{"type": "project", "title": "Social Impact - Through Culturally Rich Web3 Gaming & Entertainment", "logoImg": "bafkreieekgdfsnlp33ocgat2skbc3o3vklf7ccsv2quzj7czgslelptluy", "website": "https://growstudio.io", "bannerImg": "bafybeidj6izcj6lmkzotzkjpijhwh5tspqmogfpohnkbrkgfajkjpzbt3m", "createdAt": 1681378141314, "credentials": {"twitter": {"type": ["VerifiableCredential"], "proof": {"jws": "eyJhbGciOiJFZERTQSIsImNyaXQiOlsiYjY0Il0sImI2NCI6ZmFsc2V9..qNbIXs_izU57_5vDQXMZERzGA9--rfZDbj2hm437itdSXjtDqHOPZ7liwQEDTkgMAKkEVOMPw3hUR2vSFlGTAA", "type": "Ed25519Signature2018", "created": "2023-04-13T13:16:05.875Z", "proofPurpose": "assertionMethod", "verificationMethod": "did:key:z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC#z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC"}, "issuer": "did:key:z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC", "@context": ["https://www.w3.org/2018/credentials/v1"], "issuanceDate": "2023-04-13T13:16:05.875Z", "expirationDate": "2023-07-12T13:16:05.875Z", "credentialSubject": {"id": "did:pkh:eip155:1:0x2c32fB28daD2a1c08A1e6c82E861366fb5E311dD", "hash": "v0.0.0:WPFrV8wX0ClZYYAtQxXU1A3C2uIprDHqGZi+ozgTXnE=", "@context": [{"hash": "https://schema.org/Text", "provider": "https://schema.org/Text"}], "provider": "ClearTextTwitter#GrowStudioHQ"}}}, "description": "# Social Impact in motion #\nThe start-up world is not equal for all, too often opportunity comes to those born into more fortunate situations (through no fault of those on the receiving end). \n\n**Wouldn\u2019t the world benefit greatly if Web3 ecosystems could help level the playing field?**\nGrow is a multi-cultural collective of talent that aims to promote culture, diversity, and community empowerment within Web3. We are dedicated to diversifying the Web3 industry by providing a platform for creative talent of all backgrounds to express themselves. Building opportunity and community where it can have the biggest impact on society.\nFor the last two years, without the support of Venture Capital, we have bootstrapped and built Grow to a team of 45 amazingly talented creatives, blockchain developers and game developers.\n\nNow we need the support of Web3 to scale our efforts as we look to provide a platform for little understood cultures, to tell the rich stories, mythologies and fables of their people.\n![Grow Studio is home to those who have talent but few opportunities](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/photo_collage_-_desktop_wallpaper.png)\n\n## Diversifying Opportunity in Web3 ##\nWe are committed to creating an inclusive opportunity for traditionally overlooked talent by providing equal access to resources and support - enabling more people to get involved in the industry and contribute to the growth of the Web3 community.\nAt Grow, we embrace diversity by incorporating the different cultural perspectives of our team into our creative process. Our goal is to cultivate a Web3 community that is reflective of merged cultures and values that resonate with a global audience.\nWeb3 communities are built on the principles of decentralization, transparency, and shared ownership. They serve a purpose beyond just financial gain. The decentralized nature of Web3 allows the creation of unique and innovative experiences that can empower communities and foster real social impact.\n![Grow Studio is for diversity, opportunity and Web3 community.](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/GrowColombo.jpg)\n\n\n\n# Our Strategy #\n\nSocial impact is not just a buzzword or a nice-to-have feature of a Web3 community; it is a fundamental aspect that drives engagement, loyalty, and growth.\nWe have identified 4 key areas;\n**Community engagement**: Social impact is a powerful motivator for community members to engage with the community and contribute to its growth. In developing countries like Sri Lanka and the Philippines, where communities may feel marginalized or lack access resources, a shared sense of purpose and meaning can be particularly impactful. When community members feel that they are part of something larger than themselves and are making a positive difference in the world, they are more likely to stay engaged and remain emotionally invested in the community's success.