Sui’s Software-Driven Approach to Changing Blockchain Gaming
Mysten Labs CEO Evan Cheng sheds light on Sui’s strategy for blockchain gaming, emphasizing the power of software over hardware.
Sui’s Next Big Play: How Mysten Labs is Revolutionizing Blockchain Gaming with Software-Driven Innovation
Blockchain technology is at a crossroads. While decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs projects have garnered significant attention, the broader mainstream adoption of blockchain remains elusive. Mysten Labs, the team behind the Sui blockchain, is positioning itself to bridge that gap by focusing on gaming—one of the most interactive, engaged, and potentially transformative sectors. But according to Mysten Labs’ CEO and co-founder, Evan Cheng, the key to unlocking this future isn’t hardware gimmicks or quick-fix solutions—it’s about a software-first strategy.
In a recent interview at the Mainnet conference, Cheng laid out his vision for Sui, particularly, the SuiPlay0X1 handheld gaming device, which is currently accepting preorders and targeting a 2025 release. This device, Cheng insists, is not about the hardware—it’s about what happens behind the screen.
📣 Reserve your piece of history: the world’s first Web3-native handheld gaming device.
— SuiPlay (@SuiPlay) September 3, 2024
🚨 Pre-order your #SuiPlay0X1 now: https://t.co/9nbUau78qY
Launching in H1 2025!
💧 #Suitember is kicking off strong! pic.twitter.com/JCFUD5xNkA
Rethinking Blockchain Hardware: The Software Revolution
The blockchain space has seen its fair share of hardware products, most notably Solana’s web3-enabled smartphones, which promised to bring the benefits of blockchain into consumers' everyday lives. But Cheng sees this approach differently. While hardware plays a role in enabling blockchain innovation, it's not the driver of change. That, he believes, comes from the software ecosystem.
“It’s not just about having another device in the market. The SuiPlay0X1 can play all Windows games, sure, but what makes it special is the deep software integration,” Cheng explained. “What makes this device better than others is the software experience, the way we’ve integrated it into the gaming and blockchain ecosystems.”
Cheng’s perspective reflects a deep understanding of what drives user adoption. “Hardware is almost like a commodity,” he said. “The magic happens in the software—that’s where we can differentiate and deliver real value.”
Why Software-First Matters in Web3 Gaming
For gamers, the last thing they want is more complexity. The idea that blockchain might create friction—forcing them to learn new systems or manage cryptocurrency wallets—has been one of the main reasons many in the gaming community have been resistant to web3. Cheng understands this pain point intimately, as both a gamer and a blockchain visionary.
“One of the great things about blockchain is its ability to streamline and simplify processes,” Cheng said. “Imagine a gaming world where the authenticity of your in-game items is guaranteed, where provenance is tracked automatically, and where cheating becomes a thing of the past.”
Cheng’s vision for Sui’s gaming ecosystem isn’t just about incorporating blockchain for the sake of it. Instead, he sees blockchain as a tool to enhance gameplay. “It’s not just about tokenizing assets,” he said. “Blockchain offers a range of benefits: convenience, authenticity, ownership, anti-cheat protocols, and item provenance. These features can all work together to create a much richer and more immersive gaming experience.”
The SuiPlay0X1: More Than Just a Handheld
At first glance, the SuiPlay0X1 might seem like another addition to the growing number of blockchain-integrated devices. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that Mysten Labs is taking a radically different approach. By focusing on software-driven innovation, the SuiPlay0X1 is poised to offer a gaming experience that feels familiar to web2 gamers while introducing the benefits of web3 seamlessly and unobtrusively.
“We’re not asking gamers to change the way they play or to embrace crypto culture wholesale,” Cheng noted. “What we’re doing is showing them that blockchain technology can improve their existing experiences—whether that’s through verified item ownership, enhanced security, or better protection against cheating.”
The SuiPlay0X1 is designed to appeal to both traditional gamers and the emerging web3 audience. Its compatibility with Windows games ensures it’s not just limited to blockchain-native titles, while the software stack allows for the integration of decentralized features in ways that feel natural to the user.
Beyond Gaming: Sui’s Vision for Blockchain Innovation
While gaming is a major pillar of Sui’s strategy, Cheng made it clear that the blockchain’s ambitions are far-reaching. In the last year, Sui has secured partnerships with a diverse range of companies, from TikTok’s parent company ByteDance to MoviePass, the revived subscription-based movie service.
These partnerships, Cheng said, are not about aligning with the most popular industries or following trends. Instead, they are about finding collaborators who share Sui’s desire to disrupt the status quo.
“We’re talking to everyone,” Cheng said. “But it’s not about picking a specific industry. It’s about finding partners who want to do something different, something better. We’re looking for like-minded teams who want to challenge norms and innovate alongside us.”
Resisting the Temptation of Quick Fixes
In a blockchain ecosystem where many Layer-1 (L1) projects are opting to build on existing infrastructures like Ethereum’s Layer-2 solutions, Sui’s choice to remain independent stands out. According to Cheng, this decision is deliberate. While joining a larger network might have offered short-term benefits, Sui’s long-term vision is about creating something truly different.
“We could have launched an EVM L2, forked an existing project, or done something iterative,” Cheng said. “But we’ve resisted shortcuts because we believe in our tech and our vision. We’re building something for the future, not just the present.”
Cheng’s belief in Sui’s platform is unwavering. He’s confident that Sui’s approach—focused on developer freedom, scalability, and genuine innovation—will pay off in the long run. “This space is going to grow exponentially. We’re positioning ourselves for that growth, not just to take market share from existing projects but to expand the entire ecosystem.”
Growing the Pie: Sui’s Approach to Blockchain Expansion
Cheng doesn’t see blockchain innovation as a zero-sum game. While many blockchain projects focus on capturing market share from competitors, Sui’s goal is to grow the market itself. Cheng envisions a future where blockchain isn’t just a niche technology but a foundational layer for countless industries.
“We’re not trying to win by taking from others,” Cheng said. “Our goal is to grow the pie for everyone. The more the space grows, the better it is for developers, users, and the entire ecosystem.”
By sticking to its core philosophy of long-term thinking, genuine innovation, and a software-first approach, Mysten Labs is positioning Sui to be at the forefront of blockchain’s next big breakthrough. The SuiPlay0X1 is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey.