Gaming demonstration of multi-asset transactions

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Charles Machin

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Matt Hook

David Harris

[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)

We will create "The Art Thief," an engaging game POC showcasing Cardano's eUTXO model, native tokens, cNFT's and multi-asset transactions. A fun demo of superior security, flexibility, and efficiency.

[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

While we may choose to open source some parts of the code, the intention is to make this a commercial gaming project that capitalizes on it's unique brand and features to establish market competitiveness.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Perception of the Problem:

Our recognition of the underutilization and misunderstanding of Cardano's eUTXO model and its multi-asset transaction capabilities informs our approach. Many within the blockchain community are not fully aware of the technical merits offered by Cardano compared to traditional account-based models. This gap hinders broader adoption and appreciation of Cardano's innovative blockchain solutions.

Approach:

"Art Thief" leverages the unique attributes of Cardano’s blockchain to address these challenges directly through engaging gameplay. By integrating real blockchain transactions into the game mechanics, players will interact with NFTs and fungible tokens (FTs) within a secure and scalable framework. This practical application not only showcases Cardano's capabilities but also serves as an educational tool that demonstrates the efficiency, security, and flexibility of handling complex, multi-asset transactions in a real-world scenario.

Engagement:

The game targets both blockchain enthusiasts and casual gamers, introducing them to Cardano’s technology in an accessible format. We will engage the community through collaborative design events, leveraging tools like MagicaVoxel to allow players to contribute to game assets, creating a sense of ownership and involvement.

Demonstration of Impact:

"Art Thief" will be instrumental in demonstrating the practical benefits of Cardano’s blockchain technology. We will track engagement metrics, transaction volumes, and user feedback to measure impact. Success will be evidenced by increased understanding and appreciation of Cardano’s eUTXO model among players, which we anticipate will lead to greater adoption of Cardano for similar applications.

Uniqueness and Benefits:

Our solution is unique because it not only utilizes Cardano’s blockchain for secure transactions but does so within an interactive, immersive game environment that educates players about blockchain technology. Beneficiaries include both the gaming community, which gains a new and exciting platform, and the broader Cardano ecosystem, which benefits from enhanced visibility and validation of its technological capabilities. This project highlights the importance of innovative, practical applications in driving blockchain adoption and understanding, making it a vital addition to Cardano’s suite of applications.

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

Value to the Community:

"Art Thief" will significantly enrich the Cardano community by demonstrating the blockchain's advanced capabilities through a dynamic gaming experience. This game will not only showcase Cardano's eUTXO model and its efficient, secure handling of multi-asset transactions but also feature NFTs and FTs from other Cardano projects as in-game items and rewards. This inclusion serves to promote and integrate the broader Cardano ecosystem within the game, enhancing visibility and utility for other projects on the platform. By integrating these assets, the game acts as a marketing platform for Cardano's diverse capabilities and projects, potentially attracting new developers, gamers, and investors to the ecosystem.

Measurement of Impact:

We will measure the game's impact through both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

1. User Engagement Metrics: Tracking the number of active players, frequency and types of transactions, and interactions with in-game assets, including those from other Cardano projects.
2. Community Feedback: Surveys and forums to gather insights and satisfaction levels, emphasizing understanding and engagement with Cardano technology and the showcased projects.
3. Adoption Rates: Monitoring increases in new wallet creations and transactions on Cardano, particularly those involving in-game NFTs and FTs from various projects.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

1. Public Reports: Regular updates and detailed reports on game development, impact metrics, and user engagement with Cardano projects, shared on our website and Cardano community forums.
2. Educational Content: Tutorials and webinars on leveraging Cardano's blockchain within "Art Thief," including how to utilize NFTs and FTs from various projects, distributed via YouTube, social media, and gaming channels.
3. Open Dialogues: Participation in live sessions and conferences to discuss the game's impact, focusing on integration and promotion of Cardano's ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation within the community.

"Art Thief" will promote Cardano's blockchain as a versatile technology in the gaming sector and beyond, driving wider adoption and appreciation of its capabilities and the diverse projects it hosts.

[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?

Existing Capabilities:

Our team capabilities stem from a combination of extensive experience in game development and proven entrepreneurial success within the Cardano ecosystem. With developers who have over 20 years of experience in crafting engaging and complex games, we bring a deep understanding of both the technical and creative aspects required to deliver a high-quality gaming experience.

