UE NMKR Connect 🔌 - Cardano NFT Plugin for Unreal Engine 5

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

UE NMKR Connect 🔌 - Cardano NFT Plugin for Unreal Engine 5

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

47000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

8

[Proposal Summary] Translation Information

Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated

No

Original Language

en

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Game developers lack simple tools to use Cardano NFTs in Unreal Engine 5, blocking adoption in gaming and limiting Cardano’s GameFi potential.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://rocsi.eu
,
• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VA0W-S2R1RMWAqAf6A7OEsIWaZbL39L-Ylv-YltsCNI

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

NMKR API for core NFT data & checkout. Unreal Engine 5 plugin framework & APIs. Cardano APIs (Blockfrost/GraphQL) for ownership verification.

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

The project uses a dual-licensing model: MIT license for the GitHub release (core plugin fully open source for transparency and community contributions) and commercial licensing for Epic Games Marketplace (Fab) with added support, documentation, and packaging. This ensures adoption while funding sustainable development through optional commercial sales.

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.

Gaming

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).

UE NMKR Connect is the first Unreal Engine 5 plugin purpose-built for Cardano NFT integration. Its hybrid NMKR–blockchain architecture with Blueprint abstraction removes technical barriers, enabling seamless NFT ownership verification and in-game utility. This makes Cardano integration accessible to mainstream game developers for the first time.

Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.

Our MVP will deliver a fully functional UE5 plugin with real-time NFT ownership verification, NMKR checkout integration, Blueprint nodes for game logic, and UMG widgets for UI. A demo game will showcase NFT inventory, purchase flows, and cross-platform support. The plugin will be available open-source on GitHub and commercially on the UE Marketplace. Beta releases will include community testing, with full documentation and tutorials demonstrating integration workflows.

Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.

• On-chain: 100+ NFT transactions, wallet verification for test users, integration in 1–2 game prototypes
• Off-chain: 50+ plugin downloads, feedback from 5+ developers, 1 published demo game using NFTs
• Timeline: 3–6 months for prototype adoption, 12 months for ecosystem insights
• Tracking: Blockchain explorers, GitHub analytics, community feedback

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

UE NMKR Connect is an Unreal Engine 5 plugin that removes the technical and financial barriers to integrating Cardano NFTs into games. Instead of requiring blockchain expertise or costly custom development, it provides ready-to-use tools:

• NMKR API integration for NFT data and purchases
• Wallet verification via public APIs (no private keys needed)
• Blueprint & C++ interfaces for developers of all levels
• Optimized caching for fast, cross-platform performance

How it addresses the problem

Developers can integrate Cardano NFTs in hours, not months, reducing costs by up to 90%. Players enjoy secure, familiar purchase flows and instant ownership verification. For Cardano, it means more NFT utility, more transactions, and a stronger presence in the $180B gaming market.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

UE NMKR Connect lowers barriers for UE5 developers to adopt Cardano, positioning the ecosystem as a gaming-friendly blockchain. By providing a ready-to-use NFT integration plugin, it:

• Expands the developer ecosystem: Attracts mainstream game creators who bring UX and monetization expertise into Cardano.
• Drives economic activity: Increases ADA transaction volume and gives existing NFT collections new in-game utility.
• Builds long-term positioning: Establishes Cardano as the go-to chain for GameFi and digital ownership, catalyzing a network effect of more games, players, and developers.
• Strengthens community projects: Empowers NFT creators and communities to extend utility, while open-source development allows community contributions and innovation.
• Supports education & research: Provides universities and students with hands-on blockchain gaming tools, creating a pipeline of future Cardano developers.
• Catalyzes mainstream adoption: Introduces players to Cardano through seamless gaming experiences, serving as a gateway to broader ecosystem participation.

Measurable Impact

• Short-term: 10+ projects in development, 100+ plugin downloads, 1000+ new wallets via gaming.
• Medium-term: 10+ published games, 5000+ gaming-related ADA transactions monthly.
• Long-term: Major studio adoption, sustainable GameFi ecosystem, Cardano recognized as a leading gaming blockchain.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & 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?

I bring over 20 years of software development, blockchain, and community-building experience, with certifications as a Cardano Blockchain Associate and hands-on work in Unreal Engine, C++, and API integrations. My track record includes a funded Catalyst project in Fund 13 (in development), advisory roles in blockchain DAOs, and practical experience deploying Unreal Engine (Unreal Editor for Fortnite - UEFN) metaverse experiences in the Fornite creative ecosystem.

