The Pixel War: A Revolutionary Fully On-Chain Gaming Experience Crafted on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Johnny Tran

[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

Oliver - Warland Corp

[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)

We aim to use gaming to boost on-chain activities on Cardano by attracting more users and increasing daily transactions through compelling gameplay and a sustainable economic model

[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

[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 the following elements of our code open source:

1. Smart Contracts: The code governing the game mechanics and economic model will be open for community review and contribution.
2. Game Assets: All non-sensitive game assets, including artwork and designs, will be made available for public use and modification.
3. APIs: The APIs used for interacting with the Cardano blockchain will be open source to allow third-party developers to integrate their services.
4. Documentation: Comprehensive documentation on how to use the open-source components will also be available, promoting better collaboration and understanding within the community.

These elements aim to foster transparency, community collaboration, and innovation while ensuring proprietary elements and underlying infrastructure remain protected.

[METADATA] Horizons

Gaming (GameFi)

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution: The Pixel War

Our solution is an innovative game titled The Pixel War, designed to enhance on-chain activities within the Cardano blockchain. The core concept revolves around a competitive and creative gaming experience where players can claim and color individual pixels on a game map using their chosen colors, similar to the Pixel game on Reddit but with more detailed mechanics.

Core Features:

1. Gameplay Modes:

• PvP Mode: Players are randomly matched against each other in a 20x20 pixel map filled with white pixels. In 30 seconds, players aim to change as many pixels to their chosen color as possible, with a ranking system rewarding victories.
• Clan Mode: Players can join clans of up to 100 members. In Cup tournaments, clans compete on a 100x100 map to dominate pixel colors over a 48-hour period, fostering teamwork and competition. Each member must wait 10 seconds before placing another pixel to ensure strategic gameplay.
• World Map: A creative space where players can collaborate with their clans to create pixel art, showcasing their unique community identities. At the end of each season, the community will vote on the best creations.

Objectives of the Game:

The primary goal is to stimulate on-chain activities on Cardano through a novel gaming experience. The gameplay emphasizes competition among individuals and clans, while also building a unique community culture. This culture celebrates individuality, loyalty, and a commitment to preserving shared identities through pixel art on the world map.

Economic Model:

The Pixel War will be a fully on-chain game, where each pixel placement correlates with a transaction on the blockchain, specifically during world map interactions. For PvP and clan battles, players can freely engage, while reward distribution and asset management will be integrated smoothly within the game mechanics.

Player Onboarding:

We will leverage existing gaming communities on the blockchain that are actively engaged. Our team, Passion Guild, has extensive experience in blockchain gaming since 2021 and has established connections within various gaming communities. These communities and DAOs will help lay the groundwork for the game, cultivating its culture and expanding the branding of The Pixel War and Cardano.

Through The Pixel War, we aim to create an engaging, on-chain gaming experience that enhances Cardano’s ecosystem while fostering community and creativity.

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

The Pixel War project will create several positive impacts on the wider Cardano community:

1. Increased On-Chain Activity: By offering a compelling gaming experience, The Pixel War will stimulate more transactions on the Cardano blockchain, fostering user engagement and increasing overall network utility.
2. Community Building: The game encourages collaboration and competition within clans, promoting social interaction and community spirit. This can lead to stronger ties among players and enhance the sense of belonging within the Cardano ecosystem.
3. Attracting New Users: The unique gameplay and engaging mechanics are designed to attract not only existing Cardano users but also new players from other gaming ecosystems. This influx of users can benefit the entire Cardano community.
4. Promoting Creativity: The game’s world map allows players to express their creativity through pixel art, encouraging artistic collaboration and innovation, which can enhance community identity and pride.
5. Educational Opportunities: As players engage with the game mechanics related to blockchain transactions, they will gain hands-on experience with Cardano’s capabilities, contributing to greater understanding and awareness of blockchain technology.
6. Enhanced Branding for Cardano: By establishing a successful and unique game, The Pixel War will serve as a showcase for Cardano’s capabilities, helping to elevate its profile within the blockchain and gaming communities.
7. Sustainable Economic Models: The game's economic design encourages players to participate in a fair and rewarding environment, which can inspire similar projects on Cardano, further enriching the ecosystem.

