Learning Midnight and Hydra through a game

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

David Tacuri

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Fernando Yánez

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

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

Yes

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

We're developing a game that teaches blockchain,Cardano, Midnight, Hydra, and Atala PRISM, helping users understand their real-world applications beyond cryptocurrencies through interactive missions.

[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 project will be completely open source

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Context

The problem we aim to address is the widespread lack of understanding about blockchain technology. A large portion of the global population has little to no knowledge of blockchain or associates it solely with cryptocurrencies, which often leads to misconceptions about its true potential. This lack of understanding not only limits the adoption of blockchain but also exposes people to misinformation and malicious actors. Our goal is to demystify blockchain and present it as a versatile and transformative technology beyond cryptocurrencies.

We decided to tackle this problem by developing a gamified educational platform, as games are a proven method of engaging users from various demographics, especially younger generations. By using interactive narratives, missions, and challenges, we can break down complex blockchain concepts into digestible and engaging content. This approach makes learning fun and eliminates the intimidation often associated with technical topics, enabling users to understand the basics regardless of their prior experience or technical knowledge.

We focus on creating an inclusive learning tool that welcomes all users, whether they are blockchain beginners, casual learners, or enthusiasts, through an interactive experience tailored to their level of understanding. The game-based approach is especially effective for younger audiences (ages 14 to 23), who are more likely to engage with educational content through interactive platforms and narratives.

The Game

CryptoGuardians is a gamified educational game where players take on the role of blockchain-specialized detectives within the secret agency "Blockchain Guardians." The game's narrative revolves around a series of missions they must solve, facing technological threats and malicious actors like "The Dark Miners," who attempt to manipulate the blockchain for nefarious purposes.

Gameplay: Players progress through interactive missions that teach key blockchain concepts in a progressive manner. Each mission features a mix of audiovisual storytelling, practical challenges, and mini-games that allow players to apply what they've learned. The educational content is designed to be comprehensible for both beginners and more advanced users. The game adapts to the player's pace and provides instant feedback through interactive questions and challenges.

Reward System: Upon completing each stage or mission, players are rewarded with blockchain-based NFTs. These NFTs serve as certificates of achievement, proving that the player has successfully acquired specific blockchain knowledge. These digital badges add an element of gamified rewards, motivating users to complete more missions and progress through the game while earning verifiable credentials on the blockchain.

Main Objective: Throughout the game, players will learn everything from the fundamentals of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts to more advanced topics such as smart contract development with AIKEN and the unique solutions offered by Cardano. Each mission reinforces learning through practical scenarios that represent real-world problems, and successful completion is marked by an NFT certification.

Who will your project involve?

Our project will involve:

• Blockchain beginners: People who know little or nothing about blockchain and have only heard about cryptocurrencies.
• Young adults (ages 14-23): A key demographic that is digitally native but may lack knowledge about blockchain's broader applications.
• Educators and trainers: Schools, universities, and educators seeking innovative ways to teach blockchain concepts to their students.
• Blockchain enthusiasts: Individuals looking to deepen their knowledge or correct misconceptions about blockchain.

The project’s open, inclusive, and user-friendly design ensures it reaches a broad range of learners, from beginners to those with moderate blockchain knowledge.

How will you demonstrate or prove your impact?

We will measure our impact using several key indicators:

• User engagement: Tracking the number of active users, the time they spend on the platform, and their progress through the learning modules and missions.
• Learning outcomes: Pre- and post-assessments to measure users' knowledge before and after interacting with the platform.
• Feedback: Collecting user feedback and testimonials to assess the effectiveness and clarity of the learning experience.
• Community growth: The number of educators or institutions adopting our platform as a teaching tool.

Additionally, we will track the number of missions completed and user retention over time to ensure they are not only engaged but also completing their educational journey.

What is unique about your solution, who will benefit, and why is this important for Cardano?

Our solution is unique because it combines interactive storytelling with a gamified learning experience that simplifies blockchain for users of all levels. Instead of traditional and static learning methods, we offer a dynamic, narrative-driven educational tool that makes learning blockchain concepts exciting and accessible. The use of missions, puzzles, and real-world scenarios keeps users motivated while gradually increasing their knowledge about blockchain technology.