Technical Readiness

The approach relies on stable, proven technologies: NMKR’s API, Unreal Engine 5’s plugin system, and public Cardano APIs. Feasibility is to be validated through a working prototype that:

• Retrieves NFT data from NMKR’s REST API
• Loads a UE5 plugin with Blueprint functions
• Verifies Cardano wallet ownership via public APIs

Risk Management

Key risks are mitigated with abstraction layers for API changes, async operations for performance, and a milestone-driven scope that prevents overreach. The plugin deliberately avoids high-risk components like wallet cryptography, focusing only on tested, production-ready features.

Accountability

Development will be fully open source on GitHub, with milestone-based deliverables, video demonstrations, unit test coverage, and documentation at each stage. This transparent process ensures community oversight and measurable progress.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Core NMKR API Client & Plugin Foundation

Milestone Outputs

1. NMKR API Client (C++) with REST integration
2. HTTP handling with async support & error logging
3. Wallet validation (checksum + format)
4. Plugin framework setup in UE5 (module, config, sample nodes)
5. Local database for NFT collections/tokens/wallet queries
6. Documentation & repo with setup + demo guide

Acceptance Criteria

1. API client authenticates & fetches NFT data in ~5s under normal conditions
2. HTTP calls return valid responses; errors are logged
3. Invalid addresses detected (>95% accuracy) with clear error messages
4. Plugin loads in UE5 editor on Windows without crashes
5. DB saves/reloads collections/tokens across editor restarts
6. Docs enable new dev to install plugin and run demo in ≤30 min

Evidence of Completion

1. Demo video showing NMKR API fetch results
2. Test log of API calls & error logging examples
3. Validation log with good/bad wallet address samples
4. UE5 demo project file running plugin successfully
5. Sample DB artifact with collections/tokens & reload demonstration
6. GitHub repo with source, schema, and setup guide

Delivery Month

3

Cost

14100

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Blockchain Integration & Ownership Verification

Milestone Outputs

1. Ownership verification via public Cardano APIs
2. DB-backed caching with TTL for ownership/metadata reuse
3. Polling mechanism for ownership refresh (~30–60s)
4. Error handling with DB fallback (no retry logic)
5. Collection handling up to 100 NFTs (demo-scale)
6. Plugin build and run check on Windows

Acceptance Criteria

1. Wallet ownership verified in ~10s under normal conditions
2. DB returns cached results when fresh; avoids redundant API calls
3. Ownership changes detected via polling within ~1 min and saved to DB
4. On query failure, error logged and last DB value reused
5. Wallets up to 100 NFTs queried without plugin crashes
6. Plugin builds and runs on Windows UE5 editor without issues

Evidence of Completion

1. Demo video verifying ownership for multiple wallets
2. Log/report showing DB cache reuse across repeated queries
3. Screen capture showing ownership change detected & persisted
4. Error log examples with fallback behavior
5. Test report confirming successful query of wallet with ~100 NFTs
6. Windows build artifact or screenshot showing plugin running

Delivery Month

5

Cost

14100

Progress

60 %

Milestone Title

UE5 Developer Interface & User Experience

Milestone Outputs

1. Blueprint function library with core NFT-related functions (at least 3 basic ones: fetch collection, fetch token metadata, verify ownership).
2. Basic UMG widget components to display NFT name, image, and simple details.
3. NMKR checkout link integration that opens purchase URL in default browser.
4. Plugin settings panel for entering API keys and configuration.
5. Example UE5 project showing use of functions, widget, and checkout flow.
6. Developer guide with short documentation for Blueprint functions and setup.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Blueprint functions callable without C++ knowledge; return correct NFT data in UE5 editor.
2. UMG widgets display NFT metadata and image correctly inside the editor demo.
3. Checkout link opens default browser and displays NMKR purchase page.
4. API keys can be entered in settings panel and persist across editor restarts.
5. Example project runs out-of-the-box and demonstrates core plugin features.
6. Developer guide allows a new user to reproduce demo workflow successfully.

Evidence of Completion

1. Video demo showing NFT data retrieved in UE5 via Blueprint functions.
2. Screenshot/video of widget in demo project displaying NFT metadata and image.
3. Video demo of NMKR checkout link opening in browser from inside game/editor.
4. Screenshot of plugin settings panel saving API key and reloading after restart.
5. Downloadable example project with sample level and working features.
6. Public documentation (PDF or GitHub README) covering Blueprint use and setup steps.

