XPLA Partners with Google Cloud as First Volunteer Validator
XPLA, a blockchain network developed by South Korean gaming giant Com2uS, has announced a collaboration with Google Cloud. As the first volunteer validator for XPLA, Google Cloud will leverage its robust infrastructure to enhance the growth and innovation of web3 games.
Utilizing Tendermint and Ethereum Compatibility
XPLA operates on Tendermint, the backbone of the Cosmos network, and is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. The platform offers popular games like “The Walking Dead: All-Stars,” “Summoner’s War: Chronicles,” and “Ace Fishing: Crew,” which are part of the emerging play-to-own blockchain gaming trend.
Google Cloud’s Previous Ventures in Blockchain
Google Cloud has previously served as a validator for various networks, including Solana, Tezos, Aptos, Polygon, and Celo. The platform has also partnered with Coinbase to facilitate cryptocurrency payments.
The Shift to Volunteer Validators
While XPLA’s decision to employ volunteer validators is seen as a step toward a more transparent web3 ecosystem, it raises concerns within the blockchain community. Instead of direct token rewards, XPLA redirects potential earnings to a community pool. This approach questions the long-term motivation and reliability of validators without direct incentives.
Impact on XPLA Token
Following the partnership announcement, the XPLA token experienced a decline of over 7% in the last 24 hours. It is currently trading at 0.273 according to CoinMarketCap data.
Hot Take: The Future of Volunteer Validators
The success of XPLA’s model relies heavily on voluntary participation from entities like Google Cloud and the effectiveness of the community pool. While this approach is innovative, its long-term sustainability remains to be seen. It will be interesting to observe how the absence of direct token incentives affects the motivation and reliability of validators in the evolving landscape of blockchain gaming networks.