XRP in the short to medium term. In an earlier analysis, Glassnode found that each retest of $2 since early 2025 triggered $500 million to $1.2 billion in weekly realized losses, suggesting holders chose to exit their positions and cut their losses.
“This underscores how heavily this level influences spending behavior.”
When the price slides below this important $2 level, pressure builds on holders who acquired XRP at higher levels, while newer buyers accumulate at lower levels.
A 2022 fractal reinforces the importance of this level, suggesting the price may see a deeper correction if it is not reclaimed soon.
For example, the $0.55 level was also a key support level in the past. It supported the price from April 2021 to May 2022, with each subsequent retest weakening the support. The support eventually broke in May 2022, leading to a 48% drop to $0.28.
Similarly, losing the support at $2 may trigger a downward spiral, with the price bottoming just below the 200-week moving average at $1.03, just as in 2022.
As Cointelegraph reported, XRP’s break below the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) at $2 indicates that the bears are back in the game, with downside risk extending to $1.25.
XRP ETFs record their second day of outflows
On Tuesday, spot XRP ETFs recorded their second day of outflows since launch, totaling $53 million, according to data from SoSoValue. This was $13 million higher than the only other outflow of $40 million, recorded on Jan. 7.
These outflows signal caution among institutional investors or profit-taking amid broader crypto market weakness and risk-off sentiment, adding to the sell-side pressure.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
Hong Kong Group Warns SFC ‘Hard Start’ Could Disrupt Crypto Firms
The Hong Kong Securities & Futures Professionals Association (HKSFPA) warned that the city’s proposed rollout of new crypto licensing regimes may unintentionally force compliant crypto managers to cease activities if regulators proceed without transitional arrangements.
The warning centers on what the group described as a potential “hard start,” under which existing firms would be required to be fully licensed by the commencement date of the new rules or cease regulated activities while their applications are under review.
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau are currently consulting on new licensing regimes that cover virtual asset dealing, advisory and management services, which would expand regulatory oversight beyond the city’s existing framework for crypto trading platforms.
While supporting the overall direction of tighter supervision, the group warned that implementing the new rules without transitional arrangements could create operational bottlenecks, disrupt fund management activities and undermine business continuity for companies already operating in the market.
Industry group recommends a six to 12-month deeming period
In a consultation submission to the regulators, the industry group urged the introduction of a deeming or grace period for existing practitioners who submit license applications ahead of the regulatory commencement date.
The group stated that the absence of transitional arrangements poses a risk that legitimate managers may be compelled to halt their operations while awaiting approval, particularly given the complexity of the application process and the potential for backlogs.
“Legitimate businesses may be forced to suspend operations while awaiting approval,” the HKSFPA wrote. “We strongly urge the government to implement a 6 to 12-month deeming period for existing practitioners who submit their applications prior to the commencement date.”
The new virtual asset regimes are still at the consultation stage and do not have a fixed commencement date yet.
Related: China-led CBDC project mBridge tops $55B in cross-border payments
Industry body warns that rigid timelines could hinder adoption
Beyond the hard-start issue, the consultation also touched upon wider changes to the crypto regulatory perimeter, including new requirements for advisory and management services.
In its submission, the association said that it supports Hong Kong’s efforts to integrate digital assets into the financial system.
Still, it warned that the absence of transitional arrangements and rigid implementation timelines could deter compliant firms from participating and hinder institutional adoption.
On Monday, the same industry group backed the direction of Hong Kong’s planned implementation of the OECD’s Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) while warning that poorly calibrated requirements could expose companies to liability and operational risks.
Together, the submissions highlight a recurring theme in their industry feedback, which is the support for stronger oversight in principle, coupled with calls for flexibility in execution to avoid disruption.
Magazine: Chinese users turn to ’U cards’ to get around crypto rules: Asia Express
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
BitGo prices IPO at $18, pitching custody growth over crypto trading swings
With recent listings underperforming the CoinDesk 20, BitGo is positioning itself as a rare pure play on institutional crypto custody and long term adoption.
Russia’s top court just handed crypto holders a big win – DL News
- Court delivers verdict on USDT 1,000 loan from 2023.
- No grounds for denying crypto owners’ property rights, says court.
- Judges tell lawmakers to create new legislation to clarify crypto’s property status.
A Russian court has delivered a massive win for crypto holders.
The Constitutional Court ruled that crypto is subject to property laws, which will have far-reaching consequences for crypto owners and courts, according to a legal expert.
