#1491 John Linden | How Crypto & Gaming Are Shaping The Future
Feb 24, 2025
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John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games and an industry veteran known for his work on Call of Duty, dives into the exciting intersection of gaming and cryptocurrency. He discusses how gaming fuels innovation, the evolution of digital identities, and the rise of decentralized markets. Linden also explores the shifting landscape of gaming mechanics, the role of user-generated content, and the future of digital currencies like the Mythos token. Together, these topics illuminate a transformative era in gaming that promises to reshape player engagement and asset ownership.
Gaming leads technological innovation by creating immersive experiences that foster community, competition, and digital identity among players.
Blockchain technology transforms the gaming industry by enabling true asset ownership, allowing players to trade digital items across games.
Emerging web3 economic models engage players beyond traditional in-app purchases, creating new revenue streams and reshaping the gaming landscape.
Deep dives
The Role of Gaming in Innovation
Gaming is often at the forefront of technological innovation due to its unique ability to engage users in immersive experiences. With half the world's population participating in gaming monthly, it serves as an escape from reality while also creating a sense of community and competition. This escape fosters digital identity, as players personalize their gaming experiences through items like skins in games such as Fortnite, making them feel valued. The underlying psychology of gaming demonstrates how it not only entertains but also influences consumer behavior, similar to how investments in cryptocurrencies reflect a shift in values from traditional assets.
Digital Asset Ownership and Interoperability
The concept of true asset ownership is revolutionizing the gaming industry, particularly through blockchain technology. Current innovations allow players to buy, sell, and trade digital assets within and across games, enhancing user incentive and experience. For example, the game NFL Rivals utilizes a system called 'quick trade' that enables users to seamlessly exchange items, which enhances the sense of value and ownership. This interoperability paves the way for broader digital economies where assets can have utility beyond a single game, making digital representation more significant.
Impact of Economic Models in Gaming
New economic models are emerging through web3 gaming, challenging traditional practices within the industry. These models offer gamers financial involvement beyond in-app purchases, and many players now see the value in digital assets, creating robust secondary markets. For instance, NFL Rivals experienced a substantial increase in revenue from secondary trading activities, demonstrating the demand for a deeper engagement with the game mechanics. As companies start adopting these models, the potential for increased revenue avenues could fundamentally reshape the gaming landscape.
Trends and Predictions of Web3 Gaming
The evolution of gaming suggests that the next few years may see an explosion of player engagement, potentially bringing ten million plus players into web3 games. Traditional gaming companies are beginning to recognize the revenue benefits of integrating web3 features, prompting them to enter the space. This shift may lead to the fusion of social aspects across gaming ecosystems, promoting community-driven tournaments and trading functionalities. The anticipated growth of this interconnected world stands to redefine user interaction in gaming and pave the way for innovative social experiences within games.
Future of Decentralization in Gaming
As the gaming world embraces decentralization, Web3 technologies are expected to facilitate interconnected ecosystems where players can gain value from their time spent gaming. Innovations in cloud gaming may allow for on-demand access, similar to other media, transforming how players interact with multiple game worlds. This realization signifies a movement towards a more equitable and engaging model where players can profit from their contributions without the barriers of traditional monetization. Ultimately, this digital evolution positions gaming as a significant player in shaping the future of commerce and community engagement online.
John Linden is the CEO of Mythical Games. In this conversation we talk about what’s going on in the gaming world, why gaming is always at the tip of the innovation sphere, how this has infiltrated into the crypto world, and what it means for the future.
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Polkadot is a scalable, secure, and decentralized blockchain technology aimed at creating Web3. Created by Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum, Polkadot empowers users to build decentralized applications with ease. Backed by industry leaders, making it a preferred choice for big names, Polkadot stands out as a leading choice for investors seeking a reliable, future-proof solution in the growing world of Web3 technology. Learn more at https://polkadot.com/.
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