Introducing: Game Jam DAO
Automating Game Jams & Hackathons with Blockchain
Rensa Games has created a new platform to facilitate game jams and hackathons. Read more about our first deployment with the University of Wyoming here: http://www.uwyo.edu/uw/news/2022/08/wyohackathon-part-of-uws-wyoming-blockchain-stampede.html
What It Is
Our “Game Jam DAO” automates the key functions of any game jam or hackathon. This includes:
- Forming a team;
- Accruing funds in a prize pool;
- Submitting projects;
- Voting by judges; and
- Sending funds to the winners.
We accomplish this using blockchain infrastructure and smart contracts. This includes “DAOs,” or Decentralized Autonomous Organizations. In short, DAOs allow for voting on content in an efficient and transparent way.
Why Game Jam DAO
In our past work (Cellarius) and current development on Rensa Games, one of the major issues we’ve heard from creators is that payments are frequently opaque or delayed — if they arrive at all.
That’s why Rensa’s existing game and asset distribution system pays independent developers and content creators in real-time, at each point of sale. Every transaction is immediately public on a block explorer like Polygonscan. Now, we’re applying that same concept to hackathons.
We have created a platform that allows hackathons and game jams to be run efficiently, transparently, and autonomously.
Efficiency — Game Jam DAO streamlines all the elements of hackathons that aren’t focused on building. We’ve created a robust template for content submissions, judging, and prize distribution. Payment rails are already built-in and do not require external coordination. There is less focus on setup and administrative tasks, and more focus on building.
Transparency — Participants will be able to see the funds in escrow for each challenge, and voting will be visible based on the digital wallet addresses of each judge. Once winners are selected, the distribution of escrowed funds to the winner’s registered wallet will be verifiable on a block explorer.
Autonomy — The real-time payment rails used for Rensa Games’ marketplace are utilized here as well. After judging takes place, payments to challenge winners occur automatically in less than 60 seconds. Our smart contracts will also divide those payments among each member of the team as specified during registration.
Building Trust
All of these features help to build trust between a challenge’s sponsors and participants. Because payments are visible to everyone, and voting is transparent, Game Jam DAO reduces common points of friction between the parties.
Enabling trust through decentralized code fosters an environment where builders can put their undivided energy into creation, rather than worrying about the logistics of organization and payment.
Future State
Following the WyoHackathon, Rensa Games will deploy a new tool for users to create their own hackathons using our smart contracts. This will enable further customization of each challenge.
We’re excited to power the fifth annual WyoHackathon with our DAO platform. To participate, you can register on the Wyoming Blockchain Stampede website, and join our Rensa Games Discord to participate.
If you are interested in sponsoring a game jam or hackathon through Rensa Games’ “Game Jam DAO,” please reach out to info {at} rensa {dot} games.
