Reward-Driven Gaming Platform

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Henok yitayale

[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

Yosef Ferde

Surafel Negusse

Kaleab Hailemeskel

Fithamlak Teklegenet

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

60000

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

6

[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)

Our solution is a gaming platform that uses Cardano blockchain to reward users for completing tasks and competing in games, driving engagement through transparent, secure, and incentivized gameplay.

[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

Our project will embrace an open-source approach, ensuring that the core components of the platform, particularly those related to the Cardano blockchain, are accessible to the wider developer community. Here’s how we plan to structure the open-source status of our project outputs:

1. Open-Source Core Components

• Blockchain Integration and Smart Contracts: All smart contracts and blockchain-related code developed for the reward distribution, task validation, and game transaction systems will be made open-source. This includes Plutus scripts and Haskell-based components designed to interact with the Cardano blockchain. Making these components available will allow other developers to review, improve, or repurpose them for similar projects, enhancing the ecosystem's collaborative potential.
• APIs and SDKs: Any APIs or software development kits (SDKs) created to enable interactions between games, users, and the Cardano blockchain will be open-sourced. This will allow other developers to build upon the existing infrastructure, integrate their games, or develop complementary features that align with our platform’s goals.

2. Collaborative Development

• Community Contributions: We encourage the wider Cardano community and developers to contribute to the project through collaborative tools such as GitHub. Contributions can range from bug fixes to feature requests and even new integrations. Our team will actively maintain and manage the open-source repository, ensuring quality control and transparent updates.
• Documentation and Tutorials: Comprehensive documentation will accompany all open-source outputs. This will include technical guides, API references, and tutorials that make it easy for new developers to understand the system and contribute. By lowering the barrier to entry, we aim to foster a broader developer community around our project.

3. Licensing

• Permissive Licensing: We plan to adopt a permissive open-source license, such as MIT or Apache 2.0, which allows developers to freely use, modify, and distribute the code. This ensures that the Cardano community and others can benefit from the work while maintaining the flexibility to adapt it for various use cases.
• Attribution: Although the code will be open, proper attribution will be required, ensuring that contributors are recognized for their work while also promoting transparency.

4. Closed-Source Proprietary Components

• Game Logic and Proprietary IP: Certain game-specific logic, proprietary algorithms, and user-interface elements that are central to the competitive edge and monetization of the platform may remain closed-source. This ensures the protection of intellectual property (IP) tied to the gaming experience and business model, while the core blockchain components remain accessible and transparent.
• Monetization Features: In-game purchases, reward mechanisms, and advertising algorithms may be proprietary, as these elements contribute to the financial sustainability of the platform. However, we will still maintain transparency in how these systems interact with the open-source components, ensuring trust and integrity in the overall system.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The proposed solution is a blockchain-based gaming platform that incentivizes users to play games and complete tasks by offering rewards from a shared pool. Built on the Cardano blockchain, the platform ensures transparent and secure reward distribution. Users can compete in various challenges, track their progress on leaderboards, and earn rewards based on performance. The platform integrates in-game purchases, advertisements, and premium memberships to generate revenue, supporting sustainability. With a user-friendly interface and social features, the platform encourages community engagement, while showcasing Cardano’s blockchain capabilities.

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

The Reward-Driven Gaming Platform is designed to offer multiple benefits to the wider Cardano community, leveraging blockchain technology to create a fair, transparent, and engaging gaming environment. Here are the key positive impacts:

1. Increased Adoption and Usage of Cardano:

• Attracting New Users: By offering a fun and rewarding gaming experience, the platform will attract a diverse range of users, including those who may not be familiar with blockchain technology or Cardano. This will drive new user adoption and increase the overall user base of Cardano.
• Integrated Wallets and Transactions: Users will use Cardano wallets for transactions, increasing the number of transactions on the Cardano network and demonstrating the practical use of Cardano for everyday activities.

2. Showcasing Cardano’s Capabilities:

• Transparent and Secure Transactions: Utilizing Cardano’s blockchain technology will ensure that all transactions, including reward distributions and in-game purchases, are transparent and secure, showcasing the benefits of blockchain technology.
• Smart Contract Utilization: The platform will use Cardano’s smart contracts for reward distribution and task validation, highlighting Cardano's capabilities in creating decentralized applications.

