The Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrency

with @ariannasimpson @eddylazzarin @smc90

This episode provides an overview of web3 gaming, as enabled by crypto & blockchains -- including what ownership and decentralization really means for gamers and others; degrees of on-chain games; and a pulse-check on what’s working so far, what's more or less ready, and where the most exciting design spaces are for all kinds of builders. 

The conversation -- between a16z crypto general partner Arianna Simpson and CTO Eddy Lazzarin, in discussion with editor-in-chief Sonal Chokshi --  also covers specific trends such as "play-to-earn" (P2E), metaverse, autonomous worlds, and other forms of worldbuilding -- and also touches on  key themes such as design, user onboarding, open source, and frameworks for technology innovation. 

shownotes // links referenced in this episode:

• on  "strong vs. weak" forms of technology / Chris Dixon
• on Carlota Perez' framework for Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital, a summary / Jerry Neumann
• on "autonomous worlds" / 0xPARC
• on "on-chain procedural generation" / 0xPARC
• on  a few of the things we're excited about / a16z crypto

None of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information -- including a link to a list of our investments.