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
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