Play & Win: Arcade/Game Leaderboard & Automated CNT Distribution

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Daniel Crompton

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Jacob Barrow

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

6

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will develop a leaderboard & automated token distributor for an arcade platform where players pay with CNTs, scores are tracked, & tokens are auto-distributed to top players at set intervals.

[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?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our project will be fully open-source throughout its lifecycle. The source code will be hosted in a public GitHub repository under the MIT License, which provides flexibility for developers to freely use, modify, and distribute the code with proper attribution.

Open-Source Elements:

• Leaderboard System: The entire leaderboard tracking system, including score aggregation and display, will be open-source.
• Automated Token Distribution: The backend logic for distributing tokens based on leaderboard rankings and administrator settings will be open-source.
• Administrator Dashboard: Code related to managing rewards, resetting leaderboards, and setting distribution percentages will be publicly available.

Closed-Source Elements:

• Security & Private Keys: Certain security components such as private keys, API credentials, and sensitive user data processing will be excluded from the open-source repository to ensure privacy and integrity.

[METADATA] Horizons

Gaming (GameFi)

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Solution Summary

We propose the development of a leaderboard and automated token distribution system for an arcade platform where players can pay to play using Cardano Native Tokens (CNT). The solution will track individual game scores, aggregate them into an overall leaderboard, and automate token distribution to top players at the end of a set period (e.g., quarterly). The backend will allow administrators to set reward distribution percentages and reset the leaderboard after each distribution.

Solution Overview

The proposed leaderboard and token distribution system will include the following features:

Player Authentication and Payment:

• Players log in to the arcade using their Cardano wallets.
• Players pay with CNT to participate in arcade games.

Game-Specific Leaderboards:

• Each arcade game will have its own leaderboard tracking individual player scores.
• Scores may be aggregated into an overall leaderboard for total player performance across games.

Automated Token Distribution:

• Administrators will have a backend interface to set reward distribution percentages (e.g., 1st place gets 50%, 2nd place 30%, etc.).
• At the end of each period, administrators can trigger the automatic distribution of tokens to top players' wallets according to any/several leaderboard results.
• Administrators will have the option to reset the leaderboard after each distribution cycle.

Off-Chain Leaderboard Management:

• The leaderboard will be managed off-chain for fast updates and reduced complexity.
• Token distribution will be based on final standings retrieved from the off-chain database.

Backend Administration:

• A simple backend interface for setting reward distribution rules, resetting leaderboards, and managing the funded wallet.

Deliverables

1. Player Authentication & Payment Integration:
2. Secure player login via Cardano wallets and seamless CNT payment integration for arcade game participation.
3. Leaderboard System:
4. A fully functional leaderboard system that tracks scores for each arcade game and aggregates overall player performance.
5. Automated Token Distribution:
6. Backend logic for automated token distribution to top players, based on rankings and set reward percentages.
7. Backend Interface:
8. A user-friendly administration interface that allows for setting reward rules, resetting leaderboards, and managing the prize distribution.
9. Documentation:
10. Comprehensive documentation for developers and administrators explaining how to implement, manage, and maintain the system.
11. Example Project:
12. Integration of the leaderboard and token distribution system into the existing GOAT Tribe Arcade at goattribe.games, shown in action here, and showcasing how the system functions within a live, operational arcade platform.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

This project will significantly enhance the gaming experience within the Cardano ecosystem by creating a platform that incentivizes skill and participation in arcade games. By enabling players to compete for CNT rewards, the platform will drive greater engagement and utility for Cardano Native Tokens. The automated nature of the rewards distribution also ensures transparency and fairness, fostering trust and excitement among players whilst reducing the need for manual administration. This system could serve as a model for future blockchain-based gaming platforms, showcasing the potential of Cardano for gamified experiences.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has deep experience in blockchain development, smart contract integration, and backend system design. We have successfully delivered the arcade project with leaderboards and manual distribution, showcased here, and our expertise positions us well to execute this project. We will validate our approach by starting with a proof-of-concept, followed by incremental development with regular testing and community feedback. Using open-source practices will allow for community contributions and audits, ensuring that the system operates with high levels of trust and security.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

In this initial phase, we will focus on laying the groundwork for the project. This includes comprehensive research into technical requirements and user needs. Detailed wireframes and technical specifications will be created to guide development and ensure all stakeholders are aligned before implementation begins.

• Output: Detailed project plan, technical specifications, and initial design documents.
• Acceptance Criteria: Key stakeholders approve the project plan and technical specifications.
• Evidence: Project documentation and wireframes.

This phase focuses on the development of the player authentication system, allowing users to securely log in using their Cardano wallets. Additionally, we will implement the payment system, enabling players to pay with Cardano Native Tokens (CNT) to participate in arcade games. This milestone ensures the core functionality of the platform is operational.

