Introduction
Decentralized gaming is gaining traction in the gaming industry, leveraging blockchain technology’s unique features to create an immutable, transparent, and secure gaming environment. In this tutorial, we’ll take a deep dive into developing a Celo-based decentralized gaming platform using Enjin.
We’ll start by introducing the Enjin SDK, which simplifies the creation and management of in-game assets. Then, we’ll show how to integrate it with the Celo blockchain for decentralized transactions and asset ownership. Along the way, we’ll also offer tips and best practices for developing an engaging gaming experience powered by blockchain technology.
Here’s the source code for our project
Prerequisites
This tutorial assumes you have the following:
- Basic understanding of blockchain technology
- Familiarity with the Celo blockchain
- Basic knowledge of the Enjin platform
- JavaScript (or a similar scripting language)
- Experience with Node.js and npm
Requirements
You will also need:
- A computer running macOS, Linux, or Windows
- An Internet connection
- VSCode or Atom
- A Celo Wallet
- An account on the Enjin platform
Getting Started
Part 1: Getting Started with the Enjin SDK
The Enjin SDK provides a simple way to create and manage blockchain-based in-game assets.
Step 1: Install the Enjin SDK
Install the Enjin SDK using npm:
//bash
npm install @enjin/sdk
Step 2: Initialize the SDK
After installing the SDK, initialize it in your script:
//javascript
const Enjin = require('@enjin/sdk');
const enjin = new Enjin({
baseURL: 'https://cloud.enjin.io/',
key: '<YOUR_ENJIN_API_KEY>',
});
//Replace <YOUR_ENJIN_API_KEY> with your actual Enjin API key.
Step 3: Creating an Asset
With the SDK initialized, you can create an asset. Here’s an example of creating an in-game sword:
//javascript
const assetData = {
name: 'Excalibur',
initialReserve: 1000,
supplyModel: 'set',
meltValue: 10,
};
enjin.assets.createAsset(assetData)
.then(response => console.log(response))
.catch(error => console.error(error));
Part 2: Integrating with the Celo Blockchain
Now that we have a basic understanding of the Enjin SDK, let’s move on to integrating our game with the Celo blockchain.
Step 1: Install Celo SDK
Install the Celo SDK using npm:
//bash
npm install @celo/contractkit
Step 2: Initialize the Celo SDK
Initialize the Celo SDK in your script:
//javascript
const ContractKit = require('@celo/contractkit');
const kit = ContractKit.newKit('https://alfajores-forno.celo-testnet.org');
Step 3: Connect Enjin SDK with Celo SDK
Now, we need to connect our Enjin SDK with our Celo SDK. We can do this by creating a transaction on the Celo network each time an asset is created on Enjin.
//javascript
enjin.assets.createAsset(assetData)
.then(response => {
console.log(response);
const tx = kit.connection.newTransactionBuilder()
.from('<YOUR_CELO_ADDRESS>')
.to('<GAME_CONTRACT_ADDRESS>')
.withValue(response.asset.assetId)
.build();
kit.connection.sendTransaction(tx)
.then(response => console.log(response))
.catch(error => console.error(error));
})
.catch(error => console.error(error));
Part 3: Creating an Engaging Gaming Experience
The final step of our journey involves leveraging the unique features of blockchain to enhance gameplay. Remember, the point of using blockchain is not just to have blockchain; it’s to provide a better, more engaging experience to your players.
-
Provable Scarcity: Use blockchain to demonstrate the limited availability of certain assets, creating a sense of value and rarity.
-
Interoperability: Allow assets to be used across different games, increasing their utility and value.
-
Player Ownership: Give players true ownership of their in-game assets, allowing them to sell, trade, and lease them as they wish.
Blockchain technology can significantly improve the gaming experience by introducing new features and capabilities that traditional games lack. To fully harness these advantages, we need to understand how they can be integrated into gameplay. Let’s delve into some strategies for creating an engaging gaming experience using blockchain technology.
