NMKR Unity SDK

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

Additional applicants

Kevin Mowers

Matthew Sears

Jimmy Sambuo

[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.”

No dependencies, but if we release this SDK on the Unity asset store, we would want to work with the NMKR team so that it is published under their entity.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s 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.”

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposal involves developing a Unity package that interfaces with NMKR's API for payment processing and NFT minting. We will specifically focus on Unity's webGL export because other platforms have more complex dependencies.

Unity is a popular choice for indie game developers. By creating this SDK, we can help these developers integrate Cardano-based NFT minting through NMKR's platform more easily into their games.

We will also build an open-source demo to show how to use the SDK, and the SDK itself will also be open source. This ensures we support a collaborative environment where developers can work together and contribute.

Our goal is to get this SDK listed on the Unity Asset Store, making it more accessible to developers. We aim to work with NMKR to achieve this. In doing so, we'll make the Cardano minting process simpler for developers and improve the overall usability of the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Our solution addresses the need for seamless integration of Cardano's NFT capabilities in the gaming industry, particularly targeting indie game developers using Unity. By developing a Unity package for NMKR's NFT minting API, we facilitate easier Cardano adoption, potentially increasing both the quantity of NFTs minted and the transactions within the Cardano network. A tool like this could attract new developers and users to the Cardano ecosystem, broadening its user base.

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

To quantify the success of our project, we have identified three primary metrics: SDK downloads, game integrations, and the volume of Cardano-based NFT transactions resulting from these integrations.

1. SDK Downloads: The number of downloads of our Unity package from the Unity Asset Store will provide a clear measure of the level of interest and engagement from the developer community. This metric helps in understanding the reach of our project within the game development landscape.
2. Game Integrations: By tracking the number of games that integrate our SDK and deploy their games with our Cardano NFT minting functionality, we will be able to gauge the actual adoption of our solution. This will directly reflect how our project is facilitating Cardano adoption in the gaming industry.
3. Cardano-based NFT Transactions: By monitoring the volume of NFT transactions within games that integrate our SDK, we can quantify the actual utility and impact of our project within the Cardano ecosystem. This is a critical measure as it reflects real-world use and growth of the Cardano network due to our initiative.

We believe our project has significant practical value for the Cardano ecosystem. By simplifying the integration of Cardano's NFT capabilities into Unity-based games, we are making it accessible and attractive for more developers.

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

Here's how we intend to share outputs and results:

1. Documentation and Guides: Comprehensive documentation and step-by-step guides for using the Unity SDK will be published. These materials will detail how to integrate Cardano NFT minting capabilities into Unity games, catering to developers of all levels.
2. Open Source Code: We believe in the power of open-source, and so we'll release the SDK's source code on a public platform such as GitHub. This will allow developers worldwide to use, improve, and potentially contribute to the project.
3. Unity Asset Store: By publishing the SDK on the Unity Asset Store, we aim to make it easily accessible to a vast array of game developers. We'll provide clear, concise instructions and examples to help users understand how to effectively use the package.
4. Demo Game: We will create a demonstration game showcasing how our Unity package can be used for Cardano NFT minting. The game will be publicly available, and its source code will also be open-sourced, serving as a practical example for developers.
5. Progress Reports and Blogs: Regular progress reports will be shared with the community. These updates will not only include our achievements but also challenges and learnings, providing a realistic view of the project's evolution. We'll also create blog posts focusing on interesting insights and experiences during the development of the SDK.

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

Our main company, Future Fest, has been an active participant in the Cardano community since the beginning of 2022. Our focus is on producing digital events leveraging tools and services built on Cardano. We have collaborated with a number of projects in the space. We also have a direct relationship with Unity and worked with them for their Unite Conference last year. We are also the face of live entertainment for Unity!

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

Our main objectives for the NMKR Unity SDK are:

1. Development of the Unity SDK: Our primary objective is to create an easy-to-use Unity package that integrates NMKR's API for payments and minting NFTs on the Cardano network. This SDK aims to simplify the process of integrating Cardano capabilities into Unity games, therefore making Cardano-based NFT minting more accessible to game developers.
2. Demo Game: A further goal is to develop a demo game using our SDK. This game will showcase the utility of our SDK and serve as a practical example to guide developers in their use of the SDK.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will take the following steps:

1. Prototype Development and Testing: The initial step will be to develop a prototype version of the Unity SDK and test it within a simple game project. This early prototype will help us identify any potential issues and validate the overall feasibility of our approach.
2. Collaboration with NMKR: Collaboration with NMKR will be great to ensure that our SDK aligns with their API and effectively supports Cardano-based NFT minting. Their insights and expertise will help confirm the feasibility of our approach.
3. Performance Metrics: We will track metrics such as SDK downloads, game integrations, and the number of Cardano-based NFT transactions within games using our SDK. These metrics will provide tangible evidence of the effectiveness and impact of our SDK on the Cardano ecosystem.

