Compiled by WuBlockchain
In this episode of The Good Game Podcast, Imran and Qiao explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency, discussing market cycles, AI agents replacing key opinion leaders (KOLs), stablecoin adoption in developing nations, and the role of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) in energy and computing. While optimistic about innovation, they caution against excessive hype.
The Rise of Self-Funded AI Models: DeepSeek’s Challenge to Traditional AI Startups
Imran highlights DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab funded by a quantitative trading firm rather than traditional venture capital. This self-funded approach challenges the conventional belief that AI startups require massive external investments.
Key discussion points:
- DeepSeek reportedly outperformed OpenAI in benchmark tests using significantly lower hardware costs.
- The team’s independence from venture capital suggests a potential shift in AI funding models.
- This mirrors trends in crypto, where self-funded projects like Bitcoin have thrived without institutional backing.
Qiao remains skeptical, arguing that competing with giants like OpenAI still demands substantial resources. However, Imran notes that DeepSeek’s success—if sustained—could disrupt the AI industry’s financial dynamics.
Commoditization of Foundation Models: The Battle for Distribution Channels
Qiao predicts that foundation AI models (e.g., OpenAI, Google DeepMind) will eventually become commoditized as technical advantages diminish. The real competition, he argues, will shift to distribution capabilities—companies that control user access will dominate.
Why this matters:
- Fred Wilson’s 2025 forecast suggests Google may leverage its distribution network to overtake OpenAI.
- Model routing technologies (e.g., AI switching between APIs) are emerging as critical infrastructure.
- “Open routing models” allow applications to dynamically select the best-performing AI for specific tasks.
Imran agrees, comparing this shift to cloud computing’s evolution, where convenience and integration outweighed raw technical superiority.
The AI Agent Boom: From Whitepapers to GitHub Repositories
The current AI agent craze parallels past crypto trends like ICOs (2017) and DeFi Summer (2020), but with a twist: GitHub activity and Twitter followings now replace whitepapers as credibility signals.
Observations:
- Projects gain traction based on developer engagement rather than theoretical promises.
- Noise levels are high, with many teams raising funds purely on hype.
- True innovation exists—e.g., Sphere One’s agent-assisted trading and Orbit’s collaborative content creation tools—but standout use cases remain rare.
Imran cites Sam Altman’s recent AGI remarks and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s “trillion-dollar AI agent market” prediction as catalysts prolonging the hype cycle.
Market Cycles and Risks: Are We Nearing the AI Bubble?
Qiao draws parallels to the 1999 dot-com bubble, where infrastructure companies (e.g., Cisco) outshone application-layer firms early on. He predicts a similar trajectory for AI:
- Short-term (2–3 years): AI-related stocks and crypto may surge absurdly before correcting.
- Long-term (10+ years): Gradual productivity gains as AI integrates into workflows.
Risks to watch:
- Macroeconomic factors: Inflation resurgences or policy shifts (e.g., Trump’s potential pro-crypto policies).
- MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy: If BTC’s price falls below MSTR’s average buy-in (~$60K–$70K), panic selling could destabilize markets.
- Agent tokenization: Most AI agent tokens lack sustainable utility, raising concerns about long-term viability.
Stablecoins and DePIN: Crypto’s Global Use Cases
Beyond AI, the podcast explores crypto’s tangible impacts:
- Stablecoins: Thriving in developing nations for cross-border payments and inflation hedging (e.g., Nubank in Brazil).
- DePIN: Projects like io.net and Helium demonstrate decentralized infrastructure’s potential, though questions persist about scalability vs. centralized alternatives.
Predictions for 2025 and Beyond
- AI x Crypto Fusion: Successful projects will blend AI/crypto seamlessly—users won’t realize they’re interacting with either technology.
- Social Tokens for AI Agents: Agents like AIXBT (with 150K+ tweet impressions) may replace human KOLs, governed by token holders.
- Policy Shocks: Regulatory changes (e.g., a U.S. Bitcoin reserve) could accelerate or disrupt cycles.
FAQ Section
Q: Will AI agents replace jobs?
A: Incrementally—autonomous agents may enter workflows within 6–10 years (per Sam Altman), but sudden displacement is unlikely.
Q: Are AI agent tokens a good investment?
A: High risk. Most lack real utility; focus on projects with clear governance/value accrual (e.g., Slop’s social platform experiments).
Q: How does DePIN compete with centralized cloud providers?
A: Currently, it doesn’t on price. Niche use cases (e.g., censorship-resistant computing) drive adoption, but long-term dominance by centralized players is probable.
Q: Is this the peak of the crypto-AI hype cycle?
A: Likely not. With Nvidia/OpenAI still pushing narratives, the frenzy could persist for months. However, Qiao estimates we’re ~80% through the current market cycle.
👉 Explore how AI agents are transforming crypto trading strategies
👉 Dive deeper into DePIN's role in decentralized AI infrastructure
Disclaimer: Per regulatory guidelines, this content is for informational purposes only and does not endorse any financial activities. Always comply with local laws regarding virtual assets.