Through these impacts, The Pixel War aims to strengthen the broader Cardano community, fostering growth, innovation, and user engagement.

[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 capability to deliver The Pixel War project with high levels of trust and accountability is anchored in several key factors, particularly our expertise in utilizing the Cardano blockchain and its associated technologies:

1. Experienced and Skilled Team

• Our project team, which includes both Passion Guild and Warlands Corp., consists of professionals with extensive backgrounds in blockchain technology, game development, and smart contract programming. Our proficiency in Plutus, the smart contract development language specific to Cardano, ensures that we can create secure and efficient contracts tailored to the needs of The Pixel War. This technical expertise supports our commitment to delivering a high-quality, reliable project.

2. Transparent Development Process

• We prioritize transparency by maintaining open channels of communication with our community. Regular updates on our development milestones, challenges encountered, and project progress will be shared publicly. This transparency fosters trust among stakeholders, as they can see our accountability in action.

3. Community Engagement and Feedback

• Engaging the community is a cornerstone of our development strategy. We plan to involve players and community members in the design and testing phases of The Pixel War. By gathering feedback and suggestions, we can ensure the game aligns with user expectations, thus reinforcing trust and mutual ownership of the project.

4. Rigorous Security and Validation Practices

• We intend to implement robust security practices, including code audits by third-party services specializing in Cardano blockchain security. This will help us identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in our smart contracts and overall platform. By adhering to Cardano’s best practices and standards, we enhance the trustworthiness of our project.

5. Feasibility Validation

• To validate our approach's feasibility, we will:
• Conduct comprehensive market research to assess user demand for blockchain-based games and identify competitive landscapes.
• Develop a prototype of the game mechanics and run closed beta tests with selected community members to evaluate engagement and gather insightful feedback.
• Utilize data analytics to monitor user interactions, balance gameplay, and assess the economic model of the game. This data-driven approach helps us refine our strategies and ensures that the project is on the right path.

6. Education and Knowledge Sharing

• By developing The Pixel War, we aim to educate our team and community about Cardano's smart contract capabilities and decentralized application development. This knowledge-sharing not only prepares us for the technical challenges ahead but also cultivates a more knowledgeable ecosystem around Cardano.

7. Alignment with Cardano’s Values

• Our project is designed to align with the values and goals of the Cardano ecosystem, including scalability, security, and sustainability. By leveraging Cardano's unique features, such as the Extended UTXO (EUTXO) model, we can create innovative gaming experiences that enhance the overall utility of the platform.

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

Month 1: Concept Development and Planning

• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research to understand target audience and competitive landscape.
• KPI: Number of competitor games analyzed, Key findings regarding target audience preferences (e.g., preferred game genres, monetization models), Identified market gaps and opportunities.
• Tracking Method: Maintain a detailed research report documenting competitor analysis, Surveys and focus groups with potential players, Analysis of existing blockchain game data and market trends (e.g., DAU/MAU of similar games). These findings will be summarized in a presentation and a written report.

• Game Design Document (GDD): Create a comprehensive GDD outlining gameplay mechanics, features, art style, and economic model.
• KPI: Completion of a comprehensive GDD, Number of iterations and revisions of the GDD, Feedback score from internal review (e.g., based on a rubric scoring clarity, completeness, and feasibility).
• Tracking Method: Version control system (e.g., Git) for tracking GDD revisions, Regular internal review meetings with feedback documented and tracked in a shared document, Completion checklist for all required sections of the GDD.