Furthermore, our entrepreneurial team members have successfully established and grown ventures such as Blockgeneration.art, Splash.club, and Cur8.io on the Cardano platform. These projects showcase our ability to leverage Cardano's unique features effectively, demonstrating our deep familiarity with its operational environment and community.

Past Success and Accountability:

Our credibility is further reinforced by our track record in managing and delivering on community-funded projects. For instance, our team members were integral to the successful execution of the Cardano Center Cape Town project in Fund 9 of the Catalyst program. This project was not only completed on time but also stayed within the allocated budget, showcasing our team’s ability to manage funds responsibly and achieve project milestones as promised.

Validation of Feasibility:

To validate the feasibility of the "Art Thief" project, we will employ a phased approach:

1. Prototype Development: Initially, we will develop a basic playable version of the game to test the integration of NFTs and multi-asset transactions using Cardano’s blockchain.
2. Community Testing and Feedback: We will release the prototype to a select group within the Cardano community to gather feedback on gameplay mechanics and blockchain integration.
3. Iterative Improvements: Based on the community feedback, we will refine the game, addressing any technical or gameplay issues identified during the testing phase.

Trust and Fund Management:

We are committed to transparency and accountability in fund management. We will:

• Provide regular progress updates to all stakeholders and backers through our project portal and community forums.
• Set up a specific account to manage the funds, with releases tied to specific milestones and deliverables.
• Provide transparency on our financial management and project spending, ensuring that all funds are used as intended for the development of the game.
• 
  

In conclusion, our team's extensive background in game development, successful track record with previous Catalyst-funded projects, and diligent approach to project execution and fund management uniquely position us to deliver the "Art Thief" game effectively and responsibly.

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

Milestone 1: Concept Validation and Initial Design

• Milestone Outputs:
• Completion of a detailed game design document that includes gameplay mechanics, blockchain integration plan, and initial art concepts.
• Establishment of a basic technical framework demonstrating the integration capabilities with Cardano's blockchain, specifically for handling NFTs and FTs.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Approval of the game design document by the development team and key stakeholders.
• Successful demonstration of basic blockchain interaction capabilities in a controlled environment.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Published game design document.
• Video or technical report demonstrating initial blockchain interactions.

Milestone 2: Prototype Development

• Milestone Outputs:
• Development of a playable prototype that includes core gameplay features and initial blockchain transaction functionalities.
• Integration of simple in-game asset transactions using Cardano blockchain to test the gameplay dynamics and blockchain functionalities.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Playable prototype that allows basic gameplay and asset transactions.
• Positive internal feedback on the integration of gameplay with blockchain features.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Video demonstration of prototype gameplay.
• Technical logs showing blockchain transactions.

Milestone 3: Community Testing and Iteration

• Milestone Outputs:
• Release of the prototype to a select community of testers.
• Collection and analysis of feedback to refine gameplay, enhance user interface, and ensure robust blockchain integration.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Comprehensive feedback that leads to actionable insights.
• Documented improvements in gameplay and blockchain integration based on community responses.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Compiled feedback report with documented tester responses.
• Second version of the prototype demonstrating refinements based on feedback.

Milestone 4: Project Close-Out and Prototype Finalization

• Milestone Outputs:
• Final prototype ready for presentation, incorporating all feedback and technical refinements.
• Comprehensive project report detailing the development process, challenges faced, community involvement, and lessons learned.
• A close-out video that highlights the project’s achievements, featuring interviews with the team, testers, and stakeholders.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Final prototype that meets all initial design and functionality goals.
• Positive reception of the project close-out report and video by the community and stakeholders.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Public release of the final prototype.
• Distribution of the close-out video and project report on multiple platforms to ensure accessibility and visibility.

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

Charles Machin - Project Lead Developer

• Role: Charles will oversee all technical aspects of the game development, including the core blockchain integration and backend architecture. He brings extensive experience in game development with a specific focus on integrating blockchain technologies.
• LinkedIn Profile:

Matt Hook - Supporting Developer

• Role: Matt will assist in developing the game's frontend and user interface, ensuring a seamless interaction experience for players. His expertise includes advanced graphics programming and UI/UX design for interactive applications.
• LinkedIn Profile:

David Harris - Project Planning and Management

• Role: David is responsible for the overall project management, ensuring that the project milestones are met on schedule and within budget. He will coordinate between different team members and manage communications with stakeholders.
• LinkedIn Profile:

Recruitment Plans:

We plan to recruit additional team members with specific skills critical to the project's success:

• Community Manager: To engage with players and manage feedback loops during the community testing phase, crucial for iterative development based on user input.

