GameFi has emerged as a powerful frontier in the Web3 industry, redefining the boundaries between gaming, finance, and blockchain technology. At the helm of this revolution is Ilman Shazhaev, the innovative CEO and Founder of Farcana, a groundbreaking blockchain-based shooter game that has swiftly risen to prominence in the UAE’s burgeoning GameFi scene.
Shazhaev’s vision goes beyond merely creating a game; he aims to fundamentally transform how players interact with digital worlds, offering them true ownership of in-game assets and a stake in the game’s economy.
In this exclusive interview, Shazhaev delves into the driving forces behind Farcana’s creation, shedding light on the inspiration and challenges faced in integrating Web3 technologies without compromising the high standards of traditional gaming. His insights reveal a deep understanding of both the potential and the pitfalls of GameFi, highlighting the importance of seamless user experiences, strategic partnerships, and continuous innovation.
Can you share the inspiration behind creating Farcana, and how has the game evolved since its inception?
Farcana was born from a passion for high-quality gaming and a belief in the next-gen functionality of Web3 infrastructures to transform player engagement. I’m a gamer myself, and I’ve always wanted to create something that goes beyond entertainment—a platform where players truly own their in-game assets and can actively participate in the game’s economy. This is where the inspiration for Farcana came from.
Over time, Farcana has undergone significant enhancements. We’ve fine-tuned gameplay mechanics to appeal to both traditional gamers and the Web3 community, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all.
What were some of the initial challenges you faced in building a Web3-based shooter game, and how did you overcome them?
The primary challenge was integrating blockchain technology while maintaining the fast-paced, smooth experience that traditional gamers expect. Web3 gaming is largely dominated by financial products, not games designed purely for fun. Most games often feel like a service rather than a competitive platform that balances the gaming experience and consistent reward mechanisms.
We needed to prove that a blockchain-based game could be both engaging and competitive. We heavily invested in R&D to address this, focusing on scalability and intuitive user interfaces. Additionally, we prioritized education, ensuring our team and players understood how Web3 features could improve gameplay without compromising the experience. This approach helped us to bridge the gap between traditional gaming and blockchain adoption.
Farcana is one of the biggest GameFi studios in the UAE. How did you position the company to become a leader in this rapidly growing space?
Standing out required more than just integrating the top-level blockchain frameworks—it depended upon delivering a top-tier gaming experience. We also formed strategic partnerships within the Web3 ecosystem and beyond, which expanded our reach and influence. Being based in the UAE has been a strategic advantage, given the region’s progressive stance on Web3. For instance, the recent UAE court ruling that allows salaries to be paid in stablecoins highlights the region’s forward-thinking approach, aligning perfectly with our vision.
Also, we’ve cooperated with local initiatives, tapping into the growing talent pool here. That’s how we’ve been able to build a product that stands out both in terms of gameplay and technological integration. Strategic partnerships and local support have also played a crucial role, allowing us to scale quickly and effectively within this fast-evolving space.
You’ve recently mentioned at Istanbul Blockchain Week that the growth in Web3 gaming is just the beginning. Could you elaborate on the key trends driving this boom?
There are a lot of trends in this space, and it’s evolving rapidly, which is a positive sign for projects and Web3 enthusiasts. First, there’s increasing awareness of the unique value Web3 brings to gaming, particularly in asset ownership and player-driven economies. While many have heard of these possibilities, we’re still in the early stages—mass adoption hasn’t hit yet.
The real growth will happen when games offer seamless Web3 integration, making it easy for traditional gamers to participate without even realizing they’re using blockchain. When we start seeing games that prioritize fun and accessibility, pulling in millions of players, that’s when we’ll witness true mass adoption, and the real potential of Web3 gaming will be unlocked.
With Q2 2024 being the best quarter since Q3 2022 for blockchain gaming investments, what do you believe is fueling this renewed investor confidence in GameFi?
The shift in investor confidence comes from a growing realization that Web3 is set to redefine the gaming space. Many believe that within a few years, most games will incorporate Web3 elements, making them more than just entertainment but also platforms for economic opportunity. Investors see this shift as inevitable and want to position themselves early in what could be the next wave of unicorns. The clear demand from players for games that combine fun with real economic incentives is driving this momentum. GameFi isn’t just a trend—it’s shaping the future of gaming, and investors are keen to be part of this evolution.
How does Farcana stay at the forefront of innovation within GameFi, and how are you contributing to this $1.1 billion surge in investments?
Being a leader in this industry means we must constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible in GameFi. We’re continuously trying to lead the transformative developments in this space by, again, heavily investing in R&D and exploring next-gen technologies to innovate gameplay mechanics that can significantly improve player experience.
We actively engage with the broader GameFi community, contributing to open-source projects and collaborating with industry leaders to drive collective progress. At the same time, we’re constantly thinking about scalability. Building a AAA platform for Web3 gaming means ensuring that the gaming experience is as seamless as possible. This forward-thinking approach and our focus on player-first experiences have helped us actively contribute to the recent investment surge in the industry.
