Table of Contents
The popularization of blockchain games
“Premonition” and “preparation” progress all at once
The content has evolved into one where users can simply enjoy the game without needing any knowledge about crypto assets or wallets.
In 2022, ``STEPN'', which innovated the Web 3.0 game called Move to Earn, established ``X to Earn'' and created an economic zone where you can earn compensation in the form of tokens by taking certain actions.
Since then, the Play to Earn idea of ``playing and earning'' has spread to countries around the world, and it can be said that it became a major opportunity for major companies to enter the market in Japan as well.
However, many blockchain games have been played in Japan even before the popularity of ``STEPN,'' and they are highly regarded around the world. “Crypto Spells,” which was officially released in 2019, is one of them.
Crypto Spells does not require the preparation of a wallet or crypto assets, which is a huge barrier to entry for users, and it quickly grew into one of the largest blockchain games in Japan.
CryptoSpells was created by CryptoGames, led by Kota Ozawa. The company also offers an agricultural experience game called ``Astar Farm'' that utilizes the Astar Network, a public blockchain from Japan, and a campaign with Calbee that it ran last year became a hot topic.
With existing major game companies expected to enter the market in 2023, how will Mr. Ozawa lead CryptoGames and the Japanese blockchain game industry?
Ozawa: In 2022, “STEPN” became a hit, and businesses around the world began to enter blockchain games using the X to Earn model. Personally, while everyone was looking for the next hit after Axie Infinity, I never thought Move to Earn would come. In addition, by specializing the UX in the smartphone app, not only existing crypto users but also ordinary users who did not have a wallet can be seen on the street, demonstrating the possibility of mass adoption of blockchain games. I was shocked. 2023 will be the year when large-scale blockchain games with IP and graphics comparable to existing games will begin to be released by major domestic developers, and we expect that one of these will be a hit title in Japan. doing.
At the same time, we believe that the spread of infrastructure services for general users will begin.
For example, the recently announced MetaMask Unity plug-in makes it easier to connect wallets even in social games, wallets like Torus that allow you to hold NFTs by logging in to SNS, wallets that can be restored even if you lose your private key, and wallets for businesses that can store NFTs even if you lose them. I think that custody services and other services will naturally spread to the masses without requiring any knowledge of crypto assets or wallets.
At CryptoGames, in preparation for the mass adoption of blockchain games, we are focusing on content development on the layer 2 chain ``TCG Verse'' using the ``Oasys'' chain that offers free gas fees.
I believe that blockchain is a once-in-a-century technological change, so please keep an eye on the Web3.0 industry this year!
◉Kota Ozawa
2014 Graduated from Keio University Faculty of Economics. Joined CyberAgent Co., Ltd. as a new graduate. Launched multiple game-related businesses and was selected as CA36 in 2016. Established CryptoGames Co., Ltd. in 2018. Concurrently served as an outside director of double jump.tokyo in 2020. Director of Blockchain Content Association. Obtained two business model patents.
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