Torque Drift 2 in Cardano!

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Matias Falcone

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

500000

[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)

TD2 aims to transform motorsport gaming by integrating NFTs with real world utility, enabling players to own, customize and trade unique in-game assets, fostering a vibrant community-driven experience

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

All smart contracts that we have developed so far are open source. In addition to this, the smart contracts we will develop for Cardano support are going to be open source as well.

The only codebase that will remain private is the game itself.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Introduction

Torque Drift 2 is an immersive motorsport game set in an alternate reality modern-day Japan, the birthplace of Drifting. Built off the backbones of Torque Drift 1 and years of community feedback, we ultimately aim to capture the vibrant and diverse world of drifting motorsports.

Throughout development, we will be releasing frequent updates and features in close communication with you, the players, to ensure we create the best game experience possible.

Overview

Torque Drift 2 is a skill-based Motorsport game set in a fictional modern-day Japanese city. Boasting extensive vehicle, profile, avatar and garage customization options, linear and open environments, a powerful suite of player creation tools, and a multitude of feature support for both single and multiplayer experiences, Torque Drift 2 offers a ‘play-your-way’ experience that you have never seen before.

Street

Set in the hills and back streets of Japan, you meet in parking lots to show off your modified cars for street rep, or battle it out in the hills in ad hoc drift battles. The street invokes a sense of excitement, fun and fear that puts drivers on the edge. Horsepower will not save you here as the street demands fine control to weave through tight mountain passes and streets.

Pro

Bright and vibrant events with roaring crowds, the Pro circuits are where drivers go for fame and glory - pushing their cars to the absolute limit. Competitions take the form of structured tournaments where you battle it out against other drivers, judged on your speed, angle, line, and style.

Game World

In Torque Drift 2, Drifting has become a mainstay in modern Japanese society with events and meetups becoming commonplace. An influx of money and wealth has enabled the young access to parts and cars locked behind the closed doors of the rich, taking the drifting world to all new heights. The current state has allowed young and old, pro and street, purist and progressive, traditional and new-age drifters to mix and compete, trying to identify who stands as the king of the mountain.

Gameplay pillars: The 5 C's

• Collect: A range of NFT items to customize your gameplay experience
• Customize: Your cars body kit, liveries, avatar and garage using NFTs
• Create: Custom liveries, events, tracks, and more for community use and purchase
• Connect: with players across the globe to create a crew, join community events
• Compete: Live in intense head-to-head battles with a crew or on your own

Collect

Ownable digital assets will be one of the major technological advancements of Torque Drift 2, allowing players to own all items collected while playing. Collecting, as a major pillar of the game, will tie directly with the digital assets system, giving you the opportunity to purchase, earn or find items that can be customised, sold or used in games outside of TD2.

Customize

Torque Drift 2 will build off of the editing and customization of its predecessor Torque Drift 1 by giving more tools, options and assets. You can customize cars, parts, avatars, tracks and your garage to a degree that is unprecedented in motorsport games.

Customisation extends far beyond performance or aesthetics though. Every mile driven, every tournament win and every significant gameplay event will be linked to your unique game items forever. Creating a rich history completely unique to your gameplay.

Create

User Generated Content (UGC) and modding are the main way that TD2s ecosystem will continue to flourish after its launch. These are distinguished by where and how they are created.

• UGC: Created in game, utilising built in game tools to create and publish assets
• Modding: Utilising external third party tooling (such as Unreal Engine) to create content that can be accessed from within the games community/modding section
• The ultimate goal of Torque Drift 2 is to become a motorsport playground, that enables and rewards creators for their skill and value. We do this by offering a framework of tools, features and gameplay that can be utilised by a range of creator roles
• Tuner/Mechanic: Utilising depth of knowledge in vehicle handling and car tuning to create specialised setups for drivers with specific needs
• Artist: Car paint jobs, decals and crew branding are just some of the ways that talented individuals will be able to flex their creative flair
• Event organiser: Wrangling drivers, booth operators, judges, marketing and sponsors to hold high stakes Tournaments on well known tracks, or quiet crew meets on the streets of Japan. Built and run your own drifting series year round, or hold a coffee and cars virtually, the choice is up to you
• Crew owner: Build incredible communities around cars and drifting, to compete or just to hang out. Crew owners are tasked with creating a sense of belonging and ownership within their community
• Driver: Hone your skills on the track, build your car and compete on the world stage of glory, on behalf of your crew, or on your own. One of the most famed roles, your skill and history as a driver will be engraved on your parts forever on chain
• These are just to name a few of the ways you can make a name for yourself within the world of Torque Drift 2

