Peterson Joe, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Confiction Labs, is a driving force behind the development of Riftstorm and the Occultical universe. Confiction Labs, known for its innovative approach to Collaborative Entertainment, integrates emerging technologies such as web3 and AI. As CTO, Peterson ensures that all technological aspects of Riftstorm and its related projects operate seamlessly, making sure the game remains immersive and engaging while leveraging the power of decentralization.

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Background and Career Journey

Peterson's journey into programming began at a young age. Discovering his passion for coding at just eight years old, he pursued the craft into adulthood, building a solid foundation in both technology and business. After spending five years in the insurance industry, where he rose to the position of General Manager, Peterson decided to return to his true passion—software development.

He later founded a tech company that he successfully sold, which provided him with valuable insights and experience in managing technology-driven ventures. At Confiction Labs, Peterson plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining the technology behind Riftstorm, ensuring a smooth user experience. His team has achieved several milestones, including the development of the Portal and the Proof of Exposure, both of which contribute to the game's web3 foundation and collaborative features.

An Interview with Peterson Joe, CTO at Confiction Labs

Key Learnings from Running a Game Studio

Reflecting on his previous experience in running a game studio, Peterson emphasizes the importance of understanding the complete process of software development, especially for fresh graduates. He notes that theoretical knowledge does not automatically translate into practical application and highlights the steep learning curve new engineers often face in professional environments.

At Confiction Labs, Peterson also deals with challenges unique to the world of blockchain and web3, noting that his prior experience in game development has been instrumental in navigating these complexities. His goal is to create a seamless experience for players, allowing them to enjoy the game without the need to grasp the intricacies of web3 technology.

Riftstorm Logo and Key Art 1

Riftstorm's Evolution and New Features

Riftstorm, a game deeply intertwined with the Occultical universe, has been undergoing continuous development. According to Peterson, the upcoming third playtest will showcase significant new features. In previous playtests, the game focused on perfecting its core gameplay mechanics. However, the next phase will delve deeper into storytelling and world-building, integrating immersive features such as audio lines, interactive objects, and cutscenes to enhance the player’s connection to the secret-society-themed narrative.

On a technical level, the introduction of "Dungeon System 2.0" is a major development. This system allows for more organic, freeform level generation, blending handcrafted areas with roguelite elements. This shift is designed to improve player engagement by offering a more fluid and immersive experience, where every new session presents a unique challenge.

Dungeon System 2.0

Navigating Web3 Challenges

One of the most significant challenges Confiction Labs faces is incorporating web3 technology in a way that enhances, rather than complicates, the gaming experience. Peterson emphasizes the importance of abstracting web3 elements to create a user-friendly experience, ensuring that players can enjoy the game without needing to understand the complexities of blockchain.

The team is also working on the ConFict Data Layer (CDL), which will enable player contributions to the game’s development. This structure empowers gamers, creators, and fans to submit content, thus decentralizing IP development. Collaborative Entertainment, a key pillar of Confiction Labs’ vision, seeks to build intellectual property through community collaboration and decentralization.

Riftstorm Logo and Key Art 2

Web3 Elements in Riftstorm

While Riftstorm is still in development, the integration of web3 elements is central to its vision. Confiction Labs has built platforms like the Portal and Repository, where users can contribute content for potential inclusion in the game. These contributions are part of a larger ecosystem aimed at growing the IP in collaboration with the community.

Peterson draws comparisons to well-known franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter, which took years to reach their current level of success. With Riftstorm, the goal is to accelerate that growth through community-driven collaboration and decentralized content creation.

Portal for Riftstorm

Introducing Collaborative Entertainment (CE)

Building the infrastructure for Collaborative Entertainment presents unique technical challenges. Peterson notes the difficulty in balancing user-generated content (UGC) and decentralized control. The web3 shift allows greater community involvement, but it also requires a robust platform that can evaluate submissions for quality and alignment with the game’s vision.

This is where blockchain technology plays a key role. It provides transparency and tracks the origins of contributions, ensuring fair recognition and ownership. Integrating blockchain into a primarily web2 framework is a challenge the team continues to navigate, focusing on developing a voting system to regulate submissions while maintaining creative direction.

What is Collaborative Entertainment

AI and Blockchain in Game Development

Peterson is particularly excited about the potential for combining AI and blockchain in game development. He sees AI as a tool to fill skill gaps within the community, allowing contributors to generate content even if they lack certain abilities, such as creating visuals. Blockchain, on the other hand, ensures that contributors receive credit for their work, offering transparency and ownership tracking. This combination of technologies, although contrasting in their structures—AI being centralized and blockchain decentralized—offers new possibilities in Collaborative Entertainment.

The Road Ahead for Confiction Labs

Looking forward, the next 12 months are set to be a pivotal period for Confiction Labs. Following years of development, many of the company's projects, including Riftstorm, will reach new stages of maturity. The upcoming third playtest will introduce more immersive gameplay elements and further integrate the lore, providing players with a richer experience.

Additionally, the team's work on digital assets, such as the XPSR-24 NFTs, is progressing in tandem with game development. These digital assets will play a significant role in the game’s ecosystem, aligning with the team’s vision of blending web3 technologies with gaming in a seamless way. As Confiction Labs continues to evolve, it remains committed to driving innovation in the gaming industry through web3 and AI, laying the groundwork for a new era of Collaborative Entertainment. You can read more here.