Bitcoin's Lightning Network is still too experimental for every day use, but that doesn't stop game developers from making a first person shooter that taps into the possibilities of fast bitcoin transactions. Developer collective Donnerlab is working on a multiplayer first person shooter (FPS) called Bitcoin Bounty Hunt, which uses bitcoin's Lightning Network transactions.
The FPS game has an integrated neutrino wallet, where gamers can store their coins privately. In an online arena gamers need to collect bounties, so-called Satoshi Cubes. These can be found on the map, or by killing other players. The collected bounties are slowly converted into actual satoshi. Players can use their earned satoshi, to quickly teleport to other players and surprise them.
Donnerlab is making money through in-game advertisements. They have Ad-Hodl Auctions in the game. This allows for in-game advertisements, powered by transactions on the Lightning Network.
Crypto shooters on the rise
Bitcoin Bounty Hunt is definitely not the first online multiplayer first person shooter in which gamers can earn cryptocurrencies. Vibe Or Die is supported by its own native token VIBE, and by NEO, ETH and BNB. In addition Satoshi's Games is working on a battle royale first person shooter called Lightnite. Just like Bitcoin Bounty Hunt this game is powered by the Lightning Network.
Gamers who play Lightnite can earn bitcoin by shooting other players. However, they will lose bitcoin when they get shot. Players can sell some of the items found in the game for bitcoin as well. On top of that they can withdraw the bitcoin they earned in Lightnite immediately.
None of these games can close to the quality of games like Call of Duty, Overwatch or Battlefield. But these independently created first person shooters are paving the way for bigger productions. Once one or two of these indies provide an excellent showcase for the technology, bigger companies will follow.
Games companies got their eyes on crypto
It goes without saying that major corporations in the gaming space follow the developments in the world of crypto . Microsoft and Sony are already active in this field, even though not with their gaming divisions.
Among the games publishers Ubisoft is the biggest supporter of blockchain gaming. Last week the company announced a partnership with blockchain-based games distribution platform Ultra. The French games publisher will use Ultra’s UOS blockchain during a trial period on a test version of its network. UOS keeps track of assets ownership, assets transfers and payments.
On top of that Ubisoft works on a lot more projects. The company has created its own test game on the Ethereum blockchain. In addition it’s an adviser on Dapper Labs’ upcoming blockchain Flow. They are putting lots of effort in blockchain games. Not only do they experiment with the technology themselves, but they’ve also launched an incubator program that attracts blockchain gaming startups worldwide, like in Belgium and South Korea.
Other gaming companies are also keeping their eyes on blockchain technology. Atari has already partnered with Animoca Brands, while Square Enix expressed a serious interest into the technology.
Posted from my blog: https://www.nederob.nl/2019/11/26/lightning-network-transactions-power-online-multiplayer-fps/