In a world where NFT chatter is often louder than anything else, we’ve got a different take from Brendan Greene, the mind behind PUBG. He’s got plans for his metaverse, calling it "Artemis", and it’s devoid of NFTs. The approach is more than just a rejection of NFTs; it’s a potential goldmine for fintech startups in Asia trying to innovate in this crypto space.
No NFTs in the Metaverse?
Greene, who took a step back from the PUBG crew in 2019, has big dreams for "Artemis." But the big difference? No NFTs. He told IGN straight up that NFTs don't even factor into his game plan.
“Not even thinking about [NFTs],” Greene said.
The crypto world has been all about NFTs being the go-to solution for digital asset management across different games. Yet Greene doesn’t seem to be buying the hype. His focus is on building a solid engine to create engaging games.
Blockchain and the Future
Sure, he’s not into NFTs, but he sees potential in blockchain tech. Greene thinks there’s a place for blockchain as a financial tool somewhere in these digital realms.
“Blockchains are an interesting financial instrument, as a layer within a digital world [...] maybe some future iteration of blockchain or hashgraph or that tech will be interesting,” he shared.
That’s the thing about blockchain; it's decentralized and secure, which could help with managing transactions and data in the metaverse. Greene is aiming for a digital ledger that might enhance security and efficiency for virtual asset transactions.
Crypto Solutions Without the NFT Tag
Greene's take opens the floodgates for crypto solutions minus the NFT tag. Here’s what fintech startups can chew on.
Merging Blockchain and Crypto
Integrate blockchain tech for secure, decentralized transactions in the metaverse. Cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum or Solana can be used as payment methods.
DeFi in the Metaverse
DeFi can step in to offer financial services like lending, borrowing, and trading, filling a void left by banks, which are absent in the metaverse.
Wallets and Payment Systems
Startups can make digital wallets and payment systems for seamless payments across various metaverse ecosystems.
CBDCs as Payment Options
For places like Hong Kong or mainland China, CBDCs could be a possible payment alternative.
Cybersecurity Focus
With the metaverse needing top-notch security, fintechs could develop advanced security measures for user transactions and data.
Collaborations Matter
Teaming up with companies like Alibaba and Tencent could provide the resources and regulatory support to make things happen.
The Development Journey
Greene's project will unfold in three phases, each manifested in a game.
Prologue
His debut title, "Prologue", is a realistic survival game created from a world-generation engine. This game is currently being tested online and is set to launch in 2025.
The Second Unnamed Game
The second title, still unnamed, aims to offer large-scale multiplayer worlds filled with millions of characters. It will also tie into the final stage.
Artemis
The final stage is "Artemis", which looks to be a 3D internet where players can create worlds and play multiplayer titles across different environments. Greene wants a space for people to generate their own content, all on one protocol, like how HTTP works online.
“The Metaverse is a 3D internet. You should be able to create your own worlds and just have them all operating on the same protocol, like HTTP. So a world is a page, and that’s what I'm trying to do with Artemis,” he said.
Wrapping Up
Brendan Greene’s outlook on a metaverse without NFTs is refreshing. By putting blockchain tech and user-generated content at the forefront, he's aiming for a more engaging virtual experience. This alternative approach also opens doors for fintech startups in Asia, offering them a unique space to thrive. With Greene at the helm, Artemis holds a lot of potential.
