The excitement about SoonChain and GPTVerse’s AI Game Generator (AIGG) is through the roof. Everyone is talking about democratizing game development. Are we truly ready for it? Indeed, are we even asking the right questions about how this technology will shape the governance aka “the game” of Web3 itself.

Who Will Guard the Guardians?

The promise of AIGG is seductive: anyone can create a game. No coding required. Just imagine the explosion of creativity! This ease of creation raises a critical question: Who decides what's acceptable? In conventional game development, studios take on the role of gatekeepers, culling content and upholding quality. In this new decentralized, AI-powered world, who is at the wheel?

We’re discussing things like intellectual property rights, content moderation, dispute resolution, etc.

  • IP Nightmares: If anyone can generate in-game assets, how do we protect artists and creators from copyright infringement?
  • Content Chaos: Who polices harmful or offensive content generated by AI? Is it SoonChain? GPTVerse? Or the community itself? And what happens when community standards clash with legal regulations?
  • Dispute Resolution: Imagine two users claiming ownership of the same AI-generated asset. How do we resolve the dispute fairly and efficiently in a decentralized environment?

These are not only technical challenges, but critical governance questions that require thoughtful deliberation. To do so now would be akin to constructing a home on a crumbling foundation. While that may seem like a great headline, it’s really just a train wreck waiting to happen. The AIGG’s success will depend in large part on its technical abilities. To truly flourish, it needs to simultaneously tackle governance challenges head on.

Blockchain: Security Blanket or False Promise?

SoonChain promises security and protection of data through blockchain technology, and that’s music to your ears right? Let's be honest: blockchain is not a magical cure-all. Like any tool, social media can be used for good or ill.

Yes, blockchain can provide transparency and immutability. For example, it can ensure that players’ hard-won game assets can be safely owned and transferred. All security issues are not addressed with it being passed.

  • Smart Contract Vulnerabilities: Smart contracts, which are essential for decentralized game mechanics, are notoriously vulnerable to exploits. A single bug can lead to massive losses for players and developers.
  • Data Privacy Concerns: While blockchain can protect the integrity of data, it doesn't necessarily guarantee privacy. How do we ensure that user data is protected in a decentralized gaming environment?
  • Centralization Risks: Ironically, even decentralized systems can become centralized if a small number of entities control a large portion of the network. This could give them undue influence over the governance of the AIGG ecosystem.

So, let’s be clear about the limitations of this technology. We need to not fall into the trap of thinking that it suddenly fixes everything for us. A strong governance framework will need to take these security issues head on and be proactive about them.

Consumer-Led Design: A Siren Song?

The idea of consumer-led design is appealing. For once, the power is shifting from game studios to the players! But is this really empowerment, or just a different kind of exploitation?

Think about it. These users are no longer just gameplay players, but world-building developers, design creative leaders and innovative marketers. In return, they’re supposed to bring their best people, creativity, and resources to the table in service to the AIGG ecosystem. What do they get in return?

  • Exploitation of Free Labor: Are we simply shifting the burden of game development onto users without adequately compensating them for their contributions?
  • The Rise of the "Creator Economy" Trap: The promise of economic opportunity is often exaggerated. Most users will struggle to make a living from their creations. Only a small percentage will become "stars."
  • The Illusion of Ownership: Even if users own their in-game assets, they're still subject to the rules and policies of the AIGG platform. SoonChain and GPTVerse ultimately control the infrastructure.

Before we celebrate the dawn of consumer-led design, we need to ask ourselves: Are we creating a truly equitable system, or are we simply creating a new form of digital feudalism?

The AIGG has the potential of radically changing the landscape of Web3 governance. We need to be prepared to engage in these difficult conversations right from the start. It’s time to get past the hype. Join us for a great discussion on what the future holds for this exciting new space of collaborative game development! The stakes could not be higher, and the very future of Web3 is at stake. Protecting those values requires us to keep pushing forward to build a climate-safe, equitable, inclusive and healthy gaming ecosystem. As AIGG rapidly innovates and scales, it’s crucial to take stock of its opportunities as well as its potential dangers. Otherwise, we risk building the new, dangerous and unequal system.