The First Exclusive Interview by an Iranian Media Outlet with the Marketing Director of Decentraland (a Blockchain-Based Virtual Reality and Metaverse Platform)
The First Exclusive Interview by an Iranian Media Outlet with the Marketing Director of Decentraland
Decentraland, as a blockchain-based metaverse project, has brought about a remarkable transformation in how we interact with the digital world. Acting as a bridge between reality and imagination, it invites us to a boundless, new world. An exclusive interview with the project’s marketing director opens a window for us to take a closer look into this virtual realm and uncover its secrets.
In today’s digital era, the world is rapidly moving toward virtual realities and advanced technologies. Amid this, Decentraland shines like a bright star in the technological sky, showcasing a novel aspect of the virtual world.
Decentraland, this land of virtual wonders, is a decentralized virtual reality platform that allows users to purchase virtual lands, construct buildings, and interact with others using Ethereum blockchain technology. This world resembles a blank canvas where every user can create unique masterpieces with their creativity.
This project not only provides a digital space for entertainment and social interaction but also creates new economic opportunities for users and developers. In Decentraland, users can create digital artworks, host virtual events, and even establish businesses. These features are like seeds planted in the fertile soil of technology that have now borne fruit.
To better understand Decentraland’s goals and vision, we conducted an exclusive interview with Kim Currier, the project’s marketing director. In this conversation, we delve into Decentraland’s role in the future of virtual reality, its impact on the blockchain and emerging technologies industry, and the project’s future plans.
We hope this report offers a comprehensive view of this leading metaverse, showcasing how Decentraland is changing the virtual world and creating unparalleled opportunities for all its users. Decentraland, like a lantern in the dark night of technology, illuminates our path and guides us toward a bright future. Join us in this report to explore this magical land and get to know its creators up close.
In the first part of this interview, we asked Currier about Decentraland’s vision and future. As technological advancements reshape how we interact and experience life, Currier explained Decentraland’s goals and its role in this evolving world: “Decentraland significantly enhances technology to actively improve user experience. By upgrading our software and launching a new version this year, we focus on smoother, more intuitive virtual interactions. These advancements reflect Decentraland’s commitment to innovation, ensuring our user community not only enjoys an advanced virtual world but also actively contributes to its evolution. Our goal is to provide an advanced community-based platform that envisions the future of decentralized virtual spaces.”
Success is rarely achieved alone. We asked about Decentraland’s strategic collaborations. Currier shared details of key partnerships critical to Decentraland’s growth and success: “Decentraland’s growth has been significantly supported by collaborations with major brands, enhancing user engagement and visibility. Partnerships with Sotheby’s and Adidas have brought art and fashion into our virtual world, enriching cultural and aesthetic experiences. Similarly, Samsung’s involvement reflects traditional technology’s investment in spatial and virtual environments. Additionally, Netflix utilized Decentraland as an innovative marketing platform for ‘The Gray Man,’ showcasing our ability to conduct multifaceted campaigns that engage diverse global audiences.”
Given the rapid advancements in the metaverse, adapting its business model is a major challenge for Decentraland’s management team.
Currier explained how Decentraland aligns its business model with changing user needs and emerging trends: “What many people don’t realize is that Decentraland consists of two entities: a nonprofit organization and a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). Neither of these is a for-profit business, and both are funded by our initial token offering.
The foundation’s goal is to build a thriving economy for creators. Decentraland’s marketplace allows creators to retain 97.5% of their earnings, fostering support and a stable economy for them. The remaining 2.5% is allocated to the DAO’s reserve fund and managed by the community. Moreover, all creators receive a 2.5% royalty on all secondary sales.”
Currier also discussed how users can create value and participate in the decentralized metaverse economy of Decentraland. She stated that as an open-source platform, Decentraland allows creators to develop special areas with token gates, create wearable assets, and achieve peak innovation and creativity by designing emotions for their avatars. Furthermore, they can earn income by selling all these items.
In response to how Decentraland maintains a balance between community governance and efficient decision-making and project execution, given its decentralized autonomous organization structure, she explained that Decentraland’s DAO is designed to create a balance between community governance and efficient decision-making. By utilizing structured proposal processes and clear guidelines, we ensure that everyone’s voice is heard while maintaining the ability to effectively execute projects. This approach enables us to leverage the collective intelligence of our community and drive innovation and progress in a democratic and transparent manner. While it may not be the fastest way to make decisions, a process and timeline are laid out for project advancement while gathering suitable input for the best path forward.
After learning about Decentraland’s revenue model for creators, the question arises as to what activities have been undertaken to empower them. In response to how Decentraland, as a platform, empowers creators to overcome challenges and flourish in the metaverse, Currier stated that Decentraland is committed to empowering creators by enhancing its tools and resources, including a powerful Software Development Kit (SDK) and a user-friendly builder tool, which lowers the barriers to entry for all skill levels.
She noted that the team is continuously updating the editor to make the construction of complex virtual landscapes and interactive experiences easier for creators, even without programming experience. Our commitment to improving the virtual world, along with a community-centered environment, ensures that creators have the necessary support to realize their ideas.