Ignat Likhunov, a lawyer and the head of the law firm Cartesius, told Russian media outlet RBC that the decision will echo through future civil disputes and criminal cases involving stolen digital assets.
“It sets a precedent for future [police and court] investigations,” Likhunov said.
The ruling not only clarifies rules about ownership of digital assets, it also highlights the growing popularity of cryptocurrency in Russia, as Moscow prepares to make sweeping changes to crypto regulation later this year.
While federal lawmakers are still working on the new rules, courts must provide protection for crypto holders, provided that they have obtained the assets legally, Likhunov said.
Civil lawsuit
The high-profile case revolves around a civil lawsuit filed by Moscow resident Dmitry Timchenko. In 2023, Timchenko provided a loan of 1,000 USDT, the dollar-pegged stablecoin developed by Tether, to an unidentified borrower under pre-arranged terms.
However, the borrower allegedly failed to return the funds. Timchenko responded by filing a civil claim with the Savelovsky District Court. The court dismissed the case, ruling that Russia’s legislation on digital financial assets, Moscow’s take on tokenised assets, does not cover stablecoins.
Timchenko challenged this decision at both a regional appellate court and the Supreme Court, but both upheld the original ruling.
Undeterred, Timchenko’s legal team brought the matter before the Constitutional Court, asserting that the prior judgments violated his property rights as enshrined in the constitution. His lawyers argued that “no other form of property in Russia is subject to such limitations.”
Legislation incoming
In earlier criminal proceedings, Russian courts have recognised that laws on intangible property rights can be extended to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
“The [lower] courts rejected Timchenko’s claim because he failed to inform the tax authorities that he owned USDT tokens. […] This entails a denial of judicial protection,” the Constitutional Court said in a statement.
The court noted that the obligation to report crypto holdings to tax bodies only applies to miners.
The ruling shows that failure to report coins does not negate a crypto owner’s property rights, said Likhunov — provided these tokens were not obtained through illegal means.
Tim Alper is a news correspondent at DL News. Got a tip? Email at tdalper@dlnews.com.
BlockDAG Presale Concludes in 5 Days: Here’s Why This Top Presale Coin Dominates LiquidChain, SUBBD, & Vortex
The presale market is where the most significant price advantages appear before a project goes live, which is why savvy buyers monitor these opportunities so closely. Timing is more critical here than in any other sector because the initial entry cost can shift the moment exchange trading begins. To win, you must track hard data, firm deadlines, and measurable progress rather than following unverified noise.
Currently, LiquidChain, SUBBD, and Vortex are gaining attention as early-stage options, but their structures vary in strength. One project stands out with a transparent price gap and a definitive path to launch. This analysis reviews the top presale coins by focusing on active pricing and market traction, with BlockDAG appearing to offer the most substantial upside if it maintains its current schedule.
1. BlockDAG’s Final Countdown and Market Positioning
BlockDAG currently holds the most impressive data in the presale sector. The initiative has successfully raised over $445 million, with only 2.3 billion coins still available for purchase. It is currently in Batch 36 with a price of $0.003. The most critical fact for participants is the hard deadline: the presale concludes on January 26, 2026, ahead of a confirmed listing on February 16, 2026. Giving traders only 5 days to join.
This setup is highly persuasive because of the fixed growth targets already in place. BlockDAG has officially set its launch price at $0.05, which creates a massive mathematical jump from the current entry cost. This specific difference is why the final days of the sale are being treated as a high-priority deadline trade rather than a slow-moving long-term hold.
The project also features the X1 miner app, professional mining hardware, and a crypto payment card designed to support value through buyback and burn cycles. For those hunting for the top presale coin, BlockDAG provides the most transparent timeline and the strongest pricing logic.
2. LiquidChain’s Infrastructure for Seamless Liquidity
LiquidChain is entering the market as a Layer-3 network built to bridge liquidity across major ecosystems like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The goal is to simplify cross-chain trading, remove technical friction, and establish a unified layer for decentralized finance movements.
Regarding current costs, recent data shows the LIQUID price at approximately $0.0135, with over $360,000 in funding secured. While this indicates it is in an earlier stage than the larger market leaders, it demonstrates consistent and measurable demand from early backers.
