In the rapidly evolving world of digital technology, few individuals stand out as visionaries capable of merging disparate fields into groundbreaking innovations. Toshiyuki Otsuka, the founder of SNPIT and CEO of Gallusys Co. Ltd., is one such individual. With a diverse background that spans from CRM consulting to blockchain development, Toshiyuki has continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.
SNPIT, the world’s first Snap-to-Earn platform, represents the culmination of Toshiyuki’s experience and vision. By combining photography, Game-Fi, and blockchain technology, SNPIT offers a unique and engaging platform that allows users to monetize their photography through Camera NFTs. This innovative approach not only enhances the user experience but also creates new opportunities for photographers worldwide.
In this interview, Toshiyuki Otsuka shares the journey that led to the creation of SNPIT, the challenges and strategies involved in expanding globally, and his vision for the future of digital photography and blockchain integration. Join us as we delve into the mind of a true innovator and explore the exciting potential of SNPIT.
Q1. Can you start by sharing with us the journey that led to the creation of SNPIT? What inspired you to combine the worlds of photography, Game-Fi, and blockchain technology?
I believe that photography, while familiar, could lead to life-changing experiences. By taking pictures, you may notice something different or see things from a different perspective. I believe that life transitions are not always only under major decisions such as finding a job or getting married. A chance encounter, a minor decision, or anything else can be a catalyst for a life change. I hope that “SNPIT” can be one such catalyst. I would be happy if there is a turning point in people’s lives, with “Before SNPIT” and “After SNPIT.”
Prior to SNPIT, we developed “Pictier,” a non-verbal photo-sharing app that aimed to connect people through images without the need for language. The success of Pictier, which garnered over 300,000 downloads, showed me the powerful connection people can have through shared visual experiences. This inspired me to take it a step further by integrating gamified elements and blockchain into photography. Our vision was to create a platform where users could capture beautiful moments, engage in interactive activities, and earn rewards in a secure ecosystem.
Combining these elements felt natural. Photography is about capturing and sharing moments, gamification enhances user engagement, and blockchain ensures that these interactions are secure and transparent. This integration allowed us to offer users a new way to enjoy photography while earning real value, which ultimately led to the creation of SNPIT.
Q2. SNPIT is expanding beyond Japan. What are the key strategies and markets you are focusing on for this global expansion?
Expanding SNPIT beyond Japan is an exciting journey, and our strategy focuses on targeting markets that are enthusiastic about blockchain and digital innovation. We’re focusing on regions like Korea, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and English-speaking countries where digital assets are gaining traction.
Our approach is multifaceted. Firstly, we’re localizing our marketing efforts to resonate with each market’s unique culture and preferences. This means tailoring our content and campaigns to ensure they connect with local audiences. Secondly, we’re partnering with key opinion leaders (KOLs), photography enthusiasts, and local blockchain communities to build trust and foster engagement. These groups play a crucial role in spreading awareness and driving adoption.
Additionally, we’re continuously enhancing our platform based on user feedback. This iterative process allows us to refine SNPIT to meet the needs and expectations of users in different regions. By staying responsive and adaptable, we aim to build a strong, loyal community in each market.
Q3. What have been the biggest challenges in expanding SNPIT internationally, and how have you addressed them?
Expanding SNPIT internationally has certainly presented unique challenges. One major hurdle has been establishing a strong local presence in each new market. Each region has its own digital landscape and ways of operating, so understanding these nuances is crucial. We’ve focused on building partnerships with local KOLs and blockchain communities to connect with the local audience more effectively.
Communication and language barriers have also been significant challenges. Ensuring our message is clear and resonates across different languages and cultures is vital. We’ve invested in localizing our content, not just translating it, to make it feel authentic and native to each market.
Building trust and credibility in new markets is essential. We’ve addressed this by showcasing our success stories and the benefits SNPIT has brought to users in Japan. Sharing real user experiences and testimonials helps build a reputation that resonates globally.
Adapting to different user behaviors and preferences has been key as well. What excites users in one country might not have the same impact in another. This requires us to stay flexible and continuously refine our strategies based on feedback and market research.
Q4. Can you explain how the Snap-to-Earn model works and how it integrates Game-Fi elements with photography?
