In the fast-evolving world of competitive gaming, Coliseum is emerging as a revolutionary platform blending fair play, blockchain technology, and seamless Web3 integration. At the helm of this transformation is Thomas Zaepffel, CEO and Co-Founder of Coliseum, who is redefining the gaming landscape by prioritizing scalability, transparency, and inclusivity.
In this exclusive interview, Zaepffel shares insights into Coliseum’s innovative Guardian Network, the platform’s efforts to bridge Web2 and Web3 gamers, and its mission to empower developers and players alike. Join us as we delve into the future of competitive gaming, uncovering how Coliseum is setting new standards and unlocking limitless potential for the industry.
Q1. From your point of view, what makes Coliseum a standout gaming platform with a significant attention to fair play?
Coliseum stands out because we address a fundamental problem in gaming: scalability and access. We provide game studios and guilds with tools to engage millions of players instantly, creating an ecosystem where growth is built on genuine engagement and skill. Fair play is woven into this vision- not just through technology like the Guardian Network but by fostering an environment where players and developers alike can thrive without barriers. Our mission is to simplify growth and create opportunities, making Coliseum a central part of gaming’s future.
Q2. Keeping in view the striking challenge of cheating in the overall online gaming sector, what are the measures that Coliseum plans to implement for a cheat-free environment?
Cheating is tackled through a multi-layered approach. At its core, the Guardian Network integrates blockchain, AI agents, and community-driven oversight to maintain a cheat-free environment. Community members play a pivotal role, incentivized to monitor and ensure fairness where technology might miss the nuances of human behavior. This hybrid system, built on transparency and collaboration, fosters a trusted space where players and developers can focus on creativity and competition without disruptions.
Q3. While gaming evolution over time is increasing the gap between the Web3 and Web2 gamers, highlight Coliseum’s endeavors to address this?
Bridging Web2 and Web3 gamers is central to Coliseum’s vision. We designed our platform to feel familiar to traditional gamers while integrating Web3 features like digital ownership and rewards in a seamless, non-intrusive way. Web3 shouldn’t feel like a barrier- it should feel like an upgrade. By prioritizing accessibility, we ensure gamers don’t need blockchain expertise to enjoy its benefits, making the transition smooth for both developers and players.
Q4. As Coliseum has allocated $2M in investment for Web3 game builders, how is it approach developer solidarity?
Our $2M investment fund is just one part of our commitment to supporting game developers. Coliseum is designed to eliminate complexities for studios and builders, offering what is essentially a plug-and-play platform for hosting competitions, tournaments, and more. Beyond financial backing, developers gain access to our extensive player base, SDKs, and marketing support to seamlessly scale their games. This ecosystem allows game builders to focus on innovation and creativity while engaging millions of players with minimal barriers and maximizing growth potential.
Q5. Based on the vital role of the community for the success of gaming platforms, what is the strategy of Coliseum for community engagement and inclusivity?
Community is the lifeblood of Coliseum. Our strategy revolves around empowering existing gaming communities through sponsorships, partnerships, and marketing support. By aligning with grassroots organizations and engaging players through tournaments, AMAs, and collaborative events, we create an inclusive space that bridges Web2 and Web3 audiences. Our focus is on fostering organic growth and ensuring that every player- whether casual or competitive- feels valued and connected within the ecosystem.
Q6. How does Coliseum sustain its top position in the gaming realm amid the continuous Esports growth?
Coliseum stays at the forefront by creating opportunities that resonate across all levels of competitive gaming. Our recent partnership with Tier One, Philippine’s largest esports organisation, we engaged hundreds of thousands of MOBA players in a hyper-competitive tournament with a $20,000 prize pool. The top players earned life-changing rewards and qualified for Moonton’s MDL, the largest esports development league in Asia. By supporting grassroots talent, hosting scalable tournaments, and offering platforms where anyone can compete, grow, and thrive, we ensure sustained relevance while setting new standards in competitive gaming.
Q7. Can you highlight Coliseum’s cutting-edge partnerships and technologies to maintain fairness and transparency in the broader competitive gaming industry?
Fairness and transparency are the foundation of competitive gaming, and Coliseum ensures these principles through the Guardian Network. This system is strengthened by partnerships with projects like BubbleMaps, which simplifies blockchain data for clarity and accountability, and iAgent, whose AI tools improve detection of unfair play and enhance trust. Collaborations with game studios like Everreach and several others ensure fairness is embedded from the start, addressing challenges like cheating at the core of game design.
These foundations support what we believe is a transformative shift in the broader competitive gaming industry: the emergence of predictive markets. Predictive markets are poised to redefine how players, fans, and even non-gamers engage with gaming and the industry as a wholeoffering opportunities to stake predictions on outcomes across esports and beyond. These markets go beyond forecasting results- they reveal collective sentiment and serve as a real-time barometer of industry trends. Coliseum’s Game Theory platform sets the standard, combining a tamper-proof system with the Guardian Network’s transparency and trust to ensure predictive markets thrive.
Q8. How does the Web3 integration back Coliseum to improve developer and player experience?
Web3 integration enhances the Coliseum experience by adding value without complexity. For players, it means seamless staking and rewards, ownership of in-game assets, and a voice in governance – without the immediate need of a wallet or tokens. For developers, our blockchain-based tools simplify the process of incorporating Web3 features into games, allowing them to focus on what matters most: creating engaging content. This balance ensures both players and developers benefit from Web3’s potential without being overwhelmed by its mechanics.
Q9. Having in sight the unparalleled support of the top entities like Kevin Durant, Razer, and Kraken Ventures, what is Coliseum’s long-term vision for the upcoming 5 years?
In five years, Coliseum will be the platform players and developers turn to every day. Our vision is to make gaming a place where everyone can find opportunity in a safe gaming environmentwhether it’s discovering new games, connecting with communities, or earning rewards. We’re building an ecosystem that bridges Web2 and Web3, creating a seamless, no-friction experience that’s essential to gaming’s future. By empowering studios to scale, players to thrive, and communities to grow, Coliseum isn’t just keeping up with gaming’s evolution- it’s defining it as a space where everyone belongs, contributes, and succeeds.
Q10. As there are numerous ambitious Web3 game builders, what would be your advice for them if they enter this landscape and leverage successful-project launchers like Coliseum?
Focus on what matters most: the players. Build games that captivate and engage through great design and meaningful experiences. Web3 features should complement gameplay, not overshadow it. Avoid the trap of gimmicks- players value fun and community over technology. Platforms like ours exist to help you focus on what you do best: creating great games. Let us handle the complexities of scaling, community engagement, and marketing, so you can connect with millions of players and grow without barriers. Success comes from building something players truly love, and we’re here to help you make that happen.
Thomas Zaepffel
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Coliseum
Thomas Zaepffel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Coliseum, a competitive gaming platform that redefines competitive gaming through fair play, player engagement, and blockchain technology.
With a strong background in engineering, finance, and technology, Thomas has successfully co-founded multiple ventures across gaming, tech, and real estate, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen and vision. At Coliseum, he leverages emerging technologies to create seamless, integrated gaming experiences that captivate players and foster engagement. Under his leadership, the platform also provides new opportunities for game studios, publishers and IPs to expand their reach and unlock limitless revenue potential.
Thomas’ strategic vision, combined with his deep understanding of technology’s transformative power, drives his commitment to innovation and excellence, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the competitive gaming industry.