XOVOX Labs Mid-Year 2023: Highlights and Outlook
Learn the key developments, challenges of XOVOX Labs in the first half of 2023, as well as their and future plans in this exclusive mid-year review.
As 2023 reaches its midpoint, we pause to reflect on the eventful developments within #CryptoPH. The industry, rebounding stronger from 2022 and witnessing a fading bear market, has had a dynamic first half.
Today, we bring you an exclusive mid-year review from Philippine web3 gaming studio — XOVOX Labs. Through EL Bonuan, Founder of XOVOX Labs, the company shared insightful details about their significant wins, challenges, and future plans.
XOVOX Labs Mid-Year Review: Key Wins in 2023
What key partnerships, product launches, or strategic decisions would you consider as your organization’s significant wins in the first half of 2023?
In the first half of 2023, XOVOX Labs, the game development studio I founded, achieved several significant wins that have greatly influenced our direction in the Metaverse.
We began the year with an exciting partnership as the Metaverse arm of BayaniChain (BYC), collaborating with Likha, R-Wards, Itsy Bitsy, ROG, and Hacktiv. This partnership showcased our collective efforts to drive the adoption of the Metaverse concept in the Philippines.
Another remarkable accomplishment was our involvement in covering the largest blockchain integrated mural, created by Ownly and Meatspace. This endeavor demonstrated the integration of blockchain technology and art, and we were thrilled to play a key role in this project.
(Read more: Artist Lei Melendres Discusses the Challenges of Making the Largest Blockchain-Integrated Mural)
We also had the opportunity to produce Augmented Reality Proof of Attendance Tokens (AR POAPs) for Globe Platinum during ArtFairPH ’23, in collaboration with CryptoArtPH. This initiative introduced the concept of tokenized art and its accessibility to a broader audience. To further our mission, we explored an educational partnership with Enderun Colleges to develop the country’s first Voxel Art Certification Program, starting with a short course. This program aims to nurture and cultivate local talent within the Metaverse industry, providing them with the necessary skills and certifications.
Moreover, we created an immersive AR SLAM experience featured during the GCash House of OhLaLa NFT launch, collaborating with the talented Reen Barrera. Through this collaboration, we aimed to enhance the understanding and adoption of NFTs, bringing these digital assets closer to the mainstream audience.
Our accomplishments were acknowledged by the Game Developers Association of the Philippines, as we were proudly inducted as a core member. This recognition further solidified our role in advancing the gaming sector within the Metaverse ecosystem.
Lastly, we concluded the second quarter on a high note by being accepted as the first Philippine native studio in The Sandbox’s partner program. This achievement opens up doors for global collaborations and enables us to contribute to the development of the Metaverse on a larger scale.
(Read more: Filipino-led Game Studio XOVOX Labs Partners with The Sandbox)
Overall, these accomplishments have been instrumental in shaping our journey towards our mission in the Metaverse. Each success represents our commitment to showcasing Filipino talent, fostering innovation, and providing immersive experiences for brands and audiences. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of the Philippine Web 3 scene, and we look forward to further growth and collaboration within this exciting space.
Addressing Challenges: XOVOX Labs Adaptive Strategies
What were the primary challenges your organization faced during the first half of 2023, and how did you address them?
During the first half of 2023, XOVOX Labs encountered significant challenges, primarily due to the downturn in the crypto market. This presented obstacles such as fewer projects and limited collaboration opportunities within the space. Additionally, brands and intellectual properties became more cautious about entering the Metaverse compared to the highly hyped period of 2021. These circumstances proved to be immensely challenging and frustrating for XOVOX Labs, leading us to make difficult decisions, including downsizing the team and bidding farewell to valued colleagues to ensure their livelihoods.
To navigate through these trying times and sustain the organization, XOVOX Labs had to think creatively and adapt. We expanded our offerings beyond asset creation for NFTs, diversifying into producing pubmats and motion graphics to cater to a broader range of clients. Furthermore, we invested significant effort into researching and developing immersive technologies, with a particular focus on Augmented Reality (AR) and its applications for businesses. By exploring unique and creative uses of Metaverse technologies, we positioned XOVOX Labs as a versatile and innovative player in the industry.
(Read more: Filipino Couple Hosts First-of-its-Kind AR and NFT Wedding Powered by Xovox Labs)
One crucial factor that helped us overcome these challenges was the unwavering support of the community of builders, artists, and friends we had formed along the way. The connections and relationships we established within the Philippine Web 3 scene provided invaluable encouragement, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities. Actively engaging with the community, participating in gaming and web 3-related events, and immersing ourselves in the ecosystem played a pivotal role in our journey. Through persistence, continuous iteration, and staying true to our goals, XOVOX Labs managed to weather the difficulties we faced, largely thanks to the supportive network of individuals and creative minds who stood by our side.
