Special Edition: Year in Review

Volume 1 | Edition 28 | December 28, 2023

Opening Thoughts

Hey Chain Reaction Readers!

This week, we're shaking things up! Instead of our regular news roundup, we're taking a rearview mirror look at 2023. It's been a year of wild rides in Crypto, breakthroughs in AI/Tech/Startups, and epic game changers in Gaming.

Consider this your express lane to catch up on all the pivotal moments that shaped these dynamic sectors. We're trimming the fat to give you a sleek, action-packed recap of the year. Let's rewind and dive into the highlights that defined 2023!

Crypto Chronicles 2023: Navigating the Bear Market Maze

As we reflect on 2023, let's not forget that this was the year crypto enthusiasts had to brave the depths of a relentless bear market. Those who stuck around saw some reward as we neared the end of the year.

Here's a look at how Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) fared from the beginning of the year to the present:

• January 1, 2023:

  • Bitcoin (BTC): $16,619.10

  • Ethereum (ETH): $1,200.96

  • Solana (SOL): $9.68

• December 28, 2023 (latest available data via CoinMarketCap):

  • Bitcoin (BTC): $43,251.16

  • Ethereum (ETH): $2,390.69

  • Solana (SOL): $104.56

Despite the bearish conditions that dominated most of the year, the resilience and eventual recovery of these cryptocurrencies highlight the unpredictable yet dynamic nature of the crypto market.

Here's a month-by-month breakdown of the key events that shaped the cryptosphere:

• February: Kraken's $30 million settlement with the SEC.

• March: Collapses of Signature Bank, Silvergate Bank, and Silicon Valley Bank.

• June: SEC lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase; BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF application.

• July: Ripple's partial victory against SEC charges.

• August: Twitter's rebranding to X, with potential crypto features.

• October: UK promises crypto regulations in 2024.

• November: Kraken targeted again by the SEC; Sam Bankman-Fried's conviction; Binance's settlement and CEO resignation.

• Throughout the Year: Grayscale's ETF review saga.

From the regulatory crackdowns to the high-profile collapses and legal battles, 2023 was a year that tested the mettle of the crypto world. As we bid adieu to this tumultuous year, we brace ourselves for what 2024 might bring. Keep those digital wallets secure and stay tuned for another rollercoaster ride in the crypto universe!

Tech Trends & Startup Roundup

2023 in AI, Tech, and Startups was nothing short of a sci-fi script coming to life. From AI advancements to breakthroughs in tech and the rollercoaster of startup successes and failures, here's a timeline-style roundup that captures the essence of this transformative year:

AI and Tech Advancements

• Early 2023: Generative AI burst onto the scene, led by OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other models like Meta’s LLaMA 2, Google’s Bard, and Baidu’s Ernie Bot. The year witnessed an unprecedented rollout of AI technologies​​.

  • OpenAI’s GPT is now in model 4 with 4.5 rolling out in early 2024.

  • Midjourney Image AI is now in version 6.

• Google recently released its most powerful AI model for both daily and enterprise users, named Gemini.

• April to December: Various tech breakthroughs included CRISPR for sickle-cell, AI-driven art generation, and a paradigm shift in chip designs with RISC-V. The military drone landscape changed with more accessible technology, and telemedicine became a key player in providing abortion pills​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

• All Year: The James Webb Space Telescope provided breathtaking images of the cosmos, marking a new era in astronomy​​.

Startup Scene

• April: Apple launched a savings account feature for Apple Card customers, a significant fintech move by a tech giant. However, its partnership with Goldman Sachs unraveled by year's end​​.

• June: Visa acquired Brazilian fintech startup Pismo for $1 billion, signaling a significant M&A deal in the fintech space​​.

• Late September: Slope, a business-to-business payments platform, raised $30M in a venture round with significant participation from OpenAI's Sam Altman​​.

• October: Equity management startup Carta faced challenges, drawing attention to its internal issues​​.

• June: Robinhood acquired no-fee credit card startup X1 for $95 million, a move that hinted at its future trading platform aspirations​​.