The Snap-to-Earn model merges the joy of photography with the excitement of gaming and the benefits of earning rewards. Here’s a clearer breakdown of how it works:
Users share photos to the SNPIT platform using Camera NFTs. This means that photos taken with Camera NFTs are unique and reduce the risks of participating with AI-generated or otherwise altered pictures.
The Game-Fi elements come into play through our Camera NFTs. These Camera NFTs are digital assets representing virtual cameras with various attributes, such as image quality, battery life, and special features. Users can upgrade these attributes to enhance their cameras’ performance.
Users participate in battles and competitions, earn points, and use the points to upgrade their cameras. The better the camera’s attributes, the higher the quality of photos they can take, and thus increasing the chances of winning & earning through these battles
As mentioned earlier, users can either use the points earned to upgrade their Camera NFTs, or exchange them for other digital rewards or our $SNPT token (coming soon). This creates a dynamic and engaging environment where users are motivated to improve their photography skills and equipment.
By combining photography with gamified elements and blockchain technology, SNPIT offers a unique and rewarding experience. Users are not only capturing and sharing beautiful moments but also actively participating in a community-driven, competitive ecosystem that rewards creativity and skill.
Q5. How do Camera NFTs function within the SNPIT ecosystem, and what benefits do they offer to photographers?
Camera NFTs are a core component of the SNPIT ecosystem. These digital assets represent virtual cameras that users can use to take photos within the platform. Each Camera NFT comes with its own set of attributes, such as image quality, battery life, efficiency, and special features, which can be upgraded over time.
Photographers benefit from these NFTs in several ways. First, owning a Camera NFT allows users to participate in the Snap-to-Earn model, where they can earn points by taking photos and using them to participate in battles. The better the camera’s attributes, the higher the quality of the photos and the greater the rewards.
Overall, Camera NFTs provide a way for photographers to monetize their work, engage with a global community, and continually enhance their equipment to achieve better results.
Q6. How do you ensure that even users who are unfamiliar with Game-Fi can easily participate and enjoy SNPIT?
We prioritize user experience and accessibility to ensure that everyone, regardless of their familiarity with Game-Fi, can easily participate and enjoy SNPIT. Our platform is designed with an intuitive interface that guides users through the process of taking photos, and participating in battles.
We provide clear, step-by-step guides and tutorials to help new users get started. These resources cover everything from setting up an account and understanding the basics of blockchain and NFTs, to participating in photo contests and earning rewards. By breaking down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-follow instructions, we make it accessible for everyone.
Additionally, we offer community support through forums and social media channels where users can ask questions, share tips, and connect with others. This creates a supportive environment where users can learn and grow together.
By focusing on simplicity and providing ample support, we make it easy for all users to enjoy the benefits of SNPIT, regardless of their prior experience with Game-Fi or blockchain technology, aiming to reduce the barrier entry for the mass market into the world of blockchain
Q7. Could you elaborate on how $SNPT tokenized earnings work and how photographers can unlock value through their contributions?
In the SNPIT ecosystem, $SNPT tokens are the native currency, and users earn SNPIT Points by participating in the game.
In the SNPIT Game, users cannot upload any pictures, and instead must use either their Free Camera or Camera NFTs to take pictures. These Camera NFTs are special digital assets that represent virtual cameras with various attributes, such as image quality and special abilities. When users take and upload photos using these Camera NFTs, it ensures the ownership and authenticity of the pictures.
This model creates a dynamic and engaging environment where users are motivated to improve their photography skills, upgrade their equipment, and actively participate in the community.
Q8. What inspired the creation of the “World Repository,” and how does it enhance the SNPIT platform?
The “World Repository” was inspired by the desire to create a global, decentralized database of unprocessed, authentic photographs with timestamps and location data. It enhances the SNPIT platform by providing a rich, user-generated content library that can be used for various applications, including cultural preservation, environmental monitoring, and more.
By leveraging blockchain technology, the “World Repository” ensures that all data is secure, transparent, and immutable. This means that users can trust the information stored in the repository, knowing that it has not been tampered with or altered. This level of trust and transparency is essential for creating a reliable and valuable resource for the SNPIT community.
Q9. How does DePIN technology enable users to document, share, and utilize visual data on the blockchain?
DePIN ensures that each photo uploaded to the SNPIT platform is time-stamped and geo-tagged, creating a verifiable record of its authenticity. This allows users to securely document and share their visual data on the blockchain. To add, the Camera NFTs add a layer of authenticity to the pictures taken.
