Unleashing Cardano's Gaming Revolution for Mass Adoption and Blockchain-Powered Entertainment

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Santiago Jorge Caballero Llamas

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

santi@machiavellic.io

Additional applicants

Fletcher Watson

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

5

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

No

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

No

[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

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

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

None of the outputs will be opensource

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

Gaming

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Imagine a revolutionary digital landscape where every interaction is immersive and ownership is absolute. Welcome to Machiavellic ($MACH), a next-generation Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) game built on the Cardano chain. Machiavellic is not just another video game—it is a comprehensive ecosystem where every item and character can be immortalized as an NFT and freely traded. With its innovative, classless gaming model, Machiavellic empowers players to craft, mine, loot, and trade assets without predatory practices or intrusive ads. This marketplace-based economy revolutionizes the gaming world by circumventing outdated systems and putting power in the hands of the players.

We are excited to work with the community to bring this vision to life and develop a game engine and API. Instead of immediately diving into the MMO realm, our project strategically focuses on creating the essential components that lay the foundation for an extraordinary gaming experience. Through a captivating role-playing experience, NFT buyers can actively participate in the creation of Machiavellic, establishing a strong community and vibrant economy from the outset. Our partnership with the Cardano community is essential in onboarding other game developers, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of engaging mini-games while the full MMO takes shape. By supporting us, you are investing in a groundbreaking journey that redefines the future of gaming.

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Developing an MMO typically takes years, during which early investors and players may see little progress. However, our unique development strategy involves deploying casual games now, providing numerous benefits to early adopters and the broader Cardano community:

1. Machiavellic is collaborating with top game development studios to create captivating casual gaming experiences.
2. Attract players of all types, from casual to hardcore gamers, both inside and outside the Cardano ecosystem, through a fun, easy, and immersive experience.
3. Introduce Machiavellic lore early, captivating players and engaging them in a thriving casual gaming environment.
4. Provide utility to Machiavellic investor assets as soon as the first casual games are deployed. By enabling crafting and trading mechanisms.
5. Foster continuous community engagement and community building, driving adoption at an accelerated pace.
6. Community contribution of ideas and feedback shaping the future of our sandbox MMO on the Cardano network.

To achieve this, we will create a bespoke API and immersive game environment that empowers developers, regardless of their blockchain expertise, and incorporates captivating game mechanics that allow players to earn valuable resources for upgrading components.

Here's how we'll make it happen:

Accessibility and Lowering Barrier to Entry: Our intuitive API ameliorates the demand for extensive blockchain knowledge or experience, lowering barriers to entry. Game developers with varying backgrounds can comfortably join the Cardano ecosystem, attracting a surge of fresh talent and innovative creations to be built using the Machiavellic API and leveraging the blockchain. Inclusivity becomes a catalyst for a vibrant array of games enriching the ecosystem.

Engaging Gameplay with Incentives: By integrating game mechanics that allow players to earn resources for upgrading game components, we create an immersive and rewarding gaming experience. Tangible rewards within the Cardano ecosystem incentivize player participation, drive retention, and stimulate demand for Cardano and its associated tokens.

Showcasing Cardano's Capabilities: The API and game environment serve as a showcase for Cardano's potential beyond financial applications. We offer a user-friendly platform for game development, highlighting Cardano's ability to support complex applications and its versatility in different sectors. This exposure to a broader audience helps to promote Cardano as a viable blockchain platform for various industries, including gaming.

Network Effect and Community Growth: An accessible API and engaging gameplay will attract more games and players to Machiavellic, leading to community growth. This network effect enhances the overall value and adoption of Cardano, capturing the attention of developers and users and solidifying its position as a leading blockchain ecosystem.

Transparent Blockchain-Based Revenue Streams: Leveraging blockchain technology ensures that the records of in-game revenue generated through player transactions and purchases are stored on the blockchain in an immutable manner. This provides an auditable and transparent system where developers can have confidence their earnings are accurately tracked and verified. The transparent nature of blockchain technology reduces the risk of revenue manipulation and provides a fair and secure system for developers to monetize their games.

Overall, the creation of an API and game environment that simplifies game development on Machiavellic and incorporates rewarding game mechanics contributes to Cardano's mass adoption by making it accessible, engaging, and attractive to both developers and players. This approach showcases Cardano's capabilities, stimulates community growth, and positions Cardano as a leading blockchain platform for gaming applications.

