Unreal Engine (UE) Cardano Wallet Connector

[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] Requested funds in ada

200000

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

8

[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 wallet connector for UE, allowing games to access users' wallet contents, control game access, unlock items, and provide documentation to help developers integrate blockchain assets.

[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

The Cardano wallet connector for Unreal Engine will be fully open-source throughout the entire project lifecycle. The code will be hosted on GitHub under the MIT License, allowing developers to freely use, modify, and distribute the connector with proper attribution.

Open-Source Elements:

• Core Wallet Connector Code: All functionality related to connecting Unreal Engine with Cardano blockchain assets will be open-source, including wallet authentication, asset retrieval, and game-level interactions.
• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation will be provided to assist developers in integrating the wallet connector into their Unreal projects.

Closed-Source Elements:

• Sensitive Security Components: Any private API keys or server credentials needed for the wallet's backend will not be included in the public repository to protect system integrity.

[METADATA] Horizons

Gaming

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Solution Summary

We propose to develop a Cardano wallet connector for Unreal Engine that will enable developers to integrate Cardano blockchain assets directly into their games. This connector will allow games to read the contents of a user’s Cardano wallet and use this information to control access to game levels, unlock special items, and enable other blockchain-related interactions. The project will focus on delivering the core functionalities of the wallet connector and providing comprehensive documentation to assist developers in integrating it into their projects.

Solution Overview

The proposed Cardano wallet connector will include the following key features:

Wallet Authentication:

• Secure connection to the Cardano blockchain via compatible wallets.
• User authentication through wallet signature verification.

Asset Retrieval:

• Ability to retrieve and verify assets (e.g., NFTs) from a connected Cardano wallet.
• Filtering of assets based on policy ID or other parameters.

Game Integration:

• API for Unreal Engine to interact with wallet data, enabling developers to use blockchain assets for gameplay features.
• Examples include unlocking game levels based on ownership of specific NFTs, controlling item availability, and customizing characters or environments.

Blueprint Visual Scripting:

• Custom nodes and functions for Unreal Engine’s Blueprint Visual Scripting, allowing developers to implement wallet interactions easily without advanced coding skills.

Documentation and Examples:

• Comprehensive documentation to guide developers through integrating the wallet connector into their projects.
• Example project to demonstrate the connector’s functionality in a simplified game environment. This will showcase the wallet connector's potential but are not intended as fully polished games.

Deliverables

1. Wallet Connector:
2. Fully functional Cardano wallet connector for Unreal Engine, supporting wallet authentication and asset retrieval.
3. API for Game Integration:
4. An API that allows developers to interact with wallet contents within Unreal Engine games, enabling game-level access control, item management, and more based on blockchain assets.
5. Blueprint Nodes for Visual Scripting:
6. Custom nodes and functions in Unreal Engine’s Blueprint system, facilitating the use of wallet data in games without the need for complex coding.
7. Documentation:
8. Comprehensive documentation aimed at helping developers of various experience levels integrate the wallet connector into their Unreal Engine projects.
9. Step-by-step guides and reference materials to ensure smooth integration.
10. Example Project
11. Demo project showcasing the wallet connector’s functionality in Unreal Engine. This project will be focused on demonstrating the core features of the connector and may include a basic or incomplete game environment to highlight how wallet data can be integrated into gameplay. The demo is not a final game but a tool for illustrating the connector's potential.

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

The development of a Cardano wallet connector for Unreal Engine will significantly positively impact the wider Cardano community. By empowering game developers to create immersive, blockchain-integrated gaming experiences, we enhance the utility and adoption of Cardano-based NFTs and other blockchain assets. Our game, which integrates this connector, will be a practical example of how blockchain technology can be seamlessly incorporated into gaming. This project will help bridge the gap between traditional gaming and blockchain-based economies, leading to greater engagement and growth within the Cardano community.

[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 extensive experience in blockchain development, 3D design and game engine integration, particularly with Unreal Engine. We have successfully delivered similar projects and possess the technical expertise to integrate Cardano’s blockchain with game engines. We will implement a phased development approach with regular milestones to validate feasibility. Each phase will be accompanied by thorough testing and community feedback to ensure the connector meets developers' needs. Open-source development practices will be employed to ensure transparency and community involvement.

[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 involves comprehensive research into the technical requirements, defining user needs, and identifying the appropriate design principles for the Cardano wallet connector. During this phase, wireframes will be created to visualize how the connector will interact with Unreal Engine, while technical specifications will outline the system's functionality. This stage ensures all stakeholders are aligned before development 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.

During this phase, we will implement the wallet authentication functionality, enabling secure connections between the Cardano blockchain and Unreal Engine. This milestone focuses on developing the core wallet integration, allowing the game to connect to the user’s wallet, verify ownership, and retrieve basic assets like NFTs. This will serve as the foundation for the connector's future functionalities.

• Output: Development of wallet authentication and basic asset retrieval functionality.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful connection to a Cardano wallet and retrieval of assets.
• Evidence: Working prototype demonstrating wallet connection and asset retrieval.