Decentraland is an international and multinational project designed for people from all around the world.
Currier explained efforts to ensure a welcoming space for creators from all backgrounds: “Decentraland has users from over 159 countries and promotes respect and inclusivity through community guidelines. Proactive community-driven moderation ensures individuality is respected while maintaining a safe environment.
Moreover, we’ve implemented robust blocking mechanisms, allowing users to protect their space in the virtual world. Partnerships aimed at attracting a wide range of artists and creators contribute to creating an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our global community. Virtual spaces are for everyone.”
Though the metaverse is still in its infancy as the youngest offspring of blockchain technology, its rapid growth compels projects to remain innovative to survive. Decentraland continues to be at the forefront, shaping the future of virtual worlds.
Currier discussed one of Decentraland’s pioneering and innovative projects, stating: “One of the groundbreaking projects Decentraland is focused on is launching a new advanced computer software that promises a significant improvement in user experience. This new software is designed to enhance performance and make the virtual environment more responsive.”
She continued: “The software supports richer graphics and smoother interactions, making a fundamental step toward making the virtual world more accessible and enjoyable for users. With the new software, we are also adding more social features to continuously improve how the community interacts with each other within Decentraland. This initiative enhances Decentraland’s technological capabilities and sets new standards for user interaction in virtual spaces.”
While a large number of Iranians are currently present in the metaverse, due to sanctions, their activities are relatively less compared to other countries.
Currier mentioned that Decentraland provides a platform for all artists, including Iranian artists, to present their rich cultural heritage and artistic expression to a global audience: “With features such as customizable digital galleries and a dynamic NFT marketplace, creators can not only showcase their artwork but also sell it, operating beyond traditional geographic and economic boundaries.”
She also noted: “Specifically, they can recreate historical sites and cultural narratives like Persepolis to facilitate cultural exchange and education, while also providing a space for younger generations to creatively express their viewpoints.”
The concept of the metaverse can be considered the legacy of Neal Stephenson, with the release of his novel Snow Crash about 30 years ago.
In response to how Decentraland envisions its place in the tech industry and beyond, and what actions are being taken to ensure a positive and lasting impact on society and future generations, Currier explained: “We have a vision for a pioneering legacy in the decentralized virtual world space that empowers users and promotes the continuous deepening of community. The founders of this platform envisioned a space that is not owned by a single entity, but rather collectively governed by its community—artists, creators, and developers who work together to shape their environment.”
She continued: “To ensure a positive and lasting impact, Decentraland emphasizes user governance and community-driven initiatives, allowing users to directly influence the development and future paths of the platform. This democratic approach ensures that the platform remains flexible and reflective of the values and aspirations of its users, with the overall goal of leaving a meaningful mark on the tech industry and society.”
Despite several years since the metaverse concept became widespread, its connection to the real world is still unclear for many people.
In response to how Decentraland sees the potential of its technology for real-world applications, Currier said: “Decentraland’s technology impacts areas beyond entertainment and gaming, such as education, commerce, and social impact. In education, it transforms traditional learning methods by offering immersive experiences. Imagine a history class where students explore a reconstructed historical site in culturally accurate clothing or an art class where students walk through Frida Kahlo’s home, view her artworks, and discuss them in real-time.”
She continued: “This method of learning is far more engaging than traditional textbook-based education. Decentraland provides virtual spaces for businesses to hold meetings and events, enhancing remote collaboration and enabling brands to create unique experiences for their audiences. Additionally, this platform has significant potential for social impact, providing a space for activism, community-building, and promoting important issues interactively.”
As with the progression of any project, potential risks will arise. When asked about this and potential solutions, Currier responded: “As the metaverse evolves, Decentraland recognizes potential challenges such as cybersecurity threats, user privacy concerns, and the protection of digital assets from malicious actors who might exploit new opportunities.”
She noted: “To address these risks, Decentraland has adopted a comprehensive approach that includes implementing strong security measures, ensuring transparent governance, continuously updating protocols, and releasing educational content. This proactive strategy is designed to protect users and maintain the platform’s integrity, ensuring that Decentraland remains a safe and reliable environment for all users.”
As the final question, we asked about the future of blockchain and the metaverse in Iran and the Middle East. Currier responded, stating that Decentraland could play a significant role in advancing blockchain adoption in the Middle East by engaging with local tech communities and providing educational resources to help more people enter this exciting new social world.
She also noted: “By showcasing the benefits of decentralized technologies, we can enhance innovation and economic growth in the region. By demonstrating real-world applications and success stories, our goal is to build trust and enthusiasm for blockchain technology, which will help with broader acceptance and implementation.”
Ultimately, it is clear to everyone that Decentraland is one of the pioneers of the web and the metaverse. We thank Ms. Currier for taking the time to speak with us despite her busy schedule in preparation for the Decentraland Game Expo event. Good news! As the only Iranian media, you can read about the coverage of this event in our next issue.