3. Economic Growth:

• Revenue Generation: The platform will generate revenue through in-game purchases, advertisements, and premium memberships. A portion of this revenue can be reinvested into the Cardano ecosystem, supporting further development and growth.
• Job Creation: The development and maintenance of the platform will create job opportunities for developers, designers, marketers, and community managers within the Cardano ecosystem.

4. Community Engagement and Growth:

• Building a Community: The platform will foster a strong community of gamers and reward-seekers, providing forums and social features to encourage interaction and engagement. This will contribute to the growth of the Cardano community and increase loyalty to the ecosystem.
• Collaborative Opportunities: The platform will open opportunities for collaboration with other projects within the Cardano ecosystem, such as integrating Cardano NFTs as in-game items or partnering with other decentralized applications (dApps).

5. Educational Impact:

• Blockchain Education: By integrating blockchain technology into a popular and accessible format like gaming, the platform will educate users about blockchain technology and Cardano, increasing blockchain literacy and understanding among the general public.
• Encouraging Innovation: The project will serve as a case study for other developers and entrepreneurs, demonstrating how to successfully implement blockchain technology in gaming and other industries, thereby encouraging further innovation within the Cardano community.

6. Promoting Fair Play and Transparency:

• Fair Reward Distribution: Using blockchain technology ensures that rewards are distributed fairly and transparently, eliminating concerns about biased or manipulated reward systems.
• Anti-Cheat Mechanisms: The platform will implement robust anti-cheat measures using Cardano’s secure infrastructure, promoting a fair and trustworthy gaming environment.

7. Sustainability and Long-Term Growth:

• Sustainable Business Model: The combination of revenue streams, such as in-game purchases, advertisements, and premium memberships, ensures a sustainable business model that can support long-term growth and development.
• Continuous Improvement: Regular updates and new content will keep the platform engaging and relevant, ensuring continuous user growth and retention.

Conclusion

The Reward-Driven Gaming Platform will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by increasing adoption, showcasing Cardano’s capabilities, fostering community engagement, and promoting fair and transparent practices. By creating a fun and rewarding experience for users, the platform will drive growth and innovation within the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to its long-term success and sustainability.

[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 is composed of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise

Henok Yitayale - Lead: Henok is leading the project, bringing exceptional leadership and strategic oversight. His experience in managing blockchain projects ensures the team remains focused on key goals and delivers high-quality outcomes.

Kaleab Hailemeskel - Software Engineering: Kaleab is responsible for the software engineering aspect of the project. With significant experience in blockchain development and software systems, he is well-equipped to handle the technical challenges of integrating Cardano's blockchain capabilities into the gaming platform.

Yosef Ferede - Management: Yosef is overseeing the project’s management, ensuring smooth operations, resource allocation, and that all timelines are met. With extensive management

experience, he ensures that the project remains efficient and effective.

Experience with Cardano Projects

Having reviewed multiple projects within the Cardano ecosystem, our team has gained a clear understanding of how Cardano operates, including its decentralized governance, scalability features, and the use of smart contracts. This experience allows us to confidently build a solution that leverages the strengths of Cardano’s blockchain, ensuring transparency, security, and scalability.

By combining our team’s technical expertise with strategic hiring of experienced professionals in blockchain and gaming, we are confident in our ability to deliver a high-quality, innovative platform that will have a positive impact on the Cardano community.

To ensure the success of our Reward-Driven Gaming Platform, we plan to hire highly skilled professionals who bring deep expertise in relevant areas such as blockchain development, game design, and user experience. We are focusing on assembling a team with a balance of strong technical skills and proven experience in the Cardano ecosystem. Here's our approach to hiring and collaboration:

1. Hiring Highly Skilled Professionals

• Blockchain Developers: We aim to recruit blockchain developers with extensive experience in smart contract development, security, and decentralized application (dApp) architecture. These developers will ensure that the platform’s reward mechanisms and gaming features are seamlessly integrated into the Cardano blockchain.
• Game Developers and Designers: In addition to blockchain expertise, we plan to hire game developers with a proven track record of creating engaging, interactive, and user-friendly gaming experiences. Designers will focus on creating a compelling user interface that drives engagement and user retention.
• Data Analysts and Backend Developers: Skilled professionals in data analysis and backend development will ensure that the platform runs efficiently, handling large volumes of user data and transactions with optimal performance.

