3336: Ultra and the Mission to Build the Netflix of Gaming

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Gus van Rijckevorsel, the energetic new CEO of Ultra, who's on a mission to redefine how we access, experience, and value games. Speaking from the sunny backdrop of Nice, Gus shares why now is the moment for Europe to stop playing catch-up and start leading the charge in shaping the future of on-chain gaming, digital ownership, and platform sovereignty.

Backed by a fresh $12 million in funding, Ultra is not trying to be a better version of Steam. It wants to be something entirely different. Gus pulls no punches on the complacency of today's dominant platforms. He explains why Ultra's "super app" approach, blending social interaction, gameplay, creator tools, and blockchain infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to serve today's evolving gamer. This includes not just players, but watchers, creators, and earners.

We explore what makes Europe the perfect launchpad for Ultra's ambitions. From its dynamic tech ecosystem to the growing urgency around digital sovereignty, Gus argues this is no longer just a business case. It is a political and strategic necessity. He outlines how Web3 can quietly enhance gaming without overwhelming users, and why the traditional idea of play-to-earn needs a serious rethink. For Gus, recognition and reputation matter more than speculative tokens.

We also discuss what success looks like for Ultra. For Gus, this is not a gradual climb. It will either be massive or it will not exist at all. Along the way, he shares his personal story of being drawn back into the world of company building after vowing never to do it again. And why this particular "unpolished diamond" was impossible to ignore. So is it finally time for a European challenger to rewrite the rules of gaming? Can a platform that puts value creation at its core break through the dominance of established players?

Let me know your thoughts. Is Ultra the fresh start gaming needs, or is the market simply too entrenched to shift? Join the conversation and tell us what you think.