GOLFIN Connecting Games and Real-Life Golf with Web3 Technology: CEO Komatsu Talks about the Challenge of a New Ecosystem

GOLFIN, a next-generation Web3 game, is steadily preparing for its launch, aiming to create a new ecosystem by integrating the real world of golf and the game world with blockchain technology. What exactly is GOLFIN's system that involves real golf players, golf courses, and golf equipment manufacturers?

Ken Komatsu, CEO of Wonderwall, which has built a global development team, recruited key people in the mobile gaming industry, and even collaborated with the Japanese animated TV series “Oi! Tonbo", talked about the behind story.

We create a sustainable P2E game: CEO's Trial and Error

The starting point for the development of GOLFIN was about three years ago, when CEO Komatsu became interested in a certain Play To Earn game.

He opened 2,000 accounts and worked on a large scale, which generated a lot of revenue in the beginning,” he said. However, “eventually the tokens crashed and became worthless,” Komatsu said.

While this was a painful reminder that “a structure like a ponzi scheme that relies on the entry of new players will never last,” it also provided a hint that “if we incorporate the real economy and link it to consumption activities, we may be able to create a sustainable Play To Earn mechanism.”

So, what kind of things can we combine to create something sustainable? After lots of research and discussions, he arrived at golf.

The golf industry is a large market with a variety of related businesses, making it easy to create an ecosystem. A golf game linked to GPS is a natural way to connect real-world activities with digital assets.

Komatsu explains the idea at the core of GOLFIN in this way.

As Komatsu and his team continued to build on this idea, the challenge became more than just creating a Play To Earn game; but creating a new ecosystem and community for the many people who love golf.

GOLFIN's Unique Ecosystem

GOLFIN's most distinctive feature is its ecosystem, boasting a multifaceted revenue structure.

“Our goal is to create not just a game, but a comprehensive platform for the entire golf community,” Komatsu said.

“We want to create a system where the entire industry benefits through GOLFIN. We will receive sponsorship revenue not only from players, but also from affiliated golf courses, equipment manufacturers, and advertisers. This will create a stable economic foundation on the GOLFIN ecosystem.”

GOLFIN users will be able to develop their characters and earn item tokens (NFTs) through real-world golf activities and in-game achievements.

The feature of integrating real-world golf with smartphone games is a “GPS-linked application,” which is provided separately from the smartphone game itself. By combining these apps, a mechanism will be created where “playing golf in the real world allows in-game characters to grow and develop.”

“We're also partnering with indoor golf facilities, where players scan QR codes to earn in-game rewards. We would like to link various golf-related activities with GOLFIN,” Komatsu explained.

GOLFIN also brings a community aspect to its ecosystem. Players can interact through the application, matching up with real-life golf buddies in the game and sharing tips for improving their skills.

“For the future, we are exploring collaborations with professional players and tournaments.” Komatsu said. “We want to make GOLFIN a platform where golf becomes more and more fun, the more you use it.”

GOLFIN uses blockchain technology for NFT items and reward distribution mechanisms. However, the user interface is designed to allow users to utilize these features seamlessly without having to be aware of the underlying technology.

What is the status of the game application?

The core of GOLFIN is a smartphone game application that's enjoyable for users who aren’t experienced with golf in real life. “We have adjusted the balance of the game to make it accessible to casual players and deep enough for hard-core gamers,” Komatsu said.

In fact, the gameplay is very simple, making it enjoyable for anyone.However, a slight movement of the finger or timing of an operation can make the ball go in completely different directions.

Of course, the player must consider club selection and shot power according to various conditions, such as wind, terrain, and grass conditions. A high level of skill will be required to win over opponents.

GOLFIN's development team has a rich international flavor. Based in Japan, the team is a diverse mix of international talent from the United States, France, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, India, Russia, and other countries.

“The diversity of the team is one of our strengths, allowing us to appeal to a broader range of perspectives to our global audience.”

Working with the development team to evolve GOLFIN is Manabu Seko. Seko is a veteran of the gaming industry, having served as President of Capcom Mobile and President of Capcom Canada.

“We were very fortunate to have Mr. Seko, who has experience in both managing international teams and creating world-class mobile games, join the team. We are confident that we will deliver a high-quality game that will satisfy players.”

Komatsu openly expressed his expectations.

“Right now, we are focusing on improving the core gameplay elements, such as usability. Once we have the fundamentals in place, we plan to expand the variety of courses.”