Compete

Competition will be fierce in Torque Drift 2 with players competing for currency, parts, reputation, rank, or just for fun. Players can compete in several different ways. The most common being 1v1 multiplayer drift battles, where players earn points based on angle, speed, duration and more, with the highest point total walking away as the victor.
Competition will not be limited to 1v1 battles however, with drift battles being expanded into crew based tournaments, on a regular basis. These large scale drift battles will pit crew against crew in battles that have large rewards at stake and, more importantly, rank.

There will also be a number of other ways that players can engage in the competitive aspects of the game. Car meets and Stance shows allow artists and tuners to flex a variety car builds that are meant for the showroom and street. With a completely different set of judging criteria, these competitions allow for a broader level of expression.

Connect

Our philosophy towards Torque Drift 2 is for it to be developed around players interacting with each other in meaningful ways. So, it stands to reason that we are building a robust communication system. Built with varying levels of public and private channels, the social element of TD2 is constructed to best cater towards the players in-game needs. Whether they’re looking for a crew, trying to hire someone for work, or just want to privately message some friends, everything will be catered for in-game.

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

In what way will the success of our project bring value to the Cardano Community? 

Since our game came out a year ago, we have launched 92 different collections of officially licensed NFTs from car brands like Nissan & Subaru and part brands like Konig, Mishimoto, MOMO & NRG, just to name a few. We have been working in partnership with all these companies so we could produce the most reliable and accurate assets for our game.

Some examples of the quality collections that we produce can be found here:

• https://opensea.io/collection/tm-nissan-silvia-s15-spec-r
• https://opensea.io/collection/tm-nissan-fairlady-z-z34-series-2
• https://opensea.io/collection/tm-nrg-prisma-savage-steeringwheel
• https://opensea.io/collection/tm-momo-montecarlo
• https://opensea.io/collection/tm-subaru-2023-brz-10th-anniversary

At the moment, our game only supports Polygon. And as we strongly believe in interoperability, it would be of great success and value to the Community if we can bring all these brands to Cardano, along with some others that we are in conversations with.

In addition to this, our games have been downloaded 45 million times around the world and we have a user base of 400,000 players. We think that it is possible to seamlessly onboard all these users to Cardano (as we are doing now with Polygon, where users get a Smart Wallet when they sign in to their account), as that would be of great impact for the community as a whole.

How will we measure this impact?

Measuring the impact of integrating TD2 with the Cardano ecosystem involves assessing both quantitative metrics related to user engagement and adoption as well as qualitative indicators reflecting the broader community sentiment and ecosystem development.

We will measure this impact as follows:

1. User Adoption and Activity on Cardano: Monitor the number of users from Cardano that participate in the game. Track metrics such as the number of new Cardano wallets created specifically for the game, transactions made within our platform using Cardano's native token (ADA) and the frequency of in-game assets purchased from our platform using ADA.
2. Transaction Volume and Token Usage: Measure the total transaction volume generated by purchases and transactions conducted on the Cardano blockchain. Analyze the distribution of transactions across different NFT collections and token types (e.g., ADA, custom tokens). Additionally, monitor the trading activity of game-related NFTs on Cardano-based marketplaces.
3. Community Engagement and Feedback: Collect feedback from players and the Cardano community regarding their experience with the game on Cardano. Engage with users through forums, social media channels, and community events to gather insights into their satisfaction levels, suggestions for improvement, and overall sentiment towards the integration.
4. Ecosystem Growth and Partnerships: Assess the impact of integrating your game on the growth of the Cardano ecosystem. Track the number of new projects, developers, and users attracted to Cardano as a result of your game's presence. Measure the expansion of partnerships between your game and other projects within the Cardano ecosystem, such as collaborations with NFT marketplaces, game developers, or blockchain infrastructure providers.
5. Tokenomics and Economic Impact: Evaluate the economic implications of integrating TD2 with Cardano, including the demand for ADA, the circulation of game-related tokens & NFTs, and the overall market capitalization of game-related assets on Cardano. Assess how the integration contributes to the liquidity and value appreciation of ADA and other native tokens within the Cardano ecosystem.