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

Our proposed solution actively drives the unlocking of Cardano's potential by attracting renowned developers and showcasing the unique benefits of blockchain technology. With the creation of an intuitive API and game environment, we attract top talent from the gaming industry and enhance the quality and credibility of games on Cardano. By incorporating features like secure asset ownership and transparent in-game economies, we bring tangible value to Cardano and set it apart from other blockchains. The result is widespread adoption among diverse audiences, an expanded user base, accelerated ecosystem growth, and Cardano’s establishment as a trailblazing platform at the forefront of blockchain gaming.

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

We intend to measure the success of our project through multiple key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that assess various aspects of its impact. These include:

Developer Adoption: Tracking the number of developers utilizing the API and game environment on Machiavellic will indicate the level of adoption and engagement. Higher developer adoption signifies the effectiveness and attractiveness of our solution.

Game Portfolio Growth: Monitoring the growth of the game portfolio on Machiavellic will provide insights into the success of our project. An increasing number of games developed and published on the platform demonstrates its appeal to developers and its ability to attract diverse content.

User Engagement and Retention: Measuring user engagement metrics such as active users, session durations, and user retention rates will indicate the level of interest and satisfaction among players. Higher user engagement and retention signify compelling gameplay experiences and the potential for long-term success.

Economic Impact: Evaluating the economic impact of the project involves analyzing revenue generated from in-game transactions, token usage, and the growth of the in-game economy. A thriving and sustainable economic ecosystem within the games developed on Machiavellic indicates the success of our project.

Community Feedback and Sentiment: Collecting feedback and sentiment from developers, players, and the broader Cardano community will provide qualitative insights into the project's reception. Positive feedback, suggestions for improvement, and active community participation are indicators of a successful project that resonates with its stakeholders.

Market Reach and Recognition: Assessing the reach and recognition of games developed on Machiavellic within the gaming industry and beyond will demonstrate the project's impact. Positive media coverage, partnerships with renowned developers, and awards or recognition within the gaming community indicate successful market penetration and recognition.

Through these comprehensive measurements and evaluations, we will gauge the success of our project, ensuring that it meets its objectives in driving Cardano's adoption and unlocking the potential of blockchain technology in the gaming industry.

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

We are committed to sharing the outputs and results of our project in a transparent manner and through multiple channels. Our communications strategy includes regular progress reports that highlight the development milestones, key achievements, and challenges faced. These reports will be shared through engaging medium posts, impactful social media updates, and active participation in the Cardano community forums such as Catalyst Town Halls. We will also leverage various platforms such as Q&A on Twitter Spaces and YouTube streams to provide detailed insights into the project’s progress and showcase the gameplay experience. By fostering open communication, and collaboration, we aim to not only ensure the visibility and accessibility of our project’s outcomes but also to invite community members to contribute their ideas and feedback. We value the collective wisdom and creativity of the community, as it will be instrumental in shaping the future of our sandbox MMO on the Cardano network.

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

Our extensive experience in the gaming industry, spanning over 15 years with a focus on game engines and gaming environments, positions us with a high level of capability to deliver our project with trust and accountability. Our team's deep understanding of the intricacies and requirements of game development, coupled with our passion as gamers ourselves, ensures that we have the necessary expertise to create a reliable and robust API and game environment. Throughout the project's lifecycle, we prioritize trust and accountability by adhering to industry best practices, robust quality assurance processes, and transparent communication with stakeholders. Our track record and commitment to excellence along with trust and accountability have earned and maintained our relationships with renowned gaming studios and representatives in the gaming industry. 

Our partnerships with other game studios and developers bring an added level of value and casual collaboration to our project. By working closely with experienced game developers, we have the opportunity to receive valuable feedback and insights, allowing us to build the game environment side by side with them. This collaborative approach ensures that our API and game environment meet the specific needs and preferences of game developers, enhancing its trustworthiness and accountability. The feedback and expertise provided by our partners contribute to a dynamic and iterative development process, resulting in a more robust and user-friendly solution that drives the widespread attention and adoption for Cardano.

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

The main goals of our project are to create an intuitive API and game environment for developers on Machiavellic, boosting widespread adoption of Cardano and revolutionizing gaming on the blockchain. To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will employ the following methods:

Proof of Concept: We will develop a proof of concept to demonstrate the functionality and viability of our API and game environment. This prototype will serve as a tangible representation of our approach, allowing us to evaluate its feasibility in terms of technical implementation, user experience, and compatibility with Cardano's infrastructure.

Developer Feedback and Engagement: Engaging with developers in the Cardano community and beyond, we will seek their feedback and input throughout the development process. By actively involving developers in the design and testing phases, we can validate the feasibility of our approach and ensure that it meets their needs and expectations.

