State of Play: The Video Game Industry — with Joost van Dreunen

Blockchain Gaming

Blockchain technology is making waves in the gaming industry, with major companies like Nexon and CCP exploring its potential. Joost van Dreunen highlights Nexon's efforts to transition its intellectual property onto the blockchain and CCP's ambitious $40 billion project to create a blockchain-based game 1. Sony's patent application for NFTs and digital collectibles further underscores the industry's interest in this technology. However, Joost emphasizes the need for experienced leadership to navigate the challenges of integrating blockchain into gaming.

My hope and some of the hopeful things that I see in the horizon is game makers like Nexon, which is a big deal in Korea, a $10 billion company in Korea that makes Maplestory and other games. They are now transitioning some of their ip onto the blockchain.

--- Joost van Dreunen

Despite the optimism, he acknowledges the mistakes made in the intersection of gaming and crypto, stressing the importance of better guidance moving forward 1.

   

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) in gaming has been met with skepticism due to its current limitations and lack of practical applications. Joost van Dreunen criticizes the design of VR devices, noting that they often fail to meet the needs of average users and are driven by corporate interests rather than consumer demand 2. He points out that despite the promise of immersive experiences, the technology has yet to deliver on its potential.

When it comes to the devices that we use to access virtual reality, I think the last 30 40 years have been a lot of borrowing from the future, but under delivering in the present.

--- Joost van Dreunen

Scott Galloway shares his disappointment with VR headsets, describing them as an underwhelming investment 3. Joost agrees, citing the lack of compelling content and applications as major hurdles for VR's success in the gaming industry 2.