BlockTalks x EPIK AMA Transcript!
We recently hosted an AMA with EPIK, on July 16th at 2 PM UTC. Many of you might have participated or many of not. But we make sure no one missed out from the knowledge shared by Darren Smith, VP Product at EPIK & Garry Ma COO at EPIK. So here we are up with the AMA transcript, for those who missed the live session, this blog post will be a saver & feeder of knowledge for them.
Introduction Questions Asked By Team BlockTalks!
Q1. Could you please introduce Epik to our community in layman’s term?
Ans — Epik is an NFT platform working with AAA gaming platforms and giant entertainment IP brands to create in-game NFT goods and marketplace.
Epik is the leading NFT crypto company coming out from stealth since 2018.
We work with over 360 clients including half of the top 25 video game companies such as Tencent and Garena and global brands like Warner and Universal.
We specialize in unique NFT drops with many coming out this year from some of the biggest names.
Q2. What are the advantages of Epik to other alternatives in the Blockchain field?
Ans — Epik is unique, because we have our own marketplace where users can buy and sell premium branded NFTs, and by working with other games and platforms, we empower their marketplaces too.
Epik is a network of market places, including the in-game estores of your favorite game, other NFT marketplaces, collectible apps, metaverses.
We collaborate with everyone, from crypto companies to mainstream gaming. So our collaborations and our NFTs will be everywhere.
Not only do we work with the biggest mainstream games and AAA publishers like Tencent to Garena etc..We also have partnerships with the leading crypto companies - metaverse platforms, marketplaces, collectibles, etc. We help everyone.
They’re all our clients in one way or another. Either we help them with getting brands and IP, creating new original content together, providing blockchain technology solutions, or simply tap into our global distribution network of 100’s of digital platforms and millions of users.
So we don’t really have many competitors right now.
Q3. What are the major milestones Epik achieved so far & what are in the future pipeline?
Ans — For those that haven’t been following Epik Prime, we recently launched a pair of huge NFT integrations with major mainstream video games.
Epik Prime is building a global ecosystem connecting the biggest platforms from mainstream games to blockchain platforms.
In the process of doing so, we’re really focused on inclusion.
And see that the future will involve cross chain, cross compatible interoperability.
With bringing on such mass adoption as Epik is; we are already minting NFTs on other options outside of Ethereum.
We have a good relationship with Huobi, and see lots of promise with HECO.
Questions Asked on Twitter For EPIK Team!
Q1. From what I could understand, Epik is releasing official collectibles on NFT for client games using ETH. But, since Ethereum requires (expensive) gas fees and chain communications with the client's games, these must be managed. How do you manage it then?
Ans — Epik has developed an efficient NFT platform that optimizes the user experience by removing unnecessary latency associated with public blockchain transaction confirmations.
It does so by utilizing a hybrid on-and-off chain solution, whereby Transactions (purchases, transfer of items) on the platform are conducted off-chain in real-time.
This minimizes the frequency of on-chain transactions, thus incurring less gas and less energy usage for every transaction that occurs on the Epik system.
Users are given the ability to transfer NFT items out of the Epik system (into their own cold wallet or to another marketplace, etc.), and only upon this event will an on-chain transaction occur that requires gas.
Q2. It is a successful development that Epik Prime has partnered with many companies active in the gaming space, but do you have any partnerships in the blockchain or crypto space besides these partnerships? How is your partnership strategy progressing?
Ans — Not only do we work with the biggest mainstream games and AAA publishers like Tencent to Garena etc..We also have partnerships with the leading crypto companies - metaverse platforms, marketplaces, collectibles, etc. We help everyone.
They’re all our clients in one way or another. Either we help them with getting brands and IP, creating new original content together, providing blockchain technology solutions, or simply tap into our global distribution network of 100’s of digital platforms and millions of users.
As I mentioned above, we don’t have many competitors at the moment.
Q3. In future stages of your project will be available a virtual world experience named Epikverse. Could you explain how will this metaverse concept work for Epik and what activities will be available that currently doesn't exist on your platform?
Ans — The Epikverse is a truly innovative and disruptive virtual world experience. The Epikverse are unique Epik worlds that perpetually exist on many metaverses (mainstream and crypto).
It provides interconnectivity between a network of metaverses, acting as a bridge (a gateway) between them.
Within the Epikverse, users can buy/sell/trade all forms of digital merchandise and enjoy shared experiences (streaming, virtual concerts, etc).
