Please describe your proposed solution

We, at Flux Point Studios, propose a multifaceted initiative as our solution to the listed problem. This solution is centered around forming a professional Cardano Esports Team and leveraging blockchain technology to revolutionize the professional gaming industry.

Team Formation: Assembling a roster of top-tier Esports athletes skilled in TRIB3 (flagship game with blockchain integration on Epic Games). Each team member will be educated on the underlying digital assets and technology facilitating their gaming experience–prepping them to be ambassadors of Cardano blockchain technology in the competitive gaming arena.

Tournament Hosting: Organizing a high-stakes tournament with an ADA prize pool. This tournament will serve as a showcase for the potential of blockchain technology in gaming, from transparent team participation and verifiable fairness in competition to secure and transparent prize distribution.

Blockchain Integration: Implementing Cardano's blockchain technology for critical operations such as prize distribution will not only enhance security and transparency but also provide a practical demonstration of blockchain applications in real-world scenarios.

Strategic Partnerships: We will target Utah entities such as University of Utah Esports, Ken Garff Esports, NASEF, Esportsgear, Crimson Gaming, Gamecraft, and Spacestation Gaming to enhance our outreach and ensuring wider participation and coverage while fostering a new generation of blockchain-savvy gamers. The rationale for this locale is based on existing connections our Project Lead (decimalist) has with these groups in Utah (a budget min/max strategy).

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Community Benefit:

This project is aimed at driving engagement and introducing Cardano's blockchain technology to a diverse, tech-savvy audience, potentially leading to broader adoption and innovation within the gaming community.

Measurement:

We have established specific relevant metrics that will aid in measuring our impact and influence for the proposed project. We will track the following targets:

• Recruited Cardano Esports Team Players
• Participant Teams for Tournament
• Live Tournament Viewers
• Utah Gaming Partners

Outputs & Opportunities:

As part of our final milestone, we will provide detailed post-event report(s) with analytics, feedback, and performance assessments. Additionally, we will submit a documented expansion strategy including potential locations and dates for future events.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Capability to Deliver:

Flux Point Studios brings a robust framework of expertise and proven track record in product delivery within the blockchain gaming industry. Our project is led by Nathaniel (decimalist) Minton, a former professional gamer with extensive connections in the Esports and tech communities, particularly within Utah. His leadership is complemented by Yohan Girardin, our Lead Game Developer, who has significant experience in game design and development, particularly in blockchain-integrated systems.

Our core team's expertise will be bolstered by targeting strategic partners like the University of Utah Esports, BYU Esports, Utah Valley University Esports, Ken Garff Esports, Spacestation Gaming, etc. which not only enhances our credibility but also widens our network within the Utah regional gaming ecosystem. These partnerships will aid in being well-positioned to attract top-tier talent and secure the necessary resources for a successful tournament.

Accountability in Fund Management:

Flux Point Studios commits to high levels of transparency and accountability in managing funds. In addition to having the funds tied directly to the achievement of milestones, we will provide detailed financial reports that include a breakdown of expenditures, to ensure transparency. These reports will be auditable by the Cardano Community through invoice numbers/earmark notes in the on-chain transactions.

Feasibility & Performance Metrics:

To ensure the feasibility and success of our initiative, Flux Point Studios has established the following specific, measurable performance metrics:

1. Cardano Esports Team Players: Assemble a competitive roster of 3 top-tier players skilled in TRIB3. These players will not only compete but also serve as ambassadors of Cardano technology in the esports arena.
2. Participant Teams for Tournament: Host a high-stakes tournament with at least 10 participating teams. This will increase Cardano reputation and credibility in the professional gaming industry.
3. Live Tournament Viewers: Attract a minimum of 5,000 live viewers for the tournament through strategic marketing, partnerships, and engaging content. High viewership will increase Cardano’s visibility and demonstrate its appeal in competitive gaming communities.
4. Utah Gaming Partners: Secure partnerships with at least 3 major Utah gaming entities, such as University of Utah Esports or Ken Garff Esports. These partnerships will enhance local engagement and support, providing a solid foundation for regional expansion.

These metrics will guide our project execution and be the benchmark against which we measure our impact, ensuring that every aspect of our initiative promotes Cardano’s adoption and visibility in the esports and broader gaming communities.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Milestone 1: Team Formation & Training

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Recruitment and formation of a competitive Cardano esports team.
2. Comprehensive training sessions on TRIB3 gameplay and Cardano technology.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Complete recruitment of 3 esports players.
2. Conduct at least 5 training sessions covering both gameplay strategies and blockchain education.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Signed contracts of recruited players.
2. Training session schedules and content outlines.

Milestone 2: Milestone 2: Tournament Planning & Sponsorship

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Organization of the Cardano Esports tournament.
2. Securing sponsorships and partnerships with local Utah gaming entities.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Finalized tournament plan, including date, venue, and participant teams.
2. Signed sponsorship agreements with at least 3 partners.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Official tournament schedule and plan.
2. Copies of signed sponsorship contracts.

