Web3 gaming platform Sequence, built by Horizon Blockchain Games, has recently welcomed Greg Canessa as its new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). With an extensive 25-year career in the gaming industry, Canessa's role is pivotal in steering the platform's innovative endeavors.
Canessa, formerly Google's Global Director of Strategy & Business Operations for Games, played a key role in Google's triple-A cloud gaming ventures from 2017 to 2023. His notable tenure as the General Manager and Creator of Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) at Microsoft marked a significant milestone, introducing the first console digital distribution business.
Web2 Gaming Veteran
He was also project director of Battle.net at Blizzard Entertainment; vice president of mobile at Activision Blizzard; vice president of video game platforms at PopCap Games (acquired by Electronic Arts), and senior vice president of studios and & GM at GSN Games (a division of Sony). His contributions extend to the development and publishing of titles from key franchises like Call of Duty, StarCraft, Diablo, Hexic, Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle, UNO, and more, alongside core triple-A game services.
“Time and time again, I’ve seen what a platform can do by simplifying the developer experience, unlocking awesome player experiences, and creating new business opportunities for developers. Sequence represents the platform solution for web3, web2.5, and blockchain-enabled gaming,” said Canessa. “Sequence is a complete end-to-end platform, purpose-built for gaming, that removes the complexity around blockchain, and lets game developers achieve their business goals by building the innovative play experiences that will transform our industry.”
Sequence and Skyweaver
Sequence, established in 2017, focused on building a robust tech stack for web3 gaming, with its flagship game Skyweaver gaining recognition in the Trading Card Game (TCG) genre. Canessa's appointment aligns with Sequence's strategic expansion plans, aiming to empower web3 game developers, enhance player experiences, and integrate blockchain features into traditional web2 games across various platforms.
The recent introduction of Sequence Builder, an all-in-one no-code game development platform for web3, witnessed substantial growth with a 1,000% increase in developers in December, 2023. This growth reflects the platform's commitment to simplifying technology, seamlessly integrating web3 elements for games built using Unity or Unreal Engine.
Game Changer Award
Sequence's success in winning the Game Changers 2024 "Best Blockchain and Web3 Technology" accolade has further solidified its position in the industry. Canessa's decision to join Sequence was influenced by the platform's recognition and its potential to address challenges in the gaming industry.
Acknowledging the existing negative player perception of web3, Canessa says he remains optimistic about Sequence's ability to shift perspectives. The platform aims to remove access barriers and foster gameplay innovation, providing developers with the tools to create engaging games without the complexities of blockchain technology.
With Canessa at the helm as COO, Sequence is poised to be a key player in the evolving landscape of web3 gaming, offering a purpose-built platform for developers to focus on creating enjoyable gaming experiences.
