In the latest development, Google Cloud has stepped up as the first "volunteer validator" on the XPLA gaming chain. This marks a major expansion in Google's presence within the crypto domain. 

XPLA, offered by the South Korean gaming firm Com2uS, has welcomed Google Cloud in this pivotal role. Validators are essential in blockchain networks, verifying and confirming transactions to maintain network health. Volunteer validators, unlike regular ones, will contribute to a community pool instead of receiving token rewards.

XPLA is now finalizing the workings of this validator feature. The proposal has gained unanimous support in the ongoing voting process.

Jack Buser, General Director of Google Cloud Game Industry Solutions, shared his optimism about the alliance: "We hope to accelerate the growth and innovation of Web3 games based on the secure and high-performance Google Cloud infrastructure."

XPLA runs on the Tendermint protocol, similar to Cosmos, and is compatible with EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine). The network is home to a number of popular games, including "The Walking Dead: All-Stars," "Summoner's War: Chronicles," and "Ace Fishing: Crew." These games make use of well-known IPs adapted for the blockchain's "play-to-own" model.

First known as C2X on the Terra network, XPLA was rebranded and relaunched in August 2022 following Terra's downturns. Its network validators include none other than Animoca Brands, a Web3 trailblazer, and Gumi, a mobile game developer.

XPLA Team Lead Paul Kim expressed excitement about Google Cloud's involvement: "We are delighted to announce Google Cloud is joining XPLA as a new validator, and to partner to advance our common vision to shape a transparent Web3 ecosystem."

No doubt, this partnership expands Google Cloud's involvement in the blockchain sector. It has previously run validators on various networks and has teamed up with Coinbase for cryptocurrency payments. The platform even launched a Web3 Startups Program in April to support crypto firms in collaboration with networks like Solana, Aptos, Near, and Hedera.