Glenn Fiedler, CEO of Network Next, discusses challenges and importance of multiplayer networking. They express skepticism towards blockchain and NFTs, and explore the evolution of network models in multiplayer games. The chapter also touches on the advantages and disadvantages of third-party publishers in the gaming industry and discusses the future of AR and VR. The speakers criticize the current trend of blockchain technology and NFTs, and the CEO of Network Next explains how their startup improves network performance for multiplayer games.
Virtual reality and augmented reality will play a crucial role in creating interactive networked experiences in the metaverse.
Blockchain and NFTs lack scalability and practicality in the gaming industry, and branding and corporate influence need to be carefully managed in virtual spaces.
Network performance is crucial for multiplayer games, and companies like Network Next are working to improve latency and packet loss for better player experiences.
Deep dives
The potential of VR and AR in the metaverse
The podcast discusses the potential of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the development of the metaverse. The speaker believes that VR and AR will play a crucial role in creating interactive networked experiences across distances, allowing people to connect and communicate in virtual spaces. They mention the importance of high-fidelity networked experiences, such as virtual performances, and how these experiences can be enhanced through technology advancements. The speaker expresses their skepticism towards blockchain and NFTs, stating that these technologies do not scale well and lack practicality in the gaming industry. Overall, the podcast highlights the growing interest in VR and AR, and stresses the need for immersive, engaging, and high-quality experiences in the metaverse.
The challenges of blockchain and NFTs in gaming
The speaker expresses their reservations about blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the gaming industry. They argue that blockchain technology does not provide the scalability required for multiplayer games, and that it often leads to centralization rather than true decentralization. The speaker criticizes the hype around blockchain and NFTs, referring to them as 'bullshit' and 'fugazi'. They believe that these technologies are being overhyped and their practicality is questionable. Additionally, they highlight the importance of content creation in the metaverse, emphasizing the need for professionals who can create high-quality experiences and expressing concern about the trend of bringing branding and corporate influence into virtual spaces.
The future of the metaverse
The podcast explores the vision for the future of the metaverse. The speaker envisions a future where people can connect and communicate in virtual spaces, both through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). They highlight the human desire to customize virtual spaces and own virtual assets, while expressing skepticism towards the notion of taking physical items into virtual worlds. The speaker emphasizes the potential for live virtual performances and the creation of high-quality, interactive experiences within the metaverse. They also comment on the need for a balance between user-generated content and professional experiences within the virtual space. Overall, the podcast underscores the potential of the metaverse while cautioning against overhyped and impractical technologies.
The impact of blockchain and NFTs on game development
The podcast delves into the impact of blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on game development. The speaker expresses skepticism and criticism towards these technologies, stating that they do not scale well and often lead to centralization rather than true decentralization. The podcast discusses how blockchain and NFTs have entered the gaming industry, affecting funding decisions and potentially impeding the progress of certain game ideas. However, the speaker emphasizes that the real value lies in the deep human interest in virtual experiences, the desire to customize virtual spaces, and own virtual assets. They suggest that the future of the metaverse will be shaped by these human needs, independent of the specific technologies currently en vogue.
The importance of network performance in gaming
The podcast highlights the crucial role of network performance in gaming. The speaker discusses Network Next, a startup that focuses on improving network performance for multiplayer games. They explain how Network Next's technology reduces latency and packet loss, leading to a better gaming experience for players, increased engagement, and enhanced monetization for developers. The speaker also mentions their professional experience as a network programmer and CEO of Network Next. They invite game developers working on multiplayer games to reach out and explore opportunities for improving network performance. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the significance of network performance and its impact on player satisfaction and game success.
Check out the video version(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2Hk3jKokM)
Glenn Fiedler is the CEO of Network Next with past experiences at Respawn Entertainment & Playstation. Network Next is a group of game developers who decided to do something about game network performance.