What sets Farcana apart from other blockchain-based games in terms of gameplay and technological innovation?
Farcana’s edge lies in our uncompromising focus on gameplay. We’re not just in the business of creating a new IP with unique art, lore, and mechanics—we’re crafting a game that hooks players deeply and keeps them engaged. The Farcana team understands that without compelling gameplay, even the most advanced features will fall flat. In fact, 75% of the Web3 games that launched between 2018 and 2023 failed because of this core gap. That’s why our main focus is on developing a game that reveals new layers of complexity the longer you play and remains interesting beyond just a few weekends.
Our competitive system is another standout feature, designed to make esports accessible to everyone, not just the pros. On the tech side, we’ve integrated advanced AI algorithms into key areas like matchmaking and our crafting system, using generative AI to speed up development while keeping human creativity at the core. This blend of deep gameplay and cutting-edge technology positions Farcana as a leader in the GameFi space, offering a gaming experience that’s both creative and genuinely fun.
How do you ensure a seamless experience for both traditional gamers and those familiar with blockchain technology?
Creating a seamless experience means striking the right balance, which involves removing the barriers to blockchain and Web3. In any traditional AAA game, players can simply start playing without any prerequisite knowledge or complexities. Unfortunately, blockchain-based games haven’t been able to provide this seamless experience for a long time. Our focus has been primarily on removing this barrier.
We make sure the gaming experience feels intuitive and immersive, just like any top-tier game. We’ve streamlined the onboarding process for those new to blockchain, integrating familiar elements from games they already know. This way, players can dive into the action without even realizing they’re interacting with Web3 features. The result is a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone, whether they’re seasoned blockchain users or traditional gamers looking for something fresh.
One of the concerns in Web3 gaming is sustainability. How is Farcana addressing issues such as token inflation or player retention?
Sustainability is a top priority for us at Farcana. To manage token inflation, we’ve developed a balanced tokenomics model that includes staking mechanisms and incentives for long-term holding. This approach helps maintain the value of our tokens over time. On the player retention front, we focus on creating a game that’s financially rewarding and genuinely fun and challenging.
Farcana is a skill-based game where players can monetize their time and abilities, which is a huge draw for traditional gamers who already spend hours honing their skills. By combining financial incentives with engaging, skill-driven gameplay, we’re building a sustainable ecosystem that keeps players coming back.
Where do you see the GameFi sector heading in the next 3-5 years, and how do you anticipate Farcana’s role evolving in this future landscape?
I believe the industry will dominate the overall gaming scene in the next 3 to 5 years, to the point where almost every game will include Web3 and blockchain elements to some extent. The lines between traditional and blockchain gaming will blur, with Web3 becoming the standard.
As for Farcana, we’re not just aiming to keep pace—we plan to lead. We’ll continue pushing the boundaries of both gameplay and Web3 integration, expanding our ecosystem with new games and experiences that build on our successes. Our goal is to be at the forefront of this shift, driving innovation and setting new standards in the GameFi sector.
With blockchain games accounting for 28% of all dApp activity, how do you foresee this impacting broader Web3 adoption?
Games are often the gateway for users entering new technology spaces, just as they were for many in the IT industry, including myself. As more people engage with Web3 through gaming, they become more comfortable with the technology and are likely to explore other decentralized applications. This creates a powerful cycle of adoption, where the success of games like Farcana attracts traditional gamers and also paves the way for broader Web3 engagement. As gaming continues to drive significant dApp activity, it will be a key factor in accelerating the overall growth and acceptance of the Web3 ecosystem.
Are there any upcoming collaborations or projects you’re excited to share with the GameFi and blockchain gaming community?
We have several promising initiatives on the horizon, although I can’t reveal all the details just yet. What I can share is that we’re partnering with some major players in both the gaming and Web3 industries. Farcana has been laying the groundwork in our previous stages, but now, with our development reaching a solid level, we’re ready to step up our game.
Expect more active partnerships, playtest events, and collaborations that will enhance the Farcana experience and broaden our ecosystem in ways that benefit both our players and partners. There’s a lot more to come, and we’re eager to share it with the Web3 gaming community soon. So, stay tuned!
Interview Summary
Ilman Shazhaev’s journey with Farcana exemplifies the transformative potential of Web3 in the gaming industry. By merging high-quality gameplay with the decentralized benefits of blockchain technology, Shazhaev has created more than just a game—he has crafted a platform that empowers players with true ownership and economic participation.
His insights into the challenges and opportunities within GameFi highlight a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring that Farcana remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving space.
The GameFi sector is expected to grow, driven by the increasing integration of Web3 elements into mainstream gaming. Amid this, Shazhaev’s vision for Farcana positions it as a leader in the field. His focus on seamless user experiences, strategic partnerships, and continuous innovation ensures that Farcana will not only adapt to the changing landscape but actively shape it.
The future of GameFi, as Shazhaev sees it, is one where the lines between gaming and finance blur, offering players new ways to engage, earn, and thrive in digital worlds. With Farcana leading the charge, the next few years promise to be a period of unprecedented growth and creativity in the Web3 gaming space.