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

Milestone 1: Concept Validation and Initial Design

• Budget: 36,000 ADA ($18,000 USD)
• Game Design Documentation: 10,000 ADA ($5,000 USD) for game mechanics and asset design .
• Technical Framework Setup: 14,000 ADA ($7,000 USD) for initial blockchain integration tools, secure server setup, and initial prototypes.
• Project Management: 6,000 ADA ($3,000 USD) for comprehensive project oversight and coordination in the early stages.
• Community Engagement: 6,000 ADA ($3,000 USD) for initiating community involvement and feedback mechanisms early in the design phase.

Milestone 2: Prototype Development

• Budget: 20,000 ADA ($10,000 USD)
• Prototype Development: 10,000 ADA ($5,000 USD) for software development tools, engine licenses, and initial asset creation (includes hiring freelance artists and animators).
• Blockchain Integration: 7,000 ADA ($3,500 USD) for blockchain integration, including smart contract development and security audits.
• Project Management: 3,000 ADA ($1,500 USD) for ongoing project management.

Milestone 3: Community Testing and Iteration

• Budget: 22,500 ADA ($11,250 USD)
• Community Testing Support: 10,500 ADA ($5,250 USD) (increased from 8,000 ADA) for extended support during community testing, including technical support staff and user experience consultants.
• Iteration and Refinement: 8,000 ADA ($4,000 USD) for further development work based on community feedback.
• Marketing and Promotion: 4,000 ADA ($2,000 USD) for marketing activities to increase community engagement and tester recruitment.

Milestone 4: Project Close-Out and Prototype Finalization

• Budget: 11,500 ADA ($5,750 USD)
• Final Prototype Polishing: 6,000 ADA ($3,000 USD) for final adjustments and optimization based on the latest round of feedback.
• Project Close-Out Reporting: 2,500 ADA ($1,250 USD) (decreased from 5,000 ADA) for comprehensive documentation, final reporting, and community dissemination of results.
• Close-Out Video Production: 3,000 ADA ($1,500 USD) for the production of a high-quality video documenting the development process and showcasing the final product.

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

Long-Term Benefits to the Cardano Ecosystem:

The "Art Thief" project represents a strategic investment into showcasing the real-world applications of Cardano's blockchain technology through a gaming interface. This project is not just about creating a game; it’s about demonstrating the viability of Cardano for robust, interactive applications, thereby attracting new developers and users to the ecosystem. The game will serve as a tangible example of how Cardano can support complex, user-focused applications, potentially leading to increased adoption and further innovation within the ecosystem.

Investment in High-Quality Design, UI, and UX:

A significant portion of our budget is allocated towards ensuring that "Art Thief" has a top-tier design, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX). These elements are crucial for the success of any digital game, especially one that aims to introduce new users to blockchain technology. Investing in high-quality design and user experience ensures that the game is accessible and enjoyable, which is essential for its adoption and success. This focus on quality will help in setting a high standard for future blockchain-based games and applications on the Cardano platform.

Developer Costs and Resource Allocation:

Our developer costs are set at $80 per hour, which includes the fees for highly skilled blockchain developers. This rate is competitive within the industry and reflects the specialized skills required to integrate advanced blockchain functionalities into a seamless gaming experience. By maintaining competitive rates, we ensure the project attracts talented professionals while also managing budget efficiency.

Community Engagement and Marketing:

The budget includes specific allocations for community engagement and marketing, crucial for the game’s success and for fostering a robust community around the Cardano platform. By actively engaging with the community and incorporating their feedback, we enhance the game's market fit and user satisfaction, leading to better retention rates and more robust community support for Cardano.

Transparency and Accountability:

To ensure that all expenditures provide the highest value, the project includes structured oversight and transparent reporting at every milestone. This ensures that stakeholders are continuously informed about the project's progress and that funds are managed responsibly.