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Earlier this week, Parallel revealed the cover art for their new digital comic book series, The Priming. With only 3,333 copies of Issue 1 being made, this will be their most exclusive drop since the Founder’s Sale (PS-15) in March of 2021.
As we eagerly prepare to sink our teeth into some juicy new lore and art, the drop will also kick off a new collection chase. For those who own a full set of the digital comic (six issues total), a physical deluxe hardcover version awaits them. With only 3,333 sets possible, there could be less than 1,000 of these beauties ever made.
That’s an easy reason to get hyped, but the hardcover comic is not the first deluxe physical item that Parallel has created.
Stunning holographic posters, hoodies, hats, socks, pins, and even a handful of rare test-run playing cards, some of which are signed by the artists, have found their way to loyal fans around the globe. A handful of custom-crafted items, like this cute Aurora Fungi lamp and a few other unconfirmed cosmetics are possibly being made as well.
Then there’s the pièce de résistance: the real-life version of Gaffar’s Peace Pipe.
Simply put, Parallel is so much more than just a trading card game. It’s an organization that is creating a robust gaming ecosystem full of versatile intellectual property that could flourish for decades.
One of the prevalent trends in the web3 space is something known as Convergence. This is a way to look at how different industries use advanced technology (like the blockchain) to build creative strategies that can increase fan engagement and behavior.
A great example of Convergence in the gaming industry is Travis Scott’s memorable live performance in Fortnite back in 2020. Another example is EA Sports including Ted Lasso’s team, AFC Richmond, in FIFA 23. The meteoric rise of scholastic esports since 2020 also lends credence to this crossover trend.
Similarly, the Echelon foundation is creating its own form of Convergence. This is something that was neatly unpacked and explained by Kalos, one of the game’s co-founders, in a recent Twitter thread.
Our vision is to create many ways to play Parallel. Our 3D library will power these games and experiences and ultimately blend the real world and the Parallel world.
Kalos (TempleCrash)
Being able to seamlessly transition digital gaming assets into both a physical item and something that can be used within an XR (extended reality) environment is a perfect example of blending these worlds together. This forward and backward compatibility has been a focal point for Parallel since the beginning, and proof of their efforts can be seen through their growing library of AR objects.
As a result, Parallel appears to be primed for a successful leap into the world of XR (AR/VR).
As a member of the Goalie Advisory Board for Sense Arena, I research different ways that pro athletes can benefit from VR training. I have also personally benefitted from VR training since 2018. It’s easy for me to say that the technology is making tremendous strides, but certain key physics for these simulators still leave a lot to be desired.
For trading card games, however, even a basic VR headset will work just fine. TCGs require little to no body movement, can be played sitting down, and can utilize dynamic backdrops and environments to further immerse the player.
There’s a whole world to explore regarding this topic, but for now, I’m just really excited about the potential uses of emerging VR hardware.
For example, imagine wearing the VR Gluv while interacting with your Parallel cards and equipment. You won’t just feel empty space when you handle them, you’ll feel a simulated texture of the cards you’re holding. You’ll also feel the sensation of placing them on the battlefield and watching them come to life through their various functions.
It’s also fun to imagine the different ways in which the Parallel Landscapes could become full 360-degree VR experiences. You could soar around Primea, watch a Rainsoaked Mourner weep for a fallen Earthen loved one, take a stroll through their sacred forests, and sit beneath the Tree of Nehemiah.
Or imagine what it would be like to connect with another Parallel enjoyer in VR, hang out in the New Dawn while selecting your favorite deck, and then jump into a portal before battling each other from the comfort of your own home.
Even though this is just a very brief overview of what the future could hold for Parallel in VR, there’s a lot to love about the individual pieces they are building. Drop by drop, we’re seeing more cross-compatibility embedded into their digital assets, which is creating an even more cutting-edge gaming IP within the Echelon Ecosystem.
While there’s nothing official regarding a VR version of Parallel, I believe it’s not as far off as one may think. This is just another reason to get excited about the direction of the franchise and what kind of impact it could have on web3 gaming as a whole.