2. Collaborating with Experienced Cardano Developers

• Experienced Cardano Developers: We are exploring opportunities to collaborate with developers who have been actively involved in the Cardano ecosystem for a long time. These developers possess in-depth knowledge of Cardano’s blockchain structure, smart contract deployment, and the broader technical environment. Their insights will be invaluable in ensuring our platform is aligned with Cardano’s best practices and cutting-edge developments.
• Partnerships with Cardano-Specific Teams: We also intend to form strategic partnerships with teams or individuals who have successfully deployed projects on Cardano, such as those who have built decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions, non-fungible token (NFT) projects, or other decentralized platforms. These partnerships will allow us to leverage their experience and expertise to accelerate our development and adoption process.

3. Key Skills Sought in Candidates

• Proficiency in Haskell/Plutus: Candidates with a strong command of Haskell and Plutus (languages used for Cardano smart contracts) will be highly prioritized.
• Experience with Decentralized Applications (dApps): We are looking for developers who have successfully built and deployed dApps, particularly on Cardano.
• Security and Scalability: Developers with a focus on building secure, scalable solutions will play a critical role in ensuring that the gaming platform can handle large user volumes while maintaining security standards.
• Cross-Platform Development: Developers with experience in building applications that work across web and mobile platforms will be crucial for delivering a seamless gaming experience to all users.

4. Ensuring Long-Term Success

• By hiring and collaborating with experienced professionals, including those who have been in the Cardano ecosystem for an extended period, we will be able to develop a platform that not only functions effectively but also integrates with Cardano’s long-term vision. These experts will help us navigate technical challenges, improve user experiences, and remain adaptive to changes in the ecosystem.

This hiring strategy ensures that we have the right mix of talent—both in-house and through collaborations—fostering innovation, quality development, and a scalable, secure platform that meets the needs of the Cardano community.

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

Project Planning and Team Formation

1. Project Kickoff Meeting: Initial meeting to align on project goals, timelines, and responsibilities.
2. Team Assembly: Recruiting and onboarding skilled professionals, including developers, designers, marketers, and community managers.
3. Project Plan Development: Detailed project plan outlining milestones, timelines, and deliverables.

Market Research and Validation

1. User Surveys and Focus Groups: Conducting surveys and focus groups to gather insights from potential users.
2. Competitor Analysis: Analyzing existing gaming and reward platforms to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
3. Market Validation Report: Compiling findings into a comprehensive report to guide platform development.

Conceptualization and Prototyping

1. Wireframes and Mockups: Creating initial wireframes and mockups of the platform’s user interface and experience.
2. Prototype Development: Developing a clickable prototype to visualize user interactions and gather initial feedback.
3. User Testing: Conducting usability testing sessions with potential users to refine the prototype based on feedback.

Technical Development

1. Backend Development: Building the server infrastructure, database, and core functionalities required for the platform.
2. Frontend Development: Developing the user interface and integrating it with the backend systems.
3. Blockchain Integration: Implementing Cardano blockchain technology for reward distribution, task validation, and secure transactions.
4. Smart Contract Development: Writing and testing smart contracts to automate reward distribution and task verification.

Security and Compliance

1. Security Audits: Conducting thorough security audits to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
2. Compliance Review: Ensuring the platform complies with relevant regulations and standards, including data protection laws and gaming regulations.

Alpha Testing and Iteration

1. Internal Testing: Conducting internal testing to identify and fix bugs, optimize performance, and refine features.
2. Alpha Release: Releasing an alpha version to a small group of users for initial feedback and further testing.
3. Feedback Incorporation: Gathering feedback from alpha testers and making necessary improvements and adjustments.

Beta Testing and Community Engagement

1. Beta Testing Launch: Expanding testing to a larger group of users, including community members, to identify any remaining issues and gather broader feedback.
2. Community Building: Engaging with the community through forums, social media, and events to build a loyal user base and gather ongoing feedback.
3. Final Adjustments: Making final improvements based on beta testing feedback to ensure a polished and user-friendly platform.