Iterative Development: Through an iterative development process, we will continuously refine and enhance our API and game environment based on user feedback, market trends, and technological advancements. This agile approach allows us to adapt and iterate our approach to ensure its feasibility in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Performance and Scalability Testing: We will conduct rigorous performance and scalability testing to validate the capability of our solution to handle increasing user demand, maintain stability, and deliver a seamless gaming experience. By stress-testing our API and game environment, we can identify any potential bottlenecks or limitations and address them to ensure feasibility.

User Adoption and Engagement Metrics: Tracking user adoption, engagement metrics, and player feedback will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of our approach. Monitoring metrics such as active user numbers, user retention rates, and player satisfaction surveys will help us gauge the appeal and success of our API and game environment.

Following these standard validation methods, we can gather concrete evidence and feedback to assess the feasibility of our approach. This iterative and user-centric approach helps to ensure the best alignment of our goals with the needs and expectations of the Cardano ecosystem, and enables us to make necessary adjustments for its successful implementation.

[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.

Milestone 1: (6 weeks)

• Define the core features and functionality of the gaming engine for casual games on Machiavellic.
• Establish project goals, scope, and deliverables.
• Develop a detailed project plan and timeline.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to establish the visual style and art direction of the games created on the platform.
• Design and develop the API framework that will serve as the backbone of the gaming engine.

Milestone 2: (4 weeks)

• Develop a comprehensive set of mechanics and tools that enable developers to create exciting game mechanics.
• Set up the game environment on Machiavellic, providing a user-friendly interface for developers to create and manage their games.
• Develop branding elements, UI/UX design guidelines, and templates for consistent and visually appealing game experiences.

Milestone 3: (6 weeks)

• Implement asset management systems to handle graphics, animations, and other game assets efficiently.
• Ensure seamless integration with the Cardano blockchain infrastructure.
• Perform rigorous testing and quality assurance to ensure reliability and compatibility.

Milestone 4: (4 weeks)

• Implement necessary functionalities for game engine, resource management, and user interactions.
• Design and implement resource earning mechanisms that leverage blockchain technology.
• Integrate feedback from developers and conduct iterative improvements.
• Ensure seamless deployment of games within the infrastructure.
• Implement robust security measures to protect user data and game assets.
• Perform extensive testing to ensure stability, scalability, and optimal performance.
• Provide tools and resources to assist developers in creating captivating visuals and animations.

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Throughout the 5-month timeline, regular communication and collaboration with partners, developers, and the Cardano community will be maintained to ensure a transparent and inclusive development process. Milestone completion may overlap or require adjustments based on the progress and feedback received during the project.

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

Milestone 1: (6 weeks)

Deliverables:

• Documented core features and functionality of the gaming engine for casual games on Machiavellic.
• Project goals, scope, and deliverables established.
• Detailed project plan and timeline developed.
• Collaboration with designers and artists to establish the visual style and art direction.
• API framework designed and developed.

Outputs:

• Clear understanding of the core features and functionality of the gaming engine.
• Well-defined project goals, scope, and deliverables for effective development.
• Comprehensive project plan and timeline for smooth execution.
• Established visual style and art direction for cohesive game experiences.
• Developed API framework as the backbone of the gaming engine.

Intended Outcomes:

• Lay the foundation for the development of a robust and engaging gaming engine.
• Provide a roadmap for project execution and timeline management.
• Establish a visually appealing and immersive gaming experience.
• Create a flexible and scalable API framework for seamless integration.

Milestone 2: (4 weeks)

Deliverables:

• Comprehensive set of mechanics and tools for developers to create exciting game experiences.
• Game environment on Machiavellic set up with a user-friendly interface for game creation and management.
• Branding elements, UI/UX design guidelines, and templates for visually appealing game experiences.

Outputs:

• Well-defined mechanics and tools to empower developers in creating engaging games.
• User-friendly game environment that simplifies the process of game creation and management.
• Consistent branding elements, UI/UX design guidelines, and templates for visually appealing games.

Intended Outcomes:

• Enable developers to create exciting and immersive game mechanics.
• Provide a user-friendly environment for seamless game creation and management.
• Maintain a consistent visual experience across different games.

Milestone 3: (6 weeks)

Deliverables:

• Asset management systems implemented to handle graphics, animations, and other game assets efficiently.
• Seamless integration of the gaming engine with the Cardano blockchain infrastructure.
• Rigorous testing and quality assurance processes to ensure reliability and compatibility.