• Technical Feasibility Study: Assess technical requirements, blockchain integration, and security measures.
• KPI: Identification of key technologies and tools required, Completion of a technical architecture design, Assessment of the scalability and security of the proposed architecture, Identification and mitigation of potential technical risks.
• Tracking Method: Detailed technical design document outlining the chosen technologies, architecture diagrams, Risk assessment matrix documenting identified risks, mitigation strategies, and assigned responsibilities, Proof-of-concept implementation of critical components (e.g., a basic smart contract demonstrating core game logic). This will be documented with code commits and a technical report.

Month 2: Prototype Development

• Prototype Creation: Develop a functional prototype for PvP mode to test core gameplay mechanics.
• KPI: Functional prototype of the PvP mode demonstrating core gameplay mechanics (e.g., pixel placement, combat, resource management), Code coverage of implemented features (using unit tests), Number of critical bugs identified and resolved during development.
• Tracking Method: Version control system (Git) to track code changes and progress, Unit tests to measure code coverage and functionality, Bug tracking system (e.g., Jira) to log and track bug reports, Demonstration video showcasing the functional prototype and key features.

• Internal Testing: Conduct internal testing to identify and resolve gameplay issues and bugs.
• KPI: Number of testers involved, Number of bug reports submitted, Average severity of bugs reported (categorized by severity levels: critical, major, minor), Time taken to resolve critical bugs.
• Tracking Method: Bug tracking system (Jira) to manage bug reports, Test cases documenting scenarios and expected results, Test reports summarizing findings and recommendations, Meeting minutes documenting discussions and decisions related to bug fixes.

• Feedback Integration: Analyze feedback from internal testing and adjust mechanics accordingly.
• KPI: Number of changes made based on internal testing feedback, Percentage of high-severity bugs addressed, Overall improvement score based on pre- and post-feedback versions (using a defined scoring rubric focused on gameplay flow, balance, and user experience).
• Tracking Method: Version control system (Git) to track code changes, Document detailing changes implemented based on feedback, Updated test cases reflecting changes made, Updated demonstration video showcasing improvements.

Month 3: Community Engagement and Iteration

• Closed Beta Testing: Launch a closed beta testing phase with a select group of players to gather feedback.
• KPI: Number of beta testers participating, Number of hours of gameplay logged by testers, Number of bug reports submitted during beta testing, Average player rating/satisfaction score (using a survey or in-game feedback mechanism), Player retention rate (percentage of testers who continue playing after initial access).
• Tracking Method: Beta testing platform (e.g., dedicated Discord server, specialized testing platform) for communication and bug reporting, In-game analytics tracking gameplay metrics (hours played, features used, etc.), Surveys and questionnaires to gather player feedback on various aspects of the game, Bug tracking system (e.g., Jira) to manage and prioritize bug reports, Regular progress reports summarizing player feedback and key findings.

• Refinement of Features: Make necessary adjustments based on beta testing feedback, focusing on gameplay dynamics and user experience.
• KPI: Number of features adjusted or redesigned based on beta feedback, Percentage of critical bugs fixed from beta testing, Improvement in average player rating/satisfaction score compared to pre-beta testing, Reduction in player churn rate (loss of players) after implementing changes.
• Tracking Method: Version control system (Git) to track code changes and updates, Detailed documentation outlining changes made based on beta feedback, Updated test cases reflecting changes implemented, A/B testing of different versions of features to compare player engagement and satisfaction, Post-beta survey to measure the impact of changes.

Month 4: Full Game Development

• Full Game Development: Develop the complete game, including all modes (PvP, Clan, World Map) and artwork.
• KPI: Completion of all game modes (PvP, Clan, World Map), Completion of all game art assets (characters, environments, UI), Integration of all game features as defined in the GDD, Code coverage of all implemented features (using unit and integration tests), Number of critical bugs identified and resolved during development.
• Tracking Method: Project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana) to track task completion and progress, Version control system (Git) to track code changes and manage code branches, Asset management system to track the progress of art asset creation, Regular progress reports and meetings to review progress and address any roadblocks, Playtesting sessions to evaluate the overall game experience and identify bugs.