Incentivized Learning Through NFTs: One of the key differentiators of our platform is the integration of NFT rewards. Each player who completes a mission or learning stage will receive an NFT that acts as a certificate of knowledge acquisition. These NFTs, stored securely on the Cardano blockchain, provide proof of learning and can be shared or showcased as verifiable credentials. This reward system not only adds a layer of engagement but also aligns perfectly with the blockchain technology being taught, enhancing the educational experience by linking theory with real-world blockchain applications.

The main beneficiaries will be people who previously found blockchain too technical or confusing. By giving them the tools to understand blockchain’s broader potential, we are not only educating them but also empowering them to engage with the technology in ways that positively impact their communities and industries.

This solution is particularly important for the Cardano ecosystem because it directly addresses the entry barrier for newcomers to blockchain technology. By expanding understanding and fostering positive engagement with blockchain, especially through an accessible learning framework, we contribute to the growth and adoption of Cardano. Additionally, the game can introduce players to Cardano’s unique features, such as its focus on scalability, sustainability, and inclusive growth, helping drive user adoption and expanding the community.

In summary, we are unlocking the potential of blockchain for a global audience, ensuring that people everywhere can understand and harness the transformative power of this technology, with a particular focus on Cardano's innovative approach.

Project Teaching Methodology

The teaching methodology of this project is based on gamified learning, combining interactive narratives with educational elements to make blockchain learning engaging, accessible, and dynamic for all levels of technical knowledge. Players learn through:

• Interactive Narrative: Players take on the role of detectives in the secret agency "Blockchain Guardians" and progress through an immersive story that presents problems and threats related to the misuse of blockchain technology. The narrative is the primary vehicle that drives the teaching of concepts, with challenges based on the storyline.
• Challenge-Based Missions: Each level presents a specific mission that players must complete. These missions are designed to teach key blockchain concepts in a practical way, engaging players in real-world scenarios where they must apply what they’ve learned to solve problems.
• Audiovisual Learning: Images, videos, and sound effects are used to support the narrative and make abstract concepts more understandable and engaging. Videos include visual explanations of complex topics, and the audio narrates the story and steps to follow.
• Interactivity and Immediate Feedback: Through mini-games, quizzes, and practical exercises embedded within missions, players receive immediate feedback on their performance, allowing them to adjust their understanding and learn from mistakes.
• Gradual and Adaptive Progression: The learning is designed to adapt to each player’s pace. Topics range from basic concepts to advanced subjects, ensuring beginners can keep up without feeling overwhelmed while more advanced users can deepen their knowledge.

Table of Topics Players Will Learn After Completing the Game

Level 1: Introduction to Blockchain - What is blockchain, how does a blockchain work, and the key components of a blockchain.

Level 2: Cryptocurrencies - What are cryptocurrencies, how do they work, and how they differ from traditional currencies.

Level 3: History of Bitcoin - The origin of Bitcoin, the story of Satoshi Nakamoto, and Bitcoin’s impact on the global economy.

Level 4: Blockchain Generations - Blockchain evolution: Blockchain 1.0 (Bitcoin), Blockchain 2.0 (Ethereum), and Blockchain 3.0 (Cardano).

Level 5: Consensus Mechanisms - Differences between Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS), and other consensus mechanisms.

Level 6: Cardano Ecosystem - Introduction to Cardano, its goals for scalability, sustainability, and decentralized governance.

Level 7: Smart Contracts - What are smart contracts, how to write and deploy them, and their applications.

Level 8: AIKEN Programming Language - Introduction to the AIKEN language and how to use it to write smart contracts on the blockchain.

Level 9: Advanced Smart Contract Development - Development, testing, and deployment of complex smart contracts, including security measures.

Level 10: Blockchain Cybersecurity - Identifying and preventing attacks on blockchain networks, including attacks on cryptocurrencies and smart contracts.

Level 11: Blockchain in Industry - Practical applications of blockchain in different sectors: finance, healthcare, logistics, and more.

Level 12: Midnight - What Midnight is, its use cases, and its benefits.

Level 13: Hydra - What Hydra is, its use cases, and its benefits.

Level 14: Solutions to Global Threats - How blockchain can be used to prevent global threats such as financial disasters or cyber-attacks.

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

The success of our project will have a significant positive impact on the Cardano community by addressing a crucial challenge: the widespread lack of understanding of blockchain technology, and specifically, the unique capabilities of Cardano. Our educational platform will lower entry barriers by simplifying complex blockchain concepts and making them accessible to a diverse global audience, regardless of their technical experience.

