Earning Money Playing Games Powered by Bitcoin | ZBD | FF News at Money20/20 USA

We spoke to ZBD’s COO Marca Wosoba and CSO Ben Cousens at Money20/20 USA to find out more. Through the power of Bitcoin and the lightning network this unique entertainment rewards platform could soon be shaking up the way people play.

The speakers share how they address skepticism around this burgeoning sector of decentralized finance and what it is that makes this technology so exciting.

ZBD’s Mission and Approach

In this insightful discussion at Money20/20 USA, Ben Cousens, Chief Strategy Officer at ZBD, and Marca Wosoba, Chief Operating Officer, shed light on their company’s mission to revolutionize gaming through innovative payment systems. Increasingly there is crossover between gaming and cryptocurrency.

ZBD’s primary focus is in empowering game developers with payment solutions that elevate user experience. In the interview above, Cousens introduces the bespoke loyalty programs, real-money rewards, and embedded financial tools designed to enhance in-game payment experiences. Central to their approach is a blend of expertise—payment specialists, gaming professionals, and engineers proficient in the Lightning Network technology. Cousens emphasized that ZBD is not just addressing developer challenges but also transforming player engagement, aiming for a seamless, cost-effective gaming experience.

Wosoba echoed this vision, highlighting ZBD’s commitment to improving both gamer satisfaction and developers’ revenue opportunities. She described the initiative as an exciting frontier for reshaping the gaming landscape.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Of course, it’s not always easy being a pioneer in a new area of technology. Reflecting on ZBD’s journey, Cousens acknowledged the initial skepticism surrounding their technology, especially in the wake of high-profile crypto scandals like FTX. He noted that while early concerns questioned the legitimacy of their solutions, the dialogue has since shifted to practical inquiries about functionality. This evolution signifies growing trust and acceptance, further fueled by ZBD’s tangible market presence over the past three years.

According to Cousens, 2023 was a breakthrough year, with significant growth and optimism for the future. Cousens suggests they’ve been able to effectively communicate its value proposition, even amidst a challenging crypto landscape. With a boom in crypto occurring late in 2024, it could be that their growth is only beginning.

Bitcoin and the Lightning Network

Wosoba also expands on the technical foundation of ZBD’s business model, which leverages Bitcoin and the Lightning Network to facilitate microtransactions. These technologies enable unique capabilities, such as nanotransactions between developers and players for in-game actions or ad interactions—something unfeasible with traditional fiat currencies.
But there are some hurdles related to relying on Bitcoin. Educating stakeholders—including gamers, developers, and regulators—remains a critical task. Despite Bitcoin’s transformative potential, its association with speculative trading and past bad actors fosters some skepticism. To dispel misconceptions they have to demonstrate the legitimate, user-focused applications of ZBD’s model.

Navigating Regulatory Landscapes

Regulation also emerged as a pivotal theme in the conversation. Wosoba explained that differing levels of acceptance between the U.S. and Europe shape ZBD’s strategies. In the U.S., ZBD operates under stringent compliance frameworks, holding licenses in 49 states. In Europe, they are pursuing regulation in the Netherlands, a jurisdiction known for robust crypto and fiat oversight.

ZBD’s compliance team plays a vital role in building trust with regulators and payment partners. Introducing these stakeholders to ZBD’s high compliance standards often accelerates partnerships and fosters confidence in their model.

There’s plenty up ahead for ZBD. Cousens and Wosoba expressed optimism about the future of ZBD and its potential to redefine gaming and payments. With a focus on collaboration, education, and compliance, ZBD is positioned to lead the charge in creating a more seamless, rewarding experience for both gamers and developers. Their use of cutting-edge technology, combined with a thoughtful approach to regulation and stakeholder engagement, underscores their transformative ambitions.