Exclusive interview with Sami Chlagou, the CEO and Co-Founder of Cross the Ages
Eliza Crichton-Stuart
Head of Operations
In the ever-evolving landscape of web3 gaming, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sami Chlagou, the CEO and co-founder of Cross the Ages, a gaming company with a remarkable journey. Sami's background in the gaming industry spans back to 2011, and under his leadership, Cross the Ages has grown into a powerhouse with seven studios worldwide, over 200 intellectual properties, and a dedication to creating something truly unique in the web3 space. In this exclusive write-up, we'll delve into Cross the Ages' story, its captivating books, the innovative gameplay, and its future in the dynamic world of web3 gaming.
Cross the Ages has embarked on a fascinating journey beyond just gaming. With the release of its first book in 2021 and the second in 2022, the company has ventured into the realm of storytelling. These books, available for free and accessible in multiple languages, have garnered over a million downloads. What sets them apart is the high-quality writing and an extensive team of renowned writers and artists, some with experience on iconic projects like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Star Wars. This commitment to storytelling enriches the Cross the Ages universe, making it more than just a game.
Cross the Ages offers a distinctive gameplay experience that combines elements from trading card games (TCGs) with mechanics inspired by chess and board games. The game's accessibility is evident through its free-to-play model, encouraging players to dive in without financial barriers. Players are given five minutes for each turn, with a maximum of 16 turns, challenging them to devise strategies using their cards to outmaneuver opponents. The incorporation of different powers and elements ensures that the game is easy to pick up yet difficult to master.
Cross the Ages' player base has grown impressively since its launch, with around 14,000 daily users, 65,000 weekly users, and nearly 100,000 monthly users. An intriguing aspect is the creation of over 13 million cards, with 1.5 million of them as NFTs, which has led to rising card prices due to limited supply and increasing demand. The game also introduces the concept of limited card collections, further increasing the value of these digital assets.
A strategic decision was made to adopt a free-to-play model, inspired by successful games like Fortnite and Clash of Clans. This model ensures that players have the freedom to decide when and if they want to invest in the game, removing financial barriers and making gaming accessible to all. The game's availability on mobile platforms, such as the App Store and Play Store, widens its reach, offering a vast user base and ease of access. The Cross the Ages team has addressed the challenges posed by app stores by creating a web2 game with a smooth transition into web3, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience.
One of the key concerns in gaming is the pay-to-win problem, where players with deeper pockets can gain an unfair advantage. Cross the Ages has skillfully tackled this issue by implementing a power cap for decks at 15,000, regardless of the value of individual cards. This ensures that financial investment alone cannot overpower other players. The game is truly about strategy and balance, emphasizing a level playing field for all players.
The future of Cross the Ages is brimming with excitement. The company plans to introduce competitive elements, esports tournaments, and cash prizes, transforming the game into a thriving esports ecosystem. Upcoming card collections and expansions promise to keep players engaged and excited about what's coming next. Cross the Ages is not a game that ends but an ever-evolving experience, with plans for multiple games within the same universe.
In the broader web3 gaming space, Sami Chlagou sees significant potential. He believes that web3 gaming offers real experiences that take time to develop. We can expect to see exciting announcements from various publishers by the end of the year, showcasing the true potential of web3 gaming.
Cross the Ages is not just a game; it's an ambitious project that bridges the gap between storytelling and gaming in the web3 era. Its commitment to a player-centric approach, fair gameplay, and long-term value for assets makes it a standout in the web3 gaming landscape. With its unique blend of gameplay, captivating books, and exciting plans for the future, Cross the Ages is poised to remain a top-tier web3 gaming experience that captivates players and sets a high standard for the industry.
For those interested in staying updated with Cross the Ages progress, you can check their game page on our website.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and the views and opinions expressed in the interview are those of Sami Chlagou, CEO and Co-Founder of Cross the Ages.
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updated:
September 26th 2023
posted:
August 7th 2023