Delivery Month

7

Cost

14100

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Polish, Release & Community Launch

Milestone Outputs

1. Final plugin build with basic performance checks and stability confirmation on Windows.
2. UE Marketplace submission package with versioning, description, and compliance docs.
3. Small-scale community testing (2–3 external testers) to gather bug reports and feedback.
4. Final documentation package (setup guide, usage notes, short tutorial video).
5. Project Close-out Report (PCR) detailing milestones, outputs, and achievements, compliant with Catalyst guidelines.
6. Project Close-out Video (PCV) showcasing plugin features, benefits, and outcomes.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Plugin runs stable on Windows UE5 editor without crashes; load times acceptable for demo-scale NFT sets.
2. Marketplace package prepared with versioned build, description, and compliance docs.
3. At least 2 external testers provide feedback; all critical bugs resolved.
4. Documentation reviewed by testers as clear and sufficient for setup.
5. PCR submitted including milestones, outputs, achievements, and compliance with Catalyst reporting requirements.
6. PCV published showing plugin features, benefits, and project results in a clear presentation.

Evidence of Completion

1. Performance/stability test log showing plugin load/use on Windows with no crashes.
2. UE Marketplace submission package (ZIP or screenshot of submission confirmation).
3. Tester feedback summary + resolved issues list.
4. Final documentation files (PDF/README) and tutorial video.
5. Project Close-out Report (PCR) delivered in required Catalyst format.
6. Project Close-out Video (PCV) published and link provided.

Delivery Month

8

Cost

4700

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total Project Budget: ₳47,000

Project Duration: 8 months

Development Model: Solo developer with Unreal Engine + Cardano expertise

Cost Breakdown by Category:

Core Development: (₳32,900 – 70%)

Milestone 1–3 outputs:

• NMKR API client (C++), REST + error handling
• Wallet validation, ownership verification, and polling
• Local DB storage and caching
• UE5 Blueprint library + UMG widgets
• NMKR checkout integration
• Example/demo projects

Tools & Infrastructure (₳4,700 – 10%)

• Unreal Engine development tools & environment
• NMKR / Cardano API access for testing
• Repository hosting, version control, and CI setup
• Test environments for Windows builds

Documentation & Community (₳9,400 – 20%)

Milestone 3–4 outputs:

• Developer documentation, setup guides, demo tutorials
• Example project packages
• Marketplace submission package
• Project Close-out Report (PCR) & Video (PCV)
• Small-scale community testing and feedback integration

Budget Justification

• Efficient Delivery: One developer with dual expertise reduces overhead.
• Lean Allocation: 70-10-20 split ensures focus on development, with essential resources for infrastructure and adoption.
• Value for Cardano: Equivalent custom integrations typically cost €50k–100k; this project delivers a reusable open-source plugin at less than half that.

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?

The ₳47,000 requested delivers a reusable Unreal Engine 5 plugin that eliminates the largest barrier to Cardano’s entry into the €180B gaming industry: developer accessibility.

Key Value Drivers

• Direct Developer Savings: Custom blockchain integrations typically cost €60k–€120k per game and take 12–18 months. Our plugin allows developers to integrate Cardano NFTs in hours. Even 10 projects adopting it would save the ecosystem €600k–€1.2M.
• Ecosystem Multiplier Effect: A single plugin benefits unlimited projects. Each new game built on Cardano using this tool creates ongoing value without requiring additional Catalyst funding.
• Adoption & Growth: With conservative uptake (10–20 games over 2 years), the plugin could introduce 10,000+ new users, driving wallet growth, transactions, and ADA utility.
• Competitive Advantage: This positions Cardano as the first blockchain with professional-grade UE5 tooling, giving developers a reason to choose Cardano over Ethereum or other ecosystems.
• Educational Value: Open-source availability makes it usable in universities and training programs, creating a pipeline of Cardano-ready developers.
• Sustainability & Transparency: The plugin will be open source, Catalyst-funded, and Fab Marketplace-ready, ensuring long-term community benefit and professional-grade quality.

Return on Investment

• Conservative adoption (10 games): 10–15x return in ecosystem value.
• Moderate adoption (25–50 games): 25–50x return through cost savings, user onboarding, and transaction growth.
• Strategic positioning: Less than 1% of a typical Catalyst fund budget secures Cardano’s foothold in blockchain gaming.

This project represents a high-value investment for Catalyst by providing small funding with outsized, permanent impact through reusable infrastructure, ecosystem adoption, and sustainable growth.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes