ZooGames, The First Ever MultiChain Gaming Platform — Concept Paper — ZooGames V1
Market Overview
Anyone who is associated with the gaming industry will tell you the same thing: the global gaming market is massive. In fact, the global revenue for the virtual gaming world reached $190 billion in 2021 and it is expected to surpass the $200 billion mark in 2022 for the first time ever. The number of players is expected to reach 3.09 billion worldwide by the end of the year 2022.
When it comes to blockchain technology, it’s generally the more obvious sectors like finance and healthcare that are targeted but perhaps the most revolutionizing venture is the gaming industry. From a zero-value market size, the blockchain gaming industry grew to $3 billion in 2021.
Blockchain and gaming go hand-in-hand and the applications for this technology within the gaming industry are clear.
The merging of these two worlds has created new opportunities for the gaming industry, especially since blockchain games are increasingly being incorporated into the market. The possibilities are endless for blockchain technology in the gaming world. NFT (Non Fungible Tokens) generation capabilities, free-to-play and play-to-earn models, but also more recently the Metaverse, have attracted over 1.5 million diversified gamers from across the globe and this number is growing by the day.
With the introduction of blockchain-based gaming assets comes the opportunity for an entirely new business model and the implementation of innovative development strategies. Unlike traditional games where developers control all in-game assets and currencies, blockchain games are decentralized with these assets being controlled by the end user. This new era of gaming aims to give asset ownership back to the player in the form of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, which can be used for acquiring in-game assets that can later be exchanged for crypto or fiat money. These assets can also be used across a vast ecosystem instead of being tied to one single game.
Another reason why blockchain technology is incredibly useful within the gaming industry is that it can be used to secure the data in existing processes/applications. Blockchain platforms use very powerful data encryption techniques to secure crypto transactions; this is an air-tight solution for highly secure asset ownership. Alternatively, it can also be used to create fully decentralized gaming systems where no single entity can control the gaming system.
All these elements predict a bright future for the blockchain gaming industry and its ability to effectively take over a considerable share of the global gaming market.
Obstacles to Development
While it would seem to be a simple matter to incorporate games within the blockchain space, there are many challenges to overcome in order to accomplish this.
Below are some of the most prominent points to consider:
Market saturation
With more and more games being added to the market each week, the games being developed solely for blockchain are becoming less attractive while the blockchains hosting these games are having to handle an increasingly heavy network load. Blockchain gaming is rising fast and with it comes increased diversification of user investments. Each new game is pushed to create innovative concepts, whether it is about gameplay, accessibility, or features offered to their respective communities. Play-to-Earn characteristics must be attractive to players and need to be sustainable in the long-term.
Inter-Blockchain communication
Isolated projects on separate blockchains is a hindrance to community interaction and exchange. If a game were to exist solely on a single isolated chain, players would not be able to interact with other players from different blockchains and social activity would be restricted to that specific chain. This puts the project at a huge disadvantage as ecosystem expansion would be limited. Interoperability in gaming is of prime importance and is often sorely missed or overlooked.
Scalability
“The ability of a system to continually adjust its characteristics to achieve greater transactions per second (TPS) and to maintain a constant cost of transactions, with the increasing numbers of users to the system.”
One of the most important aspects in a project is its ability to cope with an increasing number of users without impacting the speed and cost of transactions.
While many projects count on the “on chain solution” (Layer 1) and decide to build on a blockchain that can scale properly based on their consensus mechanism, others find it more efficient to migrate to a secondary blockchain (Layer 2) that is built on the main blockchain to improve scalability.
Security of the platform
The security of a platform is of utmost importance when it comes to crypto investments, but just how secure can a project be? From a technical point of view, a hacker’s focus when trying to breach a blockchain application is to gain access to the digital assets controlled by the platform. The security of the wallet’s private key is crucial; if an attacker gains access to this private key, they gain control of all the underlying assets, thus it is of prime importance to enable two-step verification. The secondary target is the game server since this is where sensitive information may be stored; if an attacker gains access to this information, it could enable them to do even more damage.
It is easy to define security as a priority for most projects, especially with the rise of hacks occurring across the blockchain space, but providing efficient solutions proves to be a difficult task.
Decentralization
This is the core concept of blockchain technology and blockchain gaming. Blockchains are open-source, accessible to all, and the more decentralized, the more censorship-resistant they are. One of the most critical gaming challenges that blockchain addressed was the vulnerability of the games. In fact, neglecting the decentralized part of a protocol and failing to effectively handle data encryption measures leaves a project at the mercy of a potential attack or a direct breach into data across the entire server.
Blockchain Trilemma
Very often, a blockchain project must face what is called the “Blockchain Trilemma”: Scalability + Security + Decentralization. In order to reach full satisfaction for two of these components, a project may have to “sacrifice” the third. This could potentially result in big consequences as all three elements are essential to a good blockchain gaming activity.
These obstacles have proven relevant as multiple games and projects have failed and abandoned their communities over time.
