Meet the Economy Design Team at Immutable ??

We sat down with the wonderful James Finlayson , who leads our Economy and Monetisation team here at Immutable, to chat about all things economy design and cracking the secret to Web3 gaming!

Thanks for chatting with us today, James! I'd love to start by learning more about you.

I've had a varied career in the gaming industry, with over a decade of experience ranging from software engineering to product management before landing on economy and monetization as my key focus areas. At Immutable, I manage the economy team, where I work to try and drive innovation within the Web3 gaming space. My responsibilities include experimenting with new models for open economies as well as with Web3 monetization strategies and finding new ways to apply these principles to enhance the success of our games. I also collaborate with various partners, helping them refine their in-game economies to ensure the overall success of the Immutable platform.

A few key achievements I'm particularly proud of include contributing to the growth of Gods Unchained and the successful launch of Guild of Guardians. Additionally, I've significantly impacted projects like MetalCore and Shardbound and had the opportunity to work with industry giants like Ubisoft as they begin to explore the Web3 space.

My alignment with Immutable stems from a shared belief in the potential of Web3 gaming to meaningfully change how players interact with the games they love. I believe Immutable is the place where I can contribute to unlocking this potential, making it the ideal environment for me to do my best work.

How did you transition into the Web3 gaming space, and what attracted you to Immutable?

My interest in Web3 gaming was piqued in 2021 as the space gained popularity. While I found the concept of these games intriguing, in reality, I could tell from my experience in Web2 economies that many of the early Web3 models might struggle with long-term sustainability. During this period, I played a lot of Gods Unchained, which gave me firsthand experience with the concepts of earning and owning NFTs. This was a pivotal moment for me, as it showcased the potential of Web3 to fundamentally change the gaming experience.

Immutable's close alignment with my passion for gaming made it a natural fit. Their vision of combining the best of traditional gaming with the innovative possibilities of Web3 was exactly what I was looking for. This combination of professional alignment and personal interest drove me to apply for a role at Immutable, where I felt I could contribute to and shape the future of this emerging industry.

What are some of the most exciting projects you’ve worked on at Immutable? How did these projects impact the company or the industry?

One of the most significant projects I’ve worked on at Immutable was Gods Unchained. This experience deepened my understanding of what truly motivates Web3 users, allowing me to develop set releases that not only achieved commercial success but also resonated deeply with the community. A standout moment in this journey was the launch of Band of the Wolf, a set that remains one of the highlights of my career due to its positive reception and impact.

Another key project was the reinvention of Guild of Guardians. As we rebooted the game into its new form, my team and I explored innovative ways to balance a Web3 economy while ensuring compliance with mobile storefront policies. This project was particularly challenging but rewarding, as it required us to navigate the intersection of traditional mobile gaming constraints with the innovative possibilities of Web3.

In addition to these, I’ve had the opportunity to delve into more radical ideas around how Web3 can be leveraged to improve games, particularly in aligning all players around an engaging economic challenge. Although these are longer-term projects, they represent some of the most forward-thinking work I've been involved with and have the potential to shape the future of Web3 gaming.

What motivates you in your work?

I’m deeply motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of Web3 gaming and to drive innovation in-game economies. The complexity and potential of this emerging field keep me engaged and excited every day. What I find most fulfilling about my role at Immutable is the ability to blend my passion for gaming with my expertise in economy and monetization design to create groundbreaking experiences for players.

The challenge of navigating and redefining traditional economic models within the Web3 context is incredibly rewarding. Projects like Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians have allowed me to explore new economic paradigms and contribute to the success of games that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Seeing the impact of our work on both the company and the broader industry and knowing that we are helping to shape the future of gaming provides a strong sense of purpose and accomplishment.

What are you most excited about for the future of your work at Immutable?

I’m most excited about collaborating with more teams with ambitious goals in the Web3 space. Working with these teams to help design and implement innovative and engaging economies for their players is a thrilling prospect. The chance to contribute to the development of new economic models and see them come to life in diverse games is incredibly motivating.

As Web3 gaming continues to evolve, I look forward to playing a key role in shaping these new experiences and driving the success of projects pushing traditional game economies' boundaries. It’s an exciting time to be at the forefront of this industry, and I’m eager to contribute to its growth and innovation.

Thank you for being so generous with your time, James Finlayson !! Any final tips you want to share with the Immutable community?

Stay curious and adaptable. The Web3 space is rapidly evolving, so continuously learning and embracing new ideas is crucial. Focus on understanding player motivations, be willing to experiment with what is successful in the market, and evolve it to suit your own needs. Success in this field comes from blending creativity with a deep understanding of real-world dynamics and applying these to create fun and engaging systems for players.

Want to work with the incredible James Finlayson ? Check out our open roles here ?? https://www.immutable.com/careers

#wearehiring #jointhegamechangers