POW with Sheraz Ashiq

Sheraz Ashiq is the Web3 Director for AMGI Studios, pioneering innovation behind My Pet Hooligan.

 What were you doing before Web3?

From an early age in the UK, I was captivated by gaming, technology and the big screen. The immersive experiences offered by movies and my fascination with personal computing, even in its less accessible form in the ’80s, fueled my passion.

Fresh out of university, I joined Lehman Brothers, but my career took an unexpected turn with the financial meltdown of 2008 and the subsequent bankruptcy of the company. It was during this time that Bitcoin emerged as a digital asset in response to the financial crisis and growing distrust in banks. Following the banking collapse, I had also seen enough of the lifestyle, which wasn’t quite on the same level as “The Wolf of Wall Street” but close enough to make it clear that it was not for me.

I left and moved to the corporate world, joining Ernst & Young (EY) as a management consultant in their business advisory division. It was during my time at EY that I embarked on my journey into the blockchain space. Immersing myself in blockchain technology, I also committed to educating others about its potential. I even created working groups within EY, for those who were willing to listen, to explore the applications of this technology for EY’s clients.

Today, Paul Brody, EY’s Global Blockchain Lead, oversees their blockchain solutions and advisory services, building upon the foundation that I helped establish. Since those early working groups, EY has developed a formidable blockchain advisory practice, and I am proud to have played even just a small role in laying that groundwork.

 How did you get into Web3?

From my time at EY in 2010, my interest in blockchain technology was strong and I became very active on Crypto Twitter, in both the bull and the bear markets. Recognizing the immense potential of blockchain, I made the decision to invest both my time and my money into the world of crypto. I founded a successful crypto consultancy providing services to companies and brands seeking to enter the blockchain and web3 space.

Within the world of web3, I’ve ended up settling into the emerging web3 gaming space. This convergence of my childhood interests, formal education in computer science, and passion for the entertainment industry has positioned me as one of the early pioneers in this rapidly evolving industry, for which I will be eternally grateful.

 What was your first crypto or NFT project?

The first NFT project I got involved in was CryptoKitties in 2017, and in many ways, these adorable digital cats still hold a lot of significance for the web3 gaming industry. Arguably, CryptoKitties set the stage for the world of web3 that we know today, and my involvement with this project ultimately led me to my current position in web3.

When CryptoKitties launched, it marked an important milestone in blockchain gaming by introducing the concept of unique digital collectibles on the Ethereum blockchain. The project garnered immense appeal very quickly in the crypto community (to the point that it brought Ethereum to a grinding halt), so in my opinion, it remains very culturally relevant in the crypto world. CryptoKitties serves as a reminder of the transformative power of blockchain technology and how a seemingly simple project can have a lasting impact.

Having been part of CryptoKitties since its beginning, I developed a personal fondness for the project, and despite the market value of the project evaporating, my passion for cats and CryptoKitties’ role in sparking the web3 gaming revolution will always make it an important part of my story.

 How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?

In my role at My Pet Hooligan (MPH), I engage audiences strategically and explore ways to expand the brand while ensuring a balance between creating value and providing enjoyable experiences. Using advanced web3 technology, I create immersive experiences within the Hooligans’ universe. I pioneer innovative strategies, enhance world-building, produce captivating content, and develop exciting features that cater to the interests of gaming, film and TV enthusiasts worldwide. Ultimately, my goal is to deliver an exceptional and enjoyable gaming experience for My Pet Hooligan players.

But if you’re looking for a simpler explanation, I’m a core member of an animation team bringing a group of crazy bunnies to life in a high-quality game that utilizes blockchain technology.

 Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?

I follow the familiar names in the tech and entertainment world that most people recognize. However, I also find great value in learning from individuals who may not be well-known public figures. Among those who have had a significant impact on my personal growth and knowledge are my school teachers, college professors, business leaders at the companies I’ve worked for, and the people I interact with on a daily basis in my professional life. Even my martial arts instructors have played a role in shaping my understanding.

These individuals are the true thought leaders and practitioners whom I truly enjoy learning from. They possess a deep level of expertise and dedication to their respective crafts, and I have the opportunity to engage with them face to face.

Each person has their own unique journey, experiences and knowledge, which I find more valuable than simply being lectured to.

 What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?

The biggest highlight of my career so far has been getting to see My Pet Hooligan (MPH) launch on the Epic Games Store. Prior to joining AMGI, I had the privilege of working at Into the Metaverse, where I collaborated with established web3 companies like SuperRare, Dapper Labs, and The Sandbox, which really set my career on a global pathway. Each of those projects was innovating and doing work that was being recognized by the whole web3 industry, which was highly rewarding at the time. Consequently, these experiences allowed me to build a global profile that enabled me to establish my reputation among other leaders in the web3 space, which eventually allowed me the opportunity to join AMGI Studios.

However, being part of the MPH project and witnessing the quality of the outcome, as well as the incredible reaction from the community, has truly been a standout experience for me. The limitless potential and global appeal of the MPH brand reaffirm my belief in the transformative power of web3 technology.

 What advice would you give someone starting out in Web3?

Here are my 10 Commandments for Web3:

1. Web3 is more than just a collection of digital assets for investment; delve into its technology and practical applications to gain an advantage.2. Only invest what you are comfortable with losing.3. Educate yourself instead of blindly following others, especially on Crypto Twitter.4. If you want to trade, acquire knowledge and practice using demo accounts before risking your own money.5. Create a well-thought-out plan and diligently execute it.6. While there may be opportunities to get rich quickly in crypto, be aware that they often come with significant downside risks.7. Embrace both long-term and short-term strategies in your approach.8. Exercise caution and avoid clicking on any suspicious links.9. Verify the legitimacy of crypto influencers before trusting their advice.10. If you happen to overhear conversations about XRP at a local food spot, consider it a sign to immediately exit all markets (a true story).When crypto chatter fills the air all around you, consider it a sign to exit the market.

 If you could do a TED talk on any topic, what would it be?

I would talk about how much gaming can contribute to expanding the imagination of players and fostering their creativity. Games invite people into whole new worlds with characters that they can identify with and whose stories might resonate with them. As players immerse themselves in these fictional worlds and put themselves in the shoes of their character, they unlock their creative potential.

Especially if they’re playing a web3 game that gives them the option to own their character, that takes the game’s immersive qualities to another level as the player can create their own story around their character as well. We’ve seen this a lot in the My Pet Hooligan community because much of the storytelling and lore around the game is community-driven. The players are creating their own expansions to their factions’ backstories. They’re creating the identities of their Hooligans, and in a way, this makes their characters an extension of themselves in this vast world we’re all building together as a community.

It’s also incredible how the game and the stories being created around it have brought together so many people from all over the world to establish such a strong community. Through the power of storytelling and extensive worldbuilding, games create a shared experience, and this promotes understanding and empathy among players from different backgrounds. By playing games together, we learn to navigate any cultural differences we may have so that we can collaborate effectively toward common goals. To me, these are the fundamental attributes that build a more harmonious world.

 What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted Island?

Having a companion on a deserted island allows for collaboration and problem-solving together. With a partner, you can benefit from diverse perspectives, divide tasks efficiently, brainstorm and generate ideas, provide mutual support, enhance safety and security, and learn from each other’s skills and knowledge. Together, you can tackle the challenges of the island, increasing your chances of survival and experiencing adventures with extra backup.

POW stands for “Proof of Work.” It is a new feature article series in The Mega Maxi to highlight the savviest builders in the Web3 space.