By leveraging this technology, SNPIT creates a decentralized network of visual data that is both accessible and verifiable. This global visual archive can be used for various applications, such as cultural heritage preservation, environmental studies, and scientific research.
The use of DePIN enhances user experience by ensuring that all data is accurate, secure, and transparent. This makes the visual content on SNPIT reliable and valuable for the community and beyond.
Q10. How do you ensure the accuracy and integrity of the precise timestamps and location data in the World Repository?
We ensure the accuracy and integrity of the timestamps and location data in the World Repository by using advanced geotagging and time-stamping technologies integrated with blockchain’s immutable ledger. This guarantees that once data is recorded, it cannot be altered. Periodic audits and validations are conducted to maintain data integrity, ensuring that users and external applications can trust the information stored in the World Repository.
This approach provides a robust layer of security and transparency, making the data reliable and verifiable, which is crucial for creating a valuable resource for the SNPIT community.
Q11. What future developments or enhancements can users expect from SNPIT in the coming years?
Users can look forward to several exciting developments, including enhanced features for Camera NFTs, expanded gamification elements, and new ways to earn and utilize both the SNPIT Points and $SNPT tokens. We are also exploring partnerships with other platforms to broaden the use cases for our World Repository. Our goal is to continuously innovate and provide our users with a dynamic and rewarding experience.
Q12. How do you envision SNPIT influencing the future of photography and its intersection with blockchain technology?
SNPIT aims to redefine the value of photography by integrating it with blockchain technology. We envision a future where users have full ownership and control over their pictures, can authenticate and monetize their photography easily, and participate in a global community that values and rewards authentic pictures. By leveraging blockchain, we ensure transparency, security, and a fair distribution of value.
Q13. How do you plan to engage and grow the SNPIT community as the platform continues to evolve?
Engaging and growing our community is a top priority. We plan to do this by continuously improving our platform based on user feedback, hosting community events and challenges, and fostering a supportive environment through our social media and online forums. Additionally, we will collaborate with KOLs and thought leaders to reach new audiences and build a vibrant, engaged community.
Q14. What is your long-term vision for SNPIT, and how do you see it shaping the future of digital photography and blockchain integration?
Our long-term vision for SNPIT is to become the leading platform where digital photography and blockchain technology converge. By leveraging DePIN technology, we aim to create a global, decentralized archive of visual data that is secure, transparent, and accessible to all.
SNPIT will play a crucial role in various sectors. For environmental studies, our platform can document and monitor ecological changes through user-contributed photos, providing valuable data for research and conservation efforts. In cultural heritage preservation, SNPIT can help protect and share significant historical and cultural sites through authenticated visual records.
Additionally, by integrating GameFi elements, we aim to continually engage users and incentivize them to contribute to this global repository. Our Camera NFTs and the Snap-to-Earn model offer unique ways for users to monetize their photography while contributing to broader causes.
In the future, we envision SNPIT fostering a vibrant community of photographers, gamers, and blockchain enthusiasts who collectively drive the platform’s growth and innovation. By providing a space where users can document, share, and utilize visual data, SNPIT aims to revolutionize how we interact with digital photography and blockchain technology, making it a powerful tool for personal expression and global impact.
Interview Summary
In an era where digital innovations are transforming industries, Toshiyuki Otsuka stands out as a pioneer who is reshaping the future of photography. Through SNPIT, he has created a unique platform that integrates Game-Fi, blockchain technology, and photography, offering users an unprecedented opportunity to monetize their creative endeavors.
SNPIT’s Snap-to-Earn model and Camera NFTs not only provide a dynamic and engaging user experience but also open up new avenues for photographers to earn and grow. The global expansion of SNPIT highlights its potential to connect diverse markets and communities, fostering a global appreciation for authentic visual content.
The introduction of the “World Repository” and DePIN technology further underscores SNPIT’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and providing accurate, verifiable visual data. As SNPIT continues to evolve, its innovative approach promises to influence the intersection of digital photography and blockchain technology profoundly.
With a clear vision for the future, Toshiyuki Otsuka and SNPIT are set to revolutionize the way we capture, share, and value photography, making it a powerful tool for personal expression and collective benefit.