Episode 61

#61 - How Irys Is Powering Next-Gen Web3 Games and Programmable Data with CEO Josh Benaron

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🎙️ In this episode of The Web3 Gamer, I sit down with Josh Benaron, Founder and CEO of Irys, to explore how programmable data is reshaping what's possible for gaming, content, and the onchain future — and why static storage is no longer enough.

As the creator of Irys, Josh is building the world’s first programmable datachain — a system where data isn’t just stored, but acts, enforces, and evolves through embedded logic and onchain execution. With Irys, developers can turn passive data into active infrastructure for everything from smart contract-driven game mechanics to verifiable ownership and royalties.

From NFT rights enforcement to dynamic game data and composable media layers, Irys makes data more than durable — it makes it useful.

In this episode, we dig into:

🔹 Why Data Needs to Be Programmable

Josh explains how most Web3 storage is stuck in a static model — and why that’s holding builders back. With Irys, data can carry its own rules, enforce logic onchain, and directly support applications without relying on external systems.

🔹 Making Data Verifiable, Available, and Accountable

We explore Irys’s unique approach to decentralized validation, including its multi-ledger system, ingress proofs, and Matrix Packaging — and why true trust requires more than just “permanent” storage.

🔹 What IrysVM Unlocks for Onchain Apps & Games

Josh breaks down how IrysVM lets smart contracts interact directly with stored data — making it possible to automate royalties, enforce access controls, or power in-game logic based on verified player actions.

🔹 Scaling Storage Without Fragmentation

With unified onchain storage and execution, Irys eliminates the cost and complexity of bouncing between protocols. That means no more bolted-together hacks or unpredictable storage fees — just programmable, composable infrastructure from day one.

🔹 What’s Next for Programmable Data

From developer monetization to dynamic NFTs and beyond, Josh shares his vision for a world where data becomes a living primitive — not just something we store, but something we build with.

As one of the most forward-thinking builders in the Web3 data space, Josh Benaron is leading the charge toward an onchain future where storage meets execution, and data finally does something.

📢 Tune in now to hear how Irys is unlocking the next era of decentralized applications — one programmable byte at a time.

Links to Irys's Socials:

Stay up to date with Josh:

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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