How to create NFT games? – A practical guide

Maciej Zieliński

17 May 2022
How to create NFT games? – A practical guide

NFT games are entertainment products that are based on blockchain technology and tokens. More and more entities use NFT to monetize their ventures in the gaming industry. This allows players to create, sell, or buy tokens of any game-related object while providing financial support to the game's developer. How does it work in practice? How to create an NFT game? We're writing about it below!

Who profits from NFT games?

With NFT, creators can tokenize and sell skins, artifacts, armor, weapons, etc. in a given form. NFT can be used not only by developers, but also by players. For example, they have the ability to sell NFT in-game to other collectors and players, thus earning money and cryptocurrency.

How to start making an NFT game?

In order to design and utilize NFT in-game, developers create smart contacts that automate the use of tokens. An example of this is the most popular blockchain game – CryptoKitties, where several smart contracts create a structure for the entire game! As for smart contracts, a good example is GeneScience, which defines a random mechanic in order to generate new cats. In addition to smart contracts, there are other things to consider when creating an NFT game.

NFT GAMES

NFT game model

There are currently two most popular forms of NFT games:

  1. P2E (play to earn) - gameplay will only start when you purchase the NFT token. This does not change the fact that in the future there will be an opportunity to treat the game as a potential investment.
  2. F2P (free to play) - it's a unique form of entertainment that cuts down on initial costs. You can play it immediately, free of charge. When you create a game in this respect, you may find that potential revenue is lower than P2E. Such games do not have NFT in useable form. Older players teach younger players in order to participate in later profits.

NFT game genre

Select the genre of game that will be targeted at potential users. Keep in mind that an NFT game is very similar to a classic game. The difference will only be the monetization of your product. A number of genres are therefore available for selection:

  • adventure games,
  • RPG’s,
  • story driven games,
  • card games,
  • strategy games,
  • war games and many more.

After choosing a genre, analyze the competition. It may be worthwhile to check out similar games using blockchain technology. Don't copy games that have not been successful. Some choose a solution that takes advantage of the best and most interesting features from the competition’s projects. All information regarding the game should be written down and recorded in the game's design document. This will help you avoid the issue of your team not understanding your vision of the project. Designing proper and transparent stages of game development, including levels, conditions of promotion and monetization, will help to avoid misunderstandings. When you achieve this, move on to designing the visuals.

Application availability

Applications built on blockchain technology have their own dApps name, meaning they are decentralized. This is important because the main code and data of the decentralized application are stored in a peer-to-peer blockchain. This is the opposite of a client-server application where information resides on servers that are easy to hack. Emphasis should be placed on decentralization, as every cryptocurrency is decentralized. In addition, decentralized applications are open source.

Mobile app vs Web browser

Another element to consider is how your customers will use the game. Reactions can be based on a web browser or a mobile application. Both forms are attractive for NFT implementation. The web application is widespread and can be started from almost any device. The mobile app will certainly work better on smartphones and offers many unique features.

Mobile applications – division

Mobile applications can be divided into native and cross-platform forms.

  1. Native form – applications are created for a specific operating system and provide access to a variety of smartphone features: camera, contact list, GPS, and more.
  2. Cross-platform form – Cross-platform options will not have access to smartphone features, but they are much easier, faster, and less expensive to create. This is because you need only one solution that will work on all operating systems.

Whichever feature you choose, consider whether your game can be used on a smartphone. Moreover, AppStore has a number of requirements and restrictions for gaming apps. There is also the hybrid application, which is both a mobile and web application.

Selection of technologies for NFT games

Encorporating NFT into video games is best done using open source. One of the most popular ecosystems for making games with NFT is the dApp "Truffle Suite". It is the best place to develop smart contracts. Truffle Suite is used by entities such as Microsoft, Amazon or VMWare. This solution provides blockchain developers with a standard and schematic environment to test potential smart contracts in gaming. As for the best blockchain to build an NFT game on – that would be Ethereum. It's the most popular platform for creating and running NFT – also in gaming, where it enjoys the greatest popularity.

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Truffle Suite is comprised of three different elements:

  • Truffle – is an environment for developers who use Ethereum as a basis for creating NFT and implementing and using smart contracts.
  • Ganache – is a tool that allows you to configure the local Ethereum blockchain. This ensures that decentralized applications can be deployed, developed and tested in a secure location.
  • Drizzle – is a set of front-end libraries designed to develop and create a transparent interface.

Front-end

This element can be created using Javascript. You will need the right Framework, which will guarantee a set of specific software solutions. This will give us the design, logic and basic functions of the game. In addition, some tasks allow the creator of an NFT game to add their own code to a package created in a Framework. The Front-end can be hosted on Netlify, one of the best platforms for web creation. It's a great solution for small groups making NFT games that don't have the ability to build an infrastructure for their plans by themselves.

Wallet and payments

Let us remember that ordinary money is handled differently than cryptocurrencies. A cryptocurrency is stored in a virtual wallet based on blockchain technology. The crypto portfolio is a space that allows you to store your crypto or NFT without third party intervention. Let us remember that when creating NFT games, we need to guarantee a high level of security for wallets. The best way to choose the appropriate method of storing capital is to go to the web page of the cryptocurrency that interests us, and then check the recommended wallets for storing it.

