perion

Perion, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, operates as a Web3 gaming platform and decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) focused on bridging the gap between traditional (Web2) and blockchain-based (Web3) gaming. The company's journey began with its three co-founders, including CEO Jan Hartmann and CTO Amos Whitewolf, who initially found success in the Axie Infinity ecosystem by focusing on specialized 'breeding market making' rather than mass player expansion. This strategic approach allowed them to build capital and expertise. After the Axie Infinity market shifted, Perion pivoted to investing in a portfolio of new Web3 gaming projects and developing its own platform.

The core of Perion's current operation is the XP.GG platform, launched in August 2024. This platform introduces a universal 'Battle Pass' that allows gamers to earn rewards by completing in-game challenges in popular Web2 titles like Fortnite, Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and League of Legends. The business model is designed to engage the massive existing player bases of these established games, rather than trying to lure them away to nascent Web3 titles. Revenue is generated through a premium Battle Pass subscription, which offers users enhanced rewards, such as $PERC tokens and unique NFTs, and a higher chance of winning weekly and monthly prizes. Perion also plans to expand into B2B opportunities once a substantial user base is established.

The XP.GG service functions by having players link their gaming profiles (like Epic Games) and Discord accounts to the platform. They can then participate in game-specific challenges to earn XP, which advances their Battle Pass tier and unlocks rewards like gaming hardware, accessories, and digital collectibles. The platform's strategy is to first build a large, engaged community within the Web2 gaming world and then gradually introduce them to high-quality Web3 games. Perion has already forged partnerships with upcoming Web3 titles like Shrapnel and with esports organizations such as Talon Esports and GIANTX to provide curated content and additional opportunities for its users. By acting as both an investor in and a platform for Web3 games, Perion creates a symbiotic ecosystem where it can strategically promote titles it has a stake in to its established user base.

Keywords: Web3 gaming, blockchain gaming, universal battle pass, play-to-earn, NFT rewards, gaming platform, esports, decentralized autonomous organization, Perion Labs, Amos Whitewolf, Jan Hartmann, Fortnite challenges, CS2 rewards, Valorant, League of Legends, digital collectibles, gaming monetization, crypto gaming, on-chain gaming, gaming DAO, venture investment, Shrapnel, Talon Esports, GIANTX