Short Description: Polkadot Unity SDK proposal to grow the Gaming Vertical
Project Category/Type: BD/Marketing/Education
Beneficiary Address: xxx (Multisig)
Funding Amount: 255,000 USD
To DOT Holders,
It's Nick again from Ajuna Network. I'm representing the Polkadot Gaming Group in this proposal (Part Deux). We're excited to present the second part of our proposal, which focuses on promoting the adoption of the newly created Polkadot Unity SDK. In our previous proposal, we addressed the technical aspects of the SDK's development. Now, we're seeking your input and suggestions regarding the BD/Marketing strategies essential for this project's success.
The TLDR:
- Background: The second phase of our proposal for the Polkadot Unity SDK is now centered on BD/Marketing and educational endeavors. After setting the foundation with technical development (covered in Part 1), we aim to ensure its successful adoption and inclusion in the Unity Asset Store.
- Collaboration: Our team of over 20 active members, boasting reputable names such as Ajuna, Apilon, Astar, Aventus, Gear Technologies, Moonsama, Moonbeam, and Parity Technologies, has proficiently addressed the technical complexities of this initiative. Now, united in our mission, we're strategically poised to utilize our joint expertise to maximize the marketing potential of the Unity SDK in the gaming sector.
- Funding Request: We're requesting $255,000 in total. This fund is earmarked for various events, tutorials, tooling, and the designation of a dedicated Caretaker and a Polkadot Unity SDK Advocate.
- Opportunity: The Unity Asset Store's integration offers a remarkable opportunity to elevate Polkadot's brand recognition among the game and app developer community. It's the next logical step to accentuate this milestone through targeted marketing and business development, ensuring the Polkadot ecosystem genuinely benefits from this edge in the gaming arena.
- Team and Management: A curator team will oversee the budget. Representatives from Parity, Ajuna, and another parachain member will compose this team, ensuring transparent and efficient use of funds.
- Your Role: We encourage the community to review, provide feedback, and propose modifications. Your active participation is crucial in refining our strategy and ensuring Polkadot's triumphant entry into the gaming ecosystem.
We're confident this endeavor will significantly bolster the growth and diversification of the web3 gaming vertical on Polkadot, benefiting all stakeholders in both the short and long term.
We eagerly anticipate your support in making this transformative project a reality.
Part 2: BD/Marketing
This section delves into the BD and Marketing strategies vital for the success of the Polkadot Unity SDK. Recognizing the immense effort needed in this arena, we've split this proposal into two parts to foster open dialogue.
I'd also like to present some overarching information that has steered our endeavors.
Unity Asset Store Verified Solution:
- Top 3 Genres: Simulation, RPG, and Indie
- Developer Segment: Approximately 50% Indie Developers, 30% SMB, and 20% Enterprise
- Platform Distribution: Around 50% Mobile, 25% Mobile + PC, 15% Mobile + Web, and 10% Others
- All Web3 solutions that are part of the program have seen benefits. Gaming studios are inclined towards relying on Unity Verified Solutions for their projects. This boosts the success rate for the Unity Verified Web3 solutions when they reach out to gaming studios for adoption through direct sales and marketing initiatives.
- In the last 6 months, there were approximately 8,000 developers using the Unity Verified Web3 solutions for their projects (downloaded via the Asset Store). This roughly translates to between 2,000 to 4,000 gaming projects.
All the information provided above has either been sourced directly from Unity or has been verified in collaboration with them.
Why a Second Proposal
We have separated the technical work from the BD/Marketing efforts to expedite the verification process while allowing for community input and debate.
BD/Marketing Budget ($85,000)
The efforts here are to drive wide adoption of the new Verified SDK by game developers, parachain teams, and game studios. It will also cover the costs to participate in major gaming events such as Gamescom/GDC as well as 4 regional events for web3 markets.
- Goal: Secure game studio partnerships for launching on Polkadot by showcasing the platform's value proposition, with emphasis on the Unity SDK integration.
- Approach: No static booth at events. Utilize dynamic, engaging pitch sessions to capture interest and spark conversation. Exposure in Web3 Communities.
- Tasks: - Identify game studio decision-makers at events. - Craft a concise pitch: Highlight Polkadot's benefits & Unity SDK. - Engage studios proactively; set up pitch meetings. - Post-event follow-up: Thank, provide info, and refine for the future.
- Outcome: Forge connections, and spur Polkadot adoption in the gaming industry.
BGA Gold Member ($15,000 for 1 year)
The Blockchain Game Alliance is the largest and most active “DAO” in web3 gaming. The full list of the features and access to a Gold Member can be seen here: Join the BGA – Blockchain Game Alliance as well as a full list of Basic Members.
