[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.
Please see attached Whitepaper for a full breakdown of the proposal. The answers within this ideascale template are subsets of the whitepaper found here : <https://bit.ly/3xHZRHv>
Problem Description
Traditional DCCGs are unbalanced and unfair due to their pay-to-win structure. Players who can afford better cards have a stronger deck and thus disproportionately win games. Companies developing pay-to-win DCCGs are financially incentivized to release new, stronger cards in order to increase player purchases and maximize company profits. Additionally, purchased cards are confined to a player’s account and only exist within the game client. This limits the authority a player has over their cards as they have no agency outside of the game. Fundamentally, players do not own the cards in this sense, but rather they are paying to use them in the game client. Centralized ownership of the game also gives developers the power to manipulate balance changes for profit maximization. By buffing (increasing the power of) underpurchased cards to overpowered status, developers can stimulate their uptake in the game’s store. However, if game developers do not walk this line carefully, players will stop playing resulting in a reduction of profit. Proposed solutions to these problems need to address how one can lower player costs, balance playing cards and the game in general, and implement game updates the player base wants while securing funding for game development. Simply, a pay-to-win structure solves the problem of funding the continuous development of a game but renders the game unbalanced and unfair. Centralized game development allows for profit exploitation through balance changes but solves development logistics.
Proposed Solution
The three requirements, outlined in the Problem Description, must have proposed solutions for their respective issues as shown in the figure above. The requirements are Game Development Funding, Balance Change Logistics, and Store Logistics. To solve for Game Development Funding, the project will rely on Catalyst Funding. Catalyst is an on-chain decentralized governance platform that allows ADA holders to deploy funding to proposals they support. Naturally, if this project is valuable in the eyes of the voters, the funding is made available. An outline of proposed funding is found later in this paper. Another mechanism for funding, with a proven track record, is the sale of governance tokens. This mechanism provides a potential solution to both Development Funding and Balance Change Logistics. It allows for the game to transition from pay-to-win to pay-to-earn where users are rewarded in governance tokens for playing. These governance tokens grant voting power that individuals can use towards game balance changes. Therefore, the authority of balance changes is out of the hands of the developers and into the hands of the players, and thus developers are unable to exploit the game for profit. A proposed distribution mechanism for the tokens is outlined later in this paper. For the final requirement of Store Logistics, one can leverage the power of blockchain technology to allow true ownership of cards. In our case, all cards will be available to all players and thus not included within the wallets as it would be redundant. We have chosen this method to ensure that there is no advantage to players who have more disposable income. Instead, alternative card art, commonly known as skins, will be collectable and owned within a Cardano Wallet. Skins provide no in game power and are only cosmetic. Naturally, we will be leveraging the Cardano Blockchain for both the skins as well as the governance tokens. Any Cardano light wallet with DApp Connection Capability will be able to sync with the game for alternative card art ownership detection. With these three novel solutions, we propose the DCCG.
[IMPACT] Please describe how your proposed solution will address the Challenge that you have submitted it in.
As It Stands
Goal is to drive Adoption to Cardano via Gaming Stream which directly aligns with the Challenge description
Currently as it stands, Cardano has a limited on-chain gaming scene. The games that currently exist prioritize Cardano integration but forfeit game quality to achieve it. Naturally, this does not drive adoption of the game and it becomes obsolete. This proposal prioritizes game quality to ensure adoption and longevity of the game while simultaneously taking advantage of the blockchain through the use of decentralized voting and fungible tokens. This proposal aims to provide a game rivaling the DCCG giants we see in the modern gaming scene while driving adoption into the Cardano Community and Ecosystem.
For The Artists
Idea is to have decentralized governance and decentralized art where artists, voted by the community, are paid to create Card Face Alternatives commonly known as skins, along with the Standard Card Art for future packages. This seems to be a novel way of decentralizing the game, providing additional value to governance tokens, while also providing a source of income for artists.
[IMPACT] What are the main risks that could prevent you from delivering the project successfully and please explain how you will mitigate each risk?
Two main risks that could prevent delivery or success of the project.
First, if we are unable to fill the currently vacant roles listed below. To proactively solve this problem, we have created job descriptions for each role to assist individuals in determining whether or not they would like to join the project.
