Former Nexon CEO Joonmo Kwon Leads the Charge in Web3 Gaming with Delabs

Joonmo Kwon, the former CEO of the South Korean gaming giant Nexon, has been at the forefront of a new era in gaming with his company Delabs. Since its inception in 2020, Delabs has been focused on integrating blockchain technology into gaming, blending traditional free-to-play models with web3 innovations such as player ownership and decentralized assets.

Kwon’s journey into web3 gaming began in late 2021, and he has secured $12 million in funding to date. One of Delabs’ notable projects is Rumble Racing Star, a kart-racing game launched on PC and mobile platforms in 2023. The game has attracted nearly 10,000 daily active players who have completed over 2.4 million races, showcasing the potential of web3 gaming through its “challenge-to-earn” model.

Despite the initial success, Kwon acknowledges the challenges web3 gaming faces in achieving mainstream adoption, particularly in the Western market. Issues such as friction in accessing web3 features, complex onboarding processes, and a lack of robust marketing strategies have hindered its growth. To address these challenges, Delabs has shifted its focus to developing games for Telegram, leveraging its frictionless user experience and vast user base.

In July 2024, Delabs launched Giga Chad Bat, a Pokémon-style battle game on Telegram, which is part of a broader strategy to evolve Telegram games from hyper-casual to mid-core titles. The company is also working on the Delabs Platform Mini App to simplify web3 integrations for Telegram users. Kwon envisions games with social features, friend leaderboards, and community collaborations, enhancing gameplay without alienating traditional gamers.

Delabs continues to prioritize accessibility by offering primarily free-to-play experiences while introducing optional web3 features. Players can connect wallets, access NFTs, and earn in-game tokens like Sport Value Tokens (SVTs). The Adventure Pass, an NFT-based perk system, provides players with exclusive benefits, further enhancing the gaming experience.

However, integrating web3 functionalities on mainstream app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store remains a challenge. Currently, users must visit the company’s website to unlock web3 elements, adding friction to the gaming experience. Kwon remains optimistic about the future of web3 gaming, expecting regulatory environments to evolve and support further innovation.

Globally, Delabs attracts players from the U.S., Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Kwon emphasizes that success in web3 gaming depends on delivering smooth, enjoyable user experiences and meaningful player ownership. He predicts a breakthrough for web3 gaming by 2025, with chat platforms like Telegram playing a crucial role in mass adoption).