Official Launch

1. Launch Event: Organizing a launch event to introduce the platform to the public, including live demonstrations and special offers.
2. User Onboarding: Providing resources and support to help new users get started, including tutorials and customer support.

Post-Launch Support and Continuous Improvement

1. Ongoing User Support: Establishing a robust customer support system to assist users with any issues or questions.
2. Regular Updates: Continuously updating the platform with new games, features, and improvements based on user feedback and market trends.
3. Performance Monitoring: Monitoring platform performance and user engagement metrics to identify areas for further enhancement.

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

Project Team and Their Roles

Our project team consists of highly experienced professionals, each bringing a specific set of skills to ensure the successful development and launch of the Reward-Driven Gaming Platform:

1. Henok Yitayale - Project Lead:
2. Henok oversees the entire project, providing strategic direction and leadership. His role includes aligning the team’s efforts with the project’s goals, managing resources, and ensuring that timelines are met. Henok’s experience in blockchain project leadership will guide the team through key milestones and ensure the platform delivers value to its users and the broader Cardano community.
3. Kaleab Hailemeskel - Software Engineering Lead:
4. Kaleab is responsible for the technical development of the platform, focusing on backend infrastructure, system architecture, and the integration of Cardano’s blockchain. His deep experience in software engineering ensures that the platform is secure, scalable, and optimized for high performance.
5. Yosef Ferede - Management:
6. Yosef handles the day-to-day management of the project, including overseeing team operations, ensuring efficient communication, and managing timelines and deliverables. His strong management background ensures that the project is running smoothly, and any issues are addressed promptly.
7. Fithamlak Teklegenet - Marketing Lead:
8. Fithamlak is an experienced marketer responsible for promoting the platform to a broad audience, including the Cardano community and beyond. She will develop marketing strategies, manage community engagement, and run promotional campaigns that drive user acquisition. Her role is crucial for building a vibrant community of users and increasing the platform's visibility.
9. Surafel Negusse - On-Chain Programmer:
10. Surafel is the project’s on-chain programmer, responsible for integrating blockchain functionality, specifically on the Cardano network. He will work on smart contract development, on-chain task validation, and secure transactions. His expertise ensures that the blockchain components are reliable, secure, and efficiently implemented.

Key Roles and Impact

• Leadership and Strategy: Henok’s leadership ensures that the project moves forward with a clear vision and strategy, while Yosef manages the operational aspects to keep everything on track.
• Technical Expertise: Kaleab and Surafel bring critical technical skills in software engineering and blockchain development, making sure that the platform operates smoothly and securely on the Cardano blockchain.
• Marketing and User Engagement: Fithamlak’s experience in marketing will play a pivotal role in driving user engagement, ensuring that the platform attracts a broad and active user base from the Cardano ecosystem and beyond.

By bringing together professionals with expertise in leadership, management, software development, blockchain programming, and marketing, our team is well-equipped to deliver a high-quality, engaging platform that leverages the strengths of Cardano’s blockchain technology.

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

Here’s a revised cost breakdown where the team members are working for free, and the entire $20,000 is allocated toward the project development and associated costs:

App Development and Infrastructure  

• Blockchain Integration and Smart Contracts Development: $6,000  
• This budget will be used for developing and deploying the necessary smart contracts, integrating them into the Cardano blockchain, and ensuring their security and efficiency.

• Frontend and Backend Development: $5,000  
• Allocated for building the user interface (UI) and backend systems for the platform. This includes designing a user-friendly interface, setting up the game mechanics, and ensuring a seamless interaction between users and the blockchain.

• App Infrastructure and Cloud Hosting: $3,500  
• Covering the costs of cloud services, servers, and databases required to run the platform at scale. This includes ensuring the platform is scalable, secure, and capable of handling increased traffic as users engage with the system.

• Security Audits and Testing: $3,000  
• Allocated for performing security audits and comprehensive testing of the platform, including the smart contracts, to ensure safety for users and that there are no vulnerabilities.

