From Uber Eats to Immutable: How Andrew Sorokovsky is Bringing Web3 Gaming to the Forefront
Staff Writer • 2024-10-20
In an industry where evolution is the only constant, some leaders thrive on unpredictability. Andrew Sorokovsky, the Vice President of Business Development at Immutable, has taken the plunge from Uber Eats’ rapid expansion to shaping the next generation of Web3 games. With a career path that looks anything but conventional, Sorokovsky embodies the spirit of innovation in both tech and gaming, and he recently joined me, Rocco Strydom, on the Stonks Go Moon podcast to discuss his journey and insights into the world of blockchain-powered games. A Nonlinear Path to Web3 Before landing at Immutable, Sorokovsky’s career took off at Uber Eats, where he spearheaded business development efforts and played a crucial role in scaling the platform across regions. Moving from food delivery to the world of Web3 games might seem like an unusual leap, but for Sorokovsky, it was a natural progression. "I believe in nonlinear careers," he said on the podcast, reflecting on his time with Uber and how it prepared him for his work at Immutable. "It all started back in 2016, when I moved to Australia and got red-pilled on crypto," Sorokovsky explained. "Bitcoin and Ethereum were gaining traction, and while I was focused on my work with Uber, the promise of blockchain technology was undeniable." By the time Immutable came knocking in 2020, Sorokovsky had already developed a keen interest in blockchain and its potential to disrupt industries—including gaming. Australia: The Unexpected Hub for Crypto Australia, where Sorokovsky now resides, might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about global tech hubs, but according to him, it's becoming a hotbed for crypto innovation. "Australia punches above its weight," he said, noting that the culture fosters creativity and a strong interest in emerging technologies. "I don't know if it's because everyone lives by the ocean, but there's something here that keeps people on the cutting edge." Bridging the Gap Between Ownership and Narrative One of the key topics we delved into was the challenge of merging ownership-driven gameplay—a hallmark of Web3 games—with the traditional, narrative-driven experiences that have defined gaming for decades. Sorokovsky believes that ownership adds a compelling new layer to gaming, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the core experience. "Gaming is still very much about gameplay and narrative," he emphasized. "Ownership-driven mechanics should enhance the story, not replace it." While some early blockchain games have focused heavily on "grind to earn" mechanics, Sorokovsky is adamant that the future lies in games where players return because of the immersive world, not just the potential for financial gain. He cited Asia as a region where players already value in-game assets, but he stressed that the broader market still needs a breakthrough game that balances both fun and ownership in a compelling way. The Buzzword of Interoperability: Why We’re Not There Yet Interoperability—the idea that assets from one game could seamlessly transfer to another—has become a major buzzword in the Web3 space. However, Sorokovsky is cautious about overhyping the concept. "I think we’re still far from true interoperability across games," he said. While the idea of carrying a sword from one game into another is enticing, the technical and cultural barriers make it a longer-term goal. That said, Immutable is building toward a more interconnected future in gaming. With its Passport feature, the company is making it easier for players to manage their in-game assets seamlessly, regardless of platform. "We’re focused on creating a frictionless experience that mirrors Web2 ease of use," Sorokovsky explained. Pragmatism as a Superpower One trait that stands out in Sorokovsky’s approach is his pragmatism. In a world filled with idealists and visionaries, he brings a refreshing dose of realism. "It comes from my immigrant background," he revealed during the podcast. Growing up in an immigrant household gave him an outsider's perspective, which he believes helped shape his practical worldview. This pragmatism was honed further during his time at Uber, where the company's "high-achievement culture" left a lasting impression. "Uber was all about autonomy and breaking things fast," he said. "It was a great environment to learn how to work on the bleeding edge of regulation and technology." At Immutable, this pragmatism is evident in how Sorokovsky and his team approach partnerships. Rather than chase hype, they focus on quality developers and games with long-term potential. "We don’t take an editorial stance on what types of games we support," he noted, "but we are very deliberate in who we partner with." What’s Next for Immutable With a growing portfolio of top-tier Web3 games, including titles like Hunters on Chain and Blast Royale, Immutable is positioning itself at the forefront of blockchain gaming. Sorokovsky teased that the next 12 months would see even more exciting developments as the company continues to expand its reach. "We’ve got some amazing content coming out," he said, hinting at several games set to launch in the near future. And while the world waits for that breakout hit that will bring Web3 gaming into the mainstream, Sorokovsky remains optimistic. "It’s only a matter of time before we see a cultural phenomenon emerge from this space."
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