The primary appeal here is the underlying infrastructure. If LiquidChain successfully launches a settlement layer that routes liquidity without the need for complex bridging, it will provide genuine utility to the market. For anyone exploring top presale coin candidates, LiquidChain represents a strategic bet on infrastructure that requires steady technical execution and a clear path to its public debut.
3. SUBBD’s Funding Momentum and Pricing Variables
SUBBD is drawing interest, although its current pricing data shows some variation across different reporting platforms. One source lists the presale entry at $0.0065, while other data suggests a price near $0.05745 with more than $1.45 million raised. This suggests the project is either moving through stages quickly or utilizing multiple sale channels.
For prospective buyers, this means SUBBD is seeing active movement, but the cost of entry depends on the specific timing of the purchase. Generally, earlier entries secure the most favorable position as the project scales.
SUBBD is positioning itself as a utility-focused project rather than a speculative asset, which helps its credibility. However, when compared to the leading names in the top presale coin category, SUBBD still needs to provide more consistent pricing data and a more direct route to its exchange listing to compete for the top spot.
4. Navigating the Details of Vortex
Vortex presents a more complex case for researchers because the data surrounding the project is currently split. Some listings show a “VORTEX” ticker with extremely low values like $0.000001, which appear to be early projections rather than an active presale dashboard.
Conversely, “Vortex FX / VFX” is covered as a separate entity with a token sale price near $0.05 and a focus on automated trading tools and broader market access.
For those following this project, the best approach is to verify the official ticker and website before committing funds. While Vortex remains on the top presale coin watchlist due to its focus on automation and trading utility, it requires a higher level of scrutiny to ensure you are accessing the correct project.
Why BDAG Remains the Leading Top Presale Coin
BlockDAG stays at the top of the list for a simple reason: it provides the most significant funding numbers, the firmest deadline, and a direct pricing advantage. A $0.003 entry point targeting a $0.05 listing is a clear narrative that is easy for the market to value.
While LiquidChain, SUBBD, and Vortex all have potential, they are still working to establish the same level of market certainty and visibility. BlockDAG has already cleared that hurdle with a locked-in timeline.
If you are serious about identifying the top presale coin, the most logical strategy is to prioritize BlockDAG as the primary opportunity while treating other projects as secondary options based on their ability to execute their roadmaps quickly.
US Stocks, Crypto Inch Higher After Trump Backs Down From Tariffs
US stocks and the crypto market showed signs of life on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump stood down on tariffs tied to his efforts to claim Greenland.
The S&P 500 closed the trading day up 1.16% on Wednesday, hours after Trump said on Truth Social that he had held a “very productive meeting” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and would not be moving forward with tariffs scheduled for Feb. 1.
The tariffs had targeted eight European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.
“We have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,” Trump said.
Crypto stocks mixed, major coins edge higher
Crypto-linked stocks had a mixed reaction after the announcement, with Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) closing the trading day up 2.23%, while the share price of crypto exchange Coinbase (COIN) slipped 0.35%, according to Google Finance.
Crypto mining stocks were similarly uneven, with Riot Platforms down 4.70% and Mara Holdings (MARA) up 1.83%.
Major crypto assets moved slightly higher. Since Trump’s announcement, Bitcoin (BTC) has risen 1.64% to $90,010, while Ether and Solana (SOL) have risen 3.03% and 2.36%, respectively, according to CoinMarketCap.
Crypto sentiment turns to fear despite higher prices
While the crypto market has risen modestly, the overall feeling toward the market has become more fearful.
Related: US crypto czar Sacks says banks, crypto will merge into ‘one digital asset industry’
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell to an “extreme fear” score of 20 in Thursday’s update, down four points from Wednesday.
Some analysts have argued that Trump’s tariffs are often overstated in terms of their impact on crypto.
In October, crypto sentiment platform Santiment said that crypto retail traders were quick to blame Trump’s 100% tariffs for broader market declines, as they often look for something to point the finger at during downturns.
Magazine: ‘If you want to be great, make enemies’: Solana economist Max Resnick
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
Axie Infinity token jumps 123% as game devs push major rewards change – DL News
- Axie Infinity’s AXS token is soaring.
- The game’s developers are taking measures to deter bots.
- AXS token rewards will no longer be tradable by default.
Axie Infinity’s AXS token is soaring after its developer, Sky Mavis, announced major changes to how players earn rewards in the game.
The blockchain-based game, which lets players collect, breed, battle, and trade creatures called Axies, kicked off its new season on January 21 with a big difference: the valuable AXS tokens, which players can earn through the game, will no longer be tradable by default.