Building on the basic integration, this phase will introduce advanced asset filtering, such as the ability to filter assets by policy ID and other parameters. The development of an API for game integration will also occur during this milestone, allowing Unreal Engine games to use blockchain assets (e.g., NFTs) to influence gameplay, such as unlocking content, modifying in-game characters, or offering item customization.

• Output: Advanced asset filtering and Unreal Engine API development for game integration.
• Acceptance Criteria: Ability to filter assets by policy ID and use them to influence game state.
• Evidence: Demonstration of filtered asset retrieval and API interaction within an Unreal Engine project.

This phase focuses on creating comprehensive documentation that allows developers to easily integrate the Cardano wallet connector into their Unreal Engine projects. We will also develop example projects that showcase the connector’s core functionality, including wallet authentication, asset retrieval, and integration into basic gameplay scenarios. These example projects will serve as a guide for developers looking to implement similar features in their own games.

• Output: Comprehensive documentation and example project to assist developers.
• Acceptance Criteria: Documentation and example projects are complete and available for use.
• Evidence: Published documentation and Unreal Engine example projects demonstrating connector use.

In this final phase, we will focus on thoroughly testing and optimizing the Cardano wallet connector to ensure it is stable, secure, and high-performing. Rigorous testing will be conducted to identify and resolve any bugs, improve performance, and ensure the connector operates seamlessly in different environments. After incorporating feedback and making the necessary adjustments, the connector will be deployed on the Cardano mainnet for use by the broader developer community.

Following deployment, we will compile a comprehensive project close-out report, summarizing the development process, key achievements, and lessons learned. Additionally, we will produce a video walkthrough showcasing the connector’s core features, including wallet authentication, asset retrieval, and integration with Unreal Engine. These materials will serve as both internal reviews and promotional content for stakeholders.

• Output: Final testing, optimization, deployment of the wallet connector, project close-out report, and video walkthrough.
• Acceptance Criteria: Stable, fully functional wallet connector ready for public release; stakeholders approve the project report and video walkthrough.
• Evidence: Test reports, user feedback, final deployment to the Cardano mainnet, 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: ₳25,000

We will focus on laying the groundwork for the project by conducting comprehensive research into technical requirements and user needs. This will involve creating wireframes to visualize the Cardano wallet connector's integration with Unreal Engine and producing technical specifications that outline the system's functionality. The planning ensures all stakeholders are aligned before development begins.

• Key Focus: Project blueprint, wireframes, technical design.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer

Milestone 2: Wallet Authentication & Basic Asset Retrieval

Budget: ₳65,000

During this phase, we will implement the wallet authentication functionality, allowing users to securely connect their Cardano wallets to Unreal Engine. The system will be able to verify ownership and retrieve basic assets like NFTs, forming the foundation for future functionalities.

• Key Focus: Wallet integration, asset retrieval functionality.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer

Milestone 3: Asset Filtering & API Development

Budget: ₳50,000

We will enhance the connector by introducing advanced asset filtering capabilities, such as filtering by policy ID or other parameters. Additionally, we will develop an API to enable Unreal Engine games to use blockchain assets (e.g., NFTs) to influence gameplay by unlocking content, modifying characters, or customizing items.

• Key Focus: Advanced asset filtering, game integration API.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer

Milestone 4: Documentation & Example Project

Budget: ₳40,000

This phase will focus on creating comprehensive documentation that helps developers easily integrate the Cardano wallet connector into their Unreal Engine projects. We will also create example projects to demonstrate the connector’s core functionality in basic gameplay scenarios.

• Key Focus: Documentation and example projects.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer

Milestone 5: Testing, Optimization, Deployment & Final Project Review

Budget: ₳20,000

This milestone will involve extensive testing and optimization of the connector to ensure stability, security, and performance. Once the connector is stable and fully optimized, it will be deployed on the Cardano mainnet for public use. We will also compile a comprehensive project close-out report and produce a video walkthrough that demonstrates the connector's core features and its integration with Unreal Engine. These materials will be presented to stakeholders for final review and approval.

• Key Focus: Final testing, optimization, mainnet deployment, project close-out report, and video walkthrough.
• Key Roles: Project Manager, Lead/Full-stack Developer, QA

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

Developing a Cardano wallet connector for Unreal Engine represents significant value to the Cardano ecosystem by enabling seamless integration of blockchain assets into gaming environments.

The game demo serves as a live demonstration of the connector's capabilities, providing immediate value and inspiration for other developers. The connector will open new opportunities for blockchain-powered games and increase the utility of Cardano-based NFTs and assets.

Making this tool available will ultimately drive adoption and engagement within the Cardano community. The project's open-source nature will also allow continuous improvements and adaptations, ensuring its long-term relevance and value.

In summary, our proposal addresses a critical need within the game development and blockchain integration space. By leveraging our existing experience and assets from our Unreal Engine game development, we are well-positioned to deliver a Cardano wallet connector that will benefit the wider Cardano community. The project is structured with clear milestones, a detailed budget, and a focus on value for money.