GDC ($20,000)
GDC is the largest Game developer conference in North America and takes place in March of 2024. This includes only tickets and travel expenses.
Gamescom ($10,000)
Gamescom is the premier Gaming Event in the EU region and takes place in August of 2024. This includes only tickets and travel expenses - (for a booth at Gamescom a separate Events proposal may be submitted)
Tokyo Gameshow Japan ($10,000)
The Tokyo Gameshow has historically been the most attended Gaming event in Asia. This will allow us to regain some presence in the Region, and connect with developers and studios.
Middle East Gaming ($10,000)
There are a few events happening each year in the region, which is one of the fastest-growing communities in gaming. The Mena Gaming and Esports Summit, or the Dubai Esports Festival are examples of the events taking place in the region.
LATAM ($10,000)
The BIG Festival is an event in the LATAM region that has been gathering momentum over the past years and an opportunity for us to expand in an underserved (for Polkadot) region.
Sub0 Gaming Vertical ($10,000)
With the switch to 4 regional Sub0 events in the calendar year, we want to make sure that there is a Gaming Vertical focus present. This would include a booth, a speaker for the event, and a Unity SDK track for the hackathons that take place during the Sub0 events.
Tutorials/Tooling/Education ($50,000)
To streamline and simplify the onboarding process for aspiring game developers in our ecosystem, we're investing in comprehensive guides, tools, and educational materials. This ensures that transitioning into the Polkadot environment is as intuitive and hassle-free as possible.
- Goal: Enhance understanding and adoption of Polkadot in the gaming industry, emphasizing the Unity SDK integration.
- Approach: Invest in high-quality educational content and tooling. Direct focus on Unity developers through Polkadot's dedicated channels and partners.
- Tasks: - Establish educational tracks in workshops and institutions, e.g., Polkadot Academy. - Develop intuitive and comprehensive documentation for game development on Polkadot. - Create media dedicated to game dev onboarding, how-tos, and series on creating games in polkadot.
- Integrate and add Gaming brands like BGA and Unity across the ecosystem.
- Outcome: Position Polkadot as the go-to platform for game developers using Unity, driving widespread adoption and understanding of its benefits in the gaming ecosystem.
Polkadot Academy (up to $20,000)
Introduce Dedicated Path for Unity on Substrate for the cohorts in 2024.
Industry-leading Polkadot Unity SDK documentation (~$5000)
Presented on the Polkadot and Substrate Webpage, and linked to ecosystem parachains and products.
Gaming in Polkadot Video Series (up to $25,000)
Showcasing the advantages of the SDK compared to the competition.
Branding of the Ecosystem for Gaming
Leverage BGA and the Unity in the ecosystem, to point to the Gold membership and on the Verified Solution for Unity on every parachain website.
Caretaker and Polkadot Unity SDK Advocate ($120,000)
Caretaker (50% FTE ~$60’000)
The Caretaker is responsible for operationalizing these efforts, including:
- Stakeholder Management amongst the gaming vertical and coordinate efforts.
- Represent and lead at GDC, Gamescom, and regional events.
- Capitalize on the BGA Gold Membership, in using the resources that come along with the membership.
- Identify and Recruit a Polkadot Unity SDK Advocate, for the technical outreach
- Acting Polkadot SDK spokesperson, handling presentations and outreach
- Report KPIs from the different activities through the channels of SubstrateGaming and on the Polkadot Forum
Caretaker Profile:
Nicholas Douzinas
Polkadot Unity SDK Advocate (50% FTE ~$60’000)
The Polkadot Unity SDK Advocate role will evangelize the SDK as a means to onboard game devs to build on it. The candidate will also be leading the business relationship with Unity in regard to the Unity Asset Store, Developer onboarding and outreach, and partnerships for hackathons, bounties, and demos.
- Serve as the go-to person for technical inquiries within and outside the Polkadot ecosystem.
- Display technical integrations of the SDK at key conferences and events.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the SDK and its capabilities.
- Helping and Coordinating incoming feature requests and supporting draft detailed specifications for their integration, focusing on additional service layers built on top of the SDK such as social logins, identity verification, NFT integration, IPFS, and more. (opening them for teams to request a web3 grant for implementation)
Advocate Profile: For the Polkadot Unity SDK Advocate, we are currently exploring potential candidates amongst the current contributors.
Curator Team
For the purpose of the proposal, a Multisig account is set up. The Curator team (3 members with a threshold of 2) will be responsible for releasing the funds according to the budget and timing shared in this proposal.
Your Input Matters
We are eager to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and feedback on this proposal. Your input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Polkadot's adoption in the gaming and dApps space.
Please feel free to comment, share your insights, and make suggestions to help us refine this proposal and make it a reality.
Thank you for your support and participation!