• User Onboarding and Wallet Integration: $1,500  
• This budget is for integrating user wallets (Cardano wallets) into the platform, making it easy for players to engage with the game using their wallets for rewards, as well as onboarding features.

• Marketing and Community Engagement Tools: $1,000  
• Tools for building a community around the platform, such as integrating social media sharing, offering tutorials, and building marketing campaigns to attract new users to the platform.

Total Budget: $20,000

In this scenario, the entire budget is focused on the technical and infrastructure aspects of the project, ensuring the platform is built with a solid foundation while the team volunteers their time and expertise to complete the project. This approach maximizes development efficiency and prioritizes the technical buildout.

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

The cost of the Reward-Driven Gaming Platform represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by driving user engagement, showcasing the utility of the blockchain, and creating new economic opportunities. Here's how:

1. Increased User Adoption
2. Onboarding New Users: The platform is designed to attract a wide range of users, including non-blockchain gamers, to the Cardano ecosystem. As these users interact with the blockchain through our platform, they are introduced to Cardano’s capabilities, leading to increased adoption. Each new user brings potential long-term engagement, whether through staking, participating in governance, or exploring other dApps on Cardano.
3. Retention and Engagement: By offering a reward-based gaming experience, users are incentivized to stay engaged with the ecosystem. This contributes to a more active and involved user base, which in turn strengthens the overall network.
4. Demonstrating Cardano’s Technical Potential
5. Showcasing Cardano’s Blockchain Strengths: The platform highlights Cardano’s strengths in terms of security, scalability, and cost-efficiency. It demonstrates the practical application of Cardano’s smart contracts and blockchain integration within a gaming environment, helping to validate Cardano as a go-to blockchain for dApps beyond just DeFi or NFTs.
6. Expanding Use Cases: By creating a new use case for Cardano—gaming and reward distribution—the project contributes to diversifying the ecosystem. This diversification enhances the overall value proposition of the Cardano blockchain, attracting developers from different sectors and creating more dApp opportunities.
7. Economic Benefits for the Ecosystem
8. Revenue Generation: The project introduces various revenue streams, such as in-game purchases, premium memberships, and advertising. A portion of these revenues can be used to support further development within the Cardano ecosystem or contribute to staking pools, thereby supporting Cardano’s long-term economic growth.
9. Community Rewards: By enabling users to earn rewards through gaming, the project contributes to wealth distribution within the ecosystem. Users who are rewarded can reinvest their tokens back into the Cardano ecosystem, fueling further economic activity, such as staking or purchasing other Cardano-based products.
10. Low-Cost, High-Impact Marketing for Cardano
11. Marketing and Visibility: By creating a popular and engaging platform, the project serves as a form of organic marketing for Cardano. As the platform grows and attracts users, more attention will be drawn to the Cardano blockchain, potentially leading to partnerships, media coverage, and heightened interest in the ecosystem.
12. Efficient Use of Resources
13. Skilled Team and Strategic Hiring: The budget allocation for highly skilled professionals and experienced team members ensures the funds are being invested in a competent workforce that can deliver results efficiently. Strategic hiring also minimizes the risks of project failure or delays, ensuring timely delivery.
14. Focus on Scalability and Security: By prioritizing scalable and secure development practices, the platform will be built to handle growth, preventing the need for expensive overhauls or system fixes post-launch. This proactive approach ensures that the resources invested upfront yield long-term benefits.
15. Long-Term Sustainability
16. Self-Sustaining Model: The platform's revenue model is designed to sustain itself over the long term, reducing dependence on ongoing external funding. This means that the initial investment made by the Cardano community will lead to a long-lasting platform that continues to bring value to the ecosystem without requiring constant financial support.
17. Expanding the Ecosystem: As more users join and engage with the platform, the Cardano ecosystem grows, driving network effects. The initial cost investment helps spark this growth, which will continue to benefit Cardano even beyond the life of the project.

Conclusion

The cost of the Reward-Driven Gaming Platform represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem by providing both immediate and long-term benefits. It fosters user adoption, demonstrates Cardano’s technological capabilities, creates economic opportunities, and strengthens the community’s engagement—all while using resources efficiently and strategically.