\n**Network effects**: Social impact can attract new members to the community who share the same values and are interested in making a positive difference. As more people join the community, the \u2018value\u2019 of the community increases, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and impact. Where there is evidence of a lack of social infrastructure, the development of Web3 communities can provide an important avenue for individuals to connect with like-minded people and build a sense of belonging.\n **Brand reputation**: By demonstrating a commitment to social impact, a Web3 community can enhance its brand reputation and differentiate itself from competitors. This can be particularly important in countries like Sri Lanka, where there is a lack of trust in traditional institutions. A strong brand reputation can help a Web3 community attract new members and partnerships, which can fuel further growth and impact.\n**Long-term sustainability**: Social impact is essential for the long-term sustainability of a Web3 community. Communities that are focused solely on financial gain are more vulnerable to market fluctuations and shifts in sentiment. In contrast, communities that are built on a strong social foundation are more resilient. Sri Lanka is a country where economic and political instability is common, therefore, focussing on sustainability can help ensure the long-term success of a Web3 community.\n![Rising to the challenge, smiling along the way](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/growcrew.png)\n\n## Web3 Powered Cultural Rich Entertainment ##\n\nWe are building Web3 products that promote cultures that haven't previously had a voice! The first being a game focused on Sri Lankan + Indian mythology, authentic content built by authentic people. \n\n![A Web3 gaming title with substance](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/website.png)\n\nWe have self-funded the building of in-house web3 products for the past 18 months and are almost ready to launch our very own game, Mindborn Sons, the game is set in the beautiful lush world of ancient Lanka and allows players to learn about this fascinating mythology that has not been told on a global stage before.\nThe majority of games within the Web3 space lack emotional depth in the form of lore. This is also true for some traditional MOBA games. Following trends and designing games around the trending gameplay mechanics or tokenomics often results in story being an afterthought, limited to general setting for the conflict and character backgrounds.\nThe MBS canon is based on years of research into South Asian culture, history, folklore, myths, legends, and beliefs. Unlike ancient Greek, Roman or Nordic legends, the rich history of South Asia and its culture remains largely untapped within gaming, resulting in a lore that is not only rich and engaging, but unique in focus, fresh, and appealing to a global audience. \nBy allowing the players to develop and shape the lore as they play, MBS ensures continuous growth of the world it inhabits, allowing community-driven content to take center stage and paving the way for the creation of other media, such as comic books, novels, animated videos, and movies. \nTo facilitate and encourage this level of player and creator participation, MBS will use Narraio within the game\u2019s ecosystem, thereby accelerating content generation, providing an accessible method of creation for all technological skill levels, and an easy way for rewarding all contributors.\n\n\n![A Web3 gaming title with substance](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/mindbornmontage.png)\n**We hope you will join the tribe!**\nmindbornsons.com\nWe have tried our level best to build this game all the way to playable demo without selling tokens or NFT\u2019s, an ethical approach but a difficult one, we are on track to have the demo complete in May and grant funding will aid us in taking it to market.\n\n**We are eternally grateful for any support provided!**\n\nThank you for your time, I will leave you with some examples of our efforts to support the growth of Web3 and entrepreneurial spirit in regions that need it most.\n\n## Some examples of our \u201cboots on the ground\u201d approach to community development: ##\n\n# EDUCATION #\nWeb3 enables community members to have greater control over their interactions and the content they consume. However, building a strong and sustainable community requires more than just technological infrastructure. It requires a thoughtful approach to education.