Bitcoin web3 outfit BLIFE merges with EVM gaming layer Portal

In an example of the sort of consolidation we’d expect to see more of in 2026, universal gaming ecosystem Portal has merged with Animoca’s Bitcoin-based BLIFE Protocol.

Going forward, the combined businesses will operate under the Portal brand.

Both projects suffered during 2025’s downturn so this combination hopefully will enable them to find synergies and expand.

In particular, Animoca has promised to provide new capital and access to its gaming connections, while partner G-20 will step up as an ecosystem and strategic partner to the new entity.

Launched in late 2023, Portal was an attempt to build out a universal liquidity network for web3 gaming on Ethereum – and eventually Solana – with elements including a discovery hub, wallet and the PORTAL token, which was planned to be a payment method for hundreds of games. Unfortunately, the price decline of PORTAL – down 99% – meant that despite progress in other elements of the business, the core concept couldn’t overcome market forces.

As for BLIFE, the company started out as Darewise Entertainment, working on its Polygon-based Life Beyond game. Over time, however, the vision changed with the company rebranding and pivoting to work on a Bitcoin-based gaming protocol, first within Life Beyond and then as a separate network, now including the BLIFE.ID identity system and memecoin trading platform Odin.fun.

In this way, BLIFE plans to integrate its forthcoming Bitcoin L1 bridge within Portal’s infrastructure, strengthening its reach.

“This merger aligns BLIFE’s work on Bitcoin with Portal’s cross‑chain infrastructure,” commented BLIFE’s CEO Benjamin Charbit who is taking the CEO role for Portal going forward.

“Our goal is to reduce fragmentation in web3 gaming and improve discovery and connectivity for players and developers. We look forward to combining BLIFE’s network on Bitcoin with Portal’s tooling to unlock practical utility and better link games and platforms. The integration of BLIFE’s ecosystem, its Bitcoin community, and Beyond’s upcoming bridge expands Portal’s reach and unlocks new possibilities for developers building cross chain experiences.”

Source: https://www.blockchaingamer.biz/news/41280/bitcoin-web3-blife-merges-evm-gaming-layer-portal/