Our GAM3 Awards, a standout event in the web3 gaming world, is set for a grand return this December 2023. Excitingly, our panel of judges includes familiar figures from 2022 and new voices spanning various corners of web3 gaming. Among the noteworthy additions are experts from web3 gaming venture capital firms, blockchain and ecosystem specialists, infrastructure partners, and content creators. We're also privileged to have esteemed leaders from the gaming realm and tech giants like Amazon and Google joining our distinguished jury lineup.

We are proud to introduce one of our jury members Rudy Koch. Rudy has been a key leader and advocate in the web3 games space since 2018. He founded Mythical Games in April 2018 which played a crucial role in the evolution of digital tokenized economies in games.  He has played a key role in driving the growth of web3 Games globally, and in particularly with a focus on the UAE as a key advisor to local regulators, government institutions and to the royal family. Prior to web3, Rudy played a leadership role in some of the most prolific games in the industry: Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Club Penguin, Skylanders.

1. What is the most enjoyable part of your role?

“I have to say that being part of the web3 games movement has been the most rewarding role I’ve had in my career. We are in a very creative time in the industry as innovative folks from around the globe race to figure out how to harness the potential of blockchain. These are moments in the industry that come around once every 10 - 15 years. Not only do I get to be part of an industry I love, but I get to work along side other pioneers and innovators in helping move the whole sector forward.”

2. How do you see the progress made in web3 gaming since last year?

“The bear market has really been tough on the industry. It’s really forced teams to buckle down and build smartly. The influx of capital during the bull run was a double edged sword. It drove a massive amount of innovation, but it also meant that anyone with a half baked plan could get funding. The bear market is a painful level set for the space.

The most impactful innovation that has come out of the last few years is all the infrastructure that’s been built out. We have so many incredible blockchains, wallets, marketplaces, AMMs to pick from which didn’t exist a few years ago. The challenge now is, how do we bring great content to the sector? We still don’t have that hit mass market game. We need more content creators coming into web3, but the current market conditions are really tough.” 

3. What is the most valuable addition web3 brings into gaming, from your perspective, if any?

“Web3 allows for us to build inclusive digital economies that allow consumers to be partners in the ecosystems and games they interact with. Today in games, this is an unmet need. Consumers want to participate in the value they create for games, but web2 does not provide those mechanisms. Web3 is the solution, and is bringing in a whole suite of tools that enable robust, inclusive economies that drive value for everyone in the ecosystem.”  

4. What is your outlook on 2024 and beyond for web3 gaming?

“We’re inevitably going to get a hit game, but the question is, when? The combination of a bear market, with the continued proliferation of scams, and overpriced NFTs has created doubt in mainstream audiences. I don’t think consumers quite see how web3 brings value to their favorite games, even though it might be obvious to us. What I hope for the next year and beyond is that we see strong teams rise out of the ashes of the bear market, create great content, and show the mainstream audience what web3 can really do.”

The return of our GAM3 Awards in 2023 promises to be a celebration of the web3 gaming industry's growth and innovation. With industry figures like Rudy Koch on the jury, the event is set to recognize excellence in the ever-evolving world of web3 gaming.