How will we share the outputs and opportunities that result from our project?

Sharing the outputs and opportunities resulting from the integration of Torque Drift 2 with the Cardano ecosystem can be achieved through various channels and platforms.

Here we list what we believe are some of the most effective ways to communicate the impact of our project:

1. Official Announcement: Issue an official announcement or press release detailing the successful integration of Torque Drift 2 with Cardano in TorqueMotorsport.io. Highlight key achievements, such as the launch of NFT collections, the expansion of the user base, and the seamless onboarding of users to Cardano.
2. Social Media: Utilize social media platforms such as Twitter, Medium, LinkedIn, TikTok, Discord, Instagram, YouTube, Telegram and Facebook to share updates and insights about the project. Regularly post about milestones, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives to keep followers informed and engaged.
3. Community Forums and Groups: Engage with the Cardano community on forums such as Reddit, Discord and Telegram. Participate in discussions, host Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions, and share project updates to foster a sense of transparency and collaboration.
4. Developer Blogs and Publications: Publish developer blogs, articles, and case studies on platforms like Medium, Dev.to, and Hacker Noon to provide in-depth insights into the technical aspects of integrating Torque Drift 2 with Cardano. Share learnings, best practices, and challenges encountered during the integration process.
5. Partnership Announcements: Collaborate with Cardano ecosystem partners, such as NFT marketplaces, game developers, and blockchain infrastructure providers, to jointly announce partnerships and initiatives related to Torque Drift 2. Leverage their networks and audiences to amplify the reach and impact of the project.

[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?

Project Lead

Matías Falcone has demonstrated in the past that can be trusted and that he is capable of managing funds properly, as he has successfully delivered 4 proposals from Fund5 and Fund7:

• Fund5 / Project ID 500003: ALDEA Catalyst
• Fund5 / Project ID 500004: ALDEA WIKI
• Fund7 / Project ID 700019: ALDEA NFT - Community Marketplace
• Fund7 / Project ID 700132: Grow ALDEA, Grow Latin America

In addition to this, he has been awarded with funds from Fund12 and he is currently building the AdaSouls platform, working on Soulbound Tokens and POAP in Cardano proposals.

Game Studio

The team at Grease Monkey Games has delivered 3 different games (Torque Burnout, Torque Drift & Torque Drift 2) for mobile and desktop and counts with numerous Full Stack Engineers (well versed in Javascript, TypeScript and Unreal Engine) and Senior Solidity Developers (with 5 years experience with EVM blockchains). These skills make our team best suited to deliver this project.

For more information, please check personal websites and portfolio in the "Project Team" section.

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

Milestone 1: Mint a NFT Collection in Cardano

Outputs:

• Successfully minted NFT collection(s) on the Cardano blockchain.
• Collection includes different officially licensed NFTs from various car and/or part brands.
• NFT metadata is accurately represented on Cardano-based marketplaces.

Acceptance Criteria:

• NFT collection must be minted on the Cardano blockchain using appropriate smart contracts.
• Each NFT in the collection must have unique metadata, including attributes such as brand, model, and rarity.
• NFT metadata must be compliant with Cardano's standards and accessible through Cardano-based marketplaces.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Transaction hash or smart contract address confirming the minting of the NFT collection on the Cardano blockchain.
• Screenshots or links to Cardano-based marketplaces showcasing the availability of the NFT collection along with screenshots of the same in our TorqueMotorsport marketplace.

Milestone 2: Game Backend Support for Cardano

Outputs:

• Integration of Cardano blockchain functionality into the game backend.
• Support for Cardano wallets and transactions within the game environment.
• Implementation of smart contract interactions for in-game actions, such as NFT purchases and asset ownership verification.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Game backend must be updated to support interactions with the Cardano blockchain, including wallet management and transaction processing.
• Integration of Cardano-specific APIs or SDKs for seamless interaction with the blockchain.
• Smart contracts must be deployed and configured to handle in-game transactions securely and efficiently.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Demonstration of in-game functionality allowing users to connect their Cardano wallets and perform transactions.
• Documentation or code snippets showcasing the integration of Cardano-specific features into the game backend.

