In a world where web3 gaming is gaining momentum, there's a project that's capturing the essence of family-friendly entertainment while embracing blockchain technology. We had the privilege of sitting down for an exclusive interview with Dan Beasley, the co-founder of Viker Games and the driving force behind The Grapes IP, to delve into the intricacies of their journey. From their origins to the challenges they've faced in the realm of casual mobile gaming, Dan shared his unique perspective on the future of web3 gaming and how The Grapes is making its mark.

A Journey Through Time and Technology

Dan Beasley's journey in the mobile industry spans two decades, from the early days of ringtones to the present, where he's pioneering the web3 gaming space. His career began at a time when mobile phones were primarily used for making calls and sending texts. Still, Dan recognized the potential for mobile entertainment and worked with clients like News International and Sky to deliver chart-topping ringtones.

As the industry evolved, so did Dan's career. He played a pivotal role in building mobile apps and engagement tools for prominent brands like RBS, NatWest, Mr. Bean, and Square Enix, when the iPhone revolutionized the industry. Eventually, he founded Viker Games, where the focus shifted from serving clients to creating their own projects, giving birth to The Grapes IP.

I founded my agency and developed games for clients like Mr. Bean, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Square Enix. In 2019, I decided to shift my focus from working with clients to building our own projects, leading to the birth of Viker, and we haven't looked back since.

The Grapes IP

The Grapes, as Dan described it, is more than just a web3 project. It's a globally recognized, family-friendly entertainment IP designed to transcend the boundaries of web3 and reach a diverse audience. Dan draws parallels to iconic brands like Angry Birds, highlighting how The Grapes, which started as a collection of 3,333 NFTs, is on a trajectory to become a household name. The goal? To create a cute, fun universe akin to Winnie the Pooh, Hello Kitty, or Toy Story, appealing to audiences across age demographics.

Think about Angry Birds, for example. It's a household name, an entertainment IP recognized worldwide. But it started as a mobile game where you paid 69 pence to download and play. People spent countless hours playing it, and it quickly transcended mobile to appear on lunchboxes, pencil cases, theme parks, movies, and even Netflix today. My kids consume Angry Birds via Netflix, and they have no idea of its origins.

The Mobile Gaming Advantage

Why choose mobile as the platform for The Grapes? Dan's answer is straightforward: mobile is the largest gaming platform in the world. Almost everyone owns a smartphone, making it the most accessible way to reach a global audience. Furthermore, mobile offers the robust distribution channels of the App Store and Google Play, adding to the appeal. But what about web3 adoption? Dan points out that major distribution channels are beginning to clarify their stance on web3, increasing confidence in operating within those spaces.

Mobile, without a shadow of a doubt, is the biggest gaming platform in the world. Wherever you go, most people will have a smartphone of some capacity, whether it's an iOS or Android device. It's in their hands, and that's how they're consuming entertainment worldwide. Putting The Grapes on mobile is a natural choice for us because it offers the broadest reach.

The Challenge of Web3 Adoption

One intriguing question arises: Why haven't more web3 projects targeted the casual mobile gaming market? Dan offers a unique perspective, explaining that many early web3 adopters came from desktop gaming backgrounds, which influenced their initial direction. The rise of web3 within desktop environments and crypto spaces led to this trend. However, Dan predicts a growing shift towards mobile, especially with major players like Zynga entering the space with the recent announcement of “Sugartown”. As the mobile gaming ecosystem evolves, more opportunities will arise for web3 adoption.

I'm particularly excited about the adoption of web3 technologies in mobile gaming. Big players, such as Zynga, are entering this space, which indicates significant growth potential. It's fascinating to witness how established franchises and studios will approach web3 and integrate these technologies into their games. I'm also eager to see how web3 evolves over the next 12 months, as it becomes more mainstream. There are promising advances on the horizon, and I believe we're on the verge of transformative changes in the gaming industry.

Balancing Web3 and User Experience

The Grapes embraces blockchain technology, but it's not imposing it on users. Dan emphasizes the importance of providing a smooth, user-friendly experience without overwhelming players with web3 terminology. Users have the freedom to enjoy The Grapes using traditional methods like in-app purchases or ads, with the option to dive deeper into web3 when they're ready. Transparency is key, ensuring that users understand the technology's presence without feeling forced into it.

For us, we focus on building great experiences and good games. We aim to provide an enjoyable experience without making it difficult for users. We want to ensure a smooth onboarding process and not overwhelm users with web3 terminology. We want to avoid confusing or making people nervous. Our approach is to make it easy for anyone to have a great experience, and we can guide them deeper into web3 when they're ready.

The Hybrid Approach: Merging Web3 and Traditional Monetization

Incorporating both web3 features and traditional monetization methods like ads and in-app purchases, The Grapes offers a hybrid approach that caters to a broader audience. Players can choose their preferred way to engage, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. When users are ready to explore web3 aspects, the pathway is open, but The Grapes doesn't impose it upon them. The flexibility of options is central to their approach.

We don't hide anything about web3. It's quite evident that it's there, and if users want to engage with it, they can. However, if someone simply wants to play the game using in-app purchases or watching ads – traditional monetization methods – they can do that without being forced into the web3 aspect. We don't want to complicate or confuse users. Our approach is to make it easy for anyone to have a great experience, and we guide them deeper into web3 only when they're ready.

Engaging the Casual Gamer

Keeping casual gamers engaged in shorter play sessions can be challenging, but The Grapes has a winning strategy. By offering engaging content and incentives, The Grapes has achieved impressive average playtimes and retention rates. Dan dispels the notion that casual gamers are mere "snackers" who quickly abandon games. People spend hours on their phones daily, and The Grapes aims to provide compelling reasons for them to return.

When we introduced The Grape Juice drag-and-drop puzzle game, we achieved an average playtime of over 90 minutes and impressive retention rates. We also focus on tournaments, regularly adding new content and giving players reasons to return. The misconception of casual gamers as "snackers" who quickly abandon games doesn't always hold. People spend hours on their phones daily, whether it's gaming, watching videos, or other activities. The key is to provide engaging content and incentives for them to keep coming back.

The Future of Web3 Gaming

Dan Beasley is excited about the future of gaming, both in web2 and web3. He anticipates significant growth in web3 adoption, especially in mobile gaming, with major players like Zynga, and Square Enix entering the space. The merging of established franchises with web3 technologies is a development to watch. Additionally, Dan is eager to witness the continued evolution of web3 as it becomes more mainstream, foreseeing transformative changes in the gaming industry.

Final Thoughts

The Grapes, under the leadership of Dan Beasley and his team, is pioneering a new era of web3 gaming that combines family-friendly entertainment with blockchain technology. Their approach of inclusivity, transparency, and a hybrid monetization model is setting a new standard for casual mobile gaming. As web3 continues to evolve, projects like The Grapes are poised to redefine the gaming landscape and capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Stay tuned as they embark on their journey to create an enduring and beloved entertainment IP, transcending the boundaries of web3.

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