November 8, 2024
By Joe Pan
In a thought-provoking panel discussion at Game On Conference 2024, blockchain and gaming ecosystem experts from Canada, Japan, US and Hong Kong the explored the convergence of GameFi and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), examining whether this intersection represents a genuine technological breakthrough or merely another investment narrative.
The panel featured:
Jason Brink, Founder of LFG Incorporated, a serial tech entrepreneur and blockchain innovator focusing on gamification and infrastructure development.
Evan Auyang, Group President of Animoca Brands: A seasoned investor and builder in the blockchain ecosystem, with extensive experience in infrastructure projects and venture building, including Sandbox.
Ani Mohan, Head of Global Marketing at SNPIT, a Japan-based startup claiming to be the world’s first Snap to Earn platform using Camera NFTs.
The panel is moderated by John Cahill, Asia CEO of Galaxy Digital.
- Ani Mohan shared an example of community-driven data collection in Okinawa, highlighting how DePIN can support cultural preservation and community rebuilding efforts.
The panel discussion confirmed the potential of combining GameFi and DePIN as more than just an investment narrative. By creating engaging, incentive-driven platforms, these technologies can transform how communities build and maintain infrastructure.
Experts agreed that while not all players in this space will succeed, the core principle of leveraging human entrepreneurial spirit through tokenized ecosystems represents a significant innovation. As Evan Auyang succinctly put it, “It’s about creating more usefulness from existing resources.”
DePIN extends beyond traditional infrastructure sectors, potentially revolutionizing multiple industries. Auyang noted, “DePIN can be applied to telco, energy, and even AI, using excess capacity to bootstrap communities.
In a poignant example of decentralized infrastructure’s potential, Ani Mohan recounted the story of the Shuri Castle in Okinawa, Japan. This historic site has faced repeated destruction over decades, with a particularly devastating fire that occurred around the COVID-19 period. After the latest destruction, the local community faced a significant challenge: rebuilding the castle without comprehensive historical documentation.
In response, the community initiated a collaborative data collection effort using decentralized technologies. Residents and interested parties collectively gathered photographs, architectural details, and historical references to help reconstruct the castle’s original design. This grassroots approach not only aided in physical reconstruction but also demonstrated the power of community-driven data preservation.
Mohan emphasized that this example goes beyond technical infrastructure, showcasing how decentralized networks can help rebuild and preserve cultural heritage. The project illustrated DePIN’s potential to bring people together, preserve historical knowledge, and support community-driven restoration efforts through collaborative technology.
The conversation underscored the potential for DePIN to reshape how we think about infrastructure, community engagement, and technological innovation.
The intersection of gaming and infrastructure development creates unique incentive structures. Jason Brink highlighted, “Gamification is essentially the creation of a decentralized incentive structure that makes participation more engaging.”
Decentralization creates resilience across various network infrastructures. Brink noted that many existing technologies are already examples of DePIN, citing Skype, Xbox, PlayStation, and other distribution networks that operate on decentralized principles.
Gamification can be a powerful tool for onboarding users into complex technological ecosystems. Jason Brink emphasized, “You have to gamify the building of infrastructure so that it can be put into use.
Brink concluded the session by highlighting that DePIN is not a new concept, pointing out existing decentralized distribution networks: “If you’re downloading anything for PlayStation or Xbox, you’re downloading from all of the other PlayStations and Xboxes out there. Everyone with a PlayStation or Xbox is contributing to a DePIN infrastructure whether they know it or not.
About the Author
Joe Pan is an editor at Blockwind News and an early adopter of blockchain technology. He has covered major crypto conferences globally since 2019 and frequently moderates Web3 events across Asia. Joe is part of the founding team of NFTMetta and Blockwind News.
