Now entering its third season, Crypto: The Game invites participants globally to compete online for a chance to win a staggering $150,000. This innovative interactive experience is the brainchild of Dylan Abruscato, who was inspired by his passion for the reality show Survivor. Abruscato, along with Ted (Not Lasso), who emerged victorious against more than 700 competitors, recently discussed the latest season with Gold Derby. Notably, Crypto: The Game is on the Emmy ballot in the category of Best Emerging Media Program, where Abruscato previously received a nomination for HQ Trivia in 2019. The digital competition unfolded over ten intense days in March, challenging players with various tasks that tested their social acumen and gaming abilities. This season also introduced a new twist called “Resurrection Island,” allowing one eliminated player to re-enter the competition, which is how Ted ultimately secured his win.
Exploring the Origins of Crypto: The Game
Dylan Abruscato shared insights into the inception of Crypto: The Game, noting that its roots trace back to his childhood. He was a devoted fan of Survivor, and like Ted, had applied for multiple seasons without success. Abruscato recalled playing a CD-ROM game titled Survivor: Ultimate, where players choose a character from the Australian Outback and engage in a tic-tac-toe-like game for immunity. As his television career progressed, including working on SNL and assisting with the transition from Jimmy Fallon to Seth Meyers, he became captivated by the idea of producing television shows. His journey into tech began with HQ Trivia, where he first pitched the concept for this game back in 2019. Last year, he felt it was the right time to fully develop the project.
Reflections on the Emmy Nomination Experience
Abruscato expressed his excitement about the Emmy nomination received by HQ Trivia in 2019, describing it as a dream come true for anyone starting in the television industry. He had thought that leaving traditional TV for tech meant abandoning those aspirations, but he was thrilled to see the Academy acknowledge the importance of emerging media and interactive formats rather than dismissing them as mere trends.
The Inspiration Behind Season 3’s “Resurrection Island”
The idea for the “Resurrection Island” twist in the latest season came to Abruscato while watching Top Chef and its “Last Chance Kitchen” segment. Feedback from contestants after the first two seasons indicated a desire for more opportunities to engage and earn their way back into the competition. This led to the introduction of parallel resurrection challenges alongside daily immunity tasks, featuring arcade games, scavenger hunts, and digital puzzles. The initial phase involved 716 participants being split into tribes to get to know each other.
Tribe Assignments and Game Dynamics
When asked about the tribe assignments, Abruscato clarified that they were entirely random, with players allocated to one of ten tribes. Similar to traditional reality competitions, the game included twists and dramatic moments. A few days in, after players formed alliances and strategized for victory, the tribes were swapped, offering participants the option to choose whether to remain with their new tribe or return to their original group, introducing an element of unpredictability.
Encouraging Creative Gameplay
Abruscato welcomed instances of creative gameplay, such as players discovering hacks to improve their scores in the pinball game. He noted that the nature of an internet-based reality competition allows for hidden advantages and strategies, likening it to the nostalgic practice of ’tilting the table’ to gain an advantage. However, he was surprised at the lengths some players went to, with one reportedly tapping their keyboard for hours to achieve the highest score.
Ted’s Victory and Plans for the Prize Money
Following his win, Ted expressed his disbelief and excitement, especially after finishing as a runner-up the previous year. He shared that his first step would be to set aside funds for taxes, and he also planned a celebratory gathering with his tribe, the Green Tribe, to commemorate their journey together.
The Thrill of Watching the Votes Come In
Ted recounted the anxiety of watching the votes as they came in, with the lead fluctuating between him and Akhil. The digital format allowed him to see real-time updates, leading to a flurry of messages as the standings changed. He admitted to feeling overwhelmed, knowing it was in the hands of the players to determine the outcome.
Insights into Ted’s Winning Strategy
Abruscato noted that Ted, who finished in the top two in Season 2 and won Season 3, must possess exceptional skills in the game. Ted acknowledged that a common thread among the top players is their shared love for Survivor, along with his natural competitiveness and enjoyment of team dynamics. He mentioned that he approaches challenges with determination and a commitment to perform at his best.
Favorite Challenges from the Season
When asked about their favorite challenges, Ted shared that he excelled in the Brick Breaker game but particularly enjoyed the scavenger hunts, which showcased different personality traits among participants. Abruscato highlighted a memorable auction challenge that paid homage to the classic Survivor auction episodes he enjoyed as a child, noting the surreal experience of partnering with Adidas for the event.
Future of Crypto: The Game
Abruscato stated that while there is no immediate timeline for Season 4, the immersive nature of the show makes it unlikely for participants to rejoin so soon. After three seasons in 18 months, he felt a comfortable pace had been established, with more updates expected in the near future.
Emmy Aspirations for Crypto: The Game
Both Ted and Abruscato expressed their enthusiasm for the potential recognition from Emmy voters. Ted articulated his belief that this format represents the future of reality competitions, being inclusive and accessible from anywhere. Abruscato echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for any acknowledgment from the Television Academy, especially for an interactive format inspired by acclaimed reality shows. He reminisced about his early days at NBC and the dream of one day winning an Emmy, emphasizing that such recognition would mean the world to them.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
