Episode 56

#56 - Gotta Catch ’Em All—Garrett Lee’s Tokiemon, Where AI, Web3 Gaming, and Token Communities Collide

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🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with Garrett Lee, CEO of Alma Labs and the creative force behind Tokiemon — a groundbreaking Web3 gaming project that blends generative AI, token community engagement, and classic monster-battling gameplay.

Garrett brings over seven years of experience building Web3 protocols and companies. As both a product manager and Solidity developer, he bridges technical expertise with business strategy to deliver immersive blockchain-powered experiences. With Tokiemon, he’s pioneering a new model of onchain gaming — one that invites players to explore, collect, and battle unique AI-generated monsters tied to their favorite tokens.

Tokiemon is built on Base and has already seen over 20,000 onchain transactions in beta, integrating with 50+ token communities and boasting a $60 average lifetime value for paid users. At its heart, the game is more than entertainment — it’s a gamified bridge into onchain ecosystems and a new kind of digital community-building tool.


In this episode, we explore:


🔹 What Inspired Tokiemon


Garrett shares how his background in Web3 development and degen culture led to the creation of a game that turns token ownership into gameplay, combining his love of tech, design, and community.

🔹 Blending Generative AI, Tokens, and Gameplay


We dive into the unique challenges of creating one-of-one monsters with provable scarcity — and how Garrett and the team kept gameplay fun and competitive while staying true to onchain principles.

🔹 Driving Engagement During Beta


Garrett unpacks the strategies that helped Tokiemon achieve early traction, from token-based monster minting to community integrations that foster organic growth.

🔹 Building Degenia: Exploration and Competition


We talk about designing Degenia — the world players explore and battle in — and how its quest systems and leaderboard mechanics keep users engaged over time.

🔹 The Future of Onchain Gaming


Garrett shares his vision for where Tokiemon — and onchain games more broadly — are headed. From expanding token integrations to strengthening player communities, he paints a compelling picture of what’s next.

With a deep understanding of both blockchain architecture and player psychology, Garrett offers a thoughtful look into how Web3 gaming is evolving — and why projects like Tokiemon might shape the next chapter of interactive entertainment.


📢 Tune in now to hear Garrett’s insights on product leadership, onchain design, and creating games that connect communities through code.

Links to Tokiemon:

Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue our deep dive into the latest trends and innovations in Web3 gaming. The future is now—let's jump in together! 🎮

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About the Podcast

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The Web3 Gamer
Crypto, Blockchain, Technology, Web3, Gaming, Video Games

About your host

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Matthew Simone

Matthew Simone is a passionate outdoorsman, crypto enthusiast, and lifelong gamer. His love for the great outdoors is only matched by his enthusiasm for the digital world. An avid hiker, Matthew finds tranquility and inspiration in nature's grandeur, often using these moments of solitude to contemplate the deeper meaning of life.

Matthew's journey into the world of cryptocurrencies began in 2017, during the significant boom of Bitcoin. Since then, he has immersed himself in the crypto space, staying abreast of the latest developments and trends. His understanding of the market dynamics, blockchain technology, and the potential of decentralized finance has grown exponentially over the years.

Gaming has been a constant in Matthew's life. From his early days playing on his N64 to now exploring the expansive universes of modern MMORPGs, his love for gaming has only deepened. He sees parallels between the gaming and crypto worlds, with both offering vast, unexplored frontiers.

Matthew Simone is a unique blend of an adventurer and a digital pioneer. His passion for the outdoors, crypto, and gaming makes him a fascinating individual, always ready to explore new trails, whether they're in the wilderness or the digital world.

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