Toronto has become a hotbed of innovation, especially in the realm of entertainment technology, as filmmaker David Goyer unveiled an ambitious new project at CoinDesk’s Consensus conference. Goyer, renowned for his work on the Blade trilogy and The Dark Knight, is branching into the world of blockchain with a new science-fiction universe named **Emergence**. This venture marks the launch of **Incention**, Goyer’s pioneering blockchain platform designed to transform how stories are told and shared.
At the conference, Goyer, alongside SY Lee of the **Story Protocol**, shared insights into the vibrant world of Emergence, which promises elements familiar to sci-fi lovers, such as spaceships, relic-hunting, and white holes. Goyer aims to create a **transmedia project** that not only tells stories through traditional media but also invites fans to become co-creators. “The idea is that we’re going to involve the community in all of this,” Goyer explained. Fans will have the opportunity to create characters and contribute to various formats like podcasts and animations.
“Franchises are built in the film and television industry on models that are a century old… It’s very hard to innovate,”
Goyer criticized the conventional Hollywood approach, which he describes as “top down” and slow to evolve. He believes that Web3 technologies, which include blockchain and AI, could disrupt these outdated systems, enabling a more democratic and participatory creative process. The Story Protocol, which Goyer supports, has quickly gained traction, raising more than **$80 million** to provide tools for managing intellectual property in this new digital landscape.
With a hefty 2,500-page story bible as the backbone of Emergence, Goyer has enlisted a team of talented concept artists and award-winning authors to flesh out this universe. Using a novel AI agent named “Atlas,” contributors will have guided assistance in creating narratives while adhering to a pre-defined framework. This collaborative model allows community-generated stories to be voted on, with an editorial board, led by Goyer, making the final decisions on what becomes canon.
Goyer remains optimistic about the impact of AI and blockchain, insisting that these technologies can empower artists rather than render them obsolete. “It’s really about deciding whether I’m going to stick my head in the sand, or I’m going to have a seat at the table,” he stated, expressing his intent to shape this new frontier in a way that benefits creative individuals. With the emergence of projects like Incention, the intersection of AI, Web3, and entertainment is sure to be a captivating journey to watch.
Emergence: A Revolutionary Blockchain-Based Sci-Fi Universe
Key points about David Goyer’s new project and its potential impact:
- Emergence Universe
- Goyer is developing a sci-fi universe featuring spaceships, relic-hunting, and white holes.
- The project is built within Incention, a blockchain platform he created.
- Community Co-Creation
- Fans will have the opportunity to co-create within the Emergence universe alongside professional storytellers.
- This decentralization offers potential empowerment for fans, inviting them to bring their own characters and stories to life.
- Critique of Traditional Hollywood
- Goyer criticizes Hollywood’s outdated models for building intellectual property, emphasizing the need for innovation.
- He argues that Web3 technologies can disrupt traditional film and television franchise development.
- Story Protocol and Blockchain Utilization
- The Story Protocol allows for the registration and monetization of intellectual property directly on the blockchain.
- This enables creators to build upon existing IP without intermediaries, opening new avenues for collaboration and revenue sharing.
- AI Integration in Storytelling
- Goyer has created a 2,500-page story bible and utilized AI called “Atlas” to help contributors co-create narratives.
- This approach aims to empower artists while respecting the original creators’ rights and intentions.
- Future of Creativity
- Goyer sees potential in leveraging AI and blockchain to benefit creative professionals rather than replace them.
- He encourages adapting to technological changes rather than resisting them, advocating for a place at the table in shaping new creative landscapes.
“AI, Web3, blockchain — none of this stuff is going away… I thought this is something I need to learn about and get involved in.” – David Goyer
David Goyer Launches Emergence: A New Frontier in Sci-Fi and Blockchain
David Goyer’s ambitious project, Emergence, aims to revolutionize the science-fiction landscape by integrating blockchain technology with community-driven storytelling. This innovative approach distinguishes itself within the burgeoning Web3 space, which has already seen various endeavors attempting to blend creativity with digital assets. The creation of Emergence utilizes Goyer’s extensive industry experience while presenting noteworthy competitive advantages and disadvantages compared to other contemporary projects.
Competitive Advantages: Goyer’s Emergence benefits from the established credibility of its creator, who has succeeded in franchises like Blade and The Dark Knight. His involvement in the project could arguably enhance its marketability as it attracts fans of his previous works. Furthermore, the incorporation of a transmedia model allows the community to contribute actively, fostering a sense of ownership among fans that other traditional franchises struggle to achieve. The AI agent, “Atlas,” also offers a unique layer of interactivity, providing contributors with a structured yet flexible creative framework.
In contrast, while collaborating with fans can increase engagement, it poses challenges in maintaining narrative coherence and quality, elements that are often tightly controlled in traditional media. Goyer’s decision to open up the canon to community input may deter some viewers accustomed to a more curated storytelling experience. Furthermore, navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights in a decentralized environment can lead to potential disputes, raising concerns about creative direction and control.
Disadvantages: While the community-driven model may empower fans, it remains to be seen whether this approach can deliver the same level of polished storytelling that audiences expect from established franchises. Additionally, projects relying on blockchain integration may face technological barriers that could alienate less tech-savvy fans, resulting in a divide within its target audience. There’s also an inherent risk that the heavy reliance on user-generated content might dilute the brand’s identity if not managed effectively.
This new venture could benefit a diverse array of stakeholders. Aspiring creators and independent storytellers will have a platform to showcase their work and potentially profit from fan interactions and collaborative projects. On the flip side, traditional media companies might feel threatened by this shift towards decentralized storytelling, as it challenges legacy models of IP development and distribution. If successful, Emergence could redefine how franchises are built and funded, which may disrupt Hollywood’s status quo.
As Goyer himself acknowledges, despite potential job disruptions prompted by AI and blockchain technologies, the focus is on harnessing these tools to empower artists rather than replace them. By positioning himself at the forefront of this technological wave, Goyer is not just adapting to change; he is actively reshaping the landscape of how we perceive storytelling in a digital, interconnected world.
