Welcome to the OpenSea digest. Let’s look back through the biggest NFT and web3 news of the week.

Justin Aversano begins daily release of new photo series, ‘Moments of the Unknown’

Photographer Justin Aversano, known for his “Twin Flames” series, launched “Moments of the Unknown,” a long-term project releasing one new artwork per day throughout the next year. 

Announced on X April 8 from Los Angeles, Aversano says the series has been in development every day for years.

Ledger partners with Sui Network

Hardware wallet maker Ledger added native support for Sui Network, a low-fee and low-latency layer-one (L1) blockchain designed for digital item ownership and composability.

The integration allows users to store and manage Sui-based NFTs and tokens directly through Ledger Live Desktop. According to the announcement, mobile integration is coming soon. 

Mastercard and Kraken partner to enable Bitcoin payments across Europe

Mastercard and crypto exchange Kraken have announced a partnership to enable Bitcoin payments at more than 150 million Mastercard-compatible merchants worldwide, beginning with a rollout in the UK and Europe.

The initiative includes physical and digital debit cards that link Kraken users’ crypto balances to their retail swipes. It builds on Kraken Pay, the exchange’s payment tool, which allows users to send crypto or fiat with simplified user IDs.

While still in the early stages, the collaboration reflects the growing interest in testing crypto integration within traditional payment systems.

Fellowship launches redesigned site and new digital art exhibitions

Fellowship, a contemporary gallery for artists using frontier tech, launched a new website that reflects its evolving curatorial vision. The update coincides with new exhibitions (both digital and in-person), including works by conceptual artist Sarah Meyohas, vector artist Grant Yun, and others. Fellowship says the site brings together different mediums and artist voices to explore what it means to create in the age of AI. 

PayPal expands crypto offerings with Solana and Chainlink support

Payments giant PayPal has expanded its digital currency offerings to include Solana (SOL) and Chainlink (LINK) for eligible users in the U.S. and U.S. territories. 

According to PayPal’s updated FAQs, users can now buy, sell, hold, and transfer these cryptos directly through the platform without the use of third-party services like MoonPay. 

This marks the first time SOL and LINK and natively accessible within PayPal’s crypto infrastructure.

Ethereum Role-Playing Game ‘RavenQuest’ Set to Launch QUEST Token on Immutable

RavenQuest, a live Ethereum-based MMORPG developed by Tavernlight Games, has launched its in-game token QUEST on Immutable zkEVM, a gaming-focused Ethereum layer-two (L2) network.

The release follows RavenQuest’s official PC launch in March and supports its “game first, token second” approach. Additional applications for the token are anticipated soon, as RavenQuest's team is planning to expand the MMORPG and release a mobile version.

Ripple to acquire Hidden Road for $1.25B

Ripple, a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure provider, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Hidden Road, a London-headquartered brokerage firm, for $1.25 billion. 

Hidden Road offers institutional services including clearing, financing, and prime brokerage across foreign exchange, digital currencies, derivatives, and fixed income. 

The acquisition will reportedly expand Ripple’s role beyond cross-border payments into areas such as custody, trading, and institutional finance. 

The deal is pending regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the coming months. 

SheFi wraps 13th cohort and integrates ENS wallet naming into curriculum

Web3 education platform SheFi has completed its 13th cohort, which reportedly received more than 3,000 applications. 

As part of a new curriculum update, members are now learning how to register wallet names using Ethereum Name Service (ENS) and can claim a personalized SheFi username as their primary address. The partnership reflects SheFi’s growing focus on helping users develop on-chain identities. 

Applications for SheFi Season 14 are now open. Learn more and sign up here.

The Wire Network taps WallStreetBets Founder and Bill Murray crypto project lead

Wire Network, an L1 blockchain protocol focused on interoperability and decentralized AI infrastructure, named Jaime Rogozinski, founder of the viral Reddit community WallStreetBets, as its new chief strategy officer. 

Joining him is Gavin Gillas, former CEO of Project Venkman, the web3 startup known for launching the Bill Murray NFT collection, who will now step in as head of strategic partnerships. 

According to a press release shared with OpenSea, the hires aim to strengthen Wire’s rollout of a universal transaction layer designed to eliminate gas fees and support cross-chain transactions, such as those from its recent infrastructure support on ApeChain.

The company is currently preparing for its upcoming mainnet launch.

Note: The mention of a token is for informational purposes only nor is it intended as financial or investment advice.