RETROBLOCK NFT Collection: A Cyberpunk Review of Classic Games

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Marcio Moreno

[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

30000

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

3

[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)

Fusing cyberpunk traits into classic games via NFTs revitalizes nostalgia, while attracting modern audiences and renewed engagement into our GameFi platform, which will be integrated with Cardano.

[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

We will make all the code necessary publicly available on github and any other code to create items metadata to mint our collection.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

How do you perceive the problem you are solving ?

The problem revolves around the absence of classic game reinterpretations in the NFT realm, limiting the appeal to modern audiences. The proposed NFT collection injects new life into classic games, infusing them with cyberpunk aesthetics. 

 

What are your reasons for approaching it in the way that you have?

In our vision, classic games with a cyberpunk twist taps into both nostalgia and contemporary interests, maximizing their appeal. This approach offers a unique blend of familiarity and innovation, targeting broad audience engagement and potential for long-term sustainability.

Who will your project engage?

The proposed NFT collection targets both gaming and blockchain enthusiasts, merging the passions of these diverse communities. By revitalizing classic games with cyberpunk elements, it appeals to nostalgic gamers while attracting those interested in Web3 digital assets.

How will you demonstrate or prove your impact?

We will measure impact through metrics like NFT sales, community engagement, and feedback. Analyzing sales data, social media interactions, and participant testimonials will provide concrete evidence of the project's influence and resonance within the gaming and NFT communities.

Explain what is unique about your solution, who will benefit, and why this is important to Cardano.

The proposed NFT collection uniquely blends the nostalgia of classic games with the futuristic allure of cyberpunk, creating a captivating NFT collection that appeals to both gamers and Web3 enthusiasts. This not only revitalizes beloved titles but also may introduce them to a new generation of enthusiasts. Ultimately, we hope to create awareness and bring new people to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

We believe the proposed NFT collection will showcase Cardano's capabilities in facilitating innovative NFT projects, attracting attention and interest from a broader audience. By demonstrating this platform's capability, it strengthens Cardano's position as a viable ecosystem for creative content producers. Additionally, the project's success may inspire other creators within the Cardano community to explore similar ventures, further enriching the ecosystem and driving adoption.

[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?

To ensure trust and accountability, we will establish consistent communication channels, providing regular updates on the project progress and financial transparency. 

Before founding MOBR Systems, both co-founders worked as Research Scientists at IBM for seven years. Earlier, Dr. Moreno was a postdoctoral researcher at CWI (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica) in the Netherlands, and worked at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio (PUC-Rio) in Brazil. Dr. Brandão worked at the TecGraf Institute, from PUC-Rio, during his doctoral studies. The team has published multiple research papers and patents, their background includes Web3, AI, Knowledge Engineering, Distributed and Decentralized Systems, Multimedia and Hypermedia Systems, Human-Centered Computing, among other research topics. 

The team leaders co-authored a number of projects in Web3, including platforms for the Web3 Foundation and for the DFINITY foundation grants and delivered by MOBR Systems. 

Our approach will follow the traditional NFT drop process, similar to what we are doing with the "RETROBLOCK Synth City Genesis" collection drop [1] on Opensea in the Base network. 

- Other relevant resources:

[1] https://opensea.io/collection/synth-city-genesis

Dr. Moreno LinkedIn profile: https://linkedin.com/in/marcio-moreno-phd-598a459a/ 

Dr. Brandao LinkedIn profile: https://linkedin.com/in/rafaelrmb/ 

For a complete list of peer-reviewed published papers and granted patents, please visit the following google scholar links

- Marcio Moreno, PhD: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=PfdmrPUAAAAJ 

- Rafael Brandao, PhD: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3ta0InEAAAAJ 

There will be 3 collections of 520 unique items. These collections will focus on the characters from the games available in our GameFi platform (i.e., Alien Invasion, FreeCell, Ne0h H1, and PvsP). Below are illustrative artwork that will be applied in the proposed collection:

Alien Invasion

FreeCell

Ne0h h1

PvsP

Details about the RETROBLOCK platform can be found here: https://retroblock.gg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YxdxO4m-c

The RETROBLOCK integration with Cardano proposal can be found here: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/120153

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

Milestone 1: First drop 

Milestone Outputs:

• Creation of 520 unique cyberpunk-themed artworks inspired by classic games available on the RETROBLOCK platform.
• Development of metadata for each NFT, including title, description, and traits.
• Implementation of relevant keywords and tags for discoverability.
• Launch of the first collection of 520 NFTs using NMKR.

Acceptance Criteria:

• All 520 artworks completed within the specified timeline.
• Artworks demonstrate adherence to cyberpunk and classic games aesthetics.
• Metadata created for all 520 NFTs, accurately describing each artwork.
• Collection published comprising 520 NFTs.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Collection showcasing all 520 artworks.

Milestone 2: Second drop 

Milestone Outputs:

• Creation of 520 unique cyberpunk-themed artworks inspired by classic games available on the RETROBLOCK platform.
• Development of metadata for each NFT, including title, description, and traits.
• Implementation of relevant keywords and tags for discoverability.
• Launch of the first collection of 520 NFTs using NMKR.

Acceptance Criteria:

• All 520 artworks completed within the specified timeline.
• Artworks demonstrate adherence to cyberpunk and classic games aesthetics.
• Metadata created for all 520 NFTs, accurately describing each artwork.
• Second collection published comprising 520 NFTs.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Second collection showcasing all 520 artworks.

Final Milestone: Third drop 

Milestone Outputs:

• Creation of 520 unique cyberpunk-themed artworks inspired by classic games available on the RETROBLOCK platform.
• Development of metadata for each NFT, including title, description, and traits.
• Implementation of relevant keywords and tags for discoverability.
• Launch of the first collection of 520 NFTs using NMKR.

Acceptance Criteria:

• All 520 artworks completed within the specified timeline.
• Artworks demonstrate adherence to cyberpunk and classic games aesthetics.
• Metadata created for all 520 NFTs, accurately describing each artwork.
• Third collection published comprising 520 NFTs.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Third collection showcasing all 520 artworks.

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

The team is composed of the two MOBR Systems co-founders, who will manage and guide the project together with hired artists and promoters.

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

Cost Breakdown:

Project Management: 10,000 ADA

Artists Fees: 10,000 ADA

Metadata Development: 5,000 ADA

Marketing and Promotion: 5,000 ADA

Total: 30,000 ADA

With the asking budget of 30,000 ADA, adjustments may be required to allocate funds more efficiently.

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

The proposed NFT collection contributes to the growth and diversification of the Cardano NFT ecosystem, expanding its reach and appeal to a wider audience. Furthermore, by disseminating collaboration with artists and promoters, the project looks at captivating a vibrant gaming community within the Cardano ecosystem, driving long-term engagement and sustainability.