Each wallet must meet the following requirements:

  • needs to have private and public keys;
  • needs to have several levels of security.

If these conditions are met cumulatively, then everything is done properly.

Smart contracts

Thanks to blockchain technology smart contracts, we have access to programs that run based on fulfilling certain contract terms. Users who want to access the NFT as part of a computer game must follow this procedure:

  1. The Frontend receives the user address from the crypto portfolio.
  2. The Frontend sends the user address to the smart contract.
  3. The smart contract provides the user with a NFT address.

The creation of smart contracts begins by checking the official Ethereum blockchain library, Web3. This allows us to abstract from the internal mechanics of Ethereum and work with networks and intelligent contracts as if they were normal JavaScript objects.

Testing an NFT game

To test an NFT game, it's a good idea to use a particular blockchain for that purpose. For example, Rinkeby. There are several ways to test NFT games, which are as follows:

  • Functionality testing – this is a test to check the overall performance of the game, data transfer, block size etc.
  • Security testing – this is a mandatory test that helps us determine if the blockchain system is in danger of being hacked.
  • Interface testing – when creating an NFT game, keep in mind that you need to make sure that the workflow and functionality work properly.
  • Integration testing – this is the bridge between different programming components.
  • API testing – This checks the software components' communication with the external API, so we can be sure that requests and responses are processed automatically in the proper way.

Summary

Seeing the above requirements you should be aware that creating an NFT game requires a lot of knowledge and dedication. You can create it in various forms. Make sure not to make the gameplay entirely based on monetization. In addition, consider whether the NFT are attractive enough (and the game itself as well) to incentivize players to invest in NFT for the so-called “skins” or other elements of a virtual character. Whether you choose a browser, mobile or hybrid model, it's important to keep in mind that NFT can generate high revenue, but it can also leave a negative impression on players if it is purely finance-focused.

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What is Account Abstraction?

Karolina

10 Nov 2023
What is Account Abstraction?

Account abstraction is a new way of thinking about how users interact with blockchains. Instead of using traditional externally owned accounts (EOAs), account abstraction allows users to create and manage their accounts using smart contracts. This has a number of potential benefits, including improved security, enhanced privacy, and increased flexibility.

What is account abstraction?

Account abstraction is a concept that, at its core, aims to simplify the user's interaction with blockchain networks. It is a transformative approach that seeks to mask the technicalities of blockchain operations from end-users. It is making transactions as straightforward as sending an email. Account Abstr. allows users to interact with the blockchain without worrying about the underlying technical details.

How does account abstraction differ from the traditional model?

In the traditional account model, each user has an EOA. EOAs are controlled by private keys, which must be kept secret in order to protect the user's funds. Acc. abstraction allows users to create and manage their accounts using smart contracts.

Historical Context

The journey towards acc. abstraction began with the first generation of blockchain technologies, characterized by their "one-size-fits-all" approach to account management. Bitcoin, for instance, introduced the concept of accounts and transactions in a form that was accessible to tech-savvy individuals but remained perplexing to the layperson. Ethereum expanded on this by introducing smart contracts, which opened the door to programmable transactions but did not alter the fundamental account structure. The idea of acc. abstraction has been discussed in the Ethereum community for several years as a part of various Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), particularly as a feature to be potentially implemented in Ethereum 2.0. It is a direct response to the need for a more versatile and user-centric design that can cater to a broader audience and spur the widespread adoption of blockchain technology.

The Technicalities of Account Abstraction

Account abstraction is not merely a theoretical construct but a technical innovation with specific mechanisms underpinning its operation. In essence, it alters the way transactions are initiated and executed within a blockchain network.

How Account Abstraction Works

Under traditional blockchain models, initiating a transaction involves an externally owned account (EOA) signing a transaction with a private key. This transaction is then broadcast to the network for validation and inclusion in the blockchain. Account abstraction, however, replaces this process with a more flexible one. Here, every account is a smart contract, and transactions are messages sent through these contracts. These smart contracts can encode complex rules for transaction validation, beyond what EOAs can do, such as multi-signature requirements or conditional transactions based on certain triggers.

The technical crux of account abstraction lies in the smart contract’s ability to define its own conditions for transaction execution. This means that user accounts can have unique security protocols or automated operations without the user needing to understand the underlying smart contract code.

Hey! Are you interested in the latest technologies in the blockchain area? be sure to read the article 'Top Zero-Knowledge Proof Projects to watch in 2023'

The Benefits of Account Abstraction

The implications of account abstraction are profound, offering a range of benefits that can enhance the blockchain experience for users and developers alike.

Improved User Experience

One of the most significant advantages of account abstraction is the improvement it brings to user experience. By abstracting away the complexities of key management and transaction rules, it presents a more intuitive interface for users.

Enhanced Security Features

Account abstraction also allows for the implementation of advanced security measures. Since each account can define its own logic, users can tailor their security settings to their specific needs. For instance, one might set up an account that requires additional verification for transactions exceeding a certain value or restricts withdrawals to certain addresses.

