In this engaging episode, Tomer Pascal, co-founder and CEO of Own Play, shares his journey and insights into the development of CityVerse Tycoon, a mobile game that uniquely combines real-world assets with Web3 technology. Tomer, who is also a father of four and a seasoned entrepreneur, provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of creating a game that integrates NFTs and cryptocurrency while remaining accessible to a mainstream audience.
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Key Takeaways:
1. The Concept Behind CityVerse Tycoon:
- CityVerse Tycoon is a mobile game that resembles classic Monopoly but with a modern twist—it incorporates real-world assets in the form of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Players can buy, trade, and own these digital assets, which adds a financial layer to the traditional game mechanics.
- The game allows players to engage in a digital economy where they can own and trade properties that exist both in the virtual and real world, creating a unique blend of gaming and investment.
2. Bridging the Gap Between Web2 and Web3:
- Tomer emphasizes that while CityVerse Tycoon is built on Web3 technology, it is designed to be accessible even to those unfamiliar with crypto. The game operates seamlessly with fiat currencies like USD through platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay, converting transactions to crypto behind the scenes without the player needing to understand or engage with the technology directly.
- This approach allows a broader audience to enjoy the benefits of Web3 without the complexities typically associated with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
3. Importance of Community and Feedback:
- Tomer discusses the critical role of community in the success of Web3 projects. He notes that the community’s engagement and feedback are crucial, especially since Web3 communities often have different expectations and levels of involvement compared to traditional gaming communities.
- He mentions that feedback, particularly from platforms like Discord, has been instrumental in refining the game. The game’s development is very much a collaborative effort between the developers and the community, with regular AMAs (Ask Me Anything) sessions and direct communication channels.
4. KPIs and Performance Metrics:
- Tomer shares some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) they monitor to gauge the success of the game. These include standard gaming metrics like Day 1, Day 7, and Day 30 retention rates, conversion rates to paying members, and in-game behaviors like the average number of dice rolls per session and building upgrades.
- Additionally, he highlights the specific KPIs for Web3, such as community engagement, asset trading volume, and the broader impact of integrating cryptocurrency into the game’s economy.
5. The Challenges of Developing for Web3:
- One of the major challenges Tomer discusses is the technical and operational complexity of integrating Web3 elements into a mobile game, especially when trying to make it user-friendly for a general audience.
- He also points out the dual nature of the challenge—essentially running two companies at once: one focused on traditional gaming and the other on Web3, each with its own set of demands and expectations.
Summary:
Tomer Pascal’s experience and insights provide a fascinating look into the future of mobile gaming and the potential of Web3 technologies. CityVerse Tycoon represents a significant step forward in blending traditional game mechanics with the possibilities offered by blockchain and NFTs, making these technologies accessible to a wider audience. The episode offers valuable lessons on the importance of community engagement, the complexities of integrating new technologies, and the evolving landscape of mobile gaming. As Tomer and his team continue to innovate, CityVerse Tycoon is poised to be a game-changer in the industry, bringing the exciting world of Web3 to the fingertips of everyday gamers.
