CryptoKnights AMA Recap with PlayEmber — Building the Biggest Casual Gaming Ecosystem in Web3.

Published in

ritestream

5 min readJun 13, 2024

Introduction

The world of Web3 gaming is constantly evolving, with new projects emerging every day, each vying for a piece of this rapidly growing market. Amidst this competitive landscape, one project stands out with its unique approach and ambitious vision: PlayEmber. Recently, the co-founders of PlayEmber, Hugo Furneaux and John Hook, joined the Ritestream team, Kenny and Joseph, for an ask-me-anything (AMA) session about their upcoming appearance on CryptoKnights. The conversation delved into their journey, their challenges, and their plans to build the biggest casual gaming ecosystem in the Web3 space.

The Founders’ Journey

Hugo and John bring a wealth of experience to the table. Hugo, the gaming developer co-founder, has run several successful mobile gaming companies, with hundreds of millions of downloads under his belt. John, on the other hand, started in gaming tech, building an early ad network in the early days of mobile advertising. He later moved into the publishing side, working with major brands like Paramount Studios, Nike, and Hasbro.

The duo met when John, then CEO of a games publishing company, was looking for top studios to work with. Together, they identified a gap in the market: while there was plenty of talk about mass onboarding in Web3 gaming, there needed to be more fun, playable, casual games with rich IP. This realization led to the birth of PlayEmber.

The Vision: Bridging Web2 and Web3

At its core, PlayEmber aims to use mobile games as a vehicle for consumers to discover the potential of blockchain-powered gaming. The founders emphasize that it’s not about Web2 versus Web3, but rather about building an ecosystem that brings the best of both worlds together.

In the three years since its inception, PlayEmber has made significant strides towards this goal. They now boast over 40 games, predominantly on mobile, with a couple on Nintendo Switch and browser. They’ve amassed an impressive 130–140 million downloads, with around 5 million active players. This puts them in the top 5 blockchain games overall.

Beyond developing their own games and IP, PlayEmber also acts as a platform, publishing games for third-party Web3 brands. They’re currently working on titles for Pixelmon, Cool Cats, and Sappy Seals, with more partnerships in the pipeline.

The Power of IP and Emby

One of PlayEmber’s key differentiators is its focus on IP. Hugo and John believe that in the casual gaming space, players form strong attachments to characters and cosmetics. This is evident in their own mascot, Emby, who has become a central figure in their ecosystem.

Emby, a mischievous and playful character, not only features in PlayEmber’s games but also acts as a discoverability layer. Players can first encounter Emby in a Web2 context, without any Web3 elements, and then be gradually introduced to the broader PlayEmber universe.

The founders have big plans for Emby. Not only will the mascot be joining them on the CryptoKnights show, but there are also plans to expand the Emby universe with more characters and storylines. Fan art and community engagement are actively encouraged, helping to shape the direction of the IP.

Chain Agnosticism and Accessibility

Another key aspect of PlayEmber’s strategy is its chain agnosticism. They currently have games on NEAR, Lightning Network, and many others. By the end of the year, they expect to be on 5 different blockchains.

This multi-chain approach serves several purposes. Firstly, it allows communities from various blockchain ecosystems to discover PlayEmber’s games and IP. Secondly, it hedges against the risk of being tied to a single chain. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s about accessibility. PlayEmber wants to meet gamers where they are, regardless of their preferred blockchain.

CryptoKnights and the Road Ahead

During the AMA, the Ritestream team, Kenny and Joseph, were particularly interested in PlayEmber’s upcoming appearance on CryptoKnights. The founders see this as a significant opportunity to expose their project to a mainstream audience. The focus will be on storytelling, helping viewers connect with the Emby character, and showcasing the fun and accessibility of their games.

The logistics of appearing on the show were also discussed. Emby, the mascot, will be joining Hugo and John, which presents some unique challenges. The Ritestream team will need to ensure adequate transportation and accommodation for the larger-than-life character.

To coincide with the airing of their episode, PlayEmber is working on some exciting developments. While details are still under wraps, the aim is to provide new ways for the casual audience to engage with their ecosystem. The RiteStream team emphasized the importance of having a strong call to action, allowing PlayEmber to leverage the show for user acquisition.

Conclusion

The AMA with PlayEmber’s co-founders offered a fascinating insight into a project that is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Web3 gaming. By combining the accessibility and fun of Web2 casual games with the potential of Web3 ecosystems, they are carving out a unique space in this competitive landscape.

With impressive traction, a focus on IP, and a chain-agnostic approach, PlayEmber is well on its way to achieving its vision of building the biggest casual gaming ecosystem in Web3. Their appearance on CryptoKnights, facilitated by the RiteStream team, will likely catalyze the next stage of growth, exposing them to a massive mainstream audience.

As the Web3 gaming space continues to evolve, PlayEmber is definitely one to watch. With Hugo and John at the helm, and Emby leading the charge, they are poised to make a significant impact. The RiteStream team and the broader Web3 community eagerly await to see what they have in store.