Creating a Virtual Reality: A Southland Tale

Last week, during the bustling events of Tech Week, Nikki from COIN South had a chance to reconnect with Paul Cousins, the creative force behind Funder Game Studios. Back in October, Paul intrigued us with a presentation about his innovative 3D Metaverse platform, MYX. Ever since then, we've been eager to catch up with him and learn about the progress he's made. It was a perfect opportunity to not only discuss the advancements in MYX but also to delve into Paul's insights on the shifting landscape of technology.

If you think the metaverse is confined to Silicon Valley, think again. Paul Cousins, the Creative Director of Funder Game Studios based in Invercargill, is redefining the concept of live events in a digital world with MYX, his one-of-a-kind 3D platform. This fast-growing virtual world lets users enjoy the adrenaline rush of a world-class nightclub or the joy ride in a flashy virtual car, all from the comfort of their living rooms.

Since its inception, MYX has seen an exponential increase in its user base, now boasting 20,000 users. The platform’s appeal lies not just in its vibrant world, but in the access it grants to exclusive virtual events. A mere $10 per year buys members a ticket into a diverse range of experiences, spanning clubs, concerts, and nightlife in the digital realm. This unique approach has not only positioned MYX as a transformative force within the virtual world, but it's also driving revenue growth.

Cousins' user base is as diverse as his platform, with individuals not necessarily being tech-savvy or seasoned gamers. He describes them as "Dads who have kids who used to like to go out and party but are now at home." And the potential of bringing renowned nightclubs from London and New York into the virtual world is a transformative prospect that is close to reality.

Cousins is optimistic about the future, particularly with tech giant Apple set to venture into the VR space. He believes this will cause a paradigm shift in VR’s perception by the general public, comparable to the iPhone and MacBook's launch. 

In terms of AI, Paul identifies it as one of the core technologies converging to form the Metaverse experience. He notes that the accelerated adoption of AI this year will be both rapid and disruptive, and this change could potentially shake things up, encouraging people to embrace this transformative technology. Paul highlights the VR experience of "entering inside the computer game" as something many do not quite understand until they've experienced it. "You're inside this 3D type world, and everything has scale, and is 3D. You have emotions at play." Paul sees AI and VR as a shift in the way we interface with computing. He says the true potential of AI is that it's a shift from using mice and keyboards to using our hands, our movements in cyberspace, and natural language.

Paul’s journey as a developer and founder has not been without its lessons and at times he has learned the hard way. Cousins describes the startup journey as a "slow burn," reiterating the importance of patience, determination, and a realistic outlook for any founder in the tech realm.

Paul’s not just looking to sustain his success with MYX, but to amplify it. Securing more funding is at the top of his agenda. The promising discussions he’s currently in with potential investors could lead to remarkable outcomes, propelling his projects to new heights. He's also focusing on his upcoming zombie shooter game, Dead Fury, a project set in the Queenstown-Southland landscapes.

As we track Paul's journey, it's intriguing to see the progress he's making, not just as a founder in Southland, but also in the epic technological advancements he's part of. These developments aren't confined to just gaming or virtual experiences, they hold the potential to revolutionise the way we work and interact socially.

We’re excited to see what the future holds not only for Paul and his ground-breaking projects but for our future workplaces and social communities as well. As technology becomes even more integrated into our lives, we can look forward to seeing how our everyday life will evolve and thrive in the digital world. And in the ever-changing landscape of the metaverse, one thing is certain: Paul Cousins is a name we'll be hearing a lot more about in the future.