Ronin - Next Generation of Web3 Publisher and Ecosystem
Why I Am Bullish On $RON - Breaking Down @DoubleTap Ep 1
Cross post from JRP_GG
Dive into a conversation with Jeff "Jiho" Zirlin, the co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Sky Mavis, the creative minds behind the groundbreaking Axie Infinity and the thriving Ronin ecosystem. Jiho's insights and experiences provide a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of Web3, where gaming, technology, and community-building converge to redefine the way we interact with digital assets.
The first week of January proved to be the first successful week beyond the Axie narrative. This is the first week where the most-played game on Ronin is not an Axie Infinity game demonstrating diversification and growth beyond their flagship product. Let’s break down 7 key points that came from the Double Tap Interview with Jiho. You can check it out yourself here:
7 Key Insights Into Ronin x Web3 Gaming
1. Growing Quality of Web3 Gaming Experiences
Jiho highlights an increasing trend in the quality of games and experiences integrating Web3 technologies. This suggests a maturing ecosystem with more sophisticated and engaging products, likely attracting a broader audience. We will continue to see games come out from different genres that will attract various players. The need for web3 gaming infrastructure is quickly increasing.
2. Advisory and Support for Developers:
Sky Mavis is actively supporting new teams with expertise in blockchain technology, tokenomics, and Web3 mechanisms. This mentorship model attracts more developers to the Ronin ecosystem, leading to a richer and more diverse environment.
Some things that developers might need include:
Blockchain Expertise: Developers benefit from Sky Mavis' extensive blockchain knowledge, encompassing both theory and practical application. This guidance spans various blockchain platforms, smart contract development, consensus mechanisms, and security protocols.
Tokenomics Mastery: Sky Mavis equips developers with a deep understanding of tokenomics, including token creation, distribution strategies, governance models, and utility design.
Collaborative Mentorship: Sky Mavis fosters a collaborative mentorship model where experienced developers actively guide emerging teams, fostering creativity and innovation. All teams under the Ronin ecosystem can work effectively with each other.
3. Community Engagement and Acceleration:
In the dynamic landscape of the Ronin ecosystem, community engagement holds a central role in propelling the growth and success of new games. Unlike traditional gaming platforms, Ronin thrives on a unique synergy between developers and a pre-existing community that acts as a powerful accelerant for the adoption of innovative games.
Community as an Accelerant: Within Ronin, the community is not a passive audience but an active driving force. This community-driven model unleashes a cascade of benefits for new game developers. The pre-existing community, deeply passionate about the ecosystem and its values, serves as a robust accelerant. It eagerly embraces new games and experiences, fueling faster adoption and organic growth. This accelerated uptake is a testament to the trust and loyalty instilled within the Ronin community, making it an ideal launchpad for developers. We have seen this in Pixels and Aperion - both had 0 - 10k users. After integrating with Ronin, they saw a 10x increase in users in under a couple of weeks.
Cultivating a Vibrant Ecosystem: The community's active role in game adoption contributes to a more vibrant and diversified ecosystem within Ronin. New games are not isolated entities but interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle. The collaborative spirit among developers and users fosters an environment of innovation and experimentation, where ideas cross-pollinate, and synergies emerge. The Ronin community is eager to test and understand new games. This goes for any games - including axie specific games.
4. Innovative User Acquisition Strategies:
In the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 gaming, user acquisition is a critical cornerstone for success. What sets Ronin apart is its innovative approach to attracting and retaining users, which goes beyond conventional methods and taps into the unique opportunities presented by Web3 and gaming.
The Web3 and Gaming Synergy: Ronin's user acquisition strategies are intrinsically tied to the distinct characteristics of the Web3 and gaming landscape. Unlike traditional user acquisition models, which often rely on ads or promotions, Ronin leverages the power of blockchain and NFTs to create a symbiotic relationship between users and the platform.
Free NFTs as Incentives: One of the standout strategies within Ronin is the distribution of free NFTs as onboarding incentives. This forward-thinking approach acknowledges the value that NFTs bring within the Web3 gaming context. By offering these unique digital assets to new users, Ronin not only incentivizes user registration but also introduces them to the world of blockchain and NFTs.