• Output: Implementation of player wallet login and payment system using CNT.
• Acceptance Criteria: Players can successfully log in and pay to play games using their Cardano wallets.
• Evidence: Working prototype of the login and payment system.

During this phase, we will build game-specific leaderboards and aggregate scores across all games into an overall leaderboard. This will allow the arcade platform to track and display real-time player scores, both for individual games and cumulative performance, enhancing competitive engagement.

• Output: Development of game-specific leaderboards and overall aggregated leaderboard.
• Acceptance Criteria: Game-specific scores are tracked and displayed, with aggregated scores on the overall leaderboard.
• Evidence: Demonstration of working leaderboards with real-time updates.

This phase focuses on developing the automated token distribution system, enabling administrators to set reward percentages and trigger token distributions based on player rankings. After each reward cycle, the leaderboard will reset, preparing for the next period of competition.

• Output: Development of the automated token distribution system.
• Acceptance Criteria: Administrators can trigger token distribution based on leaderboard rankings.
• Evidence: Successful test of automated token distribution with leaderboard reset.

This phase will focus on the final testing, optimization, and deployment of the leaderboard and token distribution system, ensuring it is stable, user-friendly, and ready for public use. We will conduct rigorous testing to identify and resolve any bugs, optimize performance, and ensure the system functions seamlessly across different conditions. Once fully optimized and stable, the system will be deployed, and the project will be open-sourced with comprehensive documentation and implementation support for developers.

Following deployment, a project close-out report will be compiled, summarizing the entire development process, key accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned. Additionally, a video walkthrough will be produced to showcase the system's core features, including leaderboard functionality and automated token distribution. These materials will be provided to stakeholders for final review and approval, ensuring that all project goals have been successfully met.

• Output: Final testing, optimization, deployment, open-source release, project close-out report, and video walkthrough.
• Acceptance Criteria: Stable, fully functional system ready for public use; stakeholders approve the final project report and video walkthrough.
• Evidence: Test reports, user feedback, final deployment, completed project report, video demonstration, and stakeholder sign-off.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Daniel Crompton (autre coeur)

CEO/Oversight

LinkedIn

Alejandro Almanza (dynite7)

Project Manager

LinkedIn

Drew Haines

Lead Fullstack Development & Blockchain Integration

LinkedIn

Jacob Barrow

UI/UX Design

LinkedIn

Nicodemus Rodriguez

Community Engagement & Feedback

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Research, Planning & Design

Budget: ₳38,717

We will begin by conducting comprehensive research into technical requirements and user needs, as well as creating wireframes and technical specifications. These will guide the overall development of the platform and ensure alignment among stakeholders. This phase will cover costs for project management, design resources, and initial technical architecture planning.

• Key Focus: Project planning, wireframes, technical design.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer, UI/UX Designer

Milestone 2: Player Authentication & Payment System

Budget: ₳77,433

This milestone focuses on implementing the wallet authentication functionality and enabling the payment system for arcade games using Cardano Native Tokens (CNT). The budget will cover front-end development for the login interface, blockchain integration, and the implementation of secure payment systems.

• Key Focus: Wallet login and payment integration using CNT.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer, UI/UX Designer

Milestone 3: Leaderboard Development & Integration

Budget: ₳64,527

During this phase, we will develop game-specific leaderboards and aggregate them into an overall platform-wide leaderboard. This will enable the system to track and display real-time player scores across all games, enhancing user engagement and competition. The budget will cover the development of leaderboard tracking systems and real-time data integration.

• Key Focus: Game-specific and overall leaderboard development.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer, UI/UX Designer

Milestone 4: Automated Token Distribution System

Budget: ₳51,622

This phase focuses on building the automated token distribution system, which allows administrators to set reward percentages and distribute tokens based on player rankings. The leaderboard will automatically reset after each reward cycle. The budget will be used for back-end development and automation of token distribution.

• Key Focus: Automated token distribution system and leaderboard reset functionality.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer, UI/UX Designer, QA

Milestone 5: Final Testing, Deployment & Project Close-Out

Budget: ₳25,811

In this final phase, we will conduct thorough testing and optimization of the system, ensuring stability, security, and user-friendliness. After the platform is deployed and open-sourced, a comprehensive project close-out report and video walkthrough will be produced, summarizing the project and showcasing its core features. The budget will cover testing, deployment, documentation, video production, and reporting.

• Key Focus: Final testing, deployment, open-sourcing, project report, and video walkthrough.
• Key Roles: QA Engineer, Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer, Project Manager, Video Producer.

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

The leaderboard and automated token distribution system provide a unique and engaging way for players to participate in arcade games while earning rewards. This project ensures fairness, transparency, and excitement by automating the reward process and integrating it with the Cardano blockchain. It also creates a new use case for CNTs, driving demand and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem whilst taking administrative resource demand away from projects. The project's open-source nature will allow other developers to adapt and expand upon this system, further contributing to the growth and innovation within the Cardano community.