At the 2024 Proof of Talk event in Paris, France, industry leaders delved into the transformative potential of Web3 technologies, with a specific focus on gaming as a pivotal use case for delivering tangible value to users. Arron Goolsbey, president and chief operating officer of Mythical Games, was among the key speakers who highlighted the significance of gaming within the Web3 and blockchain domain.

Goolsbey, alongside Mickey Maher, chief business officer of Project Liberty Labs, and Ingo Ruebe, founder of KILT Protocol, participated in a panel titled “Unlocking Real-World Value in Web3.” They advocated for a user-centric approach that prioritizes long-term benefits and improved user experiences over speculative asset trading. This perspective is particularly relevant to industries like gaming and social media, where blockchain technology can offer robust capabilities.

Goolsbey described gaming as a "hero use case" for Web3, expressing optimism about its potential to drive mass adoption. He stated, “There is so much more potential for all of us to produce real value for users in a mainstream capacity - and gaming and interactive entertainment is a hero use case for making that progress.” This reflects a broader trend in the Web3 space, which aims to shift focus from speculative ventures to applications that provide substantial, lasting value to users.

Maher discussed the underutilization of Web3 technologies like blockchain, comparing the current state of the industry to an iPhone limited to only one app. He noted the popularity of memecoins but emphasized that the potential of blockchain technology extends far beyond these niche aspects. “If you equate the iPhone or the analogy of the iPhone with the blockchain, then how do we leverage the blockchain and smart contracts to create the Ubers or the Instagrams or the Snapchats or the Telegrams of this technology, rather than just the social casino apps — because that's really where we're at right now,” Maher said.

The panelists cited the success of applications like Uber and Instagram, which have demonstrated the significant value that technology can deliver to users. Whether it’s sharing photographs, promoting small businesses, or providing ride-sharing services, these platforms have set a benchmark for what can be achieved when technology is harnessed effectively to meet user needs.

Goolsbey emphasized the importance of focusing on end users, particularly in the gaming industry. “We talk a lot about coins, we talk a lot about wallets, but we don't talk a lot about individual people like the users, the end consumers,” he said. In the context of gaming, these end users are the players, and their experience and long-term engagement are paramount. Goolsbey highlighted that the technology in the Web3 space can extend the durability and enjoyment of these gaming experiences, benefiting both players and game developers.

The gaming industry, with nearly two billion active participants, represents a significant opportunity for Web3 applications. Currently, most gaming activities occur within the Web2 paradigm, where players pay to play and leave behind their investments once they stop playing. Goolsbey proposed a transformative model for the Web3 space: “I can pay, I can play, I can curate.” This model allows players to maintain and even monetize their in-game assets in a secure, open marketplace, enhancing the overall value derived from their gaming experiences.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Proof of Talk 2024 event underscored the immense potential of Web3 technologies to unlock real value for users, particularly in the gaming sector. By shifting the focus from speculative assets to user-centric applications, industry leaders believe that Web3 can create more meaningful, lasting benefits for a broad range of users.