NFTs as Gateways: NFTs serve as gateways to the broader Ronin ecosystem. They grant users access to exclusive in-game content, assets, and experiences, creating a sense of exclusivity and ownership. This not only entices new users but also fosters retention as users seek to maximize the utility of their acquired NFTs.
5. Infrastructure and Tool Development:
The Ronin ecosystem stands as a testament to the commitment to fostering innovation and empowerment within the Web3 gaming sphere. At its core, this commitment is manifested through the continuous refinement and expansion of essential tools and infrastructure that serve both developers and users alike.
Empowering Game Launches: Ronin recognizes that the success of Web3 games hinges on a robust infrastructure for their launch. To this end, the ecosystem invests in the development of dedicated tools, such as NFT and ERC-20 token launchpads.
Seamless User Experience: Enhancements to the Ronin wallet are a testament to the commitment to providing users with a seamless and secure experience. A user-friendly wallet not only facilitates the management of assets but also fosters trust and confidence among the user base. The continuous improvement of the wallet ensures that users can navigate the complexities of Web3 gaming with ease, encouraging greater participation and engagement. P.S. The Ronin Wallet is legit.
Reliability and Scalability: A robust infrastructure is fundamental to the reliability and sustainability of the Ronin ecosystem. By continuously improving and refining infrastructure components, Ronin ensures that it can handle increasing user activity, scale effectively, and maintain a high level of availability. This reliability is crucial for both developers and users who depend on the ecosystem's stability.
Adaptability and Evolution: The commitment to infrastructure development signifies Ronin's adaptability and readiness to evolve with the rapidly changing Web3 gaming landscape. As new technologies and trends emerge, Ronin is poised to incorporate them seamlessly into its ecosystem, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation.
Supporting Developers and Users: Ultimately, the development of tools and infrastructure serves a dual purpose. It supports developers by simplifying the game launch process and enhances the user experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable. This synergy between developer and user empowerment fosters a thriving ecosystem where innovation flourishes, and both parties benefit.
6. Focus on High-Quality Games - Closed(ish) Ecosystem:
In the realm of Web3 gaming, the strategy employed by Ronin represents a significant departure from the conventional "spray and pray" approach adopted by some platforms. Ronin's discerning and selective approach, emphasizing quality over quantity, carries profound implications for the sustainability and vibrancy of its ecosystem.
Quality as a Priority: Ronin's commitment to quality is evident in its meticulous evaluation and curation of games within its ecosystem. Unlike platforms that flood their spaces with a multitude of games, Ronin takes a deliberate approach, ensuring that each game meets rigorous quality standards. This prioritization of quality enhances the overall user experience by offering engaging and polished gaming experiences. Note: A specific emphasis on web3 mobile games has been on top of Ronin’s mind.
Elevating User Expectations: The closed(ish) ecosystem cultivated by Ronin sets a standard of excellence. Users come to expect a certain level of quality when engaging with games on the platform. This elevated expectation not only benefits existing games but also motivates developers to continually enhance their offerings to meet these high standards.
Reducing Noise: In the broader Web3 gaming space, the sheer volume of games can create noise and make it challenging for users to discover and engage with quality titles. Ronin's selective approach mitigates this issue, offering users a curated selection of games that align with their interests and preferences.
Building Reputation: Ronin's emphasis on quality contributes to its reputation as a trusted and respected platform within the Web3 gaming community. Developers and users alike are drawn to a platform known for its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.
7. Long-Term Vision and Adaptability:
Finally, Jiho's emphasis on continuously adapting and innovating, particularly in areas like user onboarding and monetization, shows a commitment to evolving with the market, which is crucial for long-term success - especially in web3 gaming.
JRP Conclusion
IMO - Bullish For Ronin. Ronin has not only surged in popularity going into 2024 but they have proven to be battle-tested. They have scaled Axie, survived million-dollar hacks, and have recently passed Solana in total active users. Hearing JiHo speak about Ronin during the Double Tap podcast gives you a perspective on how they are approaching the market. I have had the pleasure to work with many of the Ronin team one on one. I can’t wait to see what they push out next. $RON.