Wright discussed the project with Axios and co-creators with collaborators Lauren Elliot, Carmen Sandiego. Together, the pair own a blockchain-focused startup, developing the game with engine maker Unity and NFT gaming platform Gala Games.
Aside from Wright’s involvement, it’s hard to see how the project differs from other attempts to build blockchain-based virtual worlds. As the name suggests, VoxVerse will use digital collectible Vox characters sold by Gala as NFTs. But Wright has said his focus is on building a blockchain world where players can safely transact.
“I really don’t want to be in the business of selling NFTs,” Wright said. “I don’t care how you do it. I want to provide content creators with a secure transaction.”
An interesting idea, called “shape syntax”, will allow players to quickly transform initial objects into their own items, custom cars, sofas, and more. But these will also be available for “patents” for profit.
Wright likens this to The Sims’ own creator economy, and thinks it may provide a fairer revenue model for those who do see their items being purchased by others. Still, payments aren’t the point, he reiterated: “I’m more interested in attracting 1 million free-to-play players than 10,000 rich tycoons, even though we still need those rich tycoons.”