• Blockchain Integration: Implement on-chain features, including pixel transactions, ranking systems, and rewards.
• KPI: Successful implementation of all on-chain features (pixel transactions, ranking systems, rewards), Number of smart contracts deployed, Transaction throughput and latency of on-chain features, Security of smart contracts (verified through internal testing and code review).
• Tracking Method: Smart contract testing framework to verify the functionality and security of smart contracts, Monitoring tools to track transaction throughput and latency, Code review process to ensure code quality and security, Documentation of all smart contracts and their functionalities, Successful integration tests demonstrating seamless interaction between the game and the blockchain.

• Security Audits: Conduct security audits of smart contracts and the game platform to ensure user safety.
• KPI: Number of vulnerabilities identified during security audits, Severity level of identified vulnerabilities (critical, high, medium, low), Time taken to remediate identified vulnerabilities, Completion of all recommended security fixes.
• Tracking Method: Engagement of external security auditing firm, Detailed audit reports documenting identified vulnerabilities and remediation recommendations, Tracking system to monitor the progress of vulnerability remediation, Post-audit security testing to validate the effectiveness of implemented fixes.

Month 5: Launch Preparation

• Marketing Campaign: Develop and execute a marketing strategy targeting gaming and blockchain communities.
• KPI: Reach (number of people exposed to marketing materials), Engagement (likes, shares, comments, website visits, etc.), Leads (number of sign-ups for newsletters, beta access, etc.), Conversion rate (percentage of leads who become active players), Brand awareness (measured through surveys or social media sentiment analysis).
• Tracking Method: Social media analytics (tracking posts, engagement, reach), Website analytics (Google Analytics), Marketing automation tools (for email marketing and lead tracking), A/B testing of different marketing materials to optimize performance, Post-campaign surveys to assess brand awareness and overall effectiveness.

• Final Beta Testing: Conduct a final round of testing with a larger audience to polish the game before launch.
• KPI: Number of beta testers, Number of bug reports submitted, Average player rating/satisfaction score, Server stability and performance (measured through metrics like uptime, latency, and concurrent users), Identification and resolution of critical bugs and performance issues.
• Tracking Method: Open beta testing platform (e.g., Steam, dedicated website), In-game analytics to monitor player behavior and performance metrics, Bug tracking system (e.g., Jira) to manage bug reports, Server monitoring tools to track performance and stability, Player feedback forums and surveys to gather feedback.

Month 6: Launch and Post-Launch

• Official Launch: Release The Pixel War to the public on the Cardano blockchain.
• KPI: Number of downloads/registrations, Number of daily/monthly active users (DAU/MAU), Peak concurrent users, Server stability and performance during launch, Media coverage and social media buzz surrounding the launch, Transaction volume on the Cardano blockchain related to the game.
• Tracking Method: Game analytics platform (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to monitor user engagement and performance, Server monitoring tools to track performance and stability, Social media monitoring tools to track mentions and sentiment, Blockchain explorer to monitor transaction volume, Press releases and media outreach to generate coverage.

• Post-Launch Support and Updates: Establish ongoing player support and gather feedback for future updates and improvements.
• KPI: Response time to player support requests, Player satisfaction with support services, Number of bug fixes and improvements implemented post-launch, Retention rate of players over time, Community engagement (measured through forum activity, social media interaction, etc.), Identification and prioritization of player feedback for future updates.
• Tracking Method: Ticketing system for player support requests, Player surveys and feedback forms to gather feedback, Version control system (Git) to track updates and bug fixes, In-game analytics to monitor player behavior and identify areas for improvement, Community forums and social media channels to monitor player discussions and gather feedback.