Final Milestone: Milestone 3: Event Execution, Evaluation & Reporting

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Hosting the Cardano esports tournament.
2. Engaging the community through live streaming, social media promotions, and post-event activities.
3. Comprehensive evaluation of the tournament and team performance.
4. Development of expansion strategies and future event planning.
5. Final project report summarizing overall success, impact, and documenting lessons learned.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Successful hosting of the tournament with at least 10 teams participating.
2. Achievement of 5,000 live viewers and significant social media engagement.
3. Completion of a detailed post-event report assessing objectives, outcomes, and key metrics.
4. Formulation of a documented strategy for future tournaments and team expansions based on the evaluation.
5. Submission of a comprehensive final report and lessons learned document.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Tournament results, participant feedback forms, and official documentation.
2. Analytics from streaming platforms and social media engagement reports.
3. Detailed post-event report with analytics, feedback, and performance assessments.
4. Documented expansion strategy including potential locations and dates for future events.
5. Published final project report accessible to stakeholders and a lessons learned document recognized by project team and Cardano Community.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Nathaniel (decimalist) Minton [<https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-minton/>] - Project Lead. Former Professional Gamer. Leading Marketing Efforts, Cardano Esports Team Member Selection, and Event Planning.

Yohan Girardin [<https://www.linkedin.com/in/yohan-girardin-240b3826a/>] - Co-proposer. Lead Game Developer. Designing Game Architecture for the Esports Tournament. Assisting in Esports Team Member Selection, and Event Planning.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Team Formation &amp; Operations: 23,365₳

• Recruitment Costs: Advertising opportunity openings, scouting, interviews, and onboarding.
• Training Expenses: Materials to educate the team about TRIB3 gameplay strategies and Cardano blockchain technology.
• Salaries: Compensation for the team during the formation and operational phase.
• Gaming Equipment: High-performance computers, gaming peripherals, and software licenses required for competitive play.

Marketing &amp; Sponsorships: 39,148₳

• Promotional Activities: Creation of digital content, social media campaigns, and targeted ads to increase tournament visibility and participant engagement.
• Event Marketing: Posters, flyers, online event listings, and local media advertising.
• Community Engagement: Hosting webinars and Q&amp;A sessions to build community support and engagement.
• Sponsorship Management: Costs associated with securing and managing sponsorships, including legal and administrative fees.

Tournament Prize Pools &amp; Logistics: 24,574₳

• Prize Pools: Allocation of ADA and NFTs as prizes for the tournament winners.
• Broadcasting &amp; Event Logistics: Staffing, security, technical setup, expenses related to live streaming the event, and any other logistical needs.

Additional Budget Considerations

• Legal &amp; Compliance: Fees for legal advice to ensure compliance with local regulations and intellectual property rights (Any additional costs related to this and incurred above the requested funding will be absorbed by Flux Point Studios.).

Total: 87,087₳

• Esports Platforms: Collaborate with Esports platforms to facilitate tournament setups, live streaming, and global reach.
• Gaming Equipment Suppliers: Acquire top gaming hardware and high-performance gear to equip the team.
• Digital Asset Management Tools: Utilize Cardano tech for the secure creation, management, and distribution of NFTs tied to the Esports event and rewards.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Team Formation &amp; Operations

The allocation of 23,365₳ towards team formation and operations is aligned with the average wage for professional eSports players and operational staff in Utah. This investment in talent ensures that the team not only competes at high levels but also effectively serves as ambassadors for Cardano technology.

Marketing &amp; Sponsorships

The budget of 39,148₳ for marketing and sponsorships ensures comprehensive coverage and engagement. Given the rapid pace of digital marketing and its essential role in Esports, investment here is crucial for building visibility and engagement. Costs are based on typical rates for digital marketing services and online event promotion by Esports Management, ensuring effective reach and penetration in target markets.

Tournament Prize Pools &amp; Logistics

Investing 24,574₳ in prize pools and logistics underpins the project's credibility and appeal. The prize allocation is designed to attract top-tier competitors, enhancing the event's stature and the associated visibility of Cardano. Costs are benchmarked against similar online Esports events, ensuring competitive pricing and efficient use of resources.

Value for Money for the Cardano Ecosystem

Increased Visibility and Adoption: By hosting a high-profile Cardano-based Esports tournament, the project directly contributes to raising awareness and adoption of Cardano among gamers, developers, and spectators. The integration of Cardano for prize distribution and tournament entry serves as a practical demonstration of blockchain technology in a high-stakes, real-world environment.

Community Engagement and Growth: The investment in community engagement activities not only bolsters the immediate impact of the tournament but also fosters long-term growth of the Cardano community. By engaging participants and spectators, we convert casual observers into active users and advocates of the Cardano ecosystem.

Technological Validation and Innovation: The project provides a platform for showcasing Cardano’s capabilities, particularly in terms of transaction efficiency and security. This practical validation encourages further exploration and development of Cardano-based applications within the gaming industry.

Strategic Partnerships: By aligning with universities and gaming networks, the project leverages existing infrastructures and networks, enhancing the reach and impact of the investment while fostering new avenues for adoption and integration of Cardano.

The costs associated with this project are meticulously planned to ensure that each component supports the success of the tournament while also contributing to broader strategic goals of promoting Cardano’s utility and adoption. This careful allocation of resources demonstrates clear value for money, with each Lovelace spent amplifying Cardano’s presence and credibility in the competitive gaming sector.