By focusing on a gamified learning approach, we will achieve:

• Increasing awareness of Cardano's technological advantages (e.g., scalability, sustainability, and security) in an accessible and engaging way.
• Driving the adoption of Cardano by empowering users to not only understand blockchain but also interact with the Cardano ecosystem, including smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps).
• Engaging and educating the next generation of blockchain developers and users, creating a solid foundation for Cardano's long-term growth and sustainability.
• Correcting misconceptions about blockchain by providing a balanced and comprehensive view of its broader applications beyond cryptocurrencies, with a special focus on Cardano.

Additionally, the platform will help bridge the gap between education and real-world application, preparing students to contribute and actively participate in the Cardano ecosystem as developers, users, and advocates.

How will you measure this impact?

We will use quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure impact:

Quantitative Metrics:

User Engagement:

• Number of users completing missions and levels within the platform.
• Time users spend on the platform.
• Retention rates: tracking how many users return to the platform over time.

Knowledge Acquisition:

• Pre- and post-assessments to measure the increase in understanding of blockchain, particularly regarding Cardano’s features.
• Number of users completing advanced missions, such as creating smart contracts using AIKEN on Cardano.

Community Growth:

• Tracking the number of new users joining the Cardano community (e.g., developers, stakers, or ADA holders) after interacting with the platform.
• Monitoring Cardano-specific developer activity initiated through the platform, such as the deployment of smart contracts and dApps on the Cardano network.

Qualitative Metrics:

User Feedback:

• Gathering reviews and testimonials from users about the clarity and effectiveness of the platform in teaching blockchain and Cardano concepts.
• Regular user surveys to understand their experience and how it can be improved.

Feedback from Educators and Institutions:

• Collecting feedback from schools, universities, and training institutions that adopt the platform as a tool for teaching blockchain.
• Collaborating with educators to evaluate how the platform integrates into their curricula.

How will you share the results and opportunities from your project?

We will ensure that the results and opportunities generated by our project are widely shared with the Cardano community through various channels:

Open Access to Educational Materials:

• All educational content (e.g., modules, resources, and guides) will be freely available to the Cardano community. This will include documentation on how to develop smart contracts using Cardano’s tools and resources, especially AIKEN.
• We will offer open-source code for mini-games and challenges, allowing developers to expand or modify the educational platform for other purposes within the Cardano ecosystem.

Collaborative Learning:

• We will collaborate with developers, educators, and Cardano community leaders to create additional missions and levels that reflect the latest developments on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring the content remains relevant and up to date.
• We will encourage contributions from the Cardano community, allowing users to suggest new missions or educational content, promoting a community-driven approach to education.

[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 ability to deliver this project with high levels of confidence and responsibility is based on solid educational and technical expertise:

Blockchain Education Experience:

We have organized over 20 educational events in Ecuador and Paraguay, where I have taught fundamental blockchain concepts and specific features of Cardano, including Project Catalyst. These events have had a significant reach, engaging students and professionals from various sectors, and facilitating early blockchain adoption in these regions.

Participation in Cardano Constitutional Workshops:

I have actively participated in Cardano constitutional workshops, collaborating with the global community to define and improve Cardano’s governance principles. This experience has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the Cardano ecosystem and connect with key leaders and developers.

Technical Experience:

I am a developer with over 10 years of software development experience and strong technical knowledge in blockchain, which allows me to understand and apply the necessary technologies for creating a gamified educational platform. Additionally, I have led the development of projects that involved integrating smart contracts and dApps on blockchain.

Funded Catalyst Projects:

I currently have two funded proposals in Project Catalyst that are underway, demonstrating my ability to manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results. You can review the details on our website: https://crypto-guardians.com.

High-Quality Documentation and Products:

All materials and products generated in these projects feature detailed, high-quality documentation, ensuring that the community can fully benefit from the resources and continue contributing to the development and growth of the ecosystem.

Validation of the Approach's Feasibility:

To validate that our approach is feasible, we will implement the following strategies:

Rapid Iteration and Feedback:

During the development of the educational game, we will apply an iterative development cycle, releasing beta versions of the product to select groups of users to gather early feedback and adjust our approach based on user needs.

Collaboration with the Cardano Community:

We will ensure that our content is aligned with the latest advancements in Cardano through continuous collaboration with the community and key developers. This will also allow us to validate that we are creating a valuable and relevant resource for community members.

Technical Testing and Usability Assessments:

We will validate the platform’s technical capabilities through rigorous testing that will evaluate both the user experience and technical performance, ensuring that the final product is robust, scalable, and accessible.

