Emily Walker
In a series of updates on X, Shytoshi Kusama, the main developer of the Shiba Inu (SHIB) project, has unveiled important details regarding the upcoming TREAT token, which is set to be the final addition to the Shiba Inu ecosystem. Following the early access launch of SHIB: The Metaverse on December 25, Kusama’s recent insights indicate that TREAT will be a key element of the Shiba Inu strategy by early 2025.
The Purpose of TREAT in Shiba Inu
On December 31, Kusama posted on X to clarify TREAT’s role within the ecosystem. He posed intriguing questions in a widely shared message: “What if there was a way to give Transactional Rewards for Engagement and Access through a Token? Could it support an operating system that enables a Network State, potentially addressing various global issues? What if?”
These comments suggest that TREAT is envisioned as more than just a tradable asset. It aims to encourage user engagement, offer access to enhanced functionalities, and establish a “Network State.” While full details are yet to be disclosed, these hints signal the development team’s ambition to make TREAT a leading element of Shiba Inu’s global initiatives.
Kusama also pointed out the progress of the Shiba Inu Metaverse and the forthcoming launch of TREAT in a December 27 post: “Now that the Metaverse is successfully rolling out, it’s time to discuss TREAT, the evolution of our project and our efforts over the last few years to maintain our innovative edge. Stay tuned…”
This suggests that TREAT has been under development for quite some time, with the storyline shifting quickly from the Metaverse to the token’s upcoming release.
Kusama further heightened excitement by revealing plans to provide more in-depth insights through a podcast, which will be broadcast in the newly launched Metaverse. He shared:
“My podcast will feature 44 episodes where I’ll freely share my thoughts on vital topics… including the technology we’ve created (some of which you’ve seen), how it all relates to #TREAT, and how these elements come together (in theory) to make a difference in the world. Are you ready? I am… Mondays will cover Memes. Tuesdays will focus on TREAT and its implications. […] Next year will be monumental, and I’m thrilled to share our developments. Let’s go!!”
Kusama also confirmed earlier this month that TREAT will play a role in facilitating fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) through a partnership with Ogai for longevity research, stating, “Absolutely! And OGAI utilizing FHE is just one potential application. TREAT has multiple uses beyond FHE, along with other technological advancements we’re working on.”
In reflecting on Shiba Inu’s growth, he introduced the notion of incorporating trust and governance functionalities within the ecosystem. In November, he tweeted: “Karma and Reputation embedded into the core of Shib’s ecosystem, along with advanced features driven by TREAT, will address these challenges effectively.”
This remark alludes to a financial issue involving streamer Jack Doherty, illustrating that many digital assets can experience failures without solid trust structures in place. Kusama suggests TREAT’s reputation systems could reduce such risks for the Shiba Inu community.
Fans of Shiba Inu’s token ecosystem are aware that SHIB, LEASH, and BONE each have unique functions. Kusama clarified: “Each token serves its own purpose, and TREAT will be the access point to all our system’s advanced features, unlike Leash, which emphasizes exclusivity, and Bone, which is technology-oriented.”
As of the latest updates, SHIB is trading at a price of $0.00002180.