Why we chose Algorand to build Indelve, our life’s work
We at Indelve like to do things the right way. Since we started Trantorian, our space-themed 4X NFT-game, we’ve been researching different blockchains to work on. Here’s why we landed on Algorand.
Because, you see, Trantorian is just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve been planning Indelve for several years now, as a full-fledged gaming-specific Layer-2. This is not a simple task. This is, for many of us, our life’s work. Our legacy.
With our philosophy of making things the right way, we started our journey. We’ve researched over 20 different blockchains. We’ve created NFTs, smart contracts, and read countless pages of white-papers…
And then there were three…
We believe only a few blockchains will remain strong and truly useful in the future. It’s just how things always play out. Initially, a lot of projects appear. Many are just copycats of others. But then, as the initial hype starts to wear off, only the best remain standing.
Which ones will be among the top remaining three?
Indelve plans to add a lot to the overall ecosystem of the blockchain. We are talking about investing huge amounts of money and time.
Therefore, we wanted a blockchain that would survive and persist and grow. We firmly believe Algorand will be one of the very few that will remain.
The criteria
To make an informed decision, we defined a criteria by which to analyze all the blockchains in our short list.
We covered all the aspects that are paramount for a successful project like ours.
Following is each of the categories and criteria we decided upon:
Technology
Criteria
- General architecture
- Permission type
- Proof type
- Speed
Rationale
The technology should be Proof of Stake, green, and should be able to sustain the growth of our project.
Result
We found Algorand to beat many other blockchains in these criteria.
We analyzed the technology and engineering behind different blockchains. ETH clones were quickly discarded. Why use a copycat? We would have used ETH directly instead!
Additionally, Algorand is REST-based instead of RPC-based. This brings a whole different level of potential.
Initially, we did see a downside of not being RPC, though: the inability to interact with Pocket Network. But it has been overcome with Algorand’s fast reaction time to partner with Pocket Network and integrate it directly in the SDK.
On the environmental aspect, Algorand pledges to be the greenest blockchain with a carbon-negative network now and in the future. That is a check as well.
Regarding the speed. Well. A transaction goes through in under 4.5 seconds. This is faster than the time it took you to read this paragraph!
Development
Criteria
- Community: size & participation
- Documentation: quality, clarity and quantity
- Programming languages: ease of use, it’s own community and documentation, and availability of programmers
Rationale
The blockchain must allow us to normally develop, get support and grow our team.
Result
The PyTeal library allows us to code the smart contract in Python, which completely covers our criteria.
Also, Algorand’s community and documentation is sizable.
Not only that, but they are an amazing team to work with closely as we have. They provided us with a great deal of meaningful resources to pave our way.
Infrastructure
Criteria
- What is required to support the blockchain?
- What is required to run additional nodes?
Rationale
Adding nodes and other supportive infrastructure to the blockchain should not be prohibitive in terms of permission, initial investment and required hardware.
Result
Algorand really shines in this area. Creating participation nodes is easy and cheap. Relay nodes are being added slowly and in a controlled manner. We are ok with that.
All of our NFTs are backed, in different degrees, by actual infrastructure nodes. And part of that infrastructure are nodes of the selected blockchain. So this was a big factor to consider.
General use
Criteria
- Token availability in major exchanges
- Wallet platform availability
Rationale
We need a blockchain that is easy for players and investors to jump into. Forcing our players jumping through hoops to get a hand to the token would be very negative to the whole experience.
Result
Algorand is listed on all major exchanges, so that’s a check.
Also, Algorand supports all three types of wallets: web-based wallet, browser extension and mobile app.
Tokenomics
Criteria
- Supply: type and amount
- Vesting
Rationale
The economics of the blockchain should be suitable for growth in terms of price and fees.
Result
We needed a blockchain with an economy suitable for growth.
Algorand is not here for a short-time play. Neither are we.
We have our reservations about Algorand’s vesting schedule. But we do see it, and Algorand’s philosophy in general, aligned with long-term investments and projects.
More importantly, we don’t see it as a deterrent for the players and investors we are appealing to.
Decentralization
Criteria
- Permission type
- What is required to participate in the network?
Rationale
The blockchain of choice has to be open and decentralized.
Result
We believe that blockchain technology is a tool to democratize access and provide true ownership.
That’s why we quickly discarded blockchains that are fully private (MATIC), extremely centralized / prone to manipulation (BSC, SOL), or are permissioned.
Algorand’s approach to decentralization is perfectly in line with our project: starts private with early backers and private stakeholders. Grow slowly as stress tests are performed. And then completely open it. They call it: Responsible Decentralization. We couldn’t agree more.
Based on Algorand’s roadmap and the reputation of the team, we have no doubts about them complying and reaching their goals.
Also, Algorand is permissionless, which means anyone can participate in the network. Also a must for what we believe is the philosophy of open blockchains.
NFTs
Criteria
- NFT support
- Growing ecosystem
Rationale
Our project is NFT-based so the chosen blockchain must greatly support them.
Result
Given that our game is coinless and NFT-based, we wanted a blockchain that not only had great support for NFTs, but also a nice growing ecosystem.
Algorand has shown explosive growth lately in this area. And this is something that excites us.
It also provides exceptional tools such as Fractional NFTs and ASAs. These will end up being extremely useful for Trantorian and our overall project.
Gaming strategy
Criteria
- Strategic positioning on gaming
- Existing projects
Rationale
Gaming should be a pillar of the blockchain ecosystem’s strategy.
Result
This was kind of important to us… you know… we are making a video game and all.
Initially, we had our doubts in this one. However, through further exploration, and with the vision set out by the Foundation’s newly appointed CEO, it has become very clear that there is a strong strategic focus on both the NFT and the video gaming ecosystems.
So… why Algorand?
I started saying we like to do things the right way. Well, we learned that Algorand too follows this philosophy.
We’ve embarked on this endeavor with Algorand in hopes that it will be beneficial to the entire ecosystem.
The team and community are amazing, dedicated and cool people. The kind of people you want to work with. The kind of people you want to get involved with.
The kind of people you would want at your side as you build your legacy.
