Arief Widhiyasa, a pioneer in the Indonesian gaming industry, has been at the forefront of innovation in game development for over 15 years. As the co-founder of Agate International, a leading game studio in Indonesia, Widhiyasa has been instrumental in the creation of over 250 titles. His efforts contributed to the formation of the Indonesian Game Association (AGI), and in 2016, he was recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his role in putting Indonesia on the global gaming map.

However, Widhiyasa’s journey began in Singaraja, Bali, where he found solace in video games as a child. It was gaming that helped him navigate a challenging youth, and it is that experience that now drives him to create games that connect people in meaningful ways. In his latest venture with Confiction Labs, Widhiyasa explores the potential of web3 and blockchain technology to revolutionize the gaming industry through a new concept he calls “Collaborative Entertainment.”

Arief Widhiyasa, CEO of Confiction Labs

Transitioning from Web2 to Web3

After building a successful career in web2 game development, Widhiyasa saw the potential for innovation in the web3 gaming space. Speaking about his decision to transition from web2 to web3, he notes, “Blockchain and AI are introducing the next cycle of the gaming industry, much like how mobile devices and the internet expanded access to games.”

With Confiction Labs, Widhiyasa is focused on harnessing new technologies to offer unique experiences for players. His new game, Riftstorm, is the first project to reflect this shift. Riftstorm is designed to be a social, multiplayer game that offers a more relaxed and inclusive experience than traditional competitive games.

Confiction Labs 

The Vision Behind Riftstorm

Riftstorm differs from traditional multiplayer games in that it focuses on being a game that players return to when they want a break from more competitive titles. Widhiyasa envisions Riftstorm as the “#2 game” for players, offering a more casual experience where friends can relax, play together, and create their own stories. Unlike games that require intense skill and focus, Riftstorm is designed to be approachable, allowing players to enjoy the experience without the pressure of high-level competition.

“People just want to play with their friends,” Widhiyasa explains. He adds that Riftstorm is built on the idea of fostering enjoyment and interaction, rather than just winning or achieving high rankings. This sets the game apart from many existing multiplayer games that prioritize competitiveness over community.

Riftstorm Logo and Character Art

Collaborative Entertainment: A New Era in Gaming

The core of Widhiyasa’s vision for Confiction Labs is the concept of Collaborative Entertainment, which he sees as a transformative approach to gaming. Unlike traditional games where players are passive consumers, Collaborative Entertainment empowers players to become creators, investors, and collaborators in the games they play.

Widhiyasa believes that blockchain technology plays a crucial role in making this possible. By enabling transparency and ownership through NFTs and other blockchain-based assets, players can contribute to the game’s development and have a stake in its success. “With Collaborative Entertainment, gamers will now have a choice to be an owner, creator, investor, builder, or promoter,” Widhiyasa explains.

This new model opens up opportunities for players to participate in the creative process and see their contributions recognized and rewarded. Blockchain technology ensures that these contributions are transparent and verifiable, allowing players to become active participants in the gaming world, rather than just consumers.

Collaborative Entertainment

FICT Zero and the Future of Collaborative Entertainment

At the heart of Confiction Labs’ vision is FICT Zero, a foundational asset designed to build an ecosystem of partners and collaborators. FICT Zero holders include a diverse group of investors, content creators, and web3 builders who are helping to shape the future of the Riftstorm universe. These early supporters will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the game and the broader ecosystem, creating a community-driven platform.

Widhiyasa sees FICT Zero as a key part of the long-term growth of Collaborative Entertainment, allowing Confiction Labs to raise awareness and build a strong community. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable, player-driven ecosystem where contributors can build media, assets, and stories within the Riftstorm universe.

FICT Zero 

Long-Term Goals

Looking ahead, Widhiyasa envisions a future where games and virtual worlds become spaces for people to explore different lives and experiences. Over the next two to three decades, he believes that advances in technology will enable more immersive and interactive gaming experiences, where players can live out alternate realities in ways that are currently unimaginable.

“Games saved my life,” Widhiyasa reflects. “They changed how I saw the world and made me realize that the world is beautiful.” This personal connection to gaming is at the heart of his mission to build experiences that not only entertain but also enrich and inspire.

Riftstorm Cover Banner on X

Final Thoughts

With Riftstorm and Collaborative Entertainment, Widhiyasa is working to create a gaming landscape where players are more than just players—they are creators, collaborators, and contributors to the worlds they inhabit.

Confiction Labs continues to develop Riftstorm and expand its vision for Collaborative Entertainment. For updates on the game and the studio’s progress, players can follow their accounts on X and keep an eye on Riftstorm’s Steam page. To read the original interview please see Conficion Labs official blog post here.