Kohji, Co-Founder and Head of Game Development at Parallel, joins the show to break down how his team built one of Web3’s most ambitious gaming ecosystems. Blending a digital-first trading card game, an AI agent called Wayfinder, and multiple cross-chain game worlds into a single sci-fi franchise.
We recap Parallel’s journey from pandemic Zoom brainstorms to signing YouTube’s founder as a partner, their decision to go digital-first (before physical cards), and what it’s like hosting in-person world championships in Vegas with six-figure prize pools. Kohji also opens up about the realities of running a multi-chain studio, the art process behind their cinematic visuals, and why building something timeless means saying no to endless collaborations.
This episode covers:
- The cold DM that changed everything - and how Chad Hurley (YouTube) joined as a co-founder
- Why Parallel launched digital-first and how they linked physical packs via blockchain QR codes
- Restoring real ownership and trading to digital card games
- Navigating Ethereum, Solana, Base, and beyond without fragmenting the community
- Lessons from hosting a live Vegas esports event (where the Wi-Fi didn’t work)
- Why Parallel avoids collab hype and focuses on long-term world-building
- The art direction behind Parallel’s stunning sci-fi universe
- Advice for builders entering Web3: ignore “playbooks” and trust your own timing
Important Disclosures This content is intended for educational purposes only. Please note that the availability of the products mentioned may vary by country, and it is recommended to check with your local stock exchange. Please note that VanEck may offer investments products that invest in the asset class(es) or industries included in this podcast. This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned are unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees.
Prior to using any AI tools, please consult your compliance and legal departments to assess and mitigate potential risks associated with its application in your specific regulatory environment.
Please note that any content generated by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system has not been subject to a human review, and thus no assurance can be made as to its accuracy. Please exercise caution when using AI systems and verify the content produced through such systems wherever possible.
An investment in a cryptocurrency exchange-traded product (“ETP”) or other digital asset investment vehicle is subject to significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The value of digital assets, including but not limited to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, is highly volatile and you can lose your entire principal investment. Cryptocurrency ETPs are not registered investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) and therefore are not subject to the same regulatory protections afforded to mutual funds or ETFs registered under the 1940 Act. Investments in digital assets and Web3 companies are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk. These risks include, but are not limited to: the technology is new and many of its uses may be untested; intense competition; slow adoption rates and the potential for product obsolescence; volatility and limited liquidity, including but not limited to, inability to liquidate a position; loss or destruction of key(s) to access accounts or the blockchain; reliance on digital wallets; reliance on unregulated markets and exchanges; reliance on the internet; cybersecurity risks; and the lack of regulation and the potential for new laws and regulation that may be difficult to predict. Moreover, the extent to which Web3 companies or digital assets utilize blockchain technology may vary, and it is possible that even widespread adoption of b
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