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

Founder & Project Management: Johnny Tran

• Role: As the Founder of Passion Guild, Johnny Tran oversees the overall direction and management of the project. He is responsible for strategic planning, stakeholder communication, and ensuring that the project aligns with its vision and goals.
• LinkedIn: Johnny Tran

Tech Lead: Oliver

• Role: As the CEO of Warlands Corp, Oliver leads the technical aspects of the project. He oversees the development team, coordinates the integration of blockchain technologies, and ensures that all technical components align with the game's design and security requirements.
• LinkedIn: Oliver Perez Parada

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

1. Personnel Costs

• Founder & Project Management: ₳15,000
• Project oversight, strategic planning, and management.
• Tech Lead: ₳15,000
• Technical leadership and management of development processes.
• Game Designer: ₳18,000
• Game mechanics and features design.
• Art Director: ₳12,000
• Visual design, character, and environment development.
• Community Manager: ₳10,000
• Engagement with the community and feedback collection.
• Marketing Specialist: ₳13,000
• Development and execution of marketing strategies.
• Developers (2 positions): ₳20,000
• Game development, programming, and coding tasks.

2. Development Costs

• Game Engine and Software Licenses: ₳5,000
• Costs associated with using game engines (e.g., Unity) and necessary software tools.
• Testing and Quality Assurance: ₳5,000
• Hiring testers or resources for playtesting and ensuring game quality.

3. Marketing and Promotion

• Marketing Campaign: ₳22,000
• Increased budget for advertising, promotional materials, and community outreach efforts.

4. Miscellaneous Costs

• Contingency Fund: ₳7,000
• Set aside for unexpected expenses or emergencies during development.
• Legal and Administrative Fees: ₳5,000
• Costs for securing intellectual property and other legal needs.

Total Cost Breakdown

Personnel Costs: ₳108,000

Game Engine and Software Licenses: ₳5,000

Testing and Quality Assurance: ₳5,000

Marketing Campaign: ₳22,000

Contingency Fund: ₳7,000

Legal and Administrative Fees: ₳5,000

Grand Total: ₳140,000

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

The cost of the Pixel War project, totaling ₳140,000, represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several key ways:

1. Innovative Integration of Cardano Blockchain

• The project leverages Cardano’s robust blockchain capabilities to enhance gaming experiences. By integrating decentralized finance (DeFi) elements, players can benefit from secure, transparent transactions and asset ownership. This innovation demonstrates the utility and adaptability of the Cardano ecosystem in real-world applications.

2. Community Engagement and Growth

• With a substantial emphasis on community involvement through feedback and outreach, the Pixel War enhances user engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. By attracting gamers and blockchain enthusiasts, the project fosters the growth of the Cardano community and promotes the adoption of its technology.

3. Job Creation and Economic Activity

• The project creates job opportunities in software development, game design, marketing, and community management. This economic activity supports local and global talent within the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to its overall growth and sustainability.

4. Potential for High Returns on Investment

• As a gaming project, The Pixel War has the potential to attract a large user base, translating into significant revenue generation through in-game purchases, tokenomics, and partnerships. The initial investment of ₳140,000 can yield high returns, benefitting investors and the broader ecosystem.

5. Promotion of Cardano’s Values

• By aligning with Cardano’s commitment to scalability, interoperability, and security, the project serves as a model for future blockchain gaming endeavors. The project not only showcases Cardano's capabilities but also reinforces its reputation as a platform for innovative and sustainable solutions.

6. Educational Contributions

• The development of The Pixel War can serve as an educational tool, demonstrating the intricacies of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and game development. This knowledge-sharing can empower community members and encourage further experimentation and innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.

7. Diverse Financial Ecosystem

• The project provides diverse financial opportunities within the gaming landscape. By introducing an in-game economy that interacts with Cardano’s broader DeFi ecosystem, it creates new avenues for users to earn, trade, and utilize assets, thus enhancing the overall functionality and appeal of the Cardano ecosystem.

In summary, the Pixel War project represents a strategic investment that aligns with the Cardano ecosystem's values, promotes community engagement, and has the potential to generate economic activity and education. The ₳140,000 budget, therefore, reflects not only the project's operational costs but also its potential to drive growth and innovation within the Cardano ecosystem, offering substantial value for money.