X.LA: Part 1 – A portal to different worlds through Metasites with Shurick Agapitov

At The Metaverse Insider, we had the pleasure of interviewing the founder of both Xsolla and X.LA – Shurick Agapitov. X.LA is a decentralized protocol that empowers content creators to capitalize on their intellectual property in the Metaverse economy. By utilizing revenue-sharing smart contracts, content creators can generate profits from their IP while participating in the metaverse.  

With Shurick’s proven success in the video game industry through Xsolla, we delve into the fascinating trajectory and significance of X.LA in the fast-evolving world of the Metaverse. By exploring his expertise and experiences, we gain valuable insights into how X.LA is poised to revolutionize the Metaverse landscape for content creators and IP owners alike. 

A brief background of the founder’s journey 

Shurick Agapitov started Xsolla at the age of 21, focusing on selling digital items within video games. Despite failing to raise funds in 2009, the company later became successful, and Agapitov decided to keep it. 

After observing the growing interest in the Metaverse, Agapitov saw an opportunity to explore it further and founded X.LA. He promoted the CTO of Xsolla to CEO and began to focus on X.LA. During the past year, he has been developing his vision for the metaverse, working on prototypes, and refining his ideas. Although there isn’t much to show yet, he is confident in the potential of the Metaverse. 

Video games driving innovation  

Shurick states that the video game industry has been instrumental in the development of numerous new technologies and innovations. He points out that companies like Nvidia, which have enabled the creation of artificial intelligence and self-driving cars, owe their existence to the video game industry. Additionally, Agapitov suggests that the popularity of video games has played a significant role in the creation of powerful computers and smartphones: 

“A lot of the innovations coming from blockchain mass adoptions will most likely happen because of video games.”  

Furthermore, Shurick emphasizes that the Metaverse is not necessarily a video game itself, but a new internet built with video game technologies. It could be a 3D space that doesn’t need to be experienced exclusively through VR, and even websites with a video game-like appearance on flat screens can be considered part of the Metaverse. The development of platforms utilizing video game technology is becoming easier thanks to tools like Unreal Engine and Unity, which are widely available and affordable compared to the past. 

X.LA’s vision of the Metaverse 

By envisioning a future where navigating the 3D web will be more immersive and interactive, X.LA have introduced the concept of Metasites – a new iteration of the internet that resembles 3D video games. Metasites will allow users to experience brands in a more engaging way, with virtual spaces, items, and the ability to move between different virtual locations. The Metaverse, according to Shurick, is here when there are virtual spaces, items, and users who can transport said items between spaces.  

Shurick also highlights the role of NFTs as a database or standard for making virtual items tradable and sellable. They believe that the Metaverse, with its blend of virtual spaces, items, and user interactions, represents the next iteration of the internet, offering new business opportunities and experiences for users. 

X.LA Metasites: A portal to different worlds  

The Metaverse Insider was intrigued by X.LA’s vision for the future of the Metaverse, which stems from Shurick’s passion for video games and their related technologies. In our interview, Shurick explains the XL.A Metasites feature, designed to provide users and brands with more immersive experiences in the Metaverse. Shurick draws a comparison to visiting a theme park or furniture store, where users can establish a deeper connection with the brand than on a typical flat web page. 

X.LA is at the forefront of internet innovation with its advanced platform, which aims to revolutionize the user experience by introducing 3D virtual spaces that surpass the limitations of the current format. Their proprietary Metaverse spaces, XLA Metasites, form part of a global network, allowing users to seamlessly navigate photo-realistic virtual locations with the same functionality and accessibility. 

Shurick believes virtual worlds will not necessarily be games but rather storytelling experiences that can convey a brand’s story, educational content, or social narratives. Built using video game technology, these experiences may not be solely for entertainment purposes but could serve various unpredictable functions, similar to how iPhone apps evolved to include services like Uber and Instagram due to the device’s capabilities. 

The significance of Metasites  

Shurick envisions Metasites as a decentralized and innovative approach to the Metaverse, offering new business models and more elaborate ways to create content. He believes that instead of being controlled by a single entity, these Metasites will be developed through a collaborative Hollywood-style model involving producers, directors, developers, artists, sponsors, and investors, all working together on their own domains. 

Metasites are likened to movies, with each one created by different groups of people, who may collaborate on multiple projects together. The use of blockchain technology will facilitate revenue sharing for contributors, ensuring a fair distribution of profits among all involved parties. 

Shurick aims to build a marketplace where people can find projects to work on, exchange ideas, and share in the revenue generated by their creations. This model aims to foster collaboration and cooperation among internet users, making it possible for people to work together on projects and receive guaranteed returns through blockchain technology. 

In conclusion, X.LA have presented a vision for the future of the internet, characterized by immersive and interactive Metasites that resemble 3D video games. This new iteration not only offers enhanced user experiences but also creates new business opportunities in the realms of virtual spaces, items, and user interactions. X.LA’s vision of the Metaverse is evident, and we are most definitely excited to see their plans unfold.