The Year of Adoption at Ultra: Unveiling Our Plans for 2024
With 2023 being a huge year for Ultra and our core applications, 2024 is a year where we build to make these applications, as well as our ecosystem as a whole ready for adoption.
With our core applications built, it’s time to put them to work and see what they’re made of. Our 2024 roadmap aims to showcase the potential of these applications and build toward making them irresistible for all participants in the gaming industry.
Ultra’s commitment to becoming a prominent player in the gaming industry remains steadfast. Our vision is unwavering, focusing on offering a diverse and immersive gaming experience that not only captivates gamers but also entices strategic partners. In 2024, we are gearing up to elevate Ultra’s presence through strategic initiatives that encompass improved player experiences, quality gaming content, expanding our blockchain ecosystem, and much more.
Our Main Focus for 2024
In 2024, our primary objective is to position Ultra as an irresistible force in the gaming realm. By curating world-class game content, enhancing user experiences, and facilitating seamless technology integration, we are confident that our 2024 initiatives will fulfil Ultra’s destiny as the ultimate all-in-one gaming application.
Through these strategic initiatives and objectives, our primary goal is to accelerate user growth, whilst ensuring that every participant within Ultra’s vibrant ecosystem not only contributes to this acceleration but also savors an experience that is remembered. Our vision extends beyond mere growth; it encompasses crafting memorable and enriching experiences for all who engage with the Ultra platform.
Our roadmap will be categorized into 5 sections, with a clear focus on: gaming content, players experience, ecosystem expansion, Ultra Arena, and our beloved UOS.
Below are our priorities for 2024:
Gaming Content
- Groundbreaking partnerships — Q2/Q3
- Expanding games catalog including exclusive games — Q2/Q3
- Exclusive closed beta access — Q2/Q3
- Game distribution process enhancements — Q3
Player Experiences
- Ultra Games on the web — Q1
- Ultra Games redesign — Q2
- Seamless sign-up flow — Q2
- In-game Uniqs — Q2/Q3
Ecosystem Expansion
- Opening up our blockchain — Q2
- Launch Ultra API — Q3
- New levels of game integration — Q3/Q4
- Launch ecosystem grants — Q4
Evolving Ultra Arena
- Arena on the web — Q1
- Leaderboard improvements — Q1
- Arena League — Q2
- Arena API — Q3
UOS
- Tokenomics revamp — Q2
- Staking — Q4
Gaming Content
Recognizing the essence of Ultra’s appeal, we understand that the magnetism for players hinges on the quality of our gaming content. Our commitment is unwavering — to consistently populate our game store with top-tier titles that not only attract but utterly captivate players.
Through partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry, we’re looking to expand and improve our games catalog.
Groundbreaking Partnerships — Q2/Q3
Ultra is set on forging groundbreaking partnerships that will redefine the gaming opportunities on Ultra. By collaborating with industry giants, innovative indie developers, and established web3 gaming entities, Ultra aims to bring a diverse array of top-quality games to its platform.
To help make these partnerships a reality, we need to make sure our technology is easily integrated and is compatible with any potential partner.
Expand Game Catalog, Including Exclusive Titles — Q2/Q3
By forging powerful partnerships and empowering our ecosystem to embrace high-quality games, expanding our catalog with top-tier titles is a pivotal goal within our 2024 objectives.
Making exclusive titles a cornerstone of the Ultra experience has always been a pivotal goal for us, and we’re making significant strides in transforming this vision into reality.
In the latter part of 2023, we proudly unveiled Project Citadel — an exclusive first-person shooter (FPS) game set to grace the Ultra platform this year. Project Citadel isn’t just a game; it’s a testament to the potential inherent in our ecosystem.
Simultaneously, our exclusive sports game is progressing robustly through the development pipeline. This game is poised to leverage our cutting-edge technology to its fullest extent.
We’re working hard to release both exclusive games in 2024, and we’re working toward having more exclusive games available on Ultra.
Exclusive Closed Beta Access — Q2/Q3
We’re actively working to empower developers to offer Ultra players exclusive beta access to their upcoming games. Soon, players will not only be able to claim early access through Uniq ownership but also have the option to pre-register for exclusive early access to anticipated titles.
This initiative not only enhances the gaming experience for Ultra players but also rewards early adopters.