Epik will be the global leading digital merchandise and NFT provider and ecosystem.
We see ourselves becoming almost like gaming and digital platform infrastructure. Providing the rails cross chain, cross platform (crypto and non-crypto platforms).
This will make getting on and off chain, in and out of metaverses, and bridging web2 to web3 and back seamless for all types of user.
Epikverses will begin unveiling in 2021Q3, with anticipated 3 unique metaverse worlds going live during 2021.
If you were to visit www.epikprime.com for our NFTs, you have the option to buy with credit card too. Makes it easy for non-crypto people.
Epik Prime is B2B. Very similar to how Amazon began.
We’re also building the home and infrastructure for the future of digital merchandise.
So, while amazon does what they do for physical goods, that’s like Epik Prime but for digital.
Q4. Everywhere says they work with mainstream gaming companies. But what exactly do they mean? I ask since I love videogames but isn't usual the blockchain incorporation in most of the mainstream games. Can you give some examples and how will the games be connected to your platform?
Ans — Epik has been doing in-game digital merch drops with the leading game companies for the past two years.
Our clients include the likes of giants like Tencent. We put Ultraman (#1 Japanese anime on Netflix) into Arena of Valor (#1 MOBA game in the world, by Tencent/Garena). In fact, this event is live right now!
https://twitter.com/ArenaofValor/status/1411278550775308289?s=20
To your question about blockchain with mainstream games. Also live right now is our NFT collaboration with Gameloft’s legendary game franchise Asphalt 9: Legends. This is HUGE. Epik Prime is the world’s FIRST and ONLY company to do multiple deals with Triple AAA games and launch NFTs with them.
Learn more here about the collaboration and NFT drop: check out www.epikprime.com
Q5. The next in-game Solar Sounds Festival featuring Epik Prime promises that if players gather the first four NFTs, they'll get a limited edition of the fifth NFT. However, the first NFT is called "Anticipation," while the other four are unnamed, so, when will you reveal the rest?
Ans — The remaining four NFTs will begin dropping next week.
We’re super proud and excited about this groundbreaking collaboration with Avakin Life, that marks just one more accomplishment for Epik Prime and a huge milestone for the entire NFT industry.
Avakin Life is a 3D virtual role-playing mobile video game with over 200 million registered players.
The Solar Sound Festival is a one-of-a-kind virtual world inside Avakin. All players have the chance to receive a free, limited edition, collectible digital artwork designed by a renowned crypto artist (https://www.instagram.com/thisset/) by visiting the Epik tent.
Players will be able to store the collectible on their Epik Prime accounts and immediately begin collecting the latest Digital collections on the Epik Prime Marketplace.
Learn more here about the collaboration and NFT drop please visit our Epik Prime ANN channel in telegram.
Questions Asked by our BlockTalks Community Members during live Session to EPIK Team!!
Q1. I saw that You are going to launch your own app."LOCkER App". Can you please tell us a little about the this application? What will be its usecases its utility and functionality in your platform?
Ans — Lockr is our mobile app that holds in-game and NFT items, complimentary experience and can browse, collect and view other people’s items, social features (think like Instagram for NFTs).
Q2. Can you explain how is your Tokenomics Distribution? How many tokens Will be minted? And How many tokens Will be locked by the team?
Ans — 2 billion total supply of $EPIK
All of the team are in long term vesting with at least one year before any unlocks even start.
Q3. I wanted to visit EPIK Prime Marketplace but it doesn’t seem to be launched yet. Could you tell us when will it be available and what will be the payment methods accepted for buying and trading NFTs? Also, will it have an auction system?
Ans — It has launched. Please visit www.epikprime.com. You can buy NFTs with both crypto and credit cards. We will have an auction system as well.
Q4. NFT is getting more popular now a days. It looks NFT has bright Future. So do you guies have any plan to include NFT to your project?
Ans — We’re the leading B2B NFT company working with giant entertainment brands and the top digital platforms to produce unique in-game content and original NFTs.
So…Yes!
Q5. According to the roadmap, What are your most important next priorities? Does your team have enough funds and strong community to achieve those milestones?
Ans — Epik is a real company, not just a regular crypto project.
We generate real revenue and are already a profitable company.
Q6. Could you tell me a little more about the difference between Epik Prime and Prime + in more detail? Is there a specific type of user that each one is directed to? What are the requirements and benefits of these memberships?
Ans — When you buy and own $EPIK, you get access to exclusive rewards and benefits, Rare NFT drops.
Epik Prime+ is a higher level membership that gets you more access to more rare drops/items/events; get previews on upcoming items and can pre-order and reserve items before they hit the public.
Q7. How new products can we expect from future projects? Can you share future updates of the project with us?
Ans — Later this year, we’re doing an NFT collaboration with the #1 mobile game in the world!!! Free Fire.
I don’t think it get’s bigger than that.
Here’s also you can listen to this awesome track produced with the collaboration:
https://youtu.be/rDIZE-c-yN4
Q8. Given that only a small percentage of gamers use cryptocurrency, How will you integrate gamers who are unfamiliar with cryptocurrency in your platform so that you can reach a wider audience in the gaming and cryptocurrency industries?
Ans — Our goal is to engage not only the crypto-friendly gamers, but also the mainstream, mass-market players as well. That’s why we have partnered with AAA games and brands, and offer items for sale in our marketplace where you can pay with credit card and crypto.
Q9. I heard somewhere that the Epik official team has a lot of experience dealing with a lot of different gaming firms, so could you give us a quick rundown of your experience in this field?
Ans — Darren Smith- I worked for Nintendo for 20 years. I was a Director there.
In 1990, I started as an engineer working on an online game service for the original 8-bit NES.
Throughout my career there I worked on the development and launch of game consoles from the Nintendo 64 through the Wii and 3DS, as well as all of Nintendo's online game services (multiplayer game service, Nintendo's eShop, Netflix for Wii, Facebook for DSi, etc.).
I also developed a game with Mr. Miyamoto (PilotWings 64), produced some products for Pokemon, and all of the pre-installed apps for the Wii.
I was very fortunate to work alongside many of the greatest minds in the videogame industry, not just Mr. Miyamoto, but also Mr. Iwata, Mr. Takeda, all of the teams at EAD, Rare, and so many others.
Q10. How do you plan to spread awareness about your project in different countries where English is not good? Do you plan to develop many different communities such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, about your project so that they can easily communicate and understand your project?
Ans — Epik Prime is the largest enterprise blockchain ecosystem in the world. We work with clients all over the globe in all different languages. Customers everywhere will be able to learn about and interact with our products everywhere.
Q11. I wanted to visit EPIK Prime Marketplace but it doesn’t seem to be launched yet. Could you tell us when will it be available and what will be the payment methods accepted for buying and trading NFTs? Also, will it have an auction system?
Ans — www.epikprime.com
you can shop now for the unique NFTs we released in collaboration with Gameloft: Ashpalt 9. And also Avakin Life.
You can buy with ETH or with a credit card.
Q12. Can you talk about the future plan of your project? And how Can I contribute to the development of your project?
Ans — In 5-10 years, Epik will grow to become the global leading digital merchandise ecosystem. We see ourselves becoming gaming and digital platform infrastructure, providing the rails cross-chain and cross-platform (both crypto and non-crypto platforms.)
Q13. What benefits does Epik offer Brands and games that join forces with it? How will you help gaming companies solve the problem of high licensing and business development cost which they normally incur?
Ans — Licensing is a very complex business. Much of it relies not just on domain expertise but also upon relationships.
Epik has relationsihps with the top brands in the world.
We bring this expertise to help our clients.
A good example of this is our client Tencent. Tencent is a huge company with unlimited money and resources. You would think they dont need anyone for any help.
That’s not true, they still come to Epik to help them with their licensing needs etc. Tencent is our client.
Q14. What is the significance of the partnership between MMA Giant BELLATOR and Epic Prime?
How will partnership with ELLATOR make MMA more successful in the NFT world?
Ans — Bellator is the #2 MMA league, owned by giant media conglomerate Viacom.
They chose Epik Prime to help them with their digital merchandise and NFT strategy.
Epik will be introducing unique interactive Bellator collabs and NFTs in the near future!
Q15. The Epik project wants to become extremely scalable in the gaming and NFT sector, so I would like to know what steps you have taken to gain the trust of the community which is something very serious and important? How will you manage to expand your ecosystem globally?
Ans — We’re already global.
the biggest game companies and brands work with and trust Epik Prime.
Q16. Hey guys when is epik available on a exchange?
Ans — Soon!