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

Lanning and Preliminary Design (3 Month)

Deliverables:

• Project planning document, including timeline, budget, and task assignment.
• Initial wireframes and mockups of the game, showcasing the main screens like the mission interface, user menu, and mission structure to teach Cardano, Midnight, and Hydra.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The planning document must be approved by all stakeholders (team, stakeholders, etc.).
• Wireframes and mockups should reflect key functionalities and be approved by the design and development teams.
• Initial review of the game’s narrative and missions, confirming that the story aligns with the educational objectives.

Prototype Development (3 Month)

Deliverables:

• Functional prototype of the game that includes the introduction to the storyline and the first 3 missions (focused on explaining the basics of blockchain, Cardano, and initial concepts of Midnight and Hydra).
• Implementation of the dashboard, mission progress system, and interactive feedback features.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The prototype must be functional, allowing basic user interaction with the mission system.
• The first 3 missions should be playable and include educational content covering blockchain, Cardano, Midnight, and Hydra concepts.
• Initial feedback from test users should be collected and documented for improvements.

Full Game Development (3 Month)

Deliverables:

• A version of the game with 10 fully developed missions covering learning about Cardano, Midnight, and Hydra
• Integration of multimedia elements: audio narration, images, and educational videos to complement the missions.
• Integration with NFT delivery module
• Reward and progress system, including badges and achievements to motivate learning.

Acceptance Criteria:

• All missions must be fully playable, with educational content validated and reviewed by blockchain experts.
• The reward system must work correctly, delivering NFTs to players for completing missions.
• Internal testing should ensure that there are no critical content or gameplay errors.

Launch and Post-Launch Optimization (3 Month)

Deliverables:

• Official launch of the educational platform "Learning Midnight and Hydra through a Game" on the web.
• Complete game documentation, including user guides and resources for educators wanting to use the game as a teaching tool.
• Marketing plan to promote the game within the Cardano and blockchain communities.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The game must be publicly accessible on the web and functional across major browsers.
• Post-launch feedback from users should be gathered to identify areas for improvement.
• The marketing plan must be implemented with initial metrics for outreach and platform adoption.

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

he team is made up of people with great experience in software development, we also have knowledge of blockchain, cardano, the team is mainly composed of:

David Tacuri 

Project Leader / Lead Full Stack Developer

David has extensive experience in software development across various sectors, bringing years of technical expertise in multiple programming languages and databases. He is a passionate advocate for blockchain technology, focusing on its educational potential. David has delivered numerous presentations on blockchain and Cardano at schools and universities in Ecuador and Paraguay, where he educates students and professionals about the benefits and applications of this transformative technology. His deep understanding of blockchain, combined with his experience as a developer, makes him a valuable contributor to blockchain-based educational initiatives

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-patricio-tacuri-lema-256a08b1/

https://github.com/democracyonchain

Roberto Cerrud:

Expert in Smart Contracts Education and  Smart Contracts Expert

Experto en Contratos Inteligentes - Aiken / Líder de Educación

Plutus Pioneer Program. 18+ years of experience as a developer. 25+ years of experience in technical support and DevOps. 8+ years of experience in mining, and extensive knowledge of blockchain technologies.

Currently teaches Haskell and Plutus Cohorts in Emurgo Academy,also provides education about AIKEN, for this reason it will be the suppor

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertojcerrud/

Fernando Yánez

Software Engineer / Full Stack Developer

Fernando has been involved in electoral processes from a technical perspective, possessing knowledge of multiple programming languages. He has worked in various industries, taking on roles such as developer, team leader, and project manager.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-y%C3%A1nez-burbano/

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

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

The project cost represents great value for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

Educational Impact and Long-Term Adoption:

By creating a gamified educational platform, we are helping more people understand and adopt blockchain, particularly Cardano. The project not only educates but also attracts new users and developers, which will benefit Cardano in the future.

Costs Based on Local Rates:

The costs have been calculated considering local rates in Ecuador and Paraguay, which are much lower than in other regions. This allows us to develop the project with an efficient budget without sacrificing quality.

Scalability:

Once the game is up and running, maintenance costs will be low. We can continue creating additional content and missions without significantly increasing expenses, ensuring a continuous impact.

Value to the Community:

This project will educate and empower a new generation of Cardano users and developers. As an accessible tool, it will help more people understand and use Cardano, benefiting the entire ecosystem.