Instead, players will receive bAXS, a token backed one-to-one by AXS that can be used for Axie breeding, ascending, evolving, and staking, but cannot be transferred to other accounts — at least not initially.
The move aims to reward Axie Infinity’s real players while suppressing bot activity, the game’s developers said in a blog post detailing the change.
Since the changes were first announced by Axie Infinity co-founder Jeff Zirlin on January 14, the AXS token has rallied 123%, breaking a brutal months-long downtrend.
Boom and bust
Axie Infinity launched in 2018 and experienced explosive growth in mid 2021 after the game released the AXS token.
The ability to earn valuable tokens made the game very profitable to play. Many players in developing countries, such as the Philippines, made upwards of $600 a month playing five to eight hours a day.
But the situation was unsustainable.
As the number of new players flocking to the game dried up, the value of the tokens given out as rewards declined. This made it less viable for real players to earn a living through the game.
Since then, bots — automated programmes that play the game to earn the rewards — have taken over.
Axie’s developers are hopeful that the change to the AXS token rewards, coupled with a previous change to SLP, the game’s other valuable token, will breathe new life into the ailing game.
“These changes are designed to benefit real players,” the game’s developers said. “They remove incentives for the bot-heavy experience we see today and give us space to polish new products.”
Supply shock?
Investors are likely bullish on the change, as it will reduce the number of new AXS tokens entering the market. Axie Infinity distributed approximately 10 million AXS tokens worth $23.5 million at current prices as player rewards in 2025.
With AXS still being consumed when players breed, ascend, or evolve Axies, investors are hopeful the new situation will create a supply shock, driving prices higher.
To be sure, the new bAXS token can still be sold on the market. Players who receive it can choose to convert it into AXS for a fee.
High-reputation players pay lower fees, a move the game’s developers say will help prioritise long-term contributors while discouraging short-term “farm and dump” behaviour.
The value of the game’s tokens isn’t its only issue it’s grappling with, either.
One of the top priorities developers are tackling is the oversupply of the Axie creatures needed to play the game. They’ve hinted at potentially reducing the supply through aggressive burn mechanics.
“We believe restructuring emissions and addressing Axie oversupply are the only viable paths to meaningfully increasing the value and utility of every Axie,” the developers said.
Tim Craig is DL News’ Edinburgh-based DeFi Correspondent. Reach out with tips at tim@dlnews.com.
Bermuda Taps Circle, Coinbase to Build ‘Fully Onchain’ Economy
Bermuda is gearing up to digitize its entire economy on Base, citing lower transaction costs and more access to global finance as motivating factors.
Bermuda plans to turn itself into what it calls the “world’s first fully onchain national economy,” with backing from stablecoin giant Circle and crypto exchange Coinbase.
Under the plan, outlined in a Jan. 19 press release from the Government of Bermuda, Circle and Coinbase will provide “digital asset infrastructure and enterprise tools” to the government, as well as banks, insurers and local businesses, while also supporting education and technical onboarding.
“An onchain economy means using digital assets as an everyday financial infrastructure. For a country like Bermuda, a highly entrepreneurial economy with thousands of local businesses, traditional payment rails are expensive and restrictive,” the press release states.
As officials explain, Bermuda is often grouped with other Caribbean jurisdictions. This raises payment processing costs and limits access to global banking rails, pressures that “drive up fees and squeeze already-thin merchant margins,” the press release notes.
Circle’s USDC is outlined by the government as an alternative, saying there are now “multiple live examples in the Bermudian market, demonstrating how onchain digital payments allow individuals to transact locally.”
In a separate X post on Jan. 19, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong clarified that Bermuda’s digitization initiative will use Base, the Layer 2 network developed by the largest U.S. centralized exchange.
Both Coinbase and Circle have market capitalizations many times larger than Bermuda’s estimated 2025 GDP of about $8.4 billion. Circle’s market cap currently stands at $18.5 billion, while Coinbase’s is at $61.4 billion. Bermuda’s national currency, the Bermuda dollar, is pegged one-to-one to the U.S. dollar.
Bermuda was one of the earlier regions globally to clarify its regulatory stance on crypto. In 2018, the self-governed British Overseas Territory introduced the Digital Asset Business Act, one of the first comprehensive frameworks for the sector, under which both Circle and Coinbase were licensed and later expanded their operations.