Cardano Ecosystem Metaverse Experience on Roblox

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

Roblox Cardano City: Immerse in Cardano's ecosystem. Explore, learn, and participate in interactive activities. Dive into crypto education & fun through gamified experience.

[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

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

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

For our Roblox project, we are committed to adopting an open-source approach to foster collaboration and innovation within the community. Here are the details regarding the open-source status and licensing:

Open Source Status:

• The project outputs, including code, assets, and documentation, will be available as open source throughout the entire lifecycle of the project.
• We will maintain a dedicated open-source repository where all project files will be publicly accessible.

License:

• We intend to use the MIT License for our open-source project.
• The MIT License is chosen for its permissive nature, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the project's code and assets, while also providing clear attribution and liability disclaimers.

Clarification:

• All elements of our project, including code scripts, models, animations, and documentation, will be open source under the MIT License.
• Users will have the freedom to study, modify, and redistribute the project according to the terms of the license, promoting transparency and collaboration within the Roblox development community.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

SDG Subgoals

4.b - By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

An initiative to engage a wider community on metaverse platform Roblox by creating a gamified experience. Players will explore a virtual city where they can learn about the Cardano ecosystem, interact with NPC characters for guidance, and participate in different in-game tasks and also take part in educational activities.

There will be different areas in the metaverse city like an area allocated just for current, general and ongoing Cardano activities also having information regarding the previous rounds.Similarly an area will be allocated for the awarded teams with their representatives presenting their awarded proposals which will also help in record keeping and transparency.

Roblox is an all-in-one app where users can play a vast array of games, create their own experiences, and interact with others online. Billing itself as the "ultimate virtual universe," Roblox offers a diverse range of experiences where users can socialize, build virtual spaces, and even engage in virtual commerce. Popular games cover various genres such as roleplay, adventure, and obstacle courses, with some focusing on social interactions akin to virtual hangouts. While the platform is free, users can make in-app purchases within each experience, with a portion of the sales going back to the game's creator, enabling creators of all ages to earn money from their creations and taking user-generated content to new heights.

So why do we choose Roblox over other metaverse platforms available in the market? The answer is simple: it’s a free platform that has a great and vibrant community which keeps rising in numbers each year. The company recently reported that its users are “aging up.” In a letter to shareholders, Roblox reported that its fastest growing demographic is 17- to 24-year-olds.

DAUs by region and age graph

Source: Roblox

Roblox is popular around the world. While players from the U.S. and Canada historically made up the largest share of its user base, the number of European players eclipsed U.S. and Canadian players last year. Today, there are about as many users in Asia as there are in the U.S. and Canada. 

Many people including students from all over the globe have heard something about Roblox or played games on this platform themselves. Accordingly, they have an idea of how things work. That is, it will be much easier to get acquainted with Roblox. Moreover, many people want to create their own games and even try to do it using the platform's tools.

Roblox offers a simplified mechanism for creating computer games. Everything is adapted in such a way that a child does not need much knowledge or experience to create their own product. But, at the same time, the child will be able to unleash his creative potential here.

It's never too late to learn programming. This motto could easily be applied to the Roblox platform. Children from 6 years old can work here. Despite the simple and unpretentious mechanism for creating their own gaming products, the platform will be equally interesting for older children as an opportunity to take their first steps in development.

The Lua language module, which is used at the heart of the platform, is simple and straightforward. It won't take long to study it. At the same time, it is quite interesting and offers all the necessary tools for students to quickly immerse themselves in the development process.

The opportunity to work together on projects. One of the most important advantages of this platform is that users are encouraged to work together on any project. It is necessary to understand that today entire teams are developing many products. This approach on the part of Roblox allows the child not only to start learning programming, but also to learn how to work in a team. Such skills will be useful not only in development.

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

1. Fimiliarity with Roblox: Leverage the platform's popularity and existing user base, making it easier to introduce the Cardano ecosystem to a wide audience, including students globally.
2. Creative Workshop: Utilize Roblox's simplified game creation tools to provide a colorful and engaging environment where users can learn about Cardano through interactive experiences.
3. All Ages Accessibility: Cater to users of all ages, from children to adults, offering an opportunity for anyone to learn about Cardano while developing their own games on Roblox.
4. Lua Language: Integrate educational modules teaching the Lua language, used in Roblox development, allowing users to quickly grasp programming concepts while creating Cardano-themed content.
5. Collaboration Opportunities: Encourage teamwork by facilitating collaborative projects on the platform, fostering a sense of community and teaching valuable skills applicable to Cardano's ecosystem development.

[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 capability to deliver the project with trust and accountability stems from our team's expertise and track record. Slate aka Asad, our project lead, is a seasoned VR developer known for creating immersive virtual experiences. With Malik, our VFX expert, we ensure visually stunning environments.