Outputs:

• Efficient asset management systems for seamless integration of graphics, animations, and game assets.
• Smooth integration of the gaming engine with the Cardano blockchain for enhanced security and transparency.
• Thoroughly tested and reliable system that meets the necessary standards.

Intended Outcomes:

• Streamline the management of game assets for smooth integration and operation.
• Ensure secure and transparent interactions with the Cardano blockchain.
• Deliver a robust and reliable gaming engine that meets the highest quality standards.

Milestone 4: (4 weeks)

Deliverables:

• Implementation of necessary functionalities for the game engine, resource management, and user interactions.
• Design and implementation of resource earning mechanisms that leverage blockchain technology.
• Integration of feedback from developers and conducting iterative improvements.
• Seamless deployment of games within the infrastructure.
• Implementation of robust security measures to protect user data and game assets.
• Extensive testing to ensure stability, scalability, and optimal performance.
• Provision of tools and resources to assist developers in creating captivating visuals and animations.

Outputs:

• A fully functional game engine with the required functionalities for gameplay, resource management, and user interactions.
• Resource earning mechanisms integrated into the gaming experience, allowing players to earn and accumulate resources through blockchain technology.
• Improved game mechanics and features based on feedback from developers, resulting in a more engaging and enjoyable gaming experience.
• Successful deployment of games within the Machiavellic platform, providing users with access to a diverse range of entertaining and immersive games.
• Robust security measures implemented to safeguard user data and protect game assets from unauthorized access.
• Thorough testing conducted to ensure the stability, scalability, and optimal performance of the gaming engine.
• Availability of comprehensive tools and resources that empower developers to create visually appealing and captivating games.

Intended Outcomes:

• Enable developers to create and publish high-quality games on the Machiavellic platform, enhancing the overall gaming experience for users.
• Foster a thriving ecosystem where players can earn and accumulate resources through gameplay, incentivizing active participation and engagement.
• Continuously improve the gaming experience based on feedback from developers, resulting in a more polished and enjoyable product.
• Establish a secure and reliable gaming environment, instilling trust and confidence in users.
• Ensure the stability, scalability, and optimal performance of the gaming engine to provide a seamless and uninterrupted gaming experience.
• Empower developers with the necessary tools and resources to unleash their creativity and create visually stunning games that captivate players.

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

Technology:

• ₳116,487 ADA for 3 full-stack programmers located in Thailand. Assuming a monthly salary of ₳8,961per month for the lead programmer and ₳7,168 for the other programmers and a 5-month project duration, the total cost would be ₳116,487 ADA.

Design and UI/UX:

• ₳73,477 for 2 designers: Art Director/Animator is based in Thailand, and designer/illustrator is located in Madagascar. Assuming a monthly salary of ₳8,244 for the Art Director and ₳6,451 for the designer and a 5-month project duration, the total cost would be ₳73,477.

Management:

• ₳14,337 for project management. This includes keeping the project on target with strategic planning and oversight; efficient allocation and management of resources, alignment with goals, and timely delivery of the API and game environment. 

Miscellaneous:

• ₳7,169 for hardware and software costs. This provides for necessary equipment, software licenses, and development tools for the team.

Total budget breakdown:

• Salaries: ₳189,964
• Equipment and Software: ₳7,169
• Management: ₳14,337

Total: ₳211,470

Our proposal budget has been meticulously crafted to account for market risks and uncertainties, ensuring the project's financial stability. In the event of additional funding beyond our proposed budget, we are committed to supporting our game developers in building and enhancing gaming mechanics that elevate the player experience. These funds would be dedicated to expanding the functionality of the API and game engine, enabling us to provide a robust and versatile platform for game development. Additionally, any additional funding realized would be used by developers to begin designing and developing the core PvP and PvE experiences that contribute to game balancing of the long-term MMO project, including battle arenas, endless waves, and instances. This investment will ensure a well-rounded and engaging gameplay experience for our community and further enhance the overall vision of the project. Our goal is to leverage any additional funding to drive innovation, improve performance, and deliver a cutting-edge gaming ecosystem.

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

The cost of the project represents exceptional value for money for the Cardano ecosystem. This investment fuels the creation of an intuitive API and immersive game environment that will attract renown developers, empower a diverse range of talent, and help to propel Cardano into greater confidence in the entire industry. By providing a user-friendly platform and incentivizing gameplay, we foster adoption, community growth, and showcase Cardano’s capabilities. The transparent and immutable revenue streams have great appeal for developers and highlight Cardano’s trustworthiness. This proposal is cost-effective and generates lasting value for 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.

I Accept