Secondly, the project could be unsuccessful if one of the DCCG Giants in the modern gaming industry decentralized their balance changes, and transitioned to a blockchain based game. There is no active solution to this issue besides creating a better game. This is an unrealistic feat in the short term, thus active development over the long term while being first to leverage the Cardano Blockchain in this manner is the best approach. Naturally, choosing Cardano positions the game much ahead already.
Below are the currently vacant positions.
See the Whitepaper for more: https://bit.ly/3xHZRHv
Unassigned - Front End Developer
Frontend Developer - Q4 2022 & Q1 2023
The Frontend Developer’s is responsible for the look and feel of the game within the game client. This individual is to develop an excellent web application using a Frontend JavaScript Framework (Likely React/Vue/Angular/Svelte). Expectation is robust and intuitive user interface that the average person can use without difficulty. This time horizon is five months at the salary of $4000 per month.
Unassigned - Artist Initial Pack One
Unassigned - Artist Initial Pack Two
Game Artists - Q4 2022
The Game Artist’s role is to create the playing card art for a starting pack. A pack consists of 12 cards. This breakdown works out to $425 per card. Expectation is quality art that enhances the game experience. Time expectation is three months.
Unassigned - Documentation & Logistics
Documentation & Logistics & Community - September 2022 - June 2023
This individual is primarily responsible for communications between the DCCG developers and the Cardano Community. They will work to give routine updates to the community on the progress of the project. They will write reports and Catalyst Applications to communicate the roadmap and request scheduled funding based on project progress. Additionally, the are responsible for the creation and upkeep of user-friendly game documentation. They must work with the developers to understand and better communicate real-time progress of the project and accurate game documentation. They should be comfortable and highly sufficient in English and report writing. This time horizon is ten months at the salary of $750 per month.
Unassigned - Lore Writer & Social Media
Lore Creator & Social Media - September 2022 - June 2023
This individual is primarily responsible for writing engaging game lore. They must thoroughly research the playing card packs so they are able to write a detailed background on the pack to enhance game experience. They must also provide the developers with details about the lore of the packs so that developers can make the cards statistics and game mechanics inline with the lore. Additionally, this individual is responsible for managing the social media accounts for the DCCG. They should be comfortable and highly sufficient in English and report writing. This role could potentially be combined with the Documentation & Logistics & Community role depending on the amount of time the tasks of the role require. This time horizon is ten months with the expectation of the first three months being lore heavy as initial launch packs are being developed. There is $1400 per month allocated to this role.
[FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed plan, including timeline and key milestones for delivering your proposal.
Potential Roadmap
2022 June & July
- Finish Whitepaper & Documentation
- Create Content & Outline Project
- Work on Catalyst Fund 9 Proposal
2022 Q3
- Decide on Lore & Write Lore of World + First 2 Card Groups
- Design first two card groups from Lore
- Scout for Artists
- Lock in Artists for Card Fronts for the two card groups
- Research & Design WebApp Game Stack. Likely Websockets w/ React.
- Begin Coding Game Logic
2022 Q4
- Continue Game Logic & Website Logic
- Code Matchmaking & Ranked
- Begin on Frontend
- Finalize Card Art
2023 Q1
- Finalize frontend, game logic, and combine
- Mint Testnet Cards
- Implement Wallet Connection for Card Art Ownership Detection
- Run Game on Testnet
- Debug Game on Testnet
2023 Q2
- Mint Mainnet Card Art
- Release V1 of game on Mainnet
- Hotfix bugs on Mainnet
2023 Q3
- Release V1.1 of game on Mainnet with changes desired by community
- Community vote on Next Card Pack / Artist
- Community vote on skins for first two card packs
- Add Ranked Play
Future
- Work on Game Application to move away from Web App
- Automated decentralized Card Pack vote and release
- Automated decentralized Card Skin vote and release
- Decentralized Balance Changes
Team Members are simultaneously working on a low time commitment proposal seen in the "For Students" Challenge Category to bootstrap a University Design Team @ Queen's University in Canada. <https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/414716>
This will not impact the time commitment to this project.
[FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown.
Catalyst Funding Timeline & Breakdown
Please see Attached Whitepaper for More Information
Proposed Catalyst Funding is split into the four funds Fund 9, 10, 11, and 12 respectively. As the project is community funded and community driven, it is important to split the funding into multiple funds to allow the community to update and inform their decisions as time passes based on the progress that is being made. Additionally, a ramping funding structure is outlined to equip the community with more time and information to inform their decision. The following is the proposed breakdown of the funding rounds.