\nEducation is critical to Web3 community building; it helps to break down barriers to entry and promotes diversity. By providing access to educational resources, we are committed to help ensure more individuals can participate in Web3 communities.\nWe recognize the importance of education, our teams Nine Hermits and Perfectus have hosted workshops and seminars that provide people with the basic knowledge of Web3 technology \u2013 whilst also expanding their knowledge in relation to its various applications.\nThrough education, talent acquisition, and creative expression, we are laying the foundation of a sustainable Web3 community that is reflective of the diverse perspectives and values of its members.\nAn example of this is a seminar we held in March in Colombo, Sri Lanka - \u2018Blockmeet\u2019\n![Blockmeet Colombo](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/blockmeetmontage.png)\n\nHere is a list of the community building and education our team has provided before and during their time with Grow, we will ramp this up once we have the funding to support growth!\n2019 - First ever Global Game Jam in Sri Lanka\n2020 - 2nd Game Jam\n2021 - 3rd Game Jam (Online)\nGJ+ (Game Jam Plus)\n2020 - First ever GJ+ In Sri Lanka\n2021 - Online\nSri Lanka University Workshops \u2013 educational content delivered at the following Universities\nUniversity of Moratuwa\nUniversity of Sri Jayawardenapura\nGeneral Sir John Kotelawala Defence University\nUniversity of Colombo\nSri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT)\nAcademy of Design (AOD)\nNational Institute of Business Management (NIBM)\nBlockmeet\n2023 - Blockmeet - First ever Web 3 event in Sri Lanka\nContinue \u2018Blockmeet\u2019 every month.\n# PIPELINE #\nGame Dev Hackathon Q2 2023\nGame Dev Workshops in Schools Q2 2023\n\nBlockchain Development Courses at our Studio in Colombo - Ongoing\nUnreal Engine Institute Certified Courses TBC\nEDUCATION - WORKSHOPS\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_gamedevelopment-gamedev-gameart-activity-7040220150922436608-LmLQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\t (ASPRING GAME DEVS)\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_insiderstories-prodigiinteractive-gaming-activity-6883814552438484992-reTp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop (Information Technology Students Association)\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7007098931323047936?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop (METAVESRSE SAFETY WEEK)\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/dusanwriter_metaverse-safety-xr-activity-6875786733405945856-tknN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop (XR SAFETY WEEK)\n \nEDUCATION - BLOCKMEET SEMINAR\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_register-to-join-us-at-block-meet-we-activity-7041655974641754112-lbLk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_web3-blockmeet-blockmeetlk-activity-7042117391337619456-kRb9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_growstudio-perfectus-polygon-activity-7044910285983272960-4c0n?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\n \nMBS WEB3 COMMUNITY\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_web3gaming-web3-web3community-activity-7039088384421621760-TTn4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop MBS\n\n https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7044709438808567808?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_feedUpdate%3A%28V2%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7044709438808567808%29 GDC\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/shanvirajithperera_valentinseday-ninehermits-activity-7031173431400308736-GztJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop V\u2019DAY\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/peter-carroll-bankless1_socialimpact-web3-venturecapital-activity-6985908557401485313-mu4u?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\n", "logoImgData": {}, "bannerImgData": {}, "projectTwitter": "GrowStudioHQ"}
Social Impact - Through Culturally Rich Web3 Gaming & Entertainment
# Social Impact in motion #
The start-up world is not equal for all, too often opportunity comes to those born into more fortunate situations (through no fault of those on the receiving end). 

