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As the World’s First Metaverse Employer, Decentral Games Is Defining the Future of Work
Few periods in history have altered the general public’s perception with regard to the future of work more profoundly than the last eighteen months.
After spending considerable time in isolation, perhaps it’s no wonder workers across the world have emerged from the pandemic having re-evaluated their professional passions, workplace preferences, and outlook for the future of their careers. Coincidentally, this once in a lifetime macroeconomic event has coincided with a key inflection point in the worlds of cryptocurrency and blockchain. For the first time in history, workers have been afforded the unique opportunity to pursue gainful employment in the most futuristic workplace known to humankind – the metaverse.
Decentral Games proudly bears the honor of becoming the world’s first metaverse employer. It’s an important and necessary responsibility we believe will bring a new wave of adoption and sense of community not only to our platform, but to the industry at large. As we’ve continued to scale headcount over the last year, our thesis for investing in new talent and helping to define the future of work has only grown stronger.
Despite having established careers prior to joining Decentral Games, new employees who join our ranks express feeling a call to become part of something bigger. “The job I had at the time was ten years in the making, an amazing place to work, and I wanted to leave it with every part of me…” Murphjestic, Decentral Games’ Community Manager recalls of leaving his Big 4 Accounting role. “I loved that job, so it wasn’t a matter of being unhappy with my employer. I had fallen in love with crypto, the metaverse, the potential and the amazing communities that were being forged.”
It’s a story we never get tired of hearing. Despite varying backgrounds, we’ve found motivated, adventure-seeking individuals at every turn who have felt driven to bring their collective decades of experience to Decentral Games without looking back. DG’s Events Manager, Adam for example, brings 20 years of entertainment industry experience to the table, and after traveling the world playing clubs as a DJ he found himself ready to apply these skills in a totally new capacity. “I started DJing in Florida, then playing clubs on the east coast of America and most recently playing venues all over South East Asia and landing in Italy.” he says. “I joined the Decentral Games team to provide versatile mixes, on board a dozen DJs, and grow high profile entertainment events.”
“I won’t lie, it was scary enough to give up a stable IRL job for a job I didn’t know if it would be for the future..” Casino Host Aeron says. “Now after more than five months I can say that this job is all I wanted and even more!”
It’s often the case that technological innovations come with a counterintuitive tradeoff, that despite being more connected than ever, the human element of community and working towards a common purpose is lost. As a team, we quickly realized that gaming and socializing in the metaverse was going to be an unfamiliar feeling for most – at least at first – so connecting with new users from the start and making them feel welcome was proving to be an especially important task. “The original idea was to have someone charismatic greet new users and play games with them so they aren’t alone.” GLHF (Kris), DG’s Casino Manager remembers. “That quickly blossomed into an elite, full-blown support system of 20+ Casino Host team members, most of which are working 8+ hour daily shifts, and can now answer almost any question and resolve issues for users, on the spot.”
Most employees see immediate gratification and fulfillment in the work they’re performing due to their rapport-building with our customers, many of whom are awestruck navigating the metaverse for the very first time. “It reminds me how important it is to onboard complete strangers…” Casino Host, 100Rainbows said. “While a waiter will meet/greet patrons and aid them with the menu, a Decentral Games Host can help newcomers to walk/talk and teleport within the metaverse.”
These initial interactions additionally present an opportunity to introduce players to Decentral Games’ play-to-earn model, a unique system that allows both players and employees to acquire shared ownership in the platform the more they interact with it. Players place wagers and earn rewards via our proprietary $DG token, an asset simultaneously represents both a unit of account and fractional ownership. Through the $DG DAO, $DG token holders own the casino, control the profits, vote on new games and decide on feature proposals. The system allows customers to “be the house” and financially aligns the interests of our employees with our players, fostering a stronger sense of community not seen in the traditional gaming sector.
Aside from the nature of their work, DG metaverse employees see the upside of completely remote work, a team-oriented environment, flexible hours, and opportunities to develop cutting-edge skills. “I can pick the hours that won’t affect my school work and also allow me to not miss any time with friends and family and that is something I’m extremely grateful for,” Ethan, a Casino Host says of his schedule. “In fact, I can work more than double the hours at DG than I’d be able to work elsewhere all from the comfort of my home.”
Above all, what keeps our talent executing day in and day out on Decentral Games’ bold vision for the future is the belief in limitless opportunity and potential. The world of cryptocurrency today is filled with genuine excitement, a feeling that is deeply reminiscent of the internet boom that captivated the world’s imagination in the early 2000’s. Similarly, before they made the leap to get involved, many of our employees were just crypto-enthusiasts looking to get a foot in the door of this game-changing industry. As the industry has evolved to support the immersive infrastructure of the metaverse, the new ecosystem has rapidly matured to the point of being considered the future frontier of work. Even amid the uncertainty of price fluctuations in crypto markets and short-term market uncertainty, the team is filled with conviction that cryptocurrency has the potential to ring in a brighter future for all who wish to participate in it. “The strange part is describing my work to people, it’s always a ‘Shut up, no way!’ moment if they are young or simply a confused look for people my parents age, Denzel, a Casino Host, says. “Nonetheless it turns heads and opens people’s eyes to the possibilities being created by blockchain technology.”
