Starknet

**Gaming industry veterans** from Magic: The Gathering, Hearthstone, Diablo, and Xbox Live have formed **Popularium**, a new studio launching their blockchain game **Prevarus** on Starknet. **Key Details:** - Launch date: October 24, 2025 - Virtual preview event with only 100 spots available - Attendees get priority access to Private Alpha - Built on Starknet blockchain **What This Means:** The collaboration brings together proven talent from major gaming franchises to web3. The limited preview suggests strong early interest in the project. **Next Steps:** Interested players should register quickly for the [virtual event](https://luma.com/8b79u5bx) to secure their spot and early access to the game.

A blockchain network has demonstrated remarkable **exponential optimization** in block production speed: - **First million blocks**: 1,130 days - **Second million blocks**: 257 days - **Third million blocks**: Just 40 days This represents a **28x acceleration** from the first to third million blocks, showcasing significant network improvements and scaling capabilities. The data reveals how blockchain infrastructure can dramatically improve over time through optimization and technological advances.

**Alpen has announced a strategic partnership with Starknet**, expanding the ecosystem of Layer 2 scaling solutions on Ethereum. The collaboration aims to: - Enhance transaction throughput and reduce costs - Improve developer experience on Starknet - Integrate Alpen's infrastructure with Starknet's zero-knowledge technology This partnership builds on Starknet's growing momentum in the L2 space, following previous developments including **staking capabilities** introduced earlier this year. The integration is expected to provide users with more efficient and cost-effective transactions while maintaining Ethereum's security guarantees. *Stay tuned for technical implementation details and timeline announcements.*

**Major Bitcoin DeFi announcement incoming** from Alpen and StarkWare teams at 3 PM UTC. The teams are calling this a **"0 to 1 moment"** for Bitcoin DeFi, suggesting a significant breakthrough or new development in the space. - Full details will be revealed during the scheduled presentation - Both Alpen and StarkWare are established players in the blockchain infrastructure space - The timing suggests coordination with broader Bitcoin DeFi momentum This follows recent industry discussions about **BTCFi 2.0** and Bitcoin's expanding role in decentralized finance. *Join the presentation to learn about this potential game-changing development.*

**StarkWare has launched its Delegation Program** to strengthen Starknet's decentralization through validator support. **Key opportunities:** - Apply for the StarkWare Delegation Program - Receive more STRK tokens delegated to your validator - Earn increased staking rewards Validators and delegators form the **core infrastructure** of Starknet's consensus mechanism. This program aims to distribute stake more effectively across the network. The initiative complements the existing Starknet Foundation delegation program, providing **dual pathways** for validator participation. *Applications are now open for validators seeking delegation support.*

**Major Starknet developments this week:** - **Uncap goes live** - First stablecoin (USDU) fully backed by Bitcoin launches on Starknet Mainnet - **Gaming expansion** - BlockRooms debuts as first fully onchain FPS game, while POW! opens to all players with 200k STRK prize pool - **Mobile gaming** - Jokers of Neon poker game now available on App Store and Google Play - **Wallet integration** - Xverse adds support for 8 Starknet apps including AVNU and Carmine Options - **Trading updates** - Cartridge Controller users can now swap on AVNU - **Validator opportunity** - StarkWare Delegation Program applications close Oct 18 - **BTCFi development** - Partnership with Alpen details coming this week Read the full recap: [Starknet Research](https://starknetresearch.substack.com/p/starknet-roundup-191)

A significant DeFi development is coming to Starknet with a new perpetual DEX launching tomorrow. Built by former Revolut team members, it will introduce: - Leverage trading capabilities - Traditional finance asset pairs - Yield farming opportunities In other news: - Layer Akira adds 8 new tokens with $10k lottery campaign - RocketX now bridges ~180 chains to Starknet - Cartridge Controller adds Gmail login support - Byte Beasts integrates Worldcoin verification - New NFT collection Schizodio sells out in under 24 hours [Full weekly recap](https://starknetresearch.substack.com/p/starknet-roundup-182)

Starknet announces version 0.13.6, scheduled for Testnet on June 30 and Mainnet on July 8. This update lays groundwork for S-Two, StarkWare's next-gen STARK prover. Key improvements: - S-Two will cut proving time from 24 to 3 minutes for 2B L2 gas blocks - Proving costs expected to reduce by 50% or more - Resource counting enabled - Transaction costs and UX remain unchanged *Note*: Cairo Native temporarily disabled on Testnet, planned reintegration in Q3. [Full release notes](https://community.starknet.io/t/sn-v0-13-6-pre-release-notes/115680)

Asset Runes technology is enabling direct stablecoin trading on Bitcoin for the first time, eliminating the need for cross-chain bridges or wrapped tokens. The development is being implemented through @dot_swap's platform. - Trading is powered by an onchain orderbook - Features Full Mempool Protection - Currently in beta phase - Supports BTC to Rune swaps - Rune to BTC swaps being gradually implemented This marks a significant step toward native Bitcoin DeFi functionality without requiring users to leave the Bitcoin network.

Starknet is positioning itself as a unified development platform that allows builders to create applications that can leverage both Bitcoin and Ethereum networks simultaneously. Key ecosystem partners supporting development include: - OpenZeppelin - The Graph Protocol - Nethermind - OnlyDust - StarkWare - Starknet Foundation This cross-chain development capability represents a significant step toward blockchain interoperability, allowing developers to harness the unique strengths of both leading networks.