ELECTION 2024: Ae Is Running For ApeCoin DAO Metaverse Working Group Steward

ApeCoin DAO Contributor Ae’s life work has been making the metaverse a reality. Whether it’s been in his professional career, where he helped companies and artists create virtual experiences, or around the Bored Ape Yacht Club, where he started his own Made By Apes entertainment company, his passion for the metaverse and his 20 years of experience in the space drive him. Now, Ae is throwing his hat in the ring and running to be the next steward of the ApeCoin DAO’s Metaverse Working Group.

Things are anything but boring in the $Ape ecosystem this week as ApeCoin DAO Contributors head to the polls to cast their coins and elect two Special Council members, two Governance Working Group Stewards, two Web3 Development Working Group Stewards, a Marketing and Communications Working Group Steward, and a Metaverse Working Group Steward to $Ape office!

As $Apes head to the polls, the Bored Ape Gazette reached out to every candidate from every race and asked them for their final thoughts on the Banana Bill, what they hope to accomplish, and making ApeCoin fun.

Check out the Gazette’s interview with Ae below:

1. In a sentence or two why should $Ape holders vote for you?

“Given my extensive experience as a creative director and builder, my primary drive lies in bringing more builders into the Metaverse. My aim is clear: to ensure that things run smoothly for builders who are tasked with attracting an audience through ApeChain and Apecoin. This presents a significant challenge in the months ahead, but it’s also an amazing opportunity. I love the concept of the Metaverse, have spend years building metaverse experiences, VR experiences, games and web-based metaverse platforms for top web2 and web3 brands. I don't think we've ever been in a better moment to explore it, make sense of it, and leverage everything it offers to empower ApeCoin.”

 

2. How do you define the metavsrse and how does $Ape fit into that?

“believe I've already mentioned this in a previous interview with The Ape Gazette, but (yes I read Herman Narula's 'Virtual Society), I believe the concept of the metaverse is closely tied to the act of worldbuilding, something humans have been doing for millennia. Through this, we create new forms of culture, new ways to socialize, entertain ourselves, generate new economic systems, and enhance and expand the human experience. The metaverse is still in its infancy, but in 2024, I believe we have a clearer idea of the steps to take. And right now, we have Apechain and Apecoin ready to be used in the Metaverse, whether it's on Otherside or other platforms. The momentum is perfect.”

3. What is one tangible thing that you want to accomplish if elected? How will it impact the DAO?

“I have two main goals that I see as clearly feasible if I am elected. First, I bring the experience of working with large companies and brands that have ventured into territories such as video games, virtual reality, the metaverse, and web3. One of my key aspirations is to attract prominent companies and brands to increase our visibility. And I have 2 decades of experience working for them. Secondly,, I want to create interactive spaces within the DAO where members can share and discuss proposals—in the metaverse. My aim is to make this happen soon, within one or two months, not half a year. I have the expertise to achieve this quickly, and I believe it will make the DAO more dynamic and engaging for the community.”

4. What are your thoughts on the Banana Bill? How will you ensure it’s a success if you’re elected?

“I see the Banana Bill as a logical and necessary proposal. Other L2 projects are thriving with similar numbers and are being led exceptionally well. At the same time, I recognize the concerns expressed on Twitter about the potential misuse of funds. It’s a valid worry since 100 million is a significant amount, and we can't afford substantial mismanagement. It's crucial that these funds are used wisely and efficiently, and to achieve that, we need experienced and dedicated voices involved. As the Metaverse Working Group Steward, I will provide insights and expertise on matters impacting my area of focus. I have many years of experience understanding what works and what doesn’t in this space, and I believe my input can greatly benefit the DAO. Even if I am not elected, I will continue to share my views as a community member, although not with the same level of influence as I would have as a Steward. That’s why I hope to earn the community's vote.”

5. How do you plan to make ApeCoin fun?

“Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with prestigious clients such as Audi, Cupra, Nike, Electronic Arts or the Berlin Video Game Museum. These collaborations were successful because I love creating engaging and fun experiences, whether in video games or multiplayer VR environments. ApeCoin can benefit greatly from this expertise. I enjoy creating fun experiences for people. And I think ApeCoin needs that. I believe Metaverse Stewards should prioritize entertainment and fun as core aspects of many of our activities. I think it's time to embrace fun; there is a strong demand for it.”

 

6. Do you have anything else you’d like to add or say?

“Yes. Just read Tetris turned 40 years old last week, and I believe it’s important to remember the impact it had. When Nintendo, a well-established company in the late 1980s, launched their new release, the Game Boy, they faced fierce competition from PCs, 8-bit and soon-to-be 16-bit consoles. Nintendo realized they needed not just great games or content, but the best game. That game was Tetris. They went all out to secure an exclusive license. As a result, the Game Boy became the best-selling console in history, for a long time. What I mean by this is that it won't be enough to do things "right": we need to attract the best developers to Apechain. Whether through funding or strategic partnerships, we must help developers to create amazing games and experiences using Apecoin and Apechain. The potential, resources, and passion are here, but we need to act quickly. The ApeCoin DAO needs to focus on what’s practical and audience-attracting. The space is highly fragmented, but I believe if a bull market starts, the next 12 months will draw people into the space. We want these people to discover an outstanding metaverse and gaming ecosystem under the umbrella of Apecoin and Apechain. The launch of Apechain is coming really soon, and I would love to be involved in making these decisions.”

 

ApeCoin DAO Contributors who would like to find out more about Ae's campaign can reach out to him via Twitter @ aeaea81

 

The window to vote in the second and final round of the ApeCoin DAO’s summer election season is currently open and $Apes have until Wednesday, June 19th, at 9 P.M. EST to cast their coins.

The Bored Ape Gazette is working to bring you interviews with every candidate and will let you know who the DAO elects next week. Stay tuned for updates!