YouTube Gaming Head Leaves for Polygon Blockchain

Ryan Wyatt Leaves YouTube for Polygon

Ryan Wyatt, known on Twitter as YouTube’s Head of Gaming and a “web3 & crypto advisor/investor,” is transitioning to a full-time role in the cryptocurrency space. He has announced his departure from YouTube after nearly eight years to join Polygon, a blockchain scaling network built upon Ethereum.

Wyatt will be leading Polygon Studios, an initiative focused on onboarding games and other media companies onto the blockchain platform. He expressed his fondness for YouTube but stated his desire to pursue passions within the web3 domain.

YouTube's Exploration of Web3

This move occurs as YouTube assesses the potential integration of cryptocurrency technologies into its future. A recent letter from YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki revealed the platform is exploring the possibilities of NFTs.

Wojcicki highlighted the potential for crypto, NFTs, and DAOs to enhance the connection between creators and their audiences. YouTube remains committed to supporting creators in capitalizing on emerging technologies while improving the overall user experience.

A YouTube spokesperson declined to provide further details regarding specific NFT plans when contacted for comment.

A Growing Trend of Web3 Adoption

Wyatt’s decision reflects a broader trend of executives leaving established tech companies to embrace web3 technologies. Recently, Lyft’s CFO also resigned to take a similar position at NFT auction house OpenSea.

The question of how to integrate blockchain technology is now being addressed by numerous tech companies and video game studios. Ubisoft, for example, launched a beta test for its Ubisoft Quartz platform, enabling players to acquire NFT assets for use within gameplay.

The Appeal of Digital Ownership

Beryl Li, co-founder of Yield Guild Games, explained to TechCrunch that blockchain’s success in gaming stems from the concept of digital ownership, a feature absent in traditional centralized games.

Skepticism and Backlash

However, many gamers remain wary of the impact of cryptocurrency on their gaming experiences. Steam, a major video game distributor, announced it would no longer support games facilitating NFT and crypto trading.

Concerns exist that crypto integration in gaming may be primarily motivated by profit. Some NFT items on marketplaces like DMarket are priced at over $1,000, mirroring the cost of rare collectibles elsewhere. GSC Game World, facing significant fan backlash, reversed its decision to implement NFTs in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise via DMarket.

Further Departures from YouTube

Wyatt is not the only YouTube executive to depart recently. Susanne Daniels, the former global head of YouTube Originals, has also left the company. YouTube has also announced the closure of its original content studio after six years of operation.

Jamie Byrne, YouTube’s senior director of creator partnerships, and Heather Rivera, VP and global head of product partnerships, are also leaving their positions.