Aster’s newest function announcement has ignited one of many loudest cryptocurrency debates this week. The platform has revealed a brand new gamification mechanic, “Machi Mode.” This may give liquidation factors to merchants who’ve acquired “rekt”. What Mr. Astor framed as a playful tribute to well-known dealer Mr. Machi rapidly drew backlash. This was led by crypto whale James Wynn, who accused the commerce of mocking customers’ losses. This may arrange an “exit liquidity pump” forward of the upcoming Coinbase itemizing.
Wynn slams Astor for looking for ‘candy liquidation’
James Wynn did not maintain again. He agreed with critics who argue that this function turns actual losses into leisure. Wynn mentioned in his publish that Astor is “accepting or justifying being liquidated in trade for just a few factors.” Nevertheless, he added that he had doubts in regards to the timing of the function. He steered that “Machimode” may very well be a part of a hype technique forward of a possible liquidity occasion associated to Aster’s Coinbase itemizing.
I’ve to agree with @HyperliquidX right here.
Aster modestly tolerates/justifies being liquidated in trade for some small factors…
In return for an engagement, you might be mocking the commerce brother in Christ @machibigbrother…or worse…there may be really a mode to get rewarded… https://t.co/2ARr1soiF9
— James Wynn (@JamesWynnReal) November 20, 2025
James Wynn went a step additional and declared that he was shorting ASTER. This means that he expects the token to drop. A few of his criticisms had an emotional component. Defended Huge Brother Machi, the “buying and selling brother in Christ” who was immediately talked about in Aster’s announcement.
Aster hits again with humor
Aster reacted virtually immediately, leaning into the confusion with a surprisingly mild tone. The workforce knowledgeable James Wynn that it could not take away airdrop assignments or liquidation factors. “I’ve revealed 26 liquidations,” he teased, including, “I respect your arduous work.” The remark rapidly went viral, with merchants chiming in with jokes, memes and harsh opinions.
Some customers defended Aster by claiming that this function doesn’t encourage unhealthy buying and selling, however solely rewards customers even in loss situations. Regardless of public criticism, some mentioned the trade didn’t punish James Wynn and praised the transparency. Nonetheless, this ironic trade highlighted how delicate the group is to the incentives of gamification offers.
Group response is split down the center
Many merchants discovered this function attention-grabbing and referred to as it chaotic however innocent. Others appreciated Astor’s humor and willingness to poke enjoyable on the dangerous nature of perpetual buying and selling. Some noticed this as a worrying development. Critics warned that turning liquidations into leaderboards might appeal to inexperienced merchants who might underestimate the dangers of leverage.
Others echoed James Wynn’s issues about timing, pointing to Astor’s rumored Coinbase itemizing quickly. A number of customers made jokes about James Wynn’s sacrifice, making enjoyable of his 26 liquidation quantity and calling it a “speedrun chapter.” The group was a typical crypto theater, joking, cheering, debating, and screenshotting every thing.
Aster continues to ship regardless of noise
Amid the controversy, Aster quietly rolled out a brand new replace to the ZECUSDT perpetual contract. This provides a brand new leverage bracket of as much as 25x. The workforce mentioned the change mustn’t set off the liquidation of current positions. Nevertheless, it nonetheless inspired customers to handle their dangers. The replace served as a reminder that social media fights can dominate headlines. The platform continues to be delivery options and getting ready for its subsequent part.
As for “Machi Mode”, customers are nonetheless anticipating this function to be launched subsequent week. Whether or not it turns into a success, a meme, or a regulatory difficulty stays to be seen. Nevertheless, one thing has already develop into clear within the conversations surrounding it. Aster’s advertising technique thrives on disruption, and the crypto group is at all times part of this drama.