**Wouldn’t the world benefit greatly if Web3 ecosystems could help level the playing field?**
Grow is a multi-cultural collective of talent that aims to promote culture, diversity, and community empowerment within Web3. We are dedicated to diversifying the Web3 industry by providing a platform for creative talent of all backgrounds to express themselves. Building opportunity and community where it can have the biggest impact on society.
For the last two years, without the support of Venture Capital, we have bootstrapped and built Grow to a team of 45 amazingly talented creatives, blockchain developers and game developers.

Now we need the support of Web3 to scale our efforts as we look to provide a platform for little understood cultures, to tell the rich stories, mythologies and fables of their people.
![Grow Studio is home to those who have talent but few opportunities](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/photo_collage_-_desktop_wallpaper.png)

## Diversifying Opportunity in Web3 ##
We are committed to creating an inclusive opportunity for traditionally overlooked talent by providing equal access to resources and support - enabling more people to get involved in the industry and contribute to the growth of the Web3 community.
At Grow, we embrace diversity by incorporating the different cultural perspectives of our team into our creative process. Our goal is to cultivate a Web3 community that is reflective of merged cultures and values that resonate with a global audience.
Web3 communities are built on the principles of decentralization, transparency, and shared ownership. They serve a purpose beyond just financial gain. The decentralized nature of Web3 allows the creation of unique and innovative experiences that can empower communities and foster real social impact.
![Grow Studio is for diversity, opportunity and Web3 community.](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/GrowColombo.jpg)



# Our Strategy #

Social impact is not just a buzzword or a nice-to-have feature of a Web3 community; it is a fundamental aspect that drives engagement, loyalty, and growth.
We have identified 4 key areas;
**Community engagement**: Social impact is a powerful motivator for community members to engage with the community and contribute to its growth. In developing countries like Sri Lanka and the Philippines, where communities may feel marginalized or lack access resources, a shared sense of purpose and meaning can be particularly impactful. When community members feel that they are part of something larger than themselves and are making a positive difference in the world, they are more likely to stay engaged and remain emotionally invested in the community's success.
**Network effects**: Social impact can attract new members to the community who share the same values and are interested in making a positive difference. As more people join the community, the ‘value’ of the community increases, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and impact. Where there is evidence of a lack of social infrastructure, the development of Web3 communities can provide an important avenue for individuals to connect with like-minded people and build a sense of belonging.
 **Brand reputation**: By demonstrating a commitment to social impact, a Web3 community can enhance its brand reputation and differentiate itself from competitors. This can be particularly important in countries like Sri Lanka, where there is a lack of trust in traditional institutions. A strong brand reputation can help a Web3 community attract new members and partnerships, which can fuel further growth and impact.
**Long-term sustainability**: Social impact is essential for the long-term sustainability of a Web3 community. Communities that are focused solely on financial gain are more vulnerable to market fluctuations and shifts in sentiment. In contrast, communities that are built on a strong social foundation are more resilient. Sri Lanka is a country where economic and political instability is common, therefore, focussing on sustainability can help ensure the long-term success of a Web3 community.
![Rising to the challenge, smiling along the way](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/growcrew.png)

## Web3 Powered Cultural Rich Entertainment ##

We are building Web3 products that promote cultures that haven't previously had a voice! The first being a game focused on Sri Lankan + Indian mythology, authentic content built by authentic people. 

![A Web3 gaming title with substance](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/website.png)

We have self-funded the building of in-house web3 products for the past 18 months and are almost ready to launch our very own game, Mindborn Sons, the game is set in the beautiful lush world of ancient Lanka and allows players to learn about this fascinating mythology that has not been told on a global stage before.
The majority of games within the Web3 space lack emotional depth in the form of lore. This is also true for some traditional MOBA games. Following trends and designing games around the trending gameplay mechanics or tokenomics often results in story being an afterthought, limited to general setting for the conflict and character backgrounds.
The MBS canon is based on years of research into South Asian culture, history, folklore, myths, legends, and beliefs. Unlike ancient Greek, Roman or Nordic legends, the rich history of South Asia and its culture remains largely untapped within gaming, resulting in a lore that is not only rich and engaging, but unique in focus, fresh, and appealing to a global audience. 
By allowing the players to develop and shape the lore as they play, MBS ensures continuous growth of the world it inhabits, allowing community-driven content to take center stage and paving the way for the creation of other media, such as comic books, novels, animated videos, and movies. 
To facilitate and encourage this level of player and creator participation, MBS will use Narraio within the game’s ecosystem, thereby accelerating content generation, providing an accessible method of creation for all technological skill levels, and an easy way for rewarding all contributors.