<u>Fund 9 - Q3 2022</u>
Fund 9 is the initial proposal for funding for the DCCG. The goal of this funding round is to secure the capital to pay the Artists in full and the Lore Writer for the first three months. These roles require upfront capital. Additionally, it is crucial not to ask for more capital than is necessary in the first round to increase the odds of the required initial project funding. The developers will be expected to produce Q3 progress of the DCCG before requesting funding in Fund 10. This will instill trust in the community and demonstrate that the project is not a rug pull. If the community deems the progress significant and continues to support the project, the Fund 10 Governance Vote will demonstrate that.
<u>Fund 10 – Q4 2022</u>
Fund 10 is the second proposal for funding for the DCCG. The goal of this funding round is to secure the capital to pay the developers for their work last quarter, to pay for the Documentation / Logistics, and to begin the routine payment of all roles. For this round to be successfully funded, the developers must demonstrate their progress thus far and the roadmap moving forward must be clearly outlined. This fund allows the community another opportunity to vote on whether they support the development of the project. Moving towards the next fund, developers will be expected to produce Q4 progress of the DCCG before requesting funding in Fund 11. This will continue to instill trust in the community. If the community deems the progress significant and continues to support the project, the Fund 11 Governance Vote will demonstrate that.
<u>Fund 11 – Q1 2023</u>
Fund 11 is the third proposal for funding for the DCCG. The goal of this funding round is to secure the capital to continuing paying the developers, social media & lore creator, and report writer. For this round to be successfully funded, the developers must demonstrate their progress of the last three months and the roadmap moving forward must be clearly outlined. This fund allows the community another opportunity to vote on whether they support the development of the project. Moving towards the next fund, developers will be expected to demonstrate progress tending to completion of the DCCG before requesting the final funding in Fund 12. This will give the community another opportunity to vote on funding. If the community deems the progress significant and continues to support the project, the Fund 12 Governance Vote will demonstrate that.
<u>Fund 12 – Q2 2023</u>
Fund 12 is the final proposal for funding for the DCCG. The goal of this funding round is to secure the capital to finish paying the developers, social media & lore creator, and report writer. This fund allows for the developers to catch up to their expected salary. It is expected that they have produced quality work and a near functioning game with the expectation of culminating with a finished game within the next three months. The roadmap moving forward must be clearly outlined. This fund allows the community another opportunity to vote on whether they support the development of the project This gives the community another opportunity to vote on funding the project.
[FEASIBILITY] Please provide details of the people who will work on the project.
Adam Cooke - Lead Developer
I am a fourth-year computer engineering student out of Ontario, Canada. I have experience through the Plutus Pioneers 3rd Cohort, the Marlowe Pioneers 1st cohort, and soon the Atala Prism Pioneers come August 2022. My development experience is demonstrated through working a 16-month internship at Ericsson developing Neural Networks on proprietary hardware, my Cardano chrome extension coined Cardano Lookup, my Student Housing full stack application, and a multitude of other personal projects.
Jared Yeates - Full Stack Developer
Fourth-year Computer Engineering Student with 1+ years of professional experience in the Aerospace industry developing propriety software for satellites through an internship at Honeywell. Very familiar with socket programming and creating communication interfaces for client and server process interactions. Additionally, 2+ years of Python experience in a wide range of applications including front and backend development for web applications and desktop GUIs. Also proficient in JavaScript and HTML/CSS.
Unassigned - Front End Developer
Unassigned - Artist Initial Pack One
Unassigned - Artist Initial Pack Two
Unassigned - Documentation & Logistics
Unassigned - Lore Writer & Social Media
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Game Artists - Q4 2022
The Game Artist’s role is to create the playing card art for a starting pack. A pack consists of 12 cards. This breakdown works out to $425 per card. Expectation is quality art that enhances the game experience. Time expectation is three months.
<u>Developers</u>
Frontend Developer - Q4 2022 & Q1 2023
The Frontend Developer’s is responsible for the look and feel of the game within the game client. This individual is to develop an excellent web application using a Frontend JavaScript Framework (Likely React/Vue/Angular/Svelte). Expectation is robust and intuitive user interface that the average person can use without difficulty. This time horizon is five months at the salary of $4000 per month.