A tournament structure that attracts players

An in-game tournament will be held in Q3 2025, featuring prize money in the form of stablecoins. The main tournament will be a serious competition that requires both a well-developed character and ability,” Komatsu revealed.

However, these tournaments can be held in a variety of formats and styles, just like real-life golf competitions. For example, it could be “limited to certain community members” or “a tournament with specific regulations.”

Another unique aspect of the GOLFIN system is the “scalar system” that allows players to lend their characters to others.

If your character has been enhanced through real-life golf play, but you don't have time to play smartphone games, you can lend your character to another player and share in the profits. You might imagine it as the relationship between horse owners and jockeys in horse racing,” Komatsu explained.

“A GOLFIN tournament is where all the elements come together,” Komatsu added. “They incentivize actual golf play, drive in-game engagement, and provide tangible rewards. It's shaped to benefit players, our platform, and our partners.”

What is the attraction for sponsors?

Sponsors are essential to the health of the GOLFIN ecosystem.

What are the benefits for sponsors?

Sponsors can promote their services and products both in the smartphone game and in the real world. For example, a golf equipment manufacturer can introduce its equipment in the game, and golf courses in the real world can offer special offers and tournaments to users,” Komatsu said.

For golf courses, the GPS-connected GOLFIN app allows for location-based promotions. For example, when players visit a sponsor’s golf course, they can receive special in-game rewards or real-world discounts, helping to promote attendance and sales. Current real-world golf players include several executives, many of whom are interested in cutting-edge technology such as Web3. Komatsu expects that the Web3 application will be a good match for them.

GOLFIN's NFT system also opens new avenues for branding in the digital world.

“Sponsors can create limited edition NFT virtual items and merchandise. That can be a new source of revenue and increase brand loyalty,” Komatsu said. In-game tournaments also provide sponsors with an excellent opportunity for high visibility. And as the online community of players grows through tournaments and other activities, various collaborations and cross-company promotions will become possible.

“Through the GOLFIN ecosystem, we hope to further deepen the relationship between brands and users.”

Collaboration with “Television Tokyo Animation” was also realized.

Ahead of its launch, GOLFIN established a partnership with “Oi! Tonbo,” an anime which aired on TV Tokyo in April based on the popular 2014 manga of the same name.

This collaboration has enabled GOLFIN to release limited edition NFTs featuring characters and items from the manga. These NFTs are not just collectors' items, but can be leveraged within our gaming ecosystem. The club used by the main character, “Dragonfly's 3 Iron,” has already been made into an NFT and is now available for pre-order.

How was a blockchain game that had not yet been launched able to collaborate with major TV networks?

Komatsu explained: “Since this initiative is entirely new, we didn’t expect it to be easily understood. In addition to making the business model appealing, we carefully prepared by clearing regulatory hurdles with the support of lawyers and engaged in persistent negotiations.”

“The anime is also available on Amazon Prime, and the GOLFIN logo appears prominently in the opening. This anime may be a catalyst for some viewers to come into contact with blockchain technology. We are very happy to have this collaboration,” Komatsu said.

GOLFIN’s Next Step

Efforts to promote GOLFIN across the globe have already begun.

Most recently, they launched a mini-app for Telegram users. It's a simple game where you can earn points by telling your friends about GOLFIN. Additionally, an update is scheduled for mid-January, which will include a simple one-shot golf mini-game.

“We will use a variety of promotional methods to convey the game's appeal on various platforms,”Komatsu emphasized. They are also actively participating in Web3-related conferences held in Japan and abroad, promoting the project to global companies and investors.

One of the main apps, the GPS app, was released in October 2024. And in April 2025, the long-awaited smartphone game will be released. Komatsu said, “At first, the game will have limited functionality, but subsequent updates will add more complex elements, such as multiplayer modes and character lending.”

The first official tournament is scheduled for 2025 Q3, with a total prize pool of 100 million yen and a winner’s prize of 10 million yen. The prizes are planned to be paid in stablecoins.

“This will be the first major milestone for the GOLFIN ecosystem,” Komatsu said.

GOLFIN is more than just a game; it is an ambitious initiative that uses Web3 to expand real-world golf, create new communities and a unique ecosystem, and merge golf users (typically affluent individuals) with gaming users to work toward “eliminating global economic disparities.”

The latest developments are being actively publicized on the official X account. On the official Discord channel, users can interact with each other and participate in airdrop events for GOLFIN ecosystem tokens.

“Fortunately, a lot of people have been anticipating our new service even before its release. I hope you will witness the moment when a new service is created,” he appealed.” Komatsu said.