Through these measures, we can validate the feasibility of our project, fine-tune our approach as necessary, and ensure that we deliver a valuable, practical tool to the Unity game developer and Cardano community.

[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. Planning (Month 1): The project will begin with an in-depth team briefing and project planning phase. This will ensure that everyone involved understands the project goals and their respective roles. During this stage, we will also conduct a comprehensive review of NMKR's API and Unity's specific requirements. Using this information, we'll draft the technical specifications for the Unity SDK. By the end of the first month, we will have developed a detailed project timeline, identifying key deliverables and deadlines.
2. Prototype Development and SDK Creation (Month 2): In the second month, the focus will shift to the development of a preliminary version of the SDK. Initial testing will be carried out on a sample Unity project to detect any issues or bugs early. This feedback will allow us to refine and improve the SDK. Once the prototype is stable, we'll expand on it to develop the full SDK. This process will involve further testing within multiple Unity projects and gathering feedback from test users to make necessary modifications.
3. Demo Game Development and Launch (Month 3): In the final month, we will develop a basic Unity demo game that utilizes the SDK for NFT minting and transactions. The main aim of this demo game is to showcase the SDK's functionality and its integration with the Cardano network. As we approach the end of the project, our focus will turn towards preparing comprehensive user documentation and guides. Simultaneously, we'll engage with the developer community to promote the SDK and the demo game. The culmination of our project will see the release of the SDK and the demo game on the Unity Asset Store and other relevant platforms.

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

Planning Milestone (Month 1):

• Deliverables: Comprehensive technical specification document outlining the scope and design of the Unity SDK and detailed project timeline.
• Intended Outcomes: Clear vision and roadmap for the project's progression and solid foundation for the development of the Unity SDK.

Prototype Development and SDK Creation Milestone (Month 2):

• Deliverables: A working prototype of the Unity SDK and refined, fully-functional Unity SDK.
• Intended Outcomes: Demonstrable proof of concept for integrating NMKR's API into a Unity SDK and ready-to-use SDK for integrating Cardano into Unity games.

Demo Game Development and Launch Milestone (Month 3):

• Deliverables: Fully functional Unity demo game showcasing the SDK's functionality and comprehensive set of user documentation and guides for the SDK.
• Intended Outcomes: Tangible demonstration of the SDK's potential, extensive resources for developers to effectively utilize the SDK, and expansion of the Cardano ecosystem with more accessible game development tools.

To ensure the project progresses as planned, we'll track key metrics such as the timely delivery of our planned outputs, the feedback we collect, and the number of game integrations and NFT transactions facilitated by our SDK. Utilizing project management tools, we will maintain our timeline and aim to fulfill our set success criteria, thereby confirming the project's value to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Development Team (45,000 ADA):

• 1x Lead Unity Developer: Tasked with the primary development work, including creating the Unity package and aligning it with NMKR's API. Assuming a rate of 30,000 ADA for the project duration, the total is 30,000 ADA.
• 2x Supporting Developers: Assisting the lead developer, these team members will contribute to the creation of the Unity package and aid in necessary debugging. Assuming a rate of 5,000 ADA each for the project duration, the total is 10,000 ADA.
• 1x Product Manager: Overseeing the project, coordinating with the team, and ensuring project objectives are met. Assuming a rate of 5,000 ADA for the project duration, the total is 5,000 ADA.

Documentation and Reporting (15,000 ADA):

• This budget will be used for generating comprehensive technical documentation, developer guides, and reporting back to the Cardano community about the project's progress.

Please note, this budget is an estimate and actual costs may vary slightly. We will ensure careful management of the funds and maintain transparency with the Cardano community about all expenditures.

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

Solving a Key Problem: Our project directly addresses a vital need in the gaming and Cardano ecosystem, namely, streamlining the process of NFT minting within game development. The Unity SDK we plan to develop acts as a bridge connecting developers and the Cardano blockchain, simplifying the integration process. This clear-cut solution will encourage more developers to engage with Cardano, thereby enriching the ecosystem with increased activity and innovation.

Budgeting:The proposed budget aligns with our team's need to maintain a fair standard of living while dedicating our skills and time to the project. This commitment is a reflection of our belief in the transformative potential of our project, and our desire to see Cardano thrive as a platform for game developers.

Long-Term Impact:The scope and budget for our project reflect its significant long-term impact. This three-month timeline will allow us to design, develop, and refine a Unity package that is not only functional but also user-friendly. This duration accounts for thorough testing, community engagement, documentation, and eventual launch.

We're committed to fostering an environment where game asset creation is more accessible and integrated, and help Cardano become the go-to blockchain for game developers.

[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.