In this exclusive interview, GMGames sits down with Leo, the visionary founder of Style Protocol. As an entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, Leo Hilse has dedicated the last few years to addressing the gaps in the NFT and digital asset space. Through Style Protocol, he aims to transform the way we use NFTs in gaming and virtual environments, providing real utility and value beyond mere speculation. Join us as we explore the unique challenges, technological advancements, and future plans of Style Protocol in this insightful conversation.
GMGames Interviews Leo, Founder of Style Protocol
GMGames (GMG): Hi Leo, great to meet you. Let’s start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about your journey?
Leo: Sure, nice to meet you too. Thanks for giving us the spotlight here. My name is Leo, and I’m the founder of Style Protocol. I’ve been an entrepreneur for the last couple of years, diving straight into startups right after university. Initially, I worked on a few Web2 companies in different industries, but then a couple of years ago, I ventured into the crypto space with an NFT marketplace. That experience highlighted the lack of utility in NFTs and the underdeveloped nature of the Web3 space. I saw a need for utility for NFTs and on-chain assets beyond just monetary incentives, specifically for in-game and virtual usage. This led me to initiate Style Protoccol two years ago, which aims to give NFTs added utility in virtual gaming.
GMG: That’s fascinating. Many gaming protocols claim to offer unique solutions. What unique challenges in the digital asset and NFT space is Style Protocol addressing, and how does your solution differentiate from others in the market?
Leo: We are quite unique in providing in-game utility for NFTs. I haven’t seen many alternatives doing what we do. In the 2021 hype cycle, I bought NFTs and was disappointed by the lack of delivery from Web3 projects. Most promises were unfulfilled, and NFT values plummeted. We focus on giving NFTs and on-chain assets utility beyond financial gain by making them usable in 3D games and virtual environments. This way, NFTs become functional assets in digital worlds.
GMG: Let’s delve deeper into the technology. How does Style Protocol facilitate cross-metaverse interoperability, and what technology is behind it?
Leo: Think of Style Protocol as a gigantic spider web connecting different virtual worlds and engines. We created a stack of APIs that connect to various virtual environments and games, facilitating 3D assets in these worlds. Users can connect their NFTs or assets to a digital world of their choice, and we create the asset for them in that environment. Once created for one game, the asset can be moved to another environment using our protocol. This is achieved through APIs and automated AI that adjusts 3D models based on the rig and skeleton required for different environments. Additionally, we have a DAO of ‘tailors’ who manually verify the quality of these assets.
GMG: Is this cross-metaverse interoperability the same as integrating with existing gaming platforms?
Leo: It works both ways. We can integrate with both new and existing metaverses. Currently, we support a wide range of platforms, including popular ones like Roblox, Fortnite (as mods), Sandbox, Decentraland, Spatial, Minecraft, and GTA. These integrations allow us to offer a seamless experience across different virtual environments, enabling users to utilize their NFTs and digital assets in various contexts. For example, players can take an asset created for Roblox and use it in a completely different platform like Decentraland or Sandbox. This flexibility is crucial as it provides a unified and versatile user experience, regardless of the virtual environment.
Moreover, we’re constantly working to expand our reach by integrating with more virtual worlds and gaming platforms. Our goal is to ensure that users have the freedom to move their assets across a diverse array of digital spaces, enhancing the utility and value of their NFTs. By continually adding support for new platforms, we aim to keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual environments and gaming ecosystems. This ongoing expansion not only broadens the possibilities for our users but also strengthens the overall ecosystem of Style Protocol, making it a robust and comprehensive solution for digital asset integration.
GMG: How does your sub-licensing and derivatives model work within Style Protocol, and what advantages does it offer to NFT owners and creators?
Leo: Users can turn their NFTs into assets for personal use in games. Our sub-licensing and derivative mechanism allows users to stake their NFTs on the protocol, effectively creating assets for others to use. This system provides an opportunity for NFT owners to earn passive income by offering their 3D assets to the broader community. For instance, if someone stakes their Bored Ape NFT on our platform, it becomes available for others to use as a skin in various games like Roblox or Sandbox. This not only maximizes the utility of the NFT but also generates rewards for the original owner.
Furthermore, this model encourages greater interaction and engagement within the gaming and NFT communities. By allowing others to use their assets, NFT owners can increase the visibility and popularity of their NFTs, potentially enhancing their value over time. This system also benefits game developers by providing them with a rich pool of high-quality assets that can be easily integrated into their games, enhancing the overall gaming experience for players. The sub-licensing model thus creates a win-win situation, fostering a more dynamic and interconnected ecosystem where both creators and users can thrive.
GMG: How does Style Protocol address common concerns among gamers, such as the impact on game dynamics and player equality?
Leo: Currently, our protocol mainly impacts aesthetics, allowing players to fully customize their in-game appearance. Our infrastructure lets users create custom avatars or assets, and we have a text-to-3D tool for generating assets from user ideas. While it doesn’t affect game dynamics now, we plan to enable cross-game compatibility for stats in the future.
GMG: With the launch of your whitepaper and token behind you, what key principles are you continuing to emphasize to potential investors and participants?
Leo: We emphasize that our token is a true utility token, providing real, fundamental value. It’s not just for speculation. Token holders can use the protocol to obtain assets, which means they can turn their NFTs into functional items for virtual environments and games. Game studios benefit by enabling player customization, leveraging our infrastructure to offer a more immersive and personalized gaming experience. Additionally, investors can stake tokens for utility within their NFT portfolios, allowing them to earn rewards while contributing to the ecosystem’s growth. Our goal is to ensure that every participant in the Style Protocol ecosystem derives tangible benefits, thereby fostering a sustainable and valuable platform.
GMG: Can you discuss the environmental impact of digital versus physical assets and how Style Protocol contributes to sustainability in the fashion industry?
Leo: Digital fashion in Style Protocol allows users to personalize their 3D avatars and clothing, reducing the need for physical production and pollution. Traditional fashion manufacturing involves significant resource consumption and environmental degradation. By shifting to virtual customization, we minimize the environmental footprint associated with producing physical goods. Our platform encourages users to express their creativity digitally, which translates to fewer physical items being produced and discarded. This not only conserves resources but also reduces the fashion industry’s overall environmental impact. The more we focus on virtual customization, the less we rely on physical manufacturing, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
GMG: How does Style Protocol engage with its community, particularly in decision-making processes through the DAO?
Leo: We currently channel decision-making through our Discord, allowing community engagement on new features and developments. Soon, users will be able to stake tokens and vote on more fundamental decisions regarding our infrastructure and ecosystem development. This democratic approach ensures that our community has a direct say in the evolution of the platform. By staking tokens, participants can propose and vote on initiatives, making the decision-making process transparent and inclusive. This empowers our users, fostering a sense of ownership and active involvement in shaping the future of Style Protocol.
GMG: What roles do owners, tailors, and environments play within the Style Protocol ecosystem, and how can someone get involved?
Leo: Owners utilize the protocol to turn their NFTs into assets, making them functional within virtual environments. Tailors are the verifiers who ensure the quality of these assets for gaming, earning tokens in the process. They play a crucial role in maintaining the high standards of our digital assets, verifying that each item meets the required specifications before integration. Environments are the virtual worlds or games that use our protocol to incorporate these assets. To get involved, people can hold Style tokens, become tailors, or use the protocol in their games. This multi-faceted ecosystem offers various opportunities for participation, catering to different interests and skill sets.
GMG: Can you share some examples of how digital assets have been successfully integrated into major virtual environments via Style Protocol?
Leo: We’ve collaborated with Neo Tokyo Protocol, creating 3D gaming assets for GTA. This collaboration showcases our ability to bring high-quality digital assets into popular gaming environments. We also worked with a basketball team to create 3D avatars for promotional campaigns, highlighting how our technology can be used for marketing and fan engagement. Additionally, we’ve helped individual NFT holders turn their assets into game-compatible items, allowing them to see their unique NFTs come to life in various virtual worlds. These examples demonstrate the versatility and wide-ranging applications of Style Protocol.
GMG: How does Style Protocol handle rights and intellectual property concerns for digital assets?
Leo: We verify ownership on-chain before creating assets, ensuring that users have legitimate rights to the NFTs they wish to convert. This verification process is crucial for maintaining the integrity and legality of the assets within our platform. Users need to prove ownership of their NFTs or create new assets from scratch using our protocol, ensuring no IP conflicts. This approach safeguards the intellectual property rights of creators and owners, fostering a trustworthy and compliant ecosystem for digital asset utilization.
GMG: What impact do you believe Web3 technologies like Style Protocol will have on everyday internet users?
Leo: We envision Style Protocol becoming the go-to tool for creating 3D assets for virtual environments, allowing users to fully customize their digital identities and experiences. As Web3 technologies mature, they will enable more personalized and immersive digital interactions. Style Protocol will empower users to express themselves creatively and uniquely in virtual spaces, making digital environments more engaging and reflective of individual identities. This shift will likely transform how people interact online, blending the boundaries between physical and digital identities.
GMG: What are some of the potential risks you foresee in Web3 development, and how is Style Protocol prepared to handle them?
Leo: Web3 is unpredictable, but our focus is on building valuable, fundamental technology. By providing real value through our product, we believe we’ll navigate the risks and succeed. Potential risks include regulatory changes, security threats, and market volatility. However, our commitment to creating a robust and useful platform positions us well to adapt to these challenges. By staying agile and responsive to the evolving landscape, we aim to mitigate risks and ensure the long-term success of Style Protocol.
GMG: What are the key milestones for Style Protocol in the near future?
Leo: This year, we will initiate token staking for advanced utility, launch our mainnet, and introduce our own IP characters for users to take into different virtual environments. We’re excited about the possibilities this opens up for our community. These milestones represent significant steps in enhancing our platform’s functionality and user engagement. By continuously innovating and expanding our offerings, we aim to solidify Style Protocol’s position as a leader in the digital asset space.
GMG: Leo, thank you for this insightful interview. It’s great to learn more about Style Protocol and the exciting developments you have in store. Best of luck with everything and we can’t wait to catch up with you again very soon
Leo: Thank you! It was a pleasure talking to you!
Style Protocol, under Leo’s leadership, is positioned to revolutionize the intersection of NFTs, gaming, and virtual environments. By addressing the longstanding issue of NFT utility and introducing cross-metaverse interoperability, Style Protocol is not just riding the Web3 wave – it’s shaping its direction. As the platform continues to evolve, with upcoming features like token staking and mainnet launch, it stands at the forefront of digital asset innovation. Style Protocol’s vision of a more interconnected, personalized, and sustainable digital future is compelling, potentially transforming how we interact with virtual worlds and express our digital identities. As Web3 technologies mature, Style Protocol’s impact on the digital landscape will be one to watch, promising exciting developments for gamers, creators, and investors alike.