Features Referee Tony Weeks » September 23, 2025

Just in time for National Video Game Day 2025, PlayChange.io has announced the highly anticipated release of the pioneering CryptoBoxers virtual game, set for early 2026. PlayChange.io, also conceived by CryptoBoxers CEO and founder, Andrew Gilliam, is a new, futuristic gaming platform merging sports, blockchain, and A.I.

Concept creator Andrew Gilliam first pushed the technology envelope in the crypto gaming space back in 2019 with CryptoBoxers, the first boxing game prototype operating on blockchain technology. Gamers were in feverish anticipation of a portal that would feature real life boxers as collectible tokens with virtual fighting action. Then Covid happened. But you can’t keep a real fighter out the ring. Just in time for National Video Game Day 2025, PlayChange.io has announced the highly anticipated release of the pioneering CryptoBoxers virtual game, set for early 2026. PlayChange.io, also conceived by CryptoBoxers CEO and founder, Gilliam, is a new, futuristic gaming platform merging sports, blockchain, and A.I.

CryptoBoxers promotes the player as the ultimate crypto contender, switching the emphasis off the professional boxers and over to the gamer. The experience is a fully immersive, user friendly world where gamers will enter a fantasy boxing arena and engage in an interactive “gloves on” ring experience with the boxer of their choice.

The pre-launch will also offer exclusive NFTs tied to CryptoBoxers: Round 1, available to the public mid-September. World renowned referee Tony Weeks is the first NFT limited edition release. Weeks, whose legendary career spans several decades, is one of the most recognized and respected referees in boxing. His NFT is uniquely designed to function inside the game, recording professional match outcomes. Holders of the Tony Weeks NFT will earn a share of match-generated winnings automatically, what Gilliam describes as “passive income without lifting a glove.”

“Creating new revenue streams for athletes as well as gamers was always my vision,” explains Andrew Gilliam, creator and CEO of CryptoBoxers and PlayChange. “I’ve personally been in and out of many rings to finally bring CryptoBoxers to the market, and I’m deeply grateful for the journey. Athletes will be financially empowered, and players will be rewarded experientially and monetarily. CryptoBoxers on the PlayChange platform is a one-two knockout punch for the win!”

CryptoBoxers emergence on PlayChange.io is quite significant. PlayChange.io is a next-generation digital subscription platform (DSP) blending video games, NFTs, streaming, e-commerce and A.I. into one unified ecosystem. With the motto “In Games We Trust,” PlayChange is redefining how athletes, gamers, and fans interact, making sure every punch, every play, and every moment has lasting value.

Arshad Mehmood Malik, PlayChange’s Lead A.I. Technologist, notes, “The collaboration between sports and A.I. is about to reshape the entire gaming industry. Our innovative technology enhances how athletes and players interact with the ecosystem, unlocking real financial opportunities. For the first time, gamers aren’t just spending money, they’re positioned to earn from play. This is a true shift from pay-to-play to play-to-own.”

“The long wait for CryptoBoxers will pay off in more ways this one,” cites Joseph Weiss, Special Projects Coordinator at PlayChange.io. “PlayChange is a platform with a genuine passion for all athletes to be treated fairly. They generate billions for the gaming industry and should be recognized as more than just licensing deals. With A.I., we’re delivering virtual competition at a much lower cost than our competitors, including a free limited subscription for early sign-ups. Every athlete is a partner with us and finally, they get equity in themselves that they can even pass down to their children. And gamers benefit as well with enhanced opportunities to earn while playing.”

For ringside seats to CryptoBoxers, fans, athletes, and collectors can join the pre-launch, secure early NFTs, and lock in free trial subscriptions to PlayChange at Playchange.io.