Lead Developer (Blockchain + Game Logic) – September 2022 - June 2023
This Developer is responsible for the entire project. They must work together with and oversee the development of the Frontend and Full Stack Developers. In addition to assisting with the frontend and backend, they additionally must develop the required infrastructure for playing card distribution, the smart contracts, and all blockchain integration. Expectation is seamless integration of Cardano blockchain and the DCCG. An individual with Plutus, Marlowe, and Node Operating experience is well suited for this role. This time horizon is ten months at the salary of $6000 per month.
Full Stack Developer (Frontend + Backend) - September 2022 - June 2023
This Developer is primarily responsible for the backend of the project while also being secondarily responsible for frontend development. They must work together with the lead developer on the implementation of the game and server-side logic. They must work together with the frontend developer on communication protocols between client and server. They are expected to focus on WebSocket Communication along with the game logic while allocating time to the frontend when needed. An individual with exceptional Python, JavaScript, and frontend experience is well suited for this role. This time horizon is ten months at the salary of $5000 per month.
Documentation & Logistics & Community - September 2022 - June 2023
This individual is primarily responsible for communications between the DCCG developers and the Cardano Community. They will work to give routine updates to the community on the progress of the project. They will write reports and Catalyst Applications to communicate the roadmap and request scheduled funding based on project progress. Additionally, the are responsible for the creation and upkeep of user-friendly game documentation. They must work with the developers to understand and better communicate real-time progress of the project and accurate game documentation. They should be comfortable and highly sufficient in English and report writing. This time horizon is ten months at the salary of $750 per month.
Lore Creator & Social Media - September 2022 - June 2023
This individual is primarily responsible for writing engaging game lore. They must thoroughly research the playing card packs so they are able to write a detailed background on the pack to enhance game experience. They must also provide the developers with details about the lore of the packs so that developers can make the cards statistics and game mechanics inline with the lore. Additionally, this individual is responsible for managing the social media accounts for the DCCG. They should be comfortable and highly sufficient in English and report writing. This role could potentially be combined with the Documentation & Logistics & Community role depending on the amount of time the tasks of the role require. This time horizon is ten months with the expectation of the first three months being lore heavy as initial launch packs are being developed. There is $1400 per month allocated to this role.
[FEASIBILITY] If you are funded, will you return to Catalyst in a later round for further funding? Please explain why / why not.
This proposal will be seeking repeat funding for the duration of 4 consecutive funds, starting Fund 9 finishing Fund 12. As the project is community funded and community driven, it is important to split the funding into multiple funds to allow the community to update and inform their decision on whether or not they support the project as time passes based on the progress that is being made. This is an rugpull prevention mechanism that we feel more projects should adopt as it increases accountability of the team and provides incentives for the team to produce results and interact with the Cardano Community. Additionally, a ramping funding structure is outlined to equip the community with more time and information to inform their decision. The following is the proposed breakdown of the funding rounds.
For more information see the attached Whitepaper.
[AUDITABILITY] Please describe what you will measure to track your project's progress, and how will you measure these?
Naturally, with the funding being split amongst four funds with a ramping function, the projects progress will be tracked by the community. If the community deems sufficient progress has been made, then funding is made available every subsequent fund. Success can be determined by the teams adherence to the roadmap timeline.
Good metrics of success when the project launches will be the number of active players, and the number of active balance change voters.
Until launch date, good metrics are number of active discord members, and number of viewers of content released by the documentation and social media role on behave of the team.
[AUDITABILITY] What does success for this project look like?
DCCG Players will know of the Cardano Ancient Peoples DCCG regardless of previous Cardano affiliation. They will enjoy playing the game regularly and actively participate in balance change voting. They will be onboarded into the Cardano Ecosystem seamlessly. The aspiration is to set a precedent to other large gaming companies to move towards decentralized balance changes as they are just and desirable. Artists will be employed by the decentralized nature of the player base and will be able to receive a reliable income which many artists desire but currently lack.
[AUDITABILITY] Please provide information on whether this proposal is a continuation of a previously funded project in Catalyst or an entirely new one.
This is an entirely new proposal.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Rating
This proposal aligns with the 9th goal of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure as it aims to set a percent within the gaming industry that giving power to the players of the game is just and prevents modern consumer exploitation we see in DCCGs.