Join us for a captivating conversation with Yemel Jardi, the visionary co-founder and executive director of the Decentraland Foundation, as we uncover the transformative journey of Decentraland 2.0.
Decentraland 2.0 revitalizes the virtual world, providing an immersive platform that enhances social interaction and empowers creators. With its shift to a desktop application and focus on a decentralized economy, Decentraland invites users to build, own, and connect like never before.
• Introduction to Decentraland’s unique features and vision
• The launch of Decentraland 2.0 and its improvements
• The transformation from browser-based to desktop experience
• Emphasis on open world navigation and shared user spaces
• Plans for real-time translation and cultural exchange
• Innovative user incentive structures fueling the economy
• Commitment to open-source governance and user ownership
• How to explore Decentraland and start creating
Exploring the Future of Decentraland: An Interview with Yemel Jardi
Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting an exciting episode on the Web3 CMO Stories podcast with Yemel Jardi, the co-founder and executive director of the Decentraland Foundation. For those unfamiliar, Decentraland is a virtual world built on blockchain technology where users can explore, create, and own digital assets. Our conversation revolved around the recent launch of Decentraland 2.0 and how it aims to transform the virtual experience for users.
Yemel shared that Decentraland has seen significant growth, especially during the pandemic when people sought new ways to connect. The initial version of Decentraland had its limitations, primarily because it was web-based. While this made it accessible, it also restricted performance and features. With Decentraland 2.0, the platform has transitioned to a desktop application, leading to better graphics and overall performance. This upgrade is a crucial step toward allowing users to connect across various devices, including mobile phones and VR headsets.
One of the standout features of Decentraland 2.0 is its open beta availability, meaning anyone can download and explore it. Yemel emphasized the importance of continuously adding new features every couple of months, focusing on improving user experience and social interaction. This commitment to innovation is vital for keeping the platform engaging and relevant.
During our discussion, we also talked about what sets Decentraland apart from other virtual worlds. Yemel explained that Decentraland is designed as an open world where users can walk from one creation to another, unlike platforms like Roblox, where experiences are more isolated. This openness encourages a sense of community and collaboration among users, which is central to Decentraland's vision.
Another fascinating topic we covered was the concept of incentivizing the economy within Decentraland. Instead of just paying creators upfront, Decentraland aims to empower users by rewarding them for their engagement. Users earn a currency called mana, which they can spend on digital assets like wearables for their avatars. This model not only motivates users to explore but also creates a vibrant marketplace where creators are encouraged to produce high-quality content.
Moreover, we delved into the future of language in Decentraland. With a diverse user base, Yemel highlighted the potential for real-time translation to facilitate better communication among users from different backgrounds. This feature would allow users to engage seamlessly, enhancing social interactions and fostering a sense of community.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Yemel expressed his excitement for the future of Decentraland and its commitment to decentralization and user ownership. By leveraging blockchain technology, users can truly own their digital assets, which fosters a deeper investment in the platform.
This interview with Yemel was not only insightful but also inspiring. It provided a glimpse into how Decentraland is shaping the future of virtual worlds and empowering users to take control of their experiences. If you're interested in exploring a new digital landscape, I highly encourage you to check out Decentraland and see for yourself what this vibrant community has to offer!
Thanks for tuning in to the podcast, and I look forward to sharing more exciting conversations in the future!
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
[01:46] What inspired Decentraland 2.0, and how does it transform the virtual user experience?
[05:08] Is Decentraland 2.0 in beta? Can everyone access it, or is it limited to a select grou
[06:23] What are the key differences between Decentraland and other virtual platforms?
[13:12] What role does real-time translation play in Decentraland's evolution, and how is it progressing?
[19:51] How do you subsidize player demand and incentivize creators to keep building on Decentraland?
[26:50] For those inspired and eager to explore Decentraland, what steps should they take to get started, Yemel?
NOTABLE QUOTES
“We want to incentivize that economy by incentivizing the demand. Instead of for example paying the creator.”
“The philosophy of being decentralized really boils down into this is a world that is owned by its users.”
“I think that creating the platform in which you can go and connect with other human beings and you are like somehow assisted through technology is really, really powerful.”
“We believe that... Decentraland is trying to do something also unique. I like to see this as an extension of the Internet.”
MENTIONED RESOURCES
Decentraland: https://decentraland.org/
CONNECT
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yemel/