![A Web3 gaming title with substance](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/mindbornmontage.png)
**We hope you will join the tribe!**
mindbornsons.com
We have tried our level best to build this game all the way to playable demo without selling tokens or NFT’s, an ethical approach but a difficult one, we are on track to have the demo complete in May and grant funding will aid us in taking it to market.

**We are eternally grateful for any support provided!**

Thank you for your time, I will leave you with some examples of our efforts to support the growth of Web3 and entrepreneurial spirit in regions that need it most.

## Some examples of our “boots on the ground” approach to community development: ##

# EDUCATION #
Web3 enables community members to have greater control over their interactions and the content they consume. However, building a strong and sustainable community requires more than just technological infrastructure. It requires a thoughtful approach to education.
Education is critical to Web3 community building; it helps to break down barriers to entry and promotes diversity. By providing access to educational resources, we are committed to help ensure more individuals can participate in Web3 communities.
We recognize the importance of education, our teams Nine Hermits and Perfectus have hosted workshops and seminars that provide people with the basic knowledge of Web3 technology – whilst also expanding their knowledge in relation to its various applications.
Through education, talent acquisition, and creative expression, we are laying the foundation of a sustainable Web3 community that is reflective of the diverse perspectives and values of its members.
An example of this is a seminar we held in March in Colombo, Sri Lanka - ‘Blockmeet’
![Blockmeet Colombo](https://d.img.vision/growstudio/blockmeetmontage.png)

Here is a list of the community building and education our team has provided before and during their time with Grow, we will ramp this up once we have the funding to support growth!
2019 - First ever Global Game Jam in Sri Lanka
2020 - 2nd Game Jam
2021 - 3rd Game Jam (Online)
GJ+ (Game Jam Plus)
2020 - First ever GJ+ In Sri Lanka
2021 - Online
Sri Lanka University Workshops – educational content delivered at the following Universities
University of Moratuwa
University of Sri Jayawardenapura
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT)
Academy of Design (AOD)
National Institute of Business Management (NIBM)
Blockmeet
2023 - Blockmeet - First ever Web 3 event in Sri Lanka
Continue ‘Blockmeet’ every month.
# PIPELINE #
Game Dev Hackathon Q2 2023
Game Dev Workshops in Schools Q2 2023

Blockchain Development Courses at our Studio in Colombo - Ongoing
Unreal Engine Institute Certified Courses TBC
EDUCATION - WORKSHOPS
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_gamedevelopment-gamedev-gameart-activity-7040220150922436608-LmLQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop	 (ASPRING GAME DEVS)
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_insiderstories-prodigiinteractive-gaming-activity-6883814552438484992-reTp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop (Information Technology Students Association)
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7007098931323047936?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop (METAVESRSE SAFETY WEEK)
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dusanwriter_metaverse-safety-xr-activity-6875786733405945856-tknN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop (XR SAFETY WEEK)
 
EDUCATION - BLOCKMEET SEMINAR
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_register-to-join-us-at-block-meet-we-activity-7041655974641754112-lbLk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_web3-blockmeet-blockmeetlk-activity-7042117391337619456-kRb9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_growstudio-perfectus-polygon-activity-7044910285983272960-4c0n?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
 
MBS WEB3 COMMUNITY
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-sirisena_web3gaming-web3-web3community-activity-7039088384421621760-TTn4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop MBS

 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7044709438808567808?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_feedUpdate%3A%28V2%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7044709438808567808%29 GDC
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shanvirajithperera_valentinseday-ninehermits-activity-7031173431400308736-GztJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop V’DAY
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peter-carroll-bankless1_socialimpact-web3-venturecapital-activity-6985908557401485313-mu4u?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Social Impact - Through Culturally Rich Web3 Gaming & Entertainment