Game Distribution Process Enhancements — Q3
We acknowledge the importance of a streamlined distribution process and are committed to enhancing it for both developers and users. Our focus is on meeting game publisher requirements to broaden the variety of games available on Ultra.
This includes:
- Modifications to pricing models
- Exploring free-to-play options
- Improving store page management
- Introducing launch campaigns that empower developer
Player Experiences
Elevating the user experience within Ultra is not just a goal; it’s a gateway to inviting millions of users into a space that is both comfortable and effortlessly navigable. By enhancing the player experience, we aim to facilitate seamless engagement across all of Ultra’s applications, fostering increased retention and fundamentally improving the initial impression users have the moment they step into our platform.
Ultra Games on the Web — Q1
The introduction of Ultra Games on the web signifies a significant leap forward, empowering users to explore the extensive Ultra Games catalog without the necessity of downloading and installing the Ultra client.
Having Ultra Games available on the web allows for:
- Seamless browsing without the need to sign in
- Visibility of games on Ultra on Google
- Easy sharing of game links across social networks
- Showcasing game pages to a wider audience
The primary goal of this feature is to enhance the discoverability of Ultra Games. Now, anyone can freely visit our game store, gaining insights into the diverse offerings. This not only makes games more accessible but also sets the stage for a future where games can be purchased directly on the web.
Make Offers for Uniqs — Q1
With this feature, potential buyers can now express their interest in acquiring a specific Uniq at a defined price. The power of choice rests with the Uniq owners, who can accept or decline these offers.
Buy offers on Uniqs serve as a negotiation tool, providing individuals with the chance to partake in personalized transactions.
Platform Redesign — Q2
Top-tier game content must be matched with a world-class in-app experience, and our roadmap includes a comprehensive interface redesign and enhancements beyond aesthetics. The redesign for 2024 will focus on the following:
- Creating a user-centric, modern, and aesthetically pleasing game store
- Our sign-up and sign-in destination will be revamped and optimized
From the sign-in process to navigating through the library, every interaction within Ultra will be designed with precision, adhering to our player’s expectations.
Seamless Sign-Up Flow — Q2
Ultra is dedicated to simplifying the journey for players, ensuring that signing up and signing in are not hurdles but rather seamless transitions into our ecosystem.
We’re streamlining the signing-in experience by eliminating unnecessary obstacles and introducing more efficient and familiar methods. Bid farewell to the hassles of mobile numbers and embrace the ease of familiar social logins, making the sign-up and sign-in process an absolute breeze.
In-Game Uniqs — Q2/Q3
In our commitment to empowering game developers and players, we are delivering essential tools that facilitate the smooth integration of Uniqs as in-game items. This game-changing update takes the gaming experience to new heights, granting players true ownership of their in-game achievements and items.
Players will not only have the capability to use these items within the game environment but can also explore opportunities to trade them on marketplaces built on Ultra’s technology. This marks a significant stride toward a more immersive and player-centric gaming experience within the Ultra ecosystem.
Improved Inventory on the Uniq Marketplace — Q2/Q3
To accommodate users with an expanding collection of Uniqs, especially considering the continuous growth with in-game items as Uniqs, we are introducing filtering and sorting options within a player’s inventory. These features will empower users to effortlessly locate the specific Uniqs they are seeking within their inventory, ensuring a seamless and efficient navigation experience.
In-Game Transactions with Overlay — Q2/Q3
We’re developing the functionality to sign blockchain transactions within games, to offer a secure and trustworthy system, allowing you to sign Ultra blockchain transactions directly within the game, eliminating the need to interrupt your gameplay for transactions.
Ecosystem Expansion
2024 will be the year we open up our blockchain to the world and invite creators and developers to build on the technology that we’ve been crafting for years. This marks a significant turning point where our technology becomes an open playground for innovators. As we step into this new chapter, our aim is not only to welcome creators to explore the intricacies of our technology but to empower them to build like never before.
Opening Up Our Blockchain — Q2
Ultra recognizes the transformative power of collaboration and innovation. To catalyze this, we want to open up our blockchain to external contributors and developers.
Open the Uniq Standard for All
With opening the doors to the Uniq standard for everyone, we’re extending an invitation for all to harness this token standard and usher in a new era of digital content creation.