Future Implications

The future implications of account abstraction are vast. As the technology matures, it could become a standard feature of blockchain networks, potentially making the current distinction between user accounts and smart contracts obsolete. This could lead to a new wave of blockchain applications that are both powerful and accessible, bringing us closer to the vision of blockchain technology as a seamless part of everyday life.

Challenges and Considerations

Technical Limitations

One of the primary technical challenges of Acc. abstraction lies in its integration with existing blockchain protocols. Current networks are optimized for the EOA model, and introducing a new account structure necessitates significant changes to the core protocol. This includes modifications to the way transactions are propagated in the network, how gas fees are calculated, and how the state of the blockchain is managed. Ensuring that these changes do not compromise the network's performance or security requires careful planning and extensive testing.

Compatibility with Current Systems

Another consideration is the compatibility of account abstr. with the vast ecosystem of existing blockchain applications and services. Wallets, exchanges, and other services have been built around the traditional account model. Transitioning to an acc. abstraction model will require these services to update their infrastructure, which may be a complex and resource-intensive process. Furthermore, there is a need for standardization across the industry to ensure that different implementations of account abstr. can work seamlessly together.

Conclusion

Acc. abstraction represents a significant leap forward in the quest for a more user-friendly blockchain experience. By streamlining the transaction process and offering enhanced security features, acc abstraction has the potential to make blockchain technology more accessible to a broader audience. However, the path to widespread adoption is not without its obstacles. Technical challenges and compatibility issues must be carefully navigated to integrate it into the existing blockchain landscape.

Key Takeaways

How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask: A Simple Tutorial

Karolina

03 Nov 2023
How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask: A Simple Tutorial

As the cryptocurrency ecosystem expands, there is an increasing need for various blockchains with distinct capabilities. Gnosis Chain enters the scene, offering a selection of unique characteristics. By integrating Gnosis Chain with MetaMask, users can access a more comprehensive array of decentralized services. We will walk you through the steps to add Gnosis Chain to your MetaMask wallet in this tutorial.

Prerequisites

Setting up MetaMask

Before exploring the integration of Gnosis Chain, it is crucial to have MetaMask installed and operational:

  • Download and Install: If you have not done so already, visit the official website to download and install the MetaMask browser extension.
  • Setup Account: After completing the installation, create your account and make sure to remember the provided seed phrase. This phrase serves as your primary means for account recovery, so keep it secure.
  • Secure Your Account: Protecting your MetaMask account is of utmost importance. Use a robust password and never disclose your seed phrase to anyone.

Gnosis Chain

It is always helpful to have a basic understanding before incorporating any new blockchain into your wallet:

  • Gnosis Chain Overview: Gnosis Chain, a rising star in the blockchain world, brings a range of decentralized solutions to the table, such as prediction markets and decentralized trading platforms.
  • Benefits & Features: Among Gnosis Chain's main selling points are its accelerated transaction speeds and potentially lower fees when compared to congested networks.

Tutorial: How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask

In the top right-hand corner of your browser, you'll find the wallet. If pinned, click on the MetaMask fox icon; if not, click the three dots in the top-right corner. The following screen will appear:

An option to expand the wallet to a new browser page is available by clicking "Expand view:"

This action will launch MetaMask in a new tab:

By clicking on the ‘Ethereum mainnet’ in the top left corner, you can add another network. Click ‘Add Network’

Choose option ‘Add a network manually’

Then, input the information below:

Network Name: Gnosis Chain formerly xDai

RPC URL: https://rpc.gnosischain.com

ChainID: 100

Symbol: XDAI

Block Explorer URL: https://gnosisscan.io

After saving the settings, Gnosis Chain will be added to your network.

The Benefits of Adding Gnosis Chain to MetaMask

With multiple blockchains becoming more common, integrating Gnosis Chain with MetaMask offers numerous advantages:

Expanded Capabilities: Accessing Gnosis Chain through MetaMask opens up a collection of exclusive applications and features inherent to this particular blockchain, which may include unique dapps or cutting-edge financial products.

Diversification: The crypto domain is extensive and constantly growing. By incorporating various chains like Gnosis into MetaMask, you broaden your potential investment opportunities and decentralized application experiences, ensuring no opportunities are missed.

Speed & Cost-Effectiveness: Network congestion and high gas fees on established platforms like Ethereum can discourage many users. Gnosis Chain's architecture has the potential to provide relief through quicker transaction times and more affordable fees.

In summary, as the possibilities within the crypto sphere continue to evolve, tools like MetaMask grant users access to this expanding world. By adding chains like Gnosis, users can stay ahead in this decentralized revolution.

Conclusion

By bridging platforms like Gnosis Chain with accessible tools like MetaMask, individuals not only amplify their engagement with decentralized applications but also fortify their position in this expansive realm. The integration of Gnosis Chain to MetaMask epitomizes the evolution of the crypto landscape – a testament to its ever-growing diversity and potential. As we continue to delve deeper into the decentralized future, tools and integrations like these will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our digital experiences and opportunities. Whether you're seeking more efficient transactions, diverse dapp interactions, or simply a broader understanding of the crypto ecosystem, this guide's steps open doors to a new horizon. 

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