Need advice - Planning to develop a blockchain-based mobile game

[cheezcarls]

Hello guys!

Since I don't have much things to do while under coronavirus lockdown, I am now looking to develop a mobile game that is running on the blockchain technology. I've developed a simple game before on my Android device, but not published on Play Store. My concept is more on "tricky type quiz or problem solving type game". I'm a huge fan of brain games, so I wanna do some out-of-the-box concept for that.

1. What blockchain software is the best to develop a simple blockchain-based mobile game?
2. Can blockchain-based games be published on Play Store or App Store? Or there's a specific platform like Verasity's Gamestore exclusive for blockchain games only? Or just standalone?
3. Will there be some speed issues in running a blockchain-based game (e.g., moving of characters, etc.) compare to non-blockchain games?

I don't have plans to create token or running an ICO for this project. I'll be doing this all by myself, so I'm going solo.

I'll appreciate all of your advice on this. Thanks!

[o_e_l_e_o]

Why does your game need a blockchain? What functionality does a blockchain provide that cannot be achieved without using a blockchain?

Most projects developed on blockchain technology are simply using blockchain as a gimmick, as advertising, as a marketing slogan, and these are the projects which fail. If you want to build a game using blockchain technology, then you should first have a very clear idea of what your game is going to do that requires it to use a blockchain.

[cheezcarls]

Why does your game need a blockchain? What functionality does a blockchain provide that cannot be achieved without using a blockchain?

Most projects developed on blockchain technology are simply using blockchain as a gimmick, as advertising, as a marketing slogan, and these are the projects which fail. If you want to build a game using blockchain technology, then you should first have a very clear idea of what your game is going to do that requires it to use a blockchain.

Gimmick? So most of these games are using "blockchain" as front so that it'll only attract blockchain enthusiasts, but not actually blockchain-based games? You do have a strong point man.

I'm looking at a handful of games with "blockchain" functionalities like Splinterlands, Worldopo, etc. Basic functionalities such as in-game wallet storage, top-ups, item upgrades, premium memberships, etc., just to name a few?

[o_e_l_e_o]

I'm looking at a handful of games with "blockchain" functionalities like Splinterlands, Worldopo, etc. Basic functionalities such as in-game wallet storage, top-ups, item upgrades, premium memberships, etc., just to name a few?

I'm not familiar with any of those games, so you can correct me if I'm missing something, but all the features you have listed are entirely possible without using a blockchain. Indeed, other than a built in wallet, the vast majority of mobile games contain purchasable items, top ups, premium features, memberships, subscriptions, etc. Similarly, there are plenty of web wallets and apps, none of which use a blockchain to record your wallet balance.

Given that all these things are easily doable without a blockchain (and, in fact, more easily doable than if you chose to use a blockchain for them), then the question remains - why use a blockchain at all?

[cheezcarls]

I'm looking at a handful of games with "blockchain" functionalities like Splinterlands, Worldopo, etc. Basic functionalities such as in-game wallet storage, top-ups, item upgrades, premium memberships, etc., just to name a few?

I'm not familiar with any of those games, so you can correct me if I'm missing something, but all the features you have listed are entirely possible without using a blockchain. Indeed, other than a built in wallet, the vast majority of mobile games contain purchasable items, top ups, premium features, memberships, subscriptions, etc. Similarly, there are plenty of web wallets and apps, none of which use a blockchain to record your wallet balance.

Given that all these things are easily doable without a blockchain (and, in fact, more easily doable than if you chose to use a blockchain for them), then the question remains - why use a blockchain at all?

I would like to share this link as a reference: https://www.disruptordaily.com/blockchain-use-cases-online-gaming/

For me, a common reason would be transparent P2P transactions. Like in-game rare item trading for example. A player wants to trade a rare item with you for a certain amount of virtual gold while in-game. Once the transaction is complete, the transaction hash was created on the game's blockchain with an accurate timestamp proving that the two parties have traded rare items for some virtual gold, etc.

Since I have no intention to create my own token for this, incentivizing and rewarding gameplay of my game's concept might be out of the picture. However, it can be possible if I put some existing reliable cryptos of my choosing (e.g., BTC, ETH, XRP, etc.) in the reward pool to be divided amongst players (depending on their activity). I'm still studying about the systems of these types of games.

[DaveF]

It's non mobile but there is a game called coindroids that is blockchain based.
It's offline at the moment but take a look at: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=753447.0
You can also google coindroids for more info.

Figure out the game 1st then figure out if the blockchain is what you need or if there is a better way.

-Dave

[Vod]

I've been investigating running a game based on bitcointalk attributes, where you buy land, increase skills, sell items, etc.   The last player standing wins the pot. 

You need to be very careful with gambling laws.   What you are doing is no different than running a raffle or contest.

[cheezcarls]

It's non mobile but there is a game called coindroids that is blockchain based.
It's offline at the moment but take a look at: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=753447.0
You can also google coindroids for more info.