Milestone 3: TorqueMotorsport.io Support for Cardano

Outputs:

• Integration of Cardano support into the TorqueMotorsport.io platform.
• Implementation of Cardano-based payment options for in-game purchases and transactions.
• Provision of user-friendly interfaces for managing Cardano assets within the platform.

Acceptance Criteria:

• TorqueMotorsport.io must be updated to include support for Cardano blockchain transactions and asset management.
• Integration of Cardano wallet functionality for users to securely store and manage their assets.
• Implementation of Cardano-based payment gateways for purchasing in-game items and NFT collections.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Screenshots or walkthrough videos demonstrating Cardano support within the TorqueMotorsport.io platform.
• Transaction records or logs confirming successful Cardano-based transactions on the platform.

Milestone 4: Art Work and Game Integration

Outputs:

• Integration of Cardano-based NFT collections into the game environment.
• Implementation of artwork assets and visual elements associated with Cardano-based NFTs.
• Seamless integration of NFT ownership and attributes into the gameplay experience.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Artwork assets for Cardano-based NFT collections must be integrated into the game, ensuring visual consistency and fidelity.
• NFT ownership and attributes must be accurately reflected within the game environment, allowing players to showcase their collections.
• Gameplay interactions involving Cardano-based NFTs must be tested and verified for functionality and performance.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Gameplay footage or screenshots showcasing the presence of Cardano-based NFT collections within the game environment.
• Player testimonials or feedback confirming the seamless integration of Cardano assets into the gameplay experience.

Milestone 5: Shopify & Marketplace Support for Cardano

Outputs:

• Integration of Cardano wallet connection into Shopify, so players that own our NFTs can have discounts in our shop for real products.
• Provision of Cardano-based checkout processes for purchasing in-game items and NFT collections.
• Seamless integration of Cardano wallet functionality for asset management and transactions.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Shopify and marketplace platforms must be updated to include Cardano payment gateways and wallet integrations.
• Implementation of user-friendly interfaces for Cardano-based checkout processes and asset management.
• Compatibility testing to ensure smooth operation of Cardano payment options across various platforms and devices.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Screenshots or walkthrough videos demonstrating Cardano wallet connection to Shopify store.
• Transaction records or logs confirming successful discounts for users that hold our Cardano-based NFTs.

Final Milestone: Final Project Completion Report and Video

As we have done with every project from Catalyst that we have delivered, we will complete the Final Project Completion Report and provide a Video showcasing the different features that we have develop during the project.

Project Management Approach:

To ensure efficient project implementation, an agile project management approach will be adopted. The project will be divided into sprints, each focusing on specific deliverables aligned with the milestones. The team will conduct regular meetings to review progress, address any challenges, and prioritize tasks. We will use Linear as our project management tool to track tasks, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress. Regular communication and collaboration among team members will be essential for successful implementation.

Additionally, regular feedback from users, event organizers, and the community will be gathered and incorporated into the development process. This iterative approach allows for flexibility, adaptation, and continuous improvement throughout the project.

A more detailed budget is provided in the "[BUDGET & COSTS]" section.

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

Matias Falcone

• Role: Project Lead & Blockchain Developer
• Experience: Matias Falcone has a strong background in software development and has been actively involved in the Cardano community since 2020. He has experience working on blockchain projects and has founded his own Cardano Stake Pool (FALCO), which he also operates. Matias is also skilled in front-end, back-end and smart contracts development. He is the Blockchain Specialist at Grease Monkey Games.
• Links:
• LinkedIn
• Portfolio
• GitHub
• Cardano Stake Pool GitHub

Billy Sullivan

• Role: COO
• Experience: As a valued member of Grease Monkey Games and with 10 years experience in the gaming industry, Billy's evolved into a versatile professional, adept in 3D art, design, marketing, programming and leadership. Billy's commitment to knowledge spans development, production and business, with a particular focus on blockchain technology. At Grease Monkey Games, he crafts immersive experiences, leveraging his diverse skill set to push interactive boundaries.
• Links:
• LinkedIn

