Please describe your proposed solution.
As shown in the graphic above, there are three key elements for integrating Unreal with Cardano.
> Blockchain Querying
> Verifying wallets, accessing asset inventory, and more.
Blockfrost's API fulfills these requirements, this proposal will expose the API to Unreal Engine.
> IPFS / Storage Solution
> Storing & retrieving asset (NFT) media.
Exposing Blockfrost's API to Unreal Engine will provide access to IPFS. Other storage solutions in the future may be needed and could be easily integrated.
> Wallet Functionality
> In-game user interaction via blockchain. Not to be mistaken for wallet querying
Wallet functionality is required for games with in-game blockchain interaction, so not technically a requirement for some game-types, but for full integration it is absolutely necessary.
Example game: Users are rewarded with an NFT every day they log in.
They have two choices:
Wallet Functionality (X transactions by user)
Require users to sign a transaction to prove their login & receive the NFT.
No Wallet Functionality (1 transaction by user)
Users sign a transaction out of game for wallet verification to associate their account. Anytime the account logs in, their wallet receives the NFT.
> Overview
>
The proposal would bring 2/3 key elements of Unreal Engine Integration to completion.
Most importantly, all Unreal Engine developers would finally have easy, open source access to Cardano.
The last 1/3 could be implemented by anyone, even the developer themselves. I do have plans to implement this in the future with another developer, unsure if it will involve Catalyst. At this point it's looking like if we did return, it would be after a v1 release; for further app improvements. There's a cross-platform proof of concept available here. More information below.
Please describe how your proposed solution will address the Challenge that you have submitted it in.
> Blockfrost has many SDKs, but sadly is missing Unreal Engine 😥
By completing this proposal, more developers will learn about & use Blockfrost! We'll also bring developers to the Cardano community as a whole.
When I reached out to the team at Blockfrost, they were hyped!
What are the main risks that could prevent you from delivering the project successfully and please explain how you will mitigate each risk?
- Blockfrost API does the heavy lifting
- Work is straightforward & specific
- Minimal Workload altogether
- Growing interest in this technology
I see minimal risk if proper precautions for project planning are taken.