• Early April: Vesey Ventures, founded by former Amex Ventures executives, closed its first fund at $78 million, focusing on early-stage fintech startups​​.

• August: Digital mortgage lender Better.com went public via a long-delayed SPAC, but its debut was less than stellar​​.

• Mid-May: Indian fintech startup ZestMoney shut down after failing to find a buyer, despite significant investor backing​​.

Check out a full yearly roundup on the startup scene HERE, at Alitec.

2023 was a testament to human ingenuity and technological prowess, but also a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with such power. As we look ahead, the future seems ripe with possibilities, and yet, the path remains thrillingly unpredictable.

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The Best & Worst from Gaming

Let's dive into the biggest headlines that had gamers and the industry buzzing:

Gaming Industry's Rollercoaster

• Early 2023: The year kicked off with more than 7,000 jobs slashed across major gaming companies like Xbox, Niantic, EA, and Ubisoft. Ironically, these cuts came amidst massive profits for the industry, raising concerns about the sustainability of AAA gaming​​.

• January: Google Stadia, the ambitious game-streaming service, met its end, officially going offline. Despite big names and big plans, Stadia couldn’t capture gamers' hearts​​.

• February: Super Nintendo World, a theme park of every 90s kid's dream, opened in California, bringing the Mushroom Kingdom to life​​.

Big Moves and Surprises

• April: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, featuring Chris Pratt, hit theaters and smashed records, raking in over $1.3 billion worldwide, becoming the biggest video game movie ever​​.

• August: In a nostalgic twist, Charles Martinet, the long-time voice of Mario, stepped back from the role, transitioning to a "Mario Ambassador"​​.

• October: Microsoft finally completed its colossal $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, ending an 18-month regulatory saga and reshaping the gaming landscape​​.

• November: Sony slimmed down the PS5, releasing a new model that's 30% smaller and slightly pricier. They also introduced an add-on Blu-ray disc drive, keeping in step with the digital age​​.

• December: Rockstar Games finally unveiled the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, sending the internet into a frenzy. The game, set to release in 2025, promises a new Vice City and intriguing new characters​​.

• Year-End: Epic Games, after major layoffs, revamped Fortnite with the "Big Bang" update, introducing new games within the Fortnite universe and evolving it into more of a platform​​.

Web3 and Illuvium's Surge

• January to December: Illuvium, a major player in the Web3 gaming space, had a landmark year. They launched the Illuvium: Zero's Public Alpha, constantly updated the game based on community feedback, and made significant progress with Illuvium: Arena. Their IlluviDex and Illuvitars projects are nearing completion, setting the stage for an expansive multi-game universe​​​​​​​​​​.

So, that's the gaming world of 2023 for you! From industry shakeups to blockbuster releases, it's been a wild ride.

Final Byte: Wally’s Wisdom

Hey Chain Reaction crew,

As we wrap up this rollercoaster of a year, let's not forget the resilience and innovation in the blockchain space. Despite the bear market thrashing the web3 world, champs like CryptoLink, Gauss, and Kosha Creations kept laying down tracks for the blockchain train. They're building enterprise adoption of this tech, proving that true visionaries keep building, no matter the weather.

Speaking of weather, I'm off to Central America for a week of sloth-chillin' and beachside sipping in Belize. So, expect a lite edition next week, if any. But get ready for Volume 2 of Chain Reaction in 2024 - we're talking a brand refresh and an enhanced format that'll knock your socks off.

Big thanks to all our subscribers - you're the real MVPs here. And hey, keep an eye out for our subscriber loyalty club launching Q1 2024. It's gonna be packed with perks you won't want to miss.

Till then, keep the reactions chainin'!

🌴🍹🚀 Wally

Marketing/Branding — CryptoLink.Tech 
Co-Founder — Decent Media

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If you are catching today’s edition on the web and you are not already subscribed, do us a favor and click the button below! Subscribing is free and it is the #1 way to support the Chain Reaction newsletter. In the future, we will be exploring the possibility of subscriber and referral rewards.