In articles both here and over at NFT Insider, I have noted that any key figures in Web2 have set sail to build Web3. Whether they’re trying to do it in-house (Mark Zuckerberg) or they’re jumping ship to focus on Web3 (Jack Dorsey), we have seen many of the pioneers of the social media era ready to usher in the next generation.
This mass exodus of senior Web2 figures is likely due, in part, to behemoths dragging their feet. Now, Ryan Wyatt, Head of YouTube Gaming, has left the video platform for Polygon.
Wyatt has moved to the Polygon network, but more specifically, as CEO of Polygon Studios. This appears to be a gaming-centric arm of the Polygon protocol, but details are sparse and their Twitter account is a dead link! They have some strong partnerships with big names in the space, however, from Animoca Brands (who are everywhere) to The Sandbox, but that’s all we know at the moment.
Wyatt had a lot of success at YouTube, reeling in some of the biggest streamers in the world, taking them away from Twitch, and making them exclusive to the video platform. The most notable hook is likely TimTheTatMan who has a staggeringly large following across all platforms.
Closing Thoughts
In the grand scheme of blockchain gaming, it isn’t the most profound moment, but Wyatt is of high pedigree within technology, and the move from YouTube Gaming to Polygon follows the recent trend. There is a seeming dichotomy in the houses of the web2 giants: some scoff at crypto as a scam, some cannot stand just being ringside to revolutionary technology and have had to jump in.
While few things are black and white, crypto has proven polarizing and it’s going to be a difficult conversation if, in 10 years’ time, you’re on the wrong side of the fence, particularly if you are in a leadership position.
