The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovative platforms reshaping the landscape. Among the frontrunners in this revolution is the Creta platform, a comprehensive gaming and entertainment ecosystem. I sat down with gaming legends Thomas Vu and Ray Nakazato, both first-time visitors to the Philippines, to talk about the soon-to-be-launched Web3 entertainment platform.
Thomas Vu is a distinguished Producer, Designer, and Creative Director with an impressive portfolio that includes leading roles in some of the gaming industry’s most iconic franchises such as The Sims, SimCity, Warhammer, and the Emmy-winning animated series Arcane: League of Legends. Born in Vietnam and having grown up as a refugee, Thomas harbored dreams of working for NASA, developing video games, and making films. Remarkably, he has achieved all three. Today, he leverages his expertise as an investor through several funds focused on games, AI, and intellectual property, while also dedicating time to writing a book.
Ray Nakazato is a notable figure in the Japanese gaming industry, recognized for his leadership and outspoken nature. As a Capcom and Microsoft veteran, Nakazato has garnered attention for his insights into the development process and the strategic directions of his studio. He has been involved in discussions about the future of Feelplus and its collaborations, including potential future projects with prominent figures like Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy and Lost Odyssey.
What is Creta?
Creta is a multi-faceted ecosystem designed to cater to both game developers and players. It is a Web 3.0-based multiverse gaming platform with a team of developers, publishers, and blockchain experts who have made a name for themselves in the global gaming industry. At its core, Creta is built on four pillars:
- Creta Studio:
This game-creation tool empowers users, regardless of their technical expertise, to design and publish their own games. By democratizing game development, Creta Studio allows a broader range of creative voices to contribute to the gaming landscape. - Creta Games:
Serving as a marketplace, Creta Games is where developers can upload and distribute their games. It also features first-party games developed by the Creta team, showcasing the platform’s capabilities and setting a high standard for quality and innovation. - Creta Multiverse:
The Creta Multiverse consists of various metaverse environments, including a sci-fi world, a fantasy realm, and an upcoming AI-driven world. These interconnected virtual spaces offer immersive experiences, where players can explore, interact, and engage in various activities. - Super Club:
Integrated social media features make Super Club a unique aspect of Creta. It facilitates seamless interaction within the gaming environment, enabling players to chat, trade items, and stream their gameplay without needing external applications like Discord.
Blockchain Integration & Its Benefits
One of Creta’s standout features is its use of Blockchain technology. This underlying infrastructure not only enhances security and transparency but also introduces the concept of true ownership of digital assets. Players can trade, sell, or rent their in-game items across different platforms, ensuring that their investments retain value beyond a single game.
Creta’s Blockchain enables a serverless online gaming experience. By reducing the dependency on traditional servers, developers can significantly cut down on maintenance costs, making game development more accessible and sustainable.
“We are trying to bring in the traditional games and the traditional gamers into the Blockchain. The Philippines is a very mature market when it comes to new technology,” said Nakazato.
Based on the company’s plans, the initial launch is strategically planned for emerging markets, starting with the Philippines, followed by India and the Middle East. These regions are known for their openness to new technologies and have a growing base of tech-savvy young users. By targeting these markets, Creta aims to build a strong user base and refine its platform based on the feedback from early adopters.
Transitioning traditional gamers to a Blockchain-based platform is not without its challenges. The biggest hurdle is simplifying the user interface to ensure a seamless experience. Past Blockchain applications required users to manage complex wallets and cryptographic keys, which deterred mainstream adoption. However, Creta is addressing these issues by creating an intuitive and user-friendly interface that abstracts the complexities of Blockchain.
In addition, the gaming industry is cautious about new technologies due to past experiences with hype-driven developments that failed to deliver. Creta’s approach focuses on creating compelling and enjoyable games where Blockchain benefits are subtly integrated, enhancing the overall gaming experience without overwhelming the user.
A Call to Innovators & Gamers
The co-founders of Creta emphasize the importance of innovation and support from the global gaming community. They encourage gamers to be open to new experiences and to support developers who are pushing the boundaries of what games can be. This collaborative spirit is crucial for driving the industry forward and realizing the full potential of soon-to-be-launched platforms.
“New technology, new devices, all that is going to start to just supercharge [the gaming industry]. Don’t hesitate to try new things. Once you try, you judge whether [the product] is more fun compared to other traditional games,” according to Thomas Vu.
Creta represents a bold step into the future of gaming and entertainment. By merging the creative freedom of game development with the revolutionary capabilities of Blockchain technology, the Creta platform is poised to become a significant player in the gaming industry. As it launches in emerging markets and continues to evolve, the company invites gamers and developers alike to join in shaping the next generation of digital entertainment.