Esports

EXCLUSIVE: TALKING INNOVATION WITH RAY DAVIES, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT BLOCKCHAIN LOTTERY QUANTA

Published

7 years ago

June 10, 2019

Over the past six months we’ve been following the exciting developments at Isle of Man-based Quanta, the world’s first fully licensed blockchain lottery. So, when we got the opportunity to chat with Quanta’s Chief Operating Officer, Ray Davies, we jumped at it.

By avoiding an ICO you’ve definitely bucked the trend with QNTU – how’s this working out for you?

Its working well. The value of the QNTU, our utility token, is expected to increase through expansion of its use and on the on-going increase of the value of our company. We have developed a specific strategy ‘our roadmap’ for the leverage of the QNTU and the value of our company, which is irrespective of the ICO strategy.

More specifically, our roadmap is based upon ‘pillars’ which are about significantly improving our products by increasing their performance, addressing scalability, widening our games and services portfolio and expanding the operation of our blockchain based gaming platform on a global basis.

How long do you think it will be before blockchain-based gaming really goes mainstream?

Blockchain-based gaming should be considered as an enhancement to, and upscale of, the current conventional gaming technology rather than disruption to it. Blockchain gaming can and should develop in parallel, and as an add-on, to the conventional technology games.

The coexistence of the two gaming technologies has already started and will continue to be deployed more and more in the months and years ahead. Quanta is already in the process of applying this model in Nigeria and shortly in other countries too.

I believe blockchain-based games will become mainstream though this will be through the coexistence of the two worlds rather than at the expense of one of them.

As people immersed in the blockchain and igaming ecosphere, it’s easy to lose sight of the typical, ‘everyman’ perspective. We understand the benefits of blockchain-based gaming and lotteries, but how do you sell those to the ‘regular Joe’ on the street?

Blockchain technology is not targeted to the specific classes of our society but rather to everyone whatever his/her status; e.g. social, educational, financial, geolocation etc. It’s the medium through which blockchain-based games can provide the same or superior customer experience for everyone.

Blockchain, thanks to its peer to peer orientation, gives access in high tech applications to everyone and especially those in developing countries like in Africa who have readily adopted modern communications technologies. All players can benefit from the blockchain’s superior integrity and trust compared to conventional games technology.

Jurisdictions like the Isle of Man and Malta are clearly stealing a lead when it comes to all things blockchain related. Do you think small countries have an advantage here in terms of adopting new legislation quickly?

The economy model of small size countries such as Isle of Man and Malta is mainly offshore oriented, which in simple words means the cross-border economy. Blockchain technology fits perfectly with the offshore economy model of these countries as it goes beyond borders and intermediaries and provides time & cost efficiencies.

As such these countries, mainly due to their size are incredibly flexible and nimble and can react and adapt quickly to the ever-changing nature of business. This is a competitive advantage which they are clearly embracing.

Watching mainstream media reports, it seems obvious there’s still a widespread ignorance about blockchain, with many still using the term ‘bitcoin’ to refer to all things blockchain. Why do you think this is? Are education systems failing?

There are many people who are not aware at all about blockchain technology or simply connect blockchain technology exclusively with the bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

I don’t think that this is a kind of ignorance about the blockchain technology but rather blockchain sits quietly in the background. Most people today are familiar with the smartphones and the tablets thanks to the user-friendly applications on these devices, and I trust that it is only matter of time for more and more people become acquainted with the blockchain technology as more and more blockchain-based applications become part of our day to day life.

Given Quanta’s acquisition of Naija, you’re obviously interested in the African market. We’re seeing a lot of blockchain and crypto projects focusing on developing economies. At the danger of sounding idealistic, do you see blockchain as something of an economic equaliser – after all, one of the main problems plaguing African economies has been corruption, and blockchain tech offers the promise of incorruptible records and transactions?

We believe that the blockchain technology will be disruptive to the developing countries, such as in Africa, and rather foundational in developed countries. In developed African countries blockchain technology can fill the gap of integrity and trust for its citizens and in these countries blockchain technology can be economic equaliser and aid democratic society.

It’s always great to get insights from the people at the cutting edge of an industry, and the Quanta team is certainly that! So, it’s a big ‘thank you’ to Ray for giving us some of his time, and if you’re curious you can find out more about Quanta at https://www.quanta.im/

We’ve also got a fascinating exclusive video interview with Shogo Ishida, CEO at QRC Group and Quanta coming very soon, so watch this space!

Exclusive interview content © 2019 Pentagon Digital Limited, all rights reserved.

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Esports

LEXUS SUPPORTS ESPORTS AWARDS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Published

5 years ago

October 29, 2021

AYO News Staff

Luxury carmaker Lexus is returning to support the Esports Awards for a third year running

As Official Auto Partner of the awards, the company will be working with the Esports Awards on a number of activations that incorporate their vehicles. Lexus will also sponsor both the Esports Organisation of the Year and Streamer of the Year awards.

Lexus made its esports debut with the Esports Awards in 2019, when it provided several supercars from blockbuster movies, which took centre stage at the Esports Stadium Arlington. Last year, the carmaker collaborated on exclusive content as part of the highly successful virtual ceremony.

