🎮 Gaming Surge: Three Major Launches Hit Starknet

**strkBTC is set to launch by end of April/early May**, bringing a new Bitcoin wrapper to Starknet that combines hard money principles with privacy and DeFi productivity. **Key features:** - Privacy-enabled Bitcoin transactions - Built on STRK20s privacy technology - Compliance integrated from day one - Full DeFi composability on Starknet **What this means:** Bitcoin holders will be able to do more than just HODL - they can participate in Starknet's DeFi ecosystem while maintaining privacy. The asset aims to provide Bitcoiners with confidential balances and private transfers. **Get involved:** Interested users can contact the team at [strk20.starknet.io](https://strk20.starknet.io/) to participate in the upcoming launch. Bitcoin can already be bridged to Starknet in preparation. This launch is part of Starknet's broader privacy initiative, which includes STRK20s - a privacy layer for all ERC-20 tokens with built-in compliance.

**BTC-backed lending sees significant growth on Vesu** The number of loans backed by Bitcoin and Bitcoin Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) has increased 6x on the Vesu platform. **Key metrics:** - BTC collateral grew from 35 to over 260 tokens (7x increase) - Supported assets include wBTC, LBTC, tBTC, solvBTC, and their Endur LST variants Users can now leverage multiple forms of wrapped Bitcoin and liquid staking derivatives as collateral for borrowing on the platform.

**Starknet has completed its transition to post-quantum security**, marking a significant milestone in blockchain infrastructure. **Key achievements:** - Post-quantum proving system (already implemented by design) - Post-quantum wallets now live on mainnet - Native Account Abstraction enables seamless migration - No address changes or hard forks required The network's proving system was built with post-quantum resistance from the start. The recent wallet integration provides users with a clear upgrade path to quantum-resistant security without disrupting existing operations.

**Urgent Action Required for Haiko Users** Users with funds on Haiko are being reminded to **withdraw their assets immediately**. This follows a pattern of platform transitions in the ecosystem. **Key Points:** - Withdraw all remaining funds from Haiko as soon as possible - No specific deadline mentioned, but urgency is emphasized - Similar to previous situations like Rhino's legacy StarkEx system withdrawal period **What to Do:** Check your Haiko account and initiate withdrawals if you have any remaining balance.

**Ducks Everywhere** is introducing a new NFT collection called **Lil Duckies**, which will be distributed entirely through an airdrop to the Starknet community. **Key Details:** - The collection will be fully airdropped to eligible participants - Community members can verify their eligibility status - NFTs will be sent directly to winners' wallets This follows the project's previous airdrop pattern, where ducklings were distributed to winners in October 2024. **Check your eligibility:** [Ducks Everywhere announcement](https://x.com/DucksEverywher2/status/2039388251815829539)