A case study on Web2-Web3 bridge building.
Right around the last bull run, Galaxis.xyz emerged as a new & exciting Web3 technology platform with a mission extending beyond the speculative hype of NFTs.
The project's aim was to create a utility-driven approach to digital collectibles, building bridges between the traditional Web2 experience and the fresh and buzzing Web3 ecosystem. One of its most high-profile projects came in the form of the Donald Trump Trading Cards, a campaign that marked a significant milestone not only for Galaxis but also for the broader conversation on Web3's role in mainstream adoption.
In this deep dive, we explore how Galaxis leveraged its tech to deliver the Trump Trading Cards and how it navigated the unique challenges of connecting Web2 audiences to Web3-based innovations.
Utility Over Hype
Galaxis, led by CEO Andras Kristof, provides a platform for creators to circumvent the constraints of traditional social media, which can abruptly sever their connection with audiences. Kristof emphasizes that Web3 technology empowers creators to engage directly with their communities, bypassing the risks associated with being dependent on a single platform.
The core offering of Galaxis is its Web3 infrastructure, which utilizes NFT-based "digital membership cards" to build and sustain online communities. This approach combines elements of Kickstarter and Patreon, enabling creators to offer unique benefits and perks to their supporters. For example, Galaxis has developed dynamic NFT collections for organizations such as the NBA, where player cards receive real-time upgrades based on performance data. Similarly, for the Lobkowicz art collection, Galaxis implemented QR codes that integrate with digital membership cards, enhancing the visitor experience at physical art locations.
By focusing on creating value through these digital membership cards, Galaxis offers a model for community engagement that is resilient to the disruptions and limitations of traditional social media platforms.
The Collaboration with Donald Trump
The collab with Trump was an unexpected, yet pivotal moment for Galaxis. As Kristof explained, the opportunity to work on the Trump Trading Cards came about through connections in the celebrity world. Figures like LaMelo Ball, Mike Tyson, and NBA athletes had already tested the waters with Galaxis, making the platform a known entity among influencers and athletes alike. It was through these existing networks that Galaxis was approached to spearhead the Trump project.
On December 15, 2022, Donald Trump released his inaugural NFT collection, which comprised 45,000 digital trading cards priced at $99 each. Trump noted in a Bloomberg interview that although they had a year to sell the collection, it sold out in just one day.
From a technical standpoint, the project was complex and ambitious. The Trump Trading Cards were designed to be more than simple digital art; they included personalized value propositions such as access to exclusive events and collectible items. The campaign also stood out because it demonstrated how Web3 technologies could be deployed to create deeper engagement with a large audience, even one that might be unfamiliar with blockchain or NFTs.
For Galaxis, the challenge was bridging the gap between Trump’s largely Web2-based audience and the Web3 infrastructure that powered the digital collectibles. Where many still struggle to understand blockchain tech, the Trump campaign represented a real test of Galaxis’ ability to make Web3 both accessible and attractive to mainstream users.
Overcoming Challenges
For many participants, this was their first exposure to NFTs or blockchain technology. Galaxis needed to create an intuitive user experience, focusing on Web2-friendly interfaces while integrating Web3 backend operations.
Here, the firm’s focus on utility-based technology was essential. The platform was designed to offer tools that would allow Web2 users to interact with Web3 elements without requiring deep technical knowledge.
Users could purchase the Trump Trading Cards using traditional payment methods, but the ownership and utility features were powered by blockchain, ensuring both security and transparency.
Galaxis also prioritized community building, which had been a core element of their strategy since their early projects.
Lessons From Previous Collabs
As mentioned earlier, the Trump Trading Cards campaign wasn’t Galaxis’ first adventure into high-profile work. Previous projects with LaMelo Ball and Val Kilmer had set the stage for this initiative, teaching the company valuable lessons about integrating personal stories & fan engagement into the digital space.
LaMelo Ball’s dynamic NFTs for example, were a breakthrough in their own right in terms of tech. This is because his collectibles were designed to change based on real-world basketball statistics, showing the potential of smart contracts to deliver real-time, data-driven experiences.
For Val Kilmer on the other hand, the focus was on building deep personal connections with fans through digital art that told a more intimate story, one that sadly went unnoticed at the time.
These early experiments helped Galaxis refine its approach to NFTs though, which made sure that they weren’t just speculative assets but tools for fan engagement and building real communities for their products.
The Galaxis Engine
At the heart of the Trump Trading Cards project—and indeed much of Galaxis’ current offerings—is the Galaxis Engine. This engine is what allows the platform to handle the complexities of blockchain integration, offering creators and users a decentralized way to manage digital assets.
Specifically for the Trump Trading Cards, the Engine played a critical role in ensuring the campaign’s scalability. Given the high profile of the project, it was essential that the platform could handle large transaction volumes and ensure the integrity of the digital collectibles.
The success of the campaign demonstrated the capabilities of the Galaxis Engine, paving the way for future innovations, including the integration of AI and additional blockchain networks such as Polygon and Arbitrum.
The Future of Web2 and Web3?
The Trump Trading Cards campaign is a clear example of how Web2 and Web3 are starting to work together. Galaxis has shown that it’s possible to connect mainstream users with blockchain technology, demonstrating that these technologies can work well together.
The Trump project showed that NFTs can be more than just speculative investments; they can be valuable tools for engagement. This move from excitement to practical use is important for the long-term success of NFTs and Web3.
As Kristof mentioned, the aim is to make Web3 as common as the internet, which will require ongoing innovation and a focus on real-world uses.
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