Strategy 1: Implement Provable Scarcity
Scarcity is a driving factor for value in many economic systems, and the same holds true in the virtual economies of gaming platforms. By leveraging blockchain’s immutability and transparency, you can create provable scarcity for in-game assets.
For example, you could create a limited number of a powerful in-game item. Because all transactions on the blockchain are public, players can verify for themselves that only a certain number of these items exist, thus ensuring the item’s rarity and value.
Game logic:
//javascript
const assetData = {
name: 'Diamond Sword',
initialReserve: 50, // Only 50 of this item will ever exist
supplyModel: 'set',
meltValue: 100,
};
enjin.assets.createAsset(assetData)
.then(response => console.log(response))
.catch(error => console.error(error));
Strategy 2: Enable Interoperability
Interoperability refers to the ability of in-game assets to be used across different games. With blockchain, you can allow an asset earned in one game to be utilized in another. This not only increases the utility and value of these assets but also encourages a community of games and developers.
To implement interoperability, you’ll need to use a standardized token format, such as ERC-1155, across your games. ERC-1155 tokens can represent both fungible (identical) and non-fungible (unique) assets, making them versatile for different types of in-game items.
Strategy 3: Facilitate True Ownership
One of the most exciting features of blockchain in gaming is the ability to offer players true ownership of their in-game assets. In traditional games, all assets are controlled by the game developer. However, with blockchain, players can have full control over their assets, allowing them to sell, trade, or even lease them.
To enable this, you’ll need to allow the transfer of in-game assets between wallets on the blockchain. Enjin provides easy-to-use methods for managing asset transfers.
//javascript
enjin.assets.transferAsset({
assetId: '<ASSET_ID>',
recipientAddress: '<RECIPIENT_WALLET_ADDRESS>',
})
.then(response => console.log(response))
.catch(error => console.error(error));
Strategy 4: Implement Decentralized Gaming Mechanics
Traditional games are run on centralized servers, which can limit gameplay possibilities and lead to trust issues. By using blockchain and smart contracts, you can create decentralized gaming mechanics that are transparent and immutable. For example, you can use smart contracts to run decentralized lotteries, item crafting systems, or player-versus-player battles.
Here is a representation of how a decentralized lottery works:
//javascript
const lotteryContract = new kit.web3.eth.Contract(
lotteryABI,
'<LOTTERY_CONTRACT_ADDRESS>'
);
lotteryContract.methods.enter().send({
from: '<PLAYER_WALLET_ADDRESS>',
value: kit.web3.utils.toWei('0.01', 'ether') // Entry fee
})
.then(response => console.log(response))
.catch(error => console.error(error));
Platform screenshots
1 Homepage:
This screenshot shows the landing page of our Celo-based decentralized gaming platform. It provides an overview of the platform’s features and benefits.
2 Interoperability:
This screenshot showcases the interoperability feature of our platform. It illustrates how an asset earned in one game can be utilized in another, enhancing the utility and value of the assets.
3 Decentralized Gaming Mechanics:
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we’ve walked through developing a Celo-based decentralized gaming platform with Enjin. There’s so much more you can do with these technologies.
As you continue to explore, remember to always focus on creating a fun and engaging experience for your players. After all, the most important feature of any game isn’t its technology – it’s its ability to entertain and engage.
Incorporating blockchain technology into your game design offers a range of possibilities to improve player engagement and experience. Remember, the aim is not to use blockchain for its own sake but as a tool to enhance your game. Always keep your focus on creating an engaging, enjoyable game that leverages the unique features of blockchain to create a unique, immersive experience for players.
About the Author
Michael Diagbare is a Software Engineer with expertise in Web, Blockchain development and content creation, certified by Cisco and MongoDB university. He is passionate about building software, problem solving and helping programmers deal with complicated tasks and challenges.
Connect with me on LinkedIn
, I cannot wait to see the implementation.