Grease Monkey Games

• Role: Game Studio
• Description: Grease Monkey Games is a Melbourne, Australia based video game studio established in 2013. It has a diverse and growing team of game makers and Motorsport enthusiasts making high-quality video games for passionate audiences! Starting out as a contract-based company, Grease Monkey Games moved towards developing its own original IP games in 2014. Since then, its games have been downloaded more than 45 million times by people all over the world.
• Links:
• Website
• Ecosystem Platform

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

Based on the provided milestones and project management approach, here's a cost breakdown for the proposed work and resources:

Milestone 1: Mint a NFT Collection in Cardano

• Smart Contract Development & Audit: 60,000 ADA
• Smart Contract Deployment and Testing: 10,000 ADA
• Metadata Creation and Integration: 20,000 ADA
• Total Cost: 90,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Game Backend Support for Cardano

• Backend Development: 80,000 ADA
• Integration of Cardano SDK/APIs: 30,000 ADA
• Total Cost: 110,000 ADA

Milestone 3: TorqueMotorsport.io Support for Cardano

• Platform Integration: 70,000 ADA
• Cardano Wallet Implementation: 20,000 ADA
• Payment Gateway Integration: 40,000 ADA
• Total Cost: 130,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Artwork and Game Integration

• Artwork Integration: 50,000 ADA
• Gameplay Development and Testing: 60,000 ADA
• NFT Ownership Integration: 30,000 ADA
• Total Cost: 140,000 ADA

Milestone 5: Shopify & Marketplace Support for Cardano

• Shopify Plugin Development & Integration: 50,000 ADA
• Marketplace Payment Gateway: 30,000 ADA
• Cardano Wallet Discount System: 20,000 ADA
• Total Cost: 100,000 ADA

Final Milestone: Final Project Completion Report and Video

• Report Compilation and Video Production: 15,000 ADA
• Total Cost: 15,000 ADA

Additional Budget Elements

• Publicity / Marketing / Promotion / Community Engagement: 50,000 ADA
• Project Management: 30,000 ADA
• Documentation: 20,000 ADA
• Reporting back to the Community: 15,000 ADA

Total Project Budget

• Sum of Milestone Costs: 585,000 ADA
• Additional Budget Elements: 115,000 ADA
• Grand Total: 700,000 ADA

Given that the max budget amount that we can ask for this challenge is 500,000 ADA, adjustments may need to be made to the scope of work, resource allocation, or seeking additional funding sources to align with the available budget.

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

NFTs have been one of the largest drivers of volume in the Cardano ecosystem, and this could be elevated even more by generating partnership with high level multinational companies.

The cost breakdown for the proposed project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

1. Expertise and Quality: The costs outlined reflect the expertise and quality of work required to successfully execute each milestone. For example, the development of smart contracts, integration of blockchain functionality, and creation of user-friendly interfaces necessitate skilled professionals with experience in blockchain development and game design. While these costs may seem high, they ensure that the project is executed to a high standard, reducing the risk of errors and delays.
2. Market Rates: The costs are based on market rates for similar projects and services in the blockchain and gaming industries. Freelance rates, development costs, and marketplace fees were considered when determining the budget for each milestone. By aligning with industry standards, the project ensures that resources are fairly compensated while remaining competitive in the market.
3. Value Addition: The project aims to bring tangible value to the Cardano ecosystem by integrating NFT collections, implementing blockchain functionality, and fostering community engagement. The benefits of these initiatives, such as increased adoption of Cardano, expansion of the NFT marketplace, and growth of the gaming community, outweigh the initial investment. Therefore, the costs are justified in light of the long-term value they bring to the ecosystem.
4. Efficiency and Transparency: The project management approach emphasizes efficiency and transparency through agile methodologies, regular communication, and iterative development. By effectively managing resources and providing clear documentation, the project maximizes value for money and minimizes waste.

Overall, while the costs of the project may appear substantial, they are justified by the expertise, quality, and value that they bring to the Cardano ecosystem. By investing in these initiatives, the project aims to create a sustainable and thriving ecosystem that benefits developers, users, and stakeholders alike.

The proposed costs are based on industry standards in Melbourne, Australia (where our team is based).