Exploring the Journey of Mythical Games CEO in the GameFi World
John Linden's entrance into the realm of Polkadot was not fueled by an initial passion for the technology. Despite not being an avid blockchain enthusiast, the rise of web3 and its diverse applications, particularly in GameFi, acted as a catalyst for his transition from his role as the CEO of Mythical Games. His earlier experiences at Activision Blizzard, known for iconic franchises like Call of Duty and Skylanders, paved the way for his journey to the presidency of Seismic Games and eventually into the realm of GameFi.
Migration from Ethereum to Polkadot
John Linden, an entrepreneur deeply immersed in technology and self-professed geek, recognized the potential of blockchain at an early stage. Although he was not a late adopter of blockchain technology, the evolution of GameFi and the subsequent emergence of Mythical Games took time. The inception of Mythical Games initially rooted in the Ethereum ecosystem eventually led Linden and his team to seek more fertile opportunities elsewhere.
The pivotal reason cited by the CEO for transitioning chains, a complex process when dealing with a substantial user base, was the aspiration to construct a gaming ecosystem on an open, decentralized structure. Linden acknowledged the necessity for transparency in the global GameFi economy, highlighting the imperative nature of openness. The company's journey commenced on a permissioned sidechain, gradually evolving towards a decentralized model on Polkadot to provide players with a secure ownership experience.
Rationale Behind Choosing Polkadot
In elucidating the decision to migrate to Polkadot, John Linden emphasized the platform's decentralized architecture as a critical factor. He underscored Polkadot's robust features, including the facilitation of DAOs altering protocol rules, managing protocol fees, and overseeing staking settings while ensuring high-level relay chain security.
Despite the challenges presented by migrating 800K wallets to Polkadot, Linden expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming opportunities. He passionately articulated the potential for bolstering security and decentralization within the Polkadot ecosystem. Linden lauded Polkadot's governance structure and remarked on Mythical Games' collaboration with wallet developers to enhance user experiences through seamless token swaps and voting mechanisms, not limiting their focus to GameFi but extending to SocialFi initiatives.
While John Linden's satisfaction in integrating with Polkadot is evident, the move did not just benefit Mythical Games; it also bestowed Polkadot with the expertise of one of the most innovative GameFi companies, featuring a standout game: NFL Rivals.
Impact of NFL Rivals on Mythical Games
The triumph of NFL Rivals played a pivotal role in elevating Mythical Games to a staggering $1.25B valuation, creating significant anticipation surrounding their foray into the world of Polkadot. With over 5 million downloads, NFL Rivals has garnered immense popularity, establishing itself as a prominent GameFi entity.
NFL Rivals achieved noteworthy success by seamlessly incorporating web3 features, deviating from the notion that such components are secondary. The game's acclaim can be attributed to its engaging gameplay, allowing players to construct their dream team comprising NFT representations of top football stars. With its unique format, including arcade football gameplay and competitive PvP elements, NFL Rivals has garnered recognition as one of the premier web3 sports games on the market.
Future Trajectory of Mythical Games
Presently, John Linden appears engrossed in acquainting himself with Polkadot's architecture, particularly its capacity to foster an open environment conducive to Mythical Games' vision. While NFL Rivals remains a cornerstone in the company's portfolio, they are directing efforts towards replicating success with Blankos, a mobile game embracing intense PvP competitiveness.
Moreover, there are indications that Mythical Games aims to collaborate with diverse partners, leveraging its comprehensive platform to aid in the release of web3 games by third parties. The honeymoon period of Mythical Games on Polkadot shows no signs of waning as they delve into the myriad possibilities offered by their new gaming terrain. If they can replicate the triumph of NFL Rivals, the potential for a substantial influx of players into GameFi exists, presenting opportunities for the prosperity of Polkadot, Mythical Games, and John Linden.
