Discover the driving forces behind Horizon's revolutionary strides in web3 technology based on a recent interview with Michael Sanders. As the Co-Founder & Chief Storyteller, Sanders is instrumental in crafting an inclusive, user-centric approach to web3 adoption. Under his guidance, Horizon's flagship platform, Sequence, has emerged as a game-changer in the development landscape, earning accolades as the best web3 and blockchain technology of 2024. 

In this article, we summarize the main points from a recent interview with Michael Sanders as he discusses key developments in the world of web3 gaming. Topics covered include Horizon's partnership with Google Cloud and notable senior hires aimed at scaling the platform. The article also dives into the rising mainstream value of blockchain games and the company's plans for the future.

Game Developers Conference

Michael Sanders recently shared expert insights from his experience at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, shedding light on the evolving landscape of web3 gaming. During the event, Sanders participated in a panel discussion titled "Is 2024 Finally the Year Blockchain & Web3 Games Break Through?" Alongside industry peers, he explored the potential for web3 games to capture mass market appeal, reflecting on the increasing presence of blockchain projects at events like GDC.

Horizon, Sequence, and Skyweaver

Michael Sanders serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Storyteller at Horizon, a company dedicated to simplifying web3 technology for widespread accessibility. Horizon's flagship product, Sequence, stands as an all-encompassing developer platform, facilitating the creation of web3 games and experiences. Recognized as the best web3/blockchain technology of 2024, Sequence exemplifies Horizon's commitment to user-friendly innovation.

Additionally, Horizon's web3 trading card game, Skyweaver, garnered acclaim as the best blockchain game in 2022. Michael Sanders, an accomplished author, penned the best-selling book "Ayahuasca: An Executive's Enlightenment."

Beyond his professional pursuits, Michael is known for his multifaceted interests as a storyteller, explorer, athlete, and advocate for daily movement, meditation, and play. Embracing a philosophy of unconditional love, he values the sovereignty of individuals and entities alike, respecting their freedom to make autonomous choices.

Google Cloud Partnership

A significant announcement from Horizon came in the form of a partnership with Google Cloud, positioning Sequence as the preferred provider of web3 gaming infrastructure for Google's gaming partners. Sanders emphasized the importance of this collaboration, highlighting Google's recognition of the demand for web3 gaming infrastructure among its partners and the scalability it offers for Horizon.

Regarding the partnership, Sanders remarked, "It'll definitely help us scale because now, we'll be part of the conversation in every game that they work with." He emphasized the alignment between Horizon's and Google's visions, both aimed at enhancing player experiences and enabling developers to unlock new monetization models.

The interview also touched upon the growing mainstream value of blockchain games, with Sanders noting the challenges faced by the gaming industry in terms of rising user acquisition costs. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the creativity and innovation facilitated by web3 technologies, citing the success of Horizon's partners as integral to their own success.

Strategic Hires

In addition to the partnership with Google Cloud, Sequence (built by Horizon Blockchain Games) made strategic senior hires, including Taylan Pince as CTO and Greg Canessa as president and COO. Sanders highlighted the impressive backgrounds of these executives, underscoring their contributions to Horizon's growth and credibility within the industry.

With an extensive 25-year career in the gaming industry, Canessa's role is pivotal in steering the platform's innovative endeavors. Canessa, formerly Google's Global Director of Strategy & Business Operations for Games, played a key role in Google's triple-A cloud gaming ventures from 2017 to 2023. His notable tenure as the General Manager and Creator of Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) at Microsoft marked a significant milestone, introducing the first console digital distribution business.

Web2 Gaming Veteran Enters Web3

Canessa was also project director of Battle.net at Blizzard Entertainment; vice president of mobile at Activision Blizzard; vice president of video game platforms at PopCap Games (acquired by Electronic Arts), and senior vice president of studios and & GM at GSN Games (a division of Sony). His contributions extend to the development and publishing of titles from key franchises like Call of Duty, StarCraft, Diablo, Hexic, Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle, UNO, and more, alongside core triple-A game services.

“Time and time again, I’ve seen what a platform can do by simplifying the developer experience, unlocking awesome player experiences, and creating new business opportunities for developers. Sequence represents the platform solution for web3, web2.5, and blockchain-enabled gaming,” said Canessa. “Sequence is a complete end-to-end platform, purpose-built for gaming, that removes the complexity around blockchain, and lets game developers achieve their business goals by building the innovative play experiences that will transform our industry.”

Game Changer Award

Sequence's success in winning the Game Changers 2024 "Best Blockchain and Web3 Technology" accolade has further solidified its position in the industry. Canessa's decision to join Sequence was influenced by the platform's recognition and its potential to address challenges in the gaming industry.

Acknowledging the existing negative player perception of web3, Canessa says he remains optimistic about Sequence's ability to shift perspectives. The platform aims to remove access barriers and foster gameplay innovation, providing developers with the tools to create engaging games without the complexities of blockchain technology.

With Canessa at the helm as COO, Sequence is poised to be a key player in the evolving landscape of web3 gaming, offering a purpose-built platform for developers to focus on creating enjoyable gaming experiences.

More About Sequence?

Sequence, established in 2017, focused on building a robust tech stack for web3 gaming, with its flagship game Skyweaver gaining recognition in the Trading Card Game (TCG) genre. Canessa's appointment aligns with Sequence's strategic expansion plans, aiming to empower web3 game developers, enhance player experiences, and integrate blockchain features into traditional web2 games across various platforms.

The recent introduction of Sequence Builder, an all-in-one no-code game development platform for web3, witnessed substantial growth with a 1,000% increase in developers in December 2023. This growth reflects the platform's commitment to simplifying technology and seamlessly integrating web3 elements for games built using Unity or Unreal Engine.

Final Thoughts

Looking ahead, Michael Sanders' visionary leadership alongside Canessa, Pince, and CEO Peter Kieltyka combined with Horizon's relentless pursuit of user-friendly web3 solutions has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the technology landscape. From the acclaimed Sequence developer platform to the immersive Skyweaver trading card game, Horizon continues to redefine the possibilities of web3 adoption.

Sanders' commitment to storytelling, exploration, and holistic well-being resonates throughout the company's ethos, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. As we move forward into the ever-evolving digital frontier, the influence of Sanders and Horizon promises to shape the future of web3 technology for years to come.