Enable use-cases that require frequent message signing by introducing a safe standard for message signing without wallet prompts

[GENERAL] Name and Surname of Main Applicant

[GENERAL] Email address of Main Applicant

Additional Applicants

Nicolas Arqueros

Robert Kornacki

dcSpark

Paima Studios

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ADA

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” in this field.

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project outputs be fully Open Source?

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.” in this field.

Project will be fully open source

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

There has been a lot of growth in use-cases that require frequent message signing in the crypto ecosystem - primarily driven by NFTs and gaming. However, a lot of users lose interest when they realize how tedious it will be to accept the prompt by their wallet every time they have to sign a message

As the authors of original Cardano message signing spec (CIP8: https://cips.cardano.org/cips/cip8/), we are very familiar with the cryptography involved in message signing. We are planning to release a layer on top of this message signing system to more easily allow wallets to auto-sign messages in cases where it knows it is safe to do so. Although we will create a more formal specification, you can find the initial approaches discussed in the following document: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VqXjyfgvbXxYHqhzYcSFFEorYbnza6GbjyAbVXyAKAM/edit?usp=sharing

Notably, a lot of the power of this proposal will rely on Paima Engine - a framework for creating web3 games, as it supports playing games using only standard message signing (no real transaction required). That means that if we have a safe and smooth flow for message signing, we can unlock a significantly better gaming experience.

Notably, the project consisted of the steps:

1. Create a specification for this message signing system
2. Integrate it into at least one wallet

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

NFTs and gaming are one of the largest use-cases for blockchains - often surpassing DeFi in volume. This specification will help games provide a smooth experience to users, which will increase adoption even more

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

1. Number of wallets / dApps integrating the standard

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

We will share all specifications and reference implementations we write publicly

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

dcSpark is a well renowned company in the Cardano ecosystem that has a long history of delivering on Catalyst proposals. You can find progress on grants we have previously received at https://dcspark.io/grants

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goal is to increase user retention for games in the Cardano ecosystem, thereby increasing traffic and making web3 games more viable as a business model

We know this project is technically feasible as we are the authors of the original message signing specification for Cardano and so we’re very familiar with how it works

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

1. Finish writing the specification
2. Reach consensus on the specification
3. Announce integration of the spec in at least 1 wallet

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

1. Spec
2. Code
3. Integration announcement

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

1. Spec: 20k
2. Implementation: 20k

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

This will increase adoption of gaming in the Cardano ecosystem, which will increase transaction volume (good for the ecosystem) and help more companies and individuals launch games in the ecosystem

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.