Campaign for Fairer Gambling
$4.3 Billion Wagered Illegally During March Madness, Fueled by Social Media Influence
Latest analysis by online marketplace intelligence specialists, YieldSec, commissioned by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG), has revealed a stark contrast between legal and illegal online gambling activities during the 2024 NCAA Men’s & Women’s March Madness Basketball Tournaments in the US. YieldSec’s monitoring unveiled an overwhelming majority of betting-related social media posts and video content, reaching up to 73% and 78% respectively, directing audiences toward illegal betting and gambling operators.
YieldSec’s findings shed light on the strength of the illegal gambling grip on the American marketplace, with 378 illegal sports betting operators and 651 illicit affiliates aggressively targeting US March Madness audiences and claiming 64% of the total market share, generating $4.3 billion in illegal and untaxed wagering. The remaining $2.4 billion wagered legally amounts to just 36% of the total market share.
These statistics underscore the challenges in controlling the proliferation of unlicensed gambling operators that have historically capitalized on the fragmented legal landscape of online betting in the US.
Key findings for March Madness 2024:
- Illegal gambling on March Madness comprised 64% of US online marketplace wagering ($4.3 billion Handle).
- Total value of March Madness betting (legal and illegal) amounts to a handle of $6.7bn.
- 378 illegal sports betting operators actively targeted the US.
- 651 affiliates promoted illegal sports betting operators that actively targeted the US.
- Illegals dominated social media content with up to 73% of all social posts in favor of illegal operators.
- 78% of all video content that linked to March Madness betting was linked to illegal operators.
Derek Webb, Founder of CFG, said: “This Yield Sec special report illustrates the dire need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle illegal gambling in the US. The lack of a united government approach and lax oversight by states have only compounded the problem, enabling entities with dubious backgrounds to operate freely. It’s high time for U.S. leadership to spearhead a unified solution to this pervasive issue.”
Ismail Vali, Founder and CEO of YieldSec, said: “The overwhelming presence of illegal gambling during one of the biggest sports betting events of the year is a clear signal that enforcement and monitoring need to be prioritized. Our findings are a call to action for stakeholders across the board to intensify efforts in combating the spread of unlicensed gambling operations that exploit the online marketplace. With the dominance of illegals across our social media channels, it’s clear that the threats to American commerce, community and consumers are a lot closer to home than ever imagined.”
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling is now advocating for a cohesive governmental response to illegal gambling, urging the Department of Justice, Treasury, Federal Trade Commission, and the Trade Representative’s Office to consider the findings of the YieldSec report as a basis for developing effective countermeasures.
Esports has long been popular in the CIS region, with various top-tier teams and players all calling it home. How has the landscape evolved over the last few years? Have any particular trends emerged that have surprised you at all?
Esports boomed in the CIS region in 2008 when Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games became really popular. While esports had been a thing as far back as 2003, the rise of games such as Counter-Strike and DOTA2 was a major catalyst for the upward trajectory the sector has been riding ever since. In recent years, the infrastructure needed to support esports has improved drastically across the CIS region, including the construction of the Pixel Esports Arena in Minks, Belarus, and the Cyberspace Arena in Almaty, Kazakhstan, both of which hold top-flight contests. Internet connectivity has also improved, while support from local and international sponsors such as Monster Energy, Red Bull and War Gaming have provided funds for further investment while also driving awareness. Ultimately, this has seen the landscape evolve into a thriving industry with lots of opportunities for further growth.
In terms of trends, and especially relating to esports betting, I’ve been surprised by the high demand for betting on console games – we call them eBattles and they include disciplines such as eSoccer and eBasketball. I think this is just a natural development that has occurred off the back of strong demand for video game content, which is often the bridge between traditional sports and esports.
What factors have contributed to esports’ growth in the CIS over the past few years?
One of the biggest factors for me is that teams have become more professional and are now training and playing in well-run clubs. This takes place in dedicated buildings and rooms, set up with high-speed internet and the absolute best gaming equipment. Player salaries have also gone up, which has increased the calibre of players taking part in contests across the region, taking competitiveness to the next level. Today, many CIS players now play for high-ranked teams such as Virtus.pro, Team Spirit, Betboom or Na`Vi which compete on the international stage. This in turn is helping esports grow across the CIS region.
Given how many countries are in the CIS region, can you walk us through some of the biggest regulatory differences when it comes to betting on esports? And how does PandaScore navigate these changes?
The legality of betting and esports betting differs from country to country within the CIS region. Some are super strict or even prohibit gambling, while others take a more liberal approach, regulating the activity and licensing operators. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest markets and their approach.
In Ukraine, esports has been recognised as a sport since 2018 and in 2020 the country regulated and licensed gambling for the first time. The law focuses mostly on standard betting – sports and casino – but is likely to also include esports betting given that esports is a recognised sport in the country with tier-one Ukraine sportsbooks like Favbet and Parimatch offering it to their players.