“It’s an honour to be able to welcome Lexus as a partner for the third year in a row. After supporting us through a successful virtual ceremony last year, it speaks volumes that Lexus has once again committed to going all-in and driving the esports ecosystem forward. Both of our brands focus on prestige and excellence, and I look forward to showcases our joint values as we return to a physical event in November,” said Michael Ashford, Managing Director, Esports Awards.

Esports

REKTGLOBAL BRINGS TOP GAMING TALENT TO INFINITY FESTIVAL 2021

Published

5 years ago

October 29, 2021

AYO News Staff

ReKTGlobal, the digital entertainment and esports organization, has been named one of the official presenters of gaming content at the 2021 Infinity Festival.

On 3 November, superstar gaming creators Ally Battaggia (a.k.a TheGeekEntry) and Gabby Murray will join Stove’s Kitchen and Paul Shaw in a panel exploring the content creator economy. In addition, ReKTGlobal CCO Kevin Knocke will share his unique expertise in a panel on esports.

Battaggia, who has a growing following across social media, took on streaming during lockdown, joining the fan-favorite NoPIxel GTA RP server. Since then, she’s become a mainstay participant, even crafting a NFT/TCG collection from her beloved GTA RP character. With 9.6M social media followers, Murray has built a fanbase as a multi-talented lifestyle and gaming content creator, with a Discord community that is expanding by the day.

Top gaming creator Stove’s Kitchen (whose real name is Steven Cho), part of the Team RAR (Rare and Ridiculous) internet group, has a devout fan following on his YouTube channel, where he posts gaming and challenge videos. Meanwhile, Shaw oversees Special Projects at TalentX Entertainment, a subsidiary of ReKTGlobal. The four will join forces for Making a Living as a Content Creator: Much More Than Gaming — a panel that explores what sets livestream content monetization and strategy apart from pre-produced content.

Also on 3 November, Knocke will take part in an esports panel with Darin Kwilinski, Lead Content Producer at IGN Entertainment, and Amanda Solomon, CEO at Tyrus Talent Management. The panel, Esports or Esports? Does It Matter? will break down misconceptions about esports to separate the hype from actual substance.

Knocke, who has been competitively gaming since he was a kid, has years of involvement with high profile companies and events in the esports business – specifically Blizzard Entertainment, IGN, SiriusXM, Sony, South by Southwest, E3, PAX, and Ubisoft — giving him a broad perspective on the industry. Before joining IGN, Kwilinski, a lifelong gamer, was a senior editor for esports at ESPN, establishing its vision and voice. Solomon is an executive with a well of expertise in the strategic sales and partnerships realm, specializing in esports, gaming, and talent.

Now in its exciting fourth year, the forward-focused Infinity Festival is the place where Hollywood meets Silicon Valley. The multi-day annual event, held in Los Angeles, brings together Hollywood’s finest storytelling talent with the innovative creators of cutting-edge technology. For 2021, Infinity Festival will blend in-person and virtual events for a unique hybrid experience.

The in-person portion will be held in several adjacent Hollywood locations with most events happening at Goya Studios and the Dream Hotel; the online component will be presented through the easy-to-use FNvirtual event platform. The festival will continue its theme of “Story Enabled by Technology” with an entirely new slate of innovative programming, including industry-leading speakers, panel discussions, an exhibition hall, innovation labs, and a fine art gallery, each with an emerging-tech focus.

For tickets and additional information, visit infinityfestival.com.

Esports

TEAM SINGULARITY TO LAUNCH FAN TOKENS VIA BLOCKSPORT

Published

5 years ago

October 29, 2021

AYO News Staff

Danish esports organisation Team Singularity has extended its partnership with Swiss fan engagement platform Blocksport.

The multi-year agreement will see the launch of the $SNG Fan Token, giving holders access to unique opportunities to influence team-related decisions, enter the fast-track at SNG Academy, access exclusive content, train with professional esports athletes and more.

$SNG Fan Tokens are expected to launch in December 2021 with a supply of 3M, and will be priced at €1 each in the initial sale.

Commenting on the news, Atle S. Stehouwer, CEO and Founder of Team Singularity, said: “I am happy that our partnership with Blocksport is officially extended and we can finally announce the next step in our collaboration.”

Vladimir Liulka, CEO and Co-Founder of Blocksport, added: “We are happy to extend our exclusive partnership with Team Singularity and launch $SNG Fan Token for their fans. Singularity has a global and awesome fan community. The Token opens up a new world – an environment in which they have the chance to be very close to their favorites players and team”.

Team Singularity currently fields rosters in CS:GO, Fortnite, Rocket League, League of Legends, FIFA, Apex Legends, Rainbow Six, VALORANT, Free Fire, Teamfight Tactics, Hearthstone, Quake, League of Legends Wild Rift, Call of Duty, Call of Duty Mobile, Call of Duty Warzone, PUBG, PUBG Mobile, DOTA 2, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Battalion 1944, H1Z1, Tekken7, Rogue Company, Brawlhalla, and Clash Royale. In addition to Blocksport, the organisation has commercial partnerships with PWC, Pluck GG, Raven, SCUF, KontrolFreek, Randers FC, Esportal, Challengermode, MYESPORTSCARD, and MYFUTCARD.

Staying with esports and Blocksport.io, just yesterday we reported the platform had partnered with Jordanian sim motorsports organisation Desert Fox Racing.