The CEO of Proof of Play, Amitt Mahajan, predicts a rise in dedicated blockchain utilization for gaming applications. Mahajan, known for creating Farmville, envisions a future where numerous individual blockchains will support specific applications. As a result of his experience at Zynga, Mahajan sees blockchain technology as an advanced database that is crucial for scaling applications. Pirate Nation, a crypto game by Proof of Play, initially operated on the Ethereum scaling network Polygon but moved to Arbitrum Nova due to rising gas fees on Polygon. To avoid challenges related to shared networks and increased gas fees, Pirate Nation launched its own application-specific chain called Apex, which Mahajan believes is the way forward for other apps as well.
Other games on networks like Avalanche are also leveraging their dedicated subnets, such as Shrapnel and Off the Grid with its GUNZ network. Treasure, for instance, is constructing its own Arbitrum-based Treasure Chain with dedicated gaming networks called “Infinity Chains.” After the launch on Apex, Pirate Nation began filling up the chain with transactions, prompting deliberations about adding more chains to support scalability. Mahajan compares this trend to his experience in Web2 game development, where a scalable architecture was necessary to accommodate growing games. While managing multiple chains may seem daunting, Mahajan sees it as a necessary evolution for sustainable growth. Additionally, the recent launch of Pirate Nation’s PIRATE token witnessed a significant surge in value following its listing on Coinbase.
Meta aims to innovate metaverse gaming by integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. A recent job posting by Meta disclosed the company’s ambition to explore new gameplay possibilities in the metaverse through the incorporation of generative AI with virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality games. Consequently, Meta is envisioning games that are non-deterministic, personalized, and capable of evolving with each playthrough, offering experiences that are currently unimaginable. Companies such as Meta, Microsoft, Tencent, and Nvidia are making substantial investments in the metaverse to elevate their platforms and introduce new user experiences. Meta, for instance, allocated $50 million for global research and development in the metaverse, while Epic Games secured $1 billion, including a $200 million contribution from Sony.