Kazakhstan has a growing gambling industry with betting shops and casinos operating in major cities such as Almaty and Nur-Sultan. Gambling is regulated by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and while the regulatory framework is somewhat restrictive, sports betting – which is likely to include esports betting – is permitted.
Navigating the constant changes in betting regulation across the CIS region can be challenging, so we make sure to keep up to speed with the latest developments by monitoring legislative updates and amendments to regulatory guidelines. We also track industry trends and best practices to anticipate regulatory changes ahead of time, allowing us to adapt quickly if needed. This can involve benchmarking against competitors, attending conferences and networking with key stakeholders.
In your view, are there any unique opportunities for the expansion of esports and esports betting within the CIS region? And how does this differ to other regions?
It’s important to understand that CIS, especially Ukraine and Kazakhstan, play by their own rules. By that I mean they are very different to other esports markets, so don’t think what works in Italy will work in Ukraine. For example, while League of Legends is very popular in Europe, in CIS, it’s Dota 2 that takes the top spot. But for those who can understand the region and each market, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.
Let me elaborate. Dota 2 is thriving in the broader CIS, with regular tournaments and events attracting large audiences both offline and online. teams like Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), Virtus.pro and Team Spirit have achieved significant success in Dota 2 competitions, contributing to the game’s popularity in the region. While Dota 2 is big, other video games also enjoy significant popularity, including CS2, World of Tanks and Fortnite among others.
Operators need to consider this when deciding their markets and odds, marketing strategies and plans for player engagement.
What would you say is the key to creating a successful esports product for a CIS audience?
Understanding layer preferences in each market and delivering an experience that exceeds their expectations. For the CIS region, this means focusing on Dota 2 – this is a game that offers deep and strategic gameplay requiring teamwork, communication and skilful execution of plans and strategies. Its competitive nature appeals to gamers as they enjoy the challenge of multiplayer experiences – this goes back to the original MOBAs back in 2008. These factors must be present in the esports betting experience offered to players – at PandaScore, this means a comprehensive Dota 2 offering that covers markets such as Kills, Towers, Roshans and Barracks, with players able to challenge themselves in a betting competition against others.
Support is also key to delivering a quality player experience. We offer round-the-clock assistance and are regularly rolling out updates to improve the experience players receive when betting on esports at sportsbooks using our data, odds and betting tools such as our Bet Builder. We are always working hard to expand our offering to cover the most in-demand games including CS2, Valorant, Call of Duty and many more.
What trends or developments do you anticipate shaping the future growth of esports in the CIS region over the next few years?
The industry will continue to grow and become more professional. Esports is different to traditional sports and it still lacks recognition in some markets, even though it is considered an official sport in a growing number of countries across the CIS region. I think as it evolves, more governments will provide more support for esports as it brings tremendous economic, cultural and social benefits. This could include funding for esports initiatives, rolling out regulatory frameworks, helping to foster partnerships with esports organisations or simply recognising it as a sport.
The continued proliferation of smartphones across the region will be a further catalyst for esports growth. Titles such as PUGB Mobile, Free Fire and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will attract large audiences and provide new opportunities for teams, players, sponsors and other stakeholders to explore. This is a really exciting time for esports and esports betting in the CIS region, and PandaScore is thrilled to be part of it.
The post eSports in the CIS region , Q&A w/ Viktor Block, Senior Sales Manager/PandaScore appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden – will bring its premium games portfolio to players in Switzerland after agreeing a partnership with technology provider Gamanza Group.
Gamanza is renowned for offering an innovative suite of iGaming products, and powered the first legal online casino in Switzerland. The provider is backed by Stadtcasino Baden AG; one of the largest leisure and entertainment groups in Switzerland.
This is the first partnership Gaming Corps has agreed in Switzerland, and marks significant progress in the territory in a short space of time, with Gamanza providing a turn-key platform solution to multiple licensed operators in the Swiss online gaming market.
Gamanza’s player account management platform, “Core” will now house Gaming Corps’ full suite of games, made up of Crash, Mine, Table, Slot and Plinko titles. Gamanza’s operator partners will be able to offer some of Gaming Corps’ recent smash hits such as Rampage and Piggy Smash from the Smash4Cash™ series, Wild Woof, Raging Zeus Mines and Lobster Hotpot, as well as some of Gaming Corps’ revered games series including Jet Lucky and Coin Miner.
Mats Lundin, Gaming Corps’ Director of Sales, said: “Gamanza is a well-known, popular and respected provider in the Swiss online gaming market, so we are extremely privileged to be able to offer our games via Gamanza’s Core platform.
“We are very excited to provide our first-class games to Gamanza’s partners, and we are pleased to secure such widespread distribution of our titles to players across Switzerland in the early stages of our journey in the country.”
Robert Civill, Chief Commercial Officer at Gamanza said: “We will always champion innovation and variety at Gamanza, and Gaming Corps provides a quality mix of crash games and other fast game concepts, alongside an array of thrilling slots.
Gamanza is delighted to work with Gaming Corps and I’m sure they will prove to be incredibly popular with our partners, so very much a welcome addition to our ever-evolving portfolio!
The post Gaming Corps signs up first Swiss client with Gamanza Group distribution deal appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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