This next part describes how ZooGames aims to solve these problems.
What solutions does ZooGames provide?
Imagine having access to a fully decentralized and secure protocol where all your NFTs, across all marketplaces, and from all different chains, are available on the same gaming platform, which in addition to this allows you to play with NO gas fees.
ZooGames is the project that provides the solution to all the complications mentioned earlier, and is the perfect answer for millions of gamers and blockchain enthusiasts worldwide.
Our mission at ZooGames is to provide a truly unifying gaming and social experience where, for the first time in a decentralized environment, players can socialize, share, trade and play on a platform regardless of their community of origin for limitless entertainment.
Connect any wallet, Browse games, Start playing, Earn rewards. Simple.
The protocol deployed for ZooGames is truly innovative in the blockchain space and it provides all the necessary elements for both players and developers to securely participate in the gaming ecosystem.
PLAYERS
All Connected, All United — via a rock solid protocol
ZooGames is a revolutionary multi-chain gaming platform with its protocol having been developed as part of the ZooEcosystem (for more info, please visit Zoo.One). It offers users the opportunity to connect, play, and earn using unparalleled blockchain technology.
The ZooGames protocol is compatible with ALL EVM networks. This means that players can choose which addresses to use, and which network they prefer (Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, Wanchain, etc). The primary address is used to connect and log in to the platform while secondary address(es) are used to link all of the user’s owned NFTs. Note that it is possible to create as many secondary addresses as needed.
Once connected, the protocol automatically creates a so-called mirror address for gaming purposes. A mirror address is a duplicate address created on the Wanchain network which holds the user data from the primary (and secondary if one is added) address and allows the player to participate in the gaming environment.
Simplified workflow schematic for ZooGames Mirror Address protocol interactions
After that, players can use the deposit/withdraw buttons to add vZOO to their mirror address and start playing games on the platform.
This mirror address method for NFTs is one of a kind. It is a unique way of proving that NFTs are owned by a particular address using a serverless database to recognize NFT location, while being perfectly secure. Once on the mirror address, NFTs are called mNFTs (or mirrored NFTs) which are defined as being all NFTs added on all registered addresses and synced with the database, gathered under one roof, and available for gaming purposes.
It is important to highlight that all NFTs from ALL addresses linked to a ZooGames account are accessible from the mirror address. So a player with several addresses from different registered chains can view all their assets in one place, even NFTs owned on different marketplaces. This makes ZooGames protocol a truly interoperable gaming solution.
An illustration of the NFT to mNFT workflow using the ZooGames protocol
…and with NO gas fees for players
For all mirror addresses (all players), the gas fees are paid directly by the protocol. This is possible because the ZooEcosystem storeman nodes will provide sufficient funds to self-finance ZooGames and keep it sustainable in the long term.
The above, added to the interoperability solution resolves the question of scalability as it opens up a larger pool of investors spanning all compatible chains. The protocol in place allows for infinite possibilities in development for players and in usage for game designers.
Enforcing data safety
A mirror address acts as a contract and only the master contract is allowed to interact with mirror addresses. The master contract is controlled by APIs.
This means:
No direct access to primary and secondary addresses;
No Private Keys or other credentials are stored / recorded;
Users can utilize funds as they see fit, in any situation;
Maximum security for users;
Decentralized protocol.
Also, the 2FA authentication method provides additional security as it requires two-distinct forms of authentication and does not need to register credentials. Every in-game transaction will have to be validated with a 2FA confirmation.
On ZooGames, all major applications such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator are compatible with this 2FA procedure.
Secure your ZooGames ID and enable 2FA to login to your account.
As an extra security measure and to protect the players’ investment, any new game developer that wishes to incorporate Play-To-Earn mechanics to their project will have to submit to a vesting period. This will ensure that no foul play is possible from the developer’s side.
NFT lending and borrowing (mNFT)
The lending/borrowing method does not require for the original NFT to be locked on a contract nor for the borrower to provide collateral for it. Despite this, it remains secured as the database is constantly checked and updated by bots to avoid malicious activity.
To summarize the process, players’ mNFTs are directly registered by the protocol across all their addresses and onto the mirror address. The database then automatically identifies all mNFTs owned by the player and allows for the use of any mNFT in games, or to list for lending. Therefore the mNFT itself never leaves the original wallet and only the data is used to play games with the borrower’s mirror address.
The vZOO amount provided by the borrower is locked in a contract for the duration of the lending agreement and is released to the lender once the period has come to an end. If the mNFT is moved from the original address during this period, the vZOO is released back to the borrower.
Let’s illustrate the above with an example:
Tim adds an mNFT for lending at a rate of 100 vZOO/day;
Roger borrows the mNFT for 7 days;
The mNFT data is used by Roger to play games and 700 vZOO are locked in the contract;
After 7 days, the contract will automatically cancel the mNFT agreement and Roger cannot use the mNFT’s data anymore.
