In this engaging episode of Game Changes, we sit down with Anil Das-Gupta, co-CEO and co-founder of First Light Games, the innovative studio behind Blast Royale. Anil shares his fascinating journey from a passionate gamer skipping school to play Street Fighter to co-founding a game development company. He talks about his early experiences running gaming tournaments, working with Capcom, and transitioning into mobile game development with titles like The Smurfs.

Anil dives into the potential of Web3 technology in gaming, discussing the industry's current landscape and the challenges of integrating blockchain technology. He emphasizes the importance of organic growth in esports and the pitfalls of forced marketing strategies. Anil also provides insights into the strategic choices behind targeting mobile platforms and the importance of understanding your audience.

The conversation covers the evolution of free-to-play models, the potential of Web3 in developing markets, and the delicate balance of appealing to both core and mainstream gamers. Anil's optimism about the future of Web3 gaming shines through, as he looks forward to seeing mass-market success stories that will validate the industry's efforts.

Tune in to hear Anil's expert perspective on the gaming industry, the future of Web3, and the strategies that could lead to the next big breakout game.