Starknet Gaming Sector Poised for Exciting Q4 & Q1

The voting period for Starknet v0.14.2 ends on April 16 at 5 PM CET. This upgrade introduces several technical improvements to the network. **Key changes include:** - In-protocol S-Two proof verification - Revised storage economics - StarkGate token contract upgrades - Internal improvements for decentralization The upgrade enables zkThreads technology and sets the foundation for decentralized validation later in 2026. $STRK stakers and delegators can cast their vote at [Snapshot](https://snapshot.box/#/sn:0x009fedaf0d7a480d21a27683b0965c0f8ded35b3f1cac39827a25a06a8a682a4/proposal/11) before the deadline.

**StarkWare is sponsoring builders attending VibeCon in India** with flight coverage for 5 participants. **Top performers will receive substantial support:** - The top 10 builders gain access to **$25,000 grants from Starknet** - This initiative continues StarkWare's 8-year track record of supporting innovation on Starknet The program aims to attract and reward developers building on the Starknet ecosystem, combining travel support with financial incentives for promising projects.

**Ready has launched a redesigned user interface** for its self-custody wallet platform, marking a significant visual upgrade. The new UI represents Ready's continued focus on making self-custody more accessible and user-friendly. The update follows a similar redesign trend in the wallet space, where platforms are prioritizing clean, intuitive interfaces. **Key highlights:** - Fresh, modern design overhaul - Maintains self-custody functionality - Improved user experience The launch emphasizes that secure, non-custodial wallet solutions can also deliver polished, consumer-friendly experiences. This update positions Ready to compete more effectively in the increasingly crowded wallet market.

AVNU Paymaster will serve as the core engine for the STRK20s user experience layer, with privacy gasless support on the horizon. **Key Development:** - AVNU Paymaster positioned as central infrastructure for STRK20s - Privacy-focused gasless transactions coming soon **Background:** AVNU previously launched its Paymaster portal in February 2026, offering: - Instant API key creation - STRK deposits for transaction sponsorship - Real-time transaction monitoring - Failure detection tools - Gas runway tracking The integration aims to streamline the user experience for STRK20s by removing gas payment friction while adding privacy features.

**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.