These experiences have shaped us and reinforced our resilience in the face of adversity. We are grateful for the support and camaraderie we found within the community, as it has been instrumental in helping us overcome the challenges and emerge stronger in the Philippine Web 3 scene.
Future Trends and Technologies: XOVOX Labs Future Outlook
Which emerging trends or technologies in the crypto space are you most excited about or planning to incorporate into your future strategies and why?
At XOVOX Labs, we are incredibly excited about the emerging trends and technologies of Immersive Technologies and AI in the crypto space. While these technologies may not be directly involved in the crypto industry, we firmly believe that they will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Metaverse. The impact of these technologies on the creation of Metaverse games and experiences has already been immense.
We see AI as a powerful tool for streamlining our internal processes. By leveraging AI, we can automate various aspects of asset generation, including images, models, animation rigs, concept art, wireframes, narrative, level design, and game design. This not only improves efficiency but also allows us to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of creativity. AI-powered asset generation can enable us to deliver content faster and with higher quality, ultimately enhancing the experiences we create within the Metaverse.
Immersive Technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR), are particularly exciting for us. They provide an intimate way to merge the physical and digital realms, offering a more engaging and immersive experience for users. We envision using AR to introduce the Metaverse to a wider audience, bringing the virtual world closer to their everyday lives. By leveraging AR, we can create interactive and immersive experiences that captivate users and allow them to interact with our creations in unique ways.
As we move forward, we plan to explore these technologies further and incorporate them into our future strategies. We are actively developing our own intellectual property (IP) that aligns with these trends. By embracing Immersive Technologies and AI, we aim to streamline our internal processes, enhance the quality and efficiency of our creations, and ultimately reach a broader audience. These technologies hold immense potential, and we are excited to leverage them to push the boundaries of innovation within the Metaverse and deliver captivating experiences to users worldwide.
(Read more: Filipino-led Game Studio XOVOX Labs Partners with The Sandbox)
Goals and Plans for the Second Half of 2023
What are your company’s primary goals and plans for the second half of 2023?
At XOVOX Labs, our primary goals and plans for the second half of 2023 are driven by our mission to educate, on-board, and build for and with Filipinos in the Metaverse. We have faced challenges and learned valuable lessons in the past few months, and now we are fueled by newfound hope and motivation. Building upon our recent partnerships, our focus is on further establishing our studio as a metaverse-first agency and securing more projects that align with our mission.
We aim to close the deals we are currently working on and actively seek out additional partnerships with brands and intellectual properties. To achieve this, we have strategically planned our participation in upcoming events during the latter half of 2023. One notable event we are excited about is AIBC Asia’s Startup Village, where we will have the opportunity to showcase our innovative solutions and connect with potential collaborators. Additionally, we will have a booth at the Philippine Game Dev Expo (PGDX) in partnership with the Filipino Artists’ Guild, powered by the NEAR Foundation, allowing us to engage with the local gaming and creative community.
Another exciting initiative is our plan to bring our educational initiatives to Bicol during the AMAC 2023 event, in collaboration with Ownly. We believe in the importance of nurturing talent and fostering the growth of the Metaverse ecosystem in various regions of the Philippines. By expanding our educational outreach, we can empower more individuals and communities to actively participate in the Metaverse industry.
Alongside our active event participation, our team will be attending other gaming and web 3-related events in the coming months. We recognize the value of networking, learning, and staying connected within the industry. These events provide opportunities to collaborate, gain insights, and contribute to the growth of the ecosystem.
In addition to our external engagements, we are committed to developing our own intellectual property (IP) and positioning it as an XR Native Brand. By creating our IP, we aim to further push the boundaries of innovation within the Metaverse and showcase the talent and creativity of Filipinos to a wider audience.
Overall, we are fueled by the momentum generated in the past few months, and we are determined to achieve bigger and greater things in the second half of 2023. Through strategic partnerships, active event participation, educational initiatives, and the development of our own IP, we aim to make a lasting impact in the Metaverse industry while continuing to empower and build within the Filipino community.
For Further Reading
Website: https://www.xovoxlabs.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/XOVOXLabs
El’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElBonuan
This article is published on BitPinas: XOVOX Labs Mid-Year 2023: Highlights and Outlook
Disclaimer: BitPinas articles and its external content are not financial advice. The team serves to deliver independent, unbiased news to provide information for Philippine-crypto and beyond.