Figure out the game 1st then figure out if the blockchain is what you need or if there is a better way.

-Dave

Thanks Dave! I'll check this out for more information and gonna study this too. It may let me decide if I do need the game to be running on the blockchain.

I've been investigating running a game based on bitcointalk attributes, where you buy land, increase skills, sell items, etc.   The last player standing wins the pot.  

You need to be very careful with gambling laws.   What you are doing is no different than running a raffle or contest.

Okay thanks for the heads up. However, my concept isn't gambling since the game I am trying to develop is more on brain-type in the form of quizzes. It's not likely that I am gonna incentivize users for playing regularly, but occasional contests or tournaments would do.

I have a long way to go though, as I'm on planning/brainstorming stage.

[Vod]

However, my concept isn't gambling since the game I am trying to develop is more on brain-type in the form of quizzes.

I think you missed my point.  You are talking apples and oranges.  It doesn't matter what the game is, if you are going to eventually pay people more than others, you will need to tread carefully to avoid gambling restrictions.

You could raise money by forcing people to donate to you.  Depends on if you are a sociopath. 

[pooya87]

For me, a common reason would be transparent P2P transactions. Like in-game rare item trading for example. A player wants to trade a rare item with you for a certain amount of virtual gold while in-game. Once the transaction is complete, the transaction hash was created on the game's blockchain with an accurate timestamp proving that the two parties have traded rare items for some virtual gold, etc.

how is that different from what Steam does?
lets say you are playing Dota2 and have found a rare big ass sword. you go to steamcommunity and put it up for trade. i've only seen item with item trade but i believe it is possible to sell for steam dollar too.
if you want to make it more P2P you can turn the user's device into a node where it could connect to other players and they could show each other the items they have and trade them with in-game money or other items.
still no need for blockchain.

[cheezcarls]

However, my concept isn't gambling since the game I am trying to develop is more on brain-type in the form of quizzes.

I think you missed my point.  You are talking apples and oranges.  It doesn't matter what the game is, if you are going to eventually pay people more than others, you will need to tread carefully to avoid gambling restrictions.

You could raise money by forcing people to donate to you.  Depends on if you are a sociopath.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong. Does other existing mobile games in Android and iOs like Clash Royals, PubG mobile, Ketchapp games, etc. also consider upgrading to premium membership as "donation" to remove ads? Or buying a champion in League of Legends? Kinda confused.

These games I've mentioned are also having their own small and big tournaments too.

For me, a common reason would be transparent P2P transactions. Like in-game rare item trading for example. A player wants to trade a rare item with you for a certain amount of virtual gold while in-game. Once the transaction is complete, the transaction hash was created on the game's blockchain with an accurate timestamp proving that the two parties have traded rare items for some virtual gold, etc.

how is that different from what Steam does?
lets say you are playing Dota2 and have found a rare big ass sword. you go to steamcommunity and put it up for trade. i've only seen item with item trade but i believe it is possible to sell for steam dollar too.
if you want to make it more P2P you can turn the user's device into a node where it could connect to other players and they could show each other the items they have and trade them with in-game money or other items.
still no need for blockchain.

We're talking about in-game trading, not outside marketplace. Steam is a platform for all games, but I am referring to transactions while "inside the game".

As what I have shared in my reference earlier (scroll down to P2P gaming transactions, second paragraph), this is one problem that most gamers are experiencing nowadays, in which blockchain could solve.
 

[Vod]

These games I've mentioned are also having their own small and big tournaments too.

Do they give out cash?   No.

[cheezcarls]

These games I've mentioned are also having their own small and big tournaments too.

Do they give out cash?   No.

They don't give cash, but virtual rare or premium items. But I do believe that in some tournaments (especially big ones), they give cash as prizes.

Anyways, at least I don't need to give out cash for the winnings but rather premium or rare virtual in-game items like what League of Legends and other similar games are doing.

My plan is that I would be running ads in the game, and players would upgrade for a small fee to remove ads plus membership benefits, etc.

[HBKMusiK]

2. Can blockchain-based games be published on Play Store or App Store? Or there's a specific platform like Verasity's Gamestore exclusive for blockchain

Yes they can, you can check Knight Story Game for instance, it's available on android (every item from the game is an erc721 token).
PS: I am not affiliated in any way with them, I played the game for 1 month then I got super bored because the actions from it are repetitive.

[Adriane14]

The best picks are RPG, SHOOTER, or MOBA something that kids hooked into and enjoy at the same time. Try to look into a game marketing strategy of other game devs out there. LOA, ML, PUBG, COC, etc..

[seoincorporation]

I still don't understand for what you need to use blockchain on a mobile game, with blockchain we understand we need a full node to run the game, so, a game who will download 2Gb of game and 200Gb of blockchain wouldn't be a good idea at all.

If you want to learn about a blockchain based game, then take a look to classic.luckyb.it That's a true On-Chain game.