The domain of chess has witnessed an unprecedented intersection with artificial intelligence (AI), manifesting a novel paradigm in strategic gameplay and understanding. The collaboration, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Toronto, aimed at dissecting chess through the lens of AI, has unpeeled layers of nuanced strategies previously uncharted. The conception of this venture drew heavily on the ingenuity of AI models like Google's AlphaZero, venturing beyond mere computational analysis to seek out moves marked by a blend of creativity and tactical acumen. By delving into an expansive repository of over 8,500 games and singling out instances of sheer brilliance, the study sought to bridge the gap between the computational efficiency of AI and the creative depths of human intellect in chess.

Central to this exploration was the deployment of neural networks, sophisticated algorithms modeled after the human brain, which facilitated a more intricate assessment of chess positions. This methodology enabled the AI to not just evaluate positions based on predetermined parameters but to identify moves that resonate with brilliance—moves that combine surprise, ingenuity, and strategic sophistication. This diverged from traditional AI applications in chess, moving towards a qualitative appreciation of the game's complex dynamics.

The project’s findings, underscored by an impressive accuracy rate of 79%, highlighted a significant alignment between AI's identification of brilliant moves and human perception. Yet, it also underscored the subjective nature of what constitutes 'brilliance' in chess, reflecting varying viewpoints between seasoned experts and the wider chess-playing community. This discrepancy opened avenues for deeper reflection on the criteria for brilliance and the potential for AI to recalibrate its assessments based on broader, more inclusive perceptions.

The endeavor to harmonize AI's analytical capabilities with human insights into chess brilliance encountered its nuances, much like the deliberations that frame perceptions of art. The inquiry into whether AI can truly comprehend or replicate the profundity of human creativity and strategic thought in chess became a pivotal focal point. It raised pertinent questions about the breadth of AI's applicability and its potential to enrich, rather than simply replicate, human understanding and appreciation of chess.

Beyond the confines of chess theory and AI, the synergy between chess and the burgeoning field of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies has heralded a new cultural epoch. The mainstream popularity of chess, fueled further by media portrayals such as "The Queen’s Gambit", and the advent of digital innovations, including NFTs within the chess community, mark a vibrant overlap of tradition and modernity. These developments not only diversify the game’s cultural significance but also enhance its accessibility and the ways in which it is consumed by a global audience.

The infusion of chess with crypto technologies, exemplified by novel ventures like the play-to-earn Bitcoin chess game and Anichess, symbolizes the fluid integration of classical strategy games with digital advancements. This not only amplifies chess's appeal to a technologically savvy generation but also showcases the potential for technology to foster new modalities of engagement with traditional games. The collaboration between chess grandmasters and tech entrepreneurs in these initiatives underscores a collective movement towards reimagining the essence of strategy games in the digital age.

In conclusion, the University of Toronto’s AI-driven analysis of chess brilliance captures a momentous shift in the intersection of technology, creativity, and strategic thought. This foray into the realm of AI and chess not only elevates our comprehension of the game but also propels discussions on the multifaceted potential of technology to transcend conventional frameworks. As we stand on the cusp of this fusion, it invites stakeholders across disciplines to envision and sculpt a future where AI not only complements but also deepens our engagement with the rich intellectual legacies of games like chess.