After 7 days, the 700 vZOO are released to Tim as payment.
If after 5 days, Tim sells his NFT, the lending contract is voided and so is Roger’s access to the mNFT data but he receives his 700 vZOO back. In this particular scenario, Tim does not receive any vZOO.
The above method provides a high level of security for both parties involved and works for all NFTs from all chains (as long as they are gaming compatible).
The lending and borrowing protocol works only for gaming purposes and in no case can mNFTs be used in other situations such as for farming or trading.
There is a 4% lending fee added to all transactions: 2% goes to gaming pools, 1% for burn and 1% for the ZooGames team.
Guilds
Gaming with friends is always more fun. Guilds will allow players to team up and form a customizable group while putting their NFTs to work.
Guilds are private customizable groups of players that are limited to a maximum of 32 players per Guild at launch. Strength in numbers is definitely the key word here.
Any player can create their own Guild for a minimum amount of vZOO set dynamically (which is burned) and can invite other players to join. Each player can only join one (1) Guild at a time. To create a guild, the user must also burn a ZooBooster. The higher the booster properties, the higher the number of players that can join your guild.
In order to join a guild, players must stake a certain amount vZOO which is returned to them upon leaving the guild.
Guilds can participate as teams in major ZooGames and other special events. Joining a Guild gives each member the possibility of adding their NFTs to the group and each member to freely make use of them in-game.
Guild owners can upload a guild logo, edit the guild description and ban/add members. A Guild Leaderboard is also available.
The social aspect of Guilds is of utmost importance; there is no better feeling than playing fun games with your teammates, and the advantages of pooled mNFTs and support cannot be emphasized enough.
Imagine reuniting and connecting with your favorite group of friends on the same platform, enjoying the same games with Play-To-Earn mechanics, using your friend’s rarest ZooBoosters to climb the Guild leaderboard or participate in special Guild competitions to prove your worth. Priceless.
DEVELOPERS
ZooGames is designed to make game integration as simple as possible for game developers and game studios alike. ZooGames offers tools to link to the protocol and connect games with play-to-earn mechanics using game assets (NFTs), gaming pools, etc…
Developers who wish to create games that interact smoothly with the blockchain, create use cases for NFTs, and might need some funds to get started, have come to the right place. ZooGames is the solution to making these blockchain game dreams come true.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits offered to developers and game studios by the protocol:
Access to ZooGames APIs
Game studios and developers have the possibility to connect to a ZooGames developer account to link their game(s) to the ZooGames protocol, obtain access to APIs and stay permissionless.
Every developer can connect to ZooGames, but only verified games will have full access to the complete array of ZooGames tools.
As per the latest Unity’s gaming report, 61% of games are currently being developed with Unity3D engine. As such we decided to make it a priority on ZooGames by launching with a Software Development Kit (SDK) for Unity3D first, while the Unreal Engine SDK will be released at a later date.
Safe building environment
Both player and developer safety is one of ZooGames’ main priorities. Accessing all features via mirror address only and adding specific rules for rewards distribution (via gaming pools for example) reinforces this guarantee for both parties.
For security reasons, games will only have access to the API not to mirror addresses directly.
NFT integration
Developers can choose to add any NFT collection from any network or marketplace on the blockchain and include them in in-game mechanics or game tokenomics. ZooGames is open to ALL blockchain NFT marketplaces.
Play-to-Earn integration
ZooGames provides developers with an option to help them grow their project via Play-to-Earn. With the help of gaming pools, developers have the possibility to offer reward mechanics and attract players.
Future integrations
Initial Game Offerings (IGO)
Similar to a launchpad, IGOs are here to bring financial support from the community to projects who wish to participate. Several funding options will be available for developers to select from.
Users could for example decide to:
stake vZOO in a pool where they would receive an NFT to be used in the upcoming game;
submit vZOO or dual token staking for a project and receive a share of the rewards.
direct purchase of unique items from the upcoming game
Etc…
ZooGames will offer various possibilities for securing financial help to start a gaming project.
External token integration
At launch, vZOO will be the only currency available to play / earn / trade with on the ZooGames platform. In the future, a project developer with a token already created will have the possibility to add their game and token to the platform and create their own specific game tokenomics using their own currency.
ROADMAP
PHASE I
Create protocol (log in, connect wallet, interface, etc)
Create API for developers;
Incentive offer for game developers.
PHASE II
NFT Lending and Borrowing incorporation
PHASE III (by end of 2022)
Creation of Guild concept
PHASE IV
More surprises to come. Please speculate…
Project maturity expected by mid 2023.
Reminder of important links:
Official ZOO Ecosystem Website: Zoo.One
Official ZooKeeper Website: https://ZooKeeper.finance
Official OpenZoo Website: https://OpenZoo.io
Official ZooGames Website: https://Zoo.Games
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZooEcosystem
Official Telegram: https://t.me/ZooEcosystem
Official Discord: https://discord.gg/ZooEcosystem
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZooEcosystem