Envisioning a Scalable and Inclusive Future with SKALE

Addressing the pressing issues of scalability and access in Web3 remains crucial for both developers and its users. SKALE stands at the forefront of resolving these challenges through its high-performance, gas-free infrastructure. During this dialogue, we have the opportunity to speak with Andrew Saunders , the Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at SKALE , who will share insights on the latest developments, emerging trends, and opportunities that are shaping the Web3 landscape.

Andrew reveals details about SKALE's groundbreaking collaboration with Unity, the integration of AI into blockchain development, and how the removal of gas fees is reshaping sectors such as gaming and DeFi. He also discusses key obstacles faced by Web3 developers, what's on the horizon in SKALE's roadmap, and his vision for the blockchain ecosystem over the next five years. 

What are some of the most thrilling development tools or SDKs available for those interested in building on SKALE?

One tool I find particularly exciting is the Unity SDK. Notably, SKALE is the only blockchain to have an official partnership with Unity. Together, we incubate Web3 gaming projects each year. 

The collaboration between SKALE and Unity empowers game developers, allowing them to create and expand their games without the burden of gas fees while making use of top-tier tools. When discussing premium blockchain gaming, not every game component needs to be on the blockchain. With Unity, recognized as one of the premier gaming engines, developers can craft exceptional gaming experiences that are both enjoyable and engaging.

What’s the most exciting decentralized application (dApp) currently built on SKALE?

Although SKALE is primarily recognized as a leading blockchain dedicated to gaming, we also boast a vibrant ecosystem for AI. One dApp I am particularly enthusiastic about is Exorde. In contrast to many AI dApps on the market, we are proud to have AI projects operating entirely on-chain. Exorde serves as a decentralized information marketplace that actively scans and assesses public data from across the globe, including news articles and social media discussions. 

This application conducts real-time data analysis, aggregating global information in a decentralized fashion while effectively combatting censorship and bias. Additionally, it generates AI-driven insights, utilizing machine learning to analyze sentiments, track trends, and even identify misinformation instantly. With SKALE's zero-fee structure, Exorde can execute intricate data processing and frequent transactions on-chain without incurring costs, maximizing scalability and efficiency. Remarkably, Exorde runs on its dedicated chain within SKALE.

How does SKALE’s commitment to eliminating gas fees impact areas like Web3 gaming?

A key benefit of Web2 is its capability to offer familiar and user-friendly interfaces. In contrast, blockchain technology can still present a range of complexities and barriers to new users, such as the need for wallet setups and transaction management. By being gas-free, SKALE effectively conceals the intricate layers of blockchain technology from users. 

This is why we consider ourselves the 'invisible blockchain without gas fees.' For game developers, this is a game-changing advantage. A significant number of developers are leveraging Unity's engine to create games distributed on platforms like the Epic Games Store, where players can effortlessly download and begin playing without facing the usual Web3 hurdles, such as wallet setups or concerns about transaction fees.

What are some of the main challenges currently facing Web3 developers?

A prominent challenge that stands out is user onboarding. Many new users encounter significant obstacles when trying to navigate the crypto landscape. SKALE's gas-free model not only alleviates developers from experiencing high and unpredictable costs, but it also allows for crafting smooth, seamless user experiences that simplify the onboarding process. 

Another critical hurdle is scalability. SKALE is designed as a high-throughput blockchain, meaning that if a dApp services 10,000 users today but plans to expand to 20 million tomorrow, our network can accommodate this surge without issues like congestion or delayed transactions. Many other blockchains that aren’t designed for high throughput frequently struggle with crashes or slow processing times, a problem SKALE does not face.

What is your perspective on AI's role in blockchain development? Do you envision SKALE collaborating with AI-driven technologies like AI agents?

Having a background in AI and machine learning from my tenure at Amazon, I’ve been immersed in the world of AI for several years. One exciting advancement on the horizon is the development of AI-powered smart contracts—models that integrate with smart contracts to facilitate automated and adaptive decisions on-chain. 

Additionally, there's potential for creating AI-driven non-playable characters (NPCs) in gaming, which can adapt to different player skill levels and behaviors, enhancing immersion. Some of the developers on the SKALE platform are already pioneering AI NPCs that behave more like real players, elevating the gaming experience overall.

How can users without technical expertise gain from SKALE? What significant use cases should they be aware of?

Foremost, the gas-free framework of SKALE makes blockchain and crypto far more reachable. We've consistently heard from users that onboarding with SKALE is significantly more straightforward compared to other blockchains. Gas fees can represent a substantial barrier for users in many regions, reducing the accessibility of blockchain applications. 

SKALE effectively removes this hurdle, allowing broader access to blockchain technology. This shift impacts a multitude of use cases—such as gaming, DeFi, staking, and NFTs. Gamers can engage in gameplay without transaction costs, DeFi users can swap and provide liquidity without worrying about fees, and NFT enthusiasts can mint and trade assets without incurring extra charges.

What Web3 trends are anticipated this year, and how do they differ from the previous year's landscape?

AI is emerging as a leading trend, and justifiably so. We will witness a growing convergence of AI technology with blockchain, resulting in AI-enhanced applications and decentralized AI structures. Another significant trend is the drive for mass adoption. Gaming stands out as a sector poised to onboard a considerable number of new users.
 

As regulatory clarity improves, we can expect large gaming enterprises to start exploring blockchain applications more actively. Furthermore, there’s an uptick in institutional adoption; more established entities are investigating crypto, and as the compliance landscape becomes clearer, we foresee an increase in their participation.

What exciting innovations or features can SKALE's community anticipate in the upcoming roadmap?

We're excited to present a new roadmap shortly. One of the most significant upcoming developments is SKALE V4, which promises substantial enhancements. If you take a look at our last upgrade, it significantly increased SKALE’s speed and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, we aim to broaden our scope beyond just gaming, investigating new sectors that could benefit both users and developers alike. Expect to see some thrilling announcements in the near future.

Where do you envision SKALE five years from now, and how do you anticipate the blockchain ecosystem will evolve by then?

I envision SKALE becoming one of the premier consumer-facing blockchains. As larger Web2 companies seek to either transition to an on-chain model or integrate blockchain features, the gas-free, seamless experience offered by SKALE will be exceptionally appealing. For example, if Amazon decided to transition its Prime membership program onto the blockchain, SKALE would be the perfect choice as it alleviates user friction. 

Moreover, the rise of AI in blockchain automation will continue to expand, with a proliferation of AI agents, predictive smart contracts, and autonomous dApps emerging. The realm of gaming will continue to drive much of this evolution, as we expect to see numerous Web2 developers and studios making the leap into the Web3 space. Finally, clear guidelines from regulators will play a critical role in advancing mainstream adoption, ensuring that Web3 becomes a key component of global commerce, entertainment, and technological frameworks.