To validate feasibility, we'll conduct rigorous testing, gather user feedback, and iterate accordingly. Additionally, our team's active involvement in SNET and Deep Funding communities demonstrates our commitment and understanding of metaverse development.

Regarding fund management, we'll establish transparent processes. This includes budget planning and regular financial reports, ensuring accountability every step of the way.

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

At a conversion rate of ₳ @0.44 USD

Milestone 1 - Brainstorm Design And Map Creation

• Creation/ Ideation of a general map design consisting of allocating certain locations for specific acitivities. This includes ideating of design through meetings and developing the virtual city structure representing the Cardano ecosystem after finalizing it.
• Deliverables
• Map Infrastructure of the Whole VR with labeled Areas.
• Budget
• ₳ 20,000 (~8,700 USD)
• Duration
• 1 Month

Milestone 2 - Assets Avatars And Model Building

• This milestone include creation of Assets for Players Avatars representing Project Catalyst Ecosystem and also avatars for Awarded Team Leads. Creation of specific building models.
• Deliverables
• Asset will be created for the players who participate in the game - Avatars for Awarded Teamleads and Project Catalyst Representatives - Building representing Project Catalyst as a whole
• Budget
• ₳ 25,000 (~10,900 USD)
• Duration
• 2 Months

Milestone 3 - Information Collection And Animating NPC's

• This milestone include collecting information from resources and also from the Awarded Teams of Project Catalyst. Then integrating that information to the respective NPC representing that specific piece of information.This milestone also includes creation of animations for NPC's and also creation of AI models inside of the VR which will help in making the experience feel more lively
• Deliverables
• Animated Characters, AI Based NPC's/ Interactable NPC's - Collected information in document format
• Budget
• ₳ 25,000 (~10,900 USD)
• Duration
• 2 Months

Milestone 4 - Finalizing And Testing Gameplay

• This milestone covers Final testing of in-game experience and looking for bugs and then launching the live server to the public. Also adding some missed stuff or more details to the experience.
• Deliverables
• Bug fixes and testing - Launching of live server
• Budget
• ₳ 21,229 (~9,300 USD)
• Duration
• 2 Months

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

Our team consists of two highly skilled individuals:

• Slate aka Asad (Project Lead): Slate is a VR developer, modeler, and animator with extensive experience in creating immersive virtual experiences. As the project lead, Slate will oversee the development process and ensure that the vision for the DeepFunding metaverse experience is realized.
• Malik (VFX Expert, Designer, Graphics): Malik brings expertise in visual effects, design, and graphics to the team. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually stunning environments, Malik will contribute to the overall aesthetics and user experience of the DeepFunding metaverse experience.

Plus both of the above mentioned individuals are highly active in both SNET and Deep Funding communities with in-hand experience of developing metaverses and Project Leading.

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

Milestone 1: Brainstorm Design And Map Creation

• Design Meetings and Ideation: $5,000
• Map Infrastructure Development: $3,500
• Miscellaneous Expenses: $200
• Total: $8,700

Milestone 2: Assets Avatars And Model Building

• Avatar Creation: $6,000
• Building Model Creation: $4,500
• Miscellaneous Expenses: $300
• Total: $10,900

Milestone 3: Information Collection And Animating NPC's

• Information Collection: $1,000
• NPC Animation: $4,500
• AI Model Creation: $5,000
• Miscellaneous Expenses: $400
• Total: $10,900

Milestone 4: Finalizing And Testing Gameplay

• Final Testing and Bug Fixes: $7,000
• Launching Live Server: $2,000
• Miscellaneous Expenses: $300
• Total: $9,300

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

1. Skilled Talent, Rich Experience: The project budget reflects the involvement of passionate individuals who pour their hearts into crafting immersive experiences. These professionals bring not just skills, but a dedication to creating something truly special for the Cardano community.
2. Fair Compensation for Creativity: Behind every virtual city and animated character lies countless hours of creativity and hard work. The costs are set to ensure that these creative minds are fairly compensated for their efforts in bringing the Cardano ecosystem to life in a captivating way.
3. Empowering Education and Engagement: By investing in this project, we're not just building a virtual world – we're creating a platform for learning and discovery. The costs are a small price to pay for the invaluable education and engagement that users, young and old, will experience as they explore the Cardano universe.
4. Investing in Tomorrow's Innovators: Every dollar spent on this project is an investment in the future of the Cardano ecosystem. By providing a rich, interactive environment, we're inspiring the next generation of developers, creators, and innovators to make their mark on the world – powered by Cardano.
5. Community-driven Transparency: We believe in transparency and accountability every step of the way. The budget breakdown ensures that every cent is accounted for, giving our community confidence that their contributions are being used wisely to build something truly extraordinary.