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 in search of 'candy liquidation'
James Wynn didn't maintain again. He agreed with critics who argue that this function turns actual losses into leisure. Wynn stated in his publish that Astor is “accepting or justifying being liquidated in trade for a couple of factors.” Nonetheless, he added that he had doubts concerning the timing of the function. He advised that “Machimode” might 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 a couple of small factors…
In return for an engagement, you’re mocking the commerce brother in Christ @machibigbrother…or worse…there’s 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 aspect. Defended Large Brother Machi, the “buying and selling brother in Christ” who was straight talked about in Aster's announcement.
Aster hits again with humor
Aster reacted virtually immediately, leaning into the confusion with a surprisingly gentle tone. The staff knowledgeable James Wynn that it might not take away airdrop assignments or liquidation factors. “I've revealed 26 liquidations,” he teased, including, “I respect your laborious 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 dangerous buying and selling, however solely rewards customers even in loss situations. Regardless of public criticism, some stated the trade didn’t punish James Wynn and praised the transparency. Nonetheless, this ironic trade highlighted how delicate the neighborhood is to the incentives of gamification offers.
Group response is split down the center
Many merchants discovered this function attention-grabbing and known 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 pattern. Critics warned that turning liquidations into leaderboards may appeal to inexperienced merchants who could underestimate the dangers of leverage.
Others echoed James Wynn's considerations 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 neighborhood 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 staff stated the change shouldn’t set off the liquidation of present positions. Nonetheless, it nonetheless inspired customers to handle their dangers. The replace served as a reminder that social media fights can dominate headlines. The platform remains to be delivery options and getting ready for its subsequent section.
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 challenge stays to be seen. Nonetheless, one thing has already grow to be clear within the conversations surrounding it. Aster’s advertising and marketing technique thrives on disruption, and the crypto neighborhood is all the time part of this drama.