After years of development, we stand on the brink of making it possible for everyone to craft their own Uniq collections. The horizons of Uniq creations are limitless, intertwining with various elements such as:
- In-game items
- Digital rewards & collectibles
- Tournament prizes
- Exclusive game access
- and more
Open Smart Contract Development
Alongside opening up our Uniq standard, developers will soon have the capability to construct and deploy their custom smart contracts directly on our mainnet. This feature marks a significant stride in empowering developers to bring forth innovative solutions and applications within the dynamic ecosystem of Ultra.
By inviting early adopters into our tech ecosystem, we aim to foster a collaborative environment where diverse minds can contribute to and create content for the Ultra platform.
Launch Ultra API — Q3
The Ultra API is essentially a tool that simplifies the process of obtaining information and metadata about Uniqs, making it easy for developers and game developers to work with these unique digital assets. This also allows wallets and NFT marketplaces to create their services truly effortlessly. This contributes to the growth of the Uniq NFT standard’s adoption, increasing asset liquidity while the protocol rewards financially anyone that participates in the promotion of both second hand and first hand Uniq sales.
Initially, we rolled out a private beta phase, allowing a select group of users to test and provide feedback on the API. After receiving valuable insights and refining the system, we are now gearing up to launch the beta publicly. This means that all developers, not just those in the private beta, will have access to our API.
The goal is to ensure that developers, including those creating games, have the most straightforward and user-friendly experience possible when interacting with Uniqs through the Ultra API. This move toward a public beta signifies our commitment to making Uniqs and the associated technologies widely accessible and easy to integrate into various applications and games.
Introducing New Levels of Game Integration — Q3/Q4
Level 2 Game Integration
This phase involves optimizing and boosting the integration process, ensuring that games effortlessly interact with the blockchain and the broader Ultra ecosystem. This entails enhancing Single Sign-On (SSO) mechanisms and the integration of Uniqs, streamlining the pathway for developers to incorporate their games into the Ultra platform.
Level 3 Game Integration
Whilst we’ll only introduce the beginning stages of this level, this transformative phase involves introducing a client that allows players to sign arbitrary transactions directly in games launched within the Ultra platform. This not only enhances the in-game experience for players but also solidifies Ultra’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for developers.
Launching Ecosystem Grants — Q4
As we open our blockchain for developers to explore and innovate upon, we’re not just extending an invitation but also adding extra incentive to build on Ultra.
Through our ecosystem grant initiative, developers are not only encouraged but also rewarded for contributing their expertise to the Ultra platform. This incentive program is designed to foster a vibrant community of creators. Moreover, we’re gearing up to introduce engaging initiatives like hackathons and other events in the coming year, cultivating an environment where innovation thrives and participants are duly recognized for their contributions.
Notably, we’re committed to recognizing and rewarding the loyalty and hard work of those who embark on their development journey with Ultra. This initiative is not just about the future; it’s about appreciating and empowering those who are instrumental in shaping the Ultra ecosystem.
Evolving Ultra Arena
Arena, within our vision, is not just an application; it’s a tool with untapped potential. We are committed to a trajectory of continuous evolution, with major plans on building into an esports powerhouse.
Arena on the Web — Q1
Deploying Arena on the web significantly broadens the reach of the app, making tournaments more visible and discoverable to a wider audience. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or a new player looking to dive into the competitive gaming scene, finding and engaging with tournaments becomes more straightforward.
This increases the discoverability of Ultra Arena tournaments, boosting marketing campaigns and generally making the application more accessible. In turn, this positively impacts the discoverability of the entire Ultra ecosystem.
Players can also easily navigate through fewer registration steps, reducing any unnecessary complexities. This not only enhances the user experience but also encourages more players to participate.
Leaderboard Improvements & Iterations — Q1
The launch of leaderboards in December was a huge step for us in creating different tournament frameworks and layouts, but now the time has come to continue evolving and improving leaderboards on Arena. This quarter, we’ll be focusing on deploying:
- Point-based leaderboards
- Public or private leaderboards
- Team leaderboards
New Tournament Types — Q2
We’ll be expanding the types of tournaments on Arena, including the popular double elimination bracket system — a widely embraced structure in the modern landscape of esports.
Arena League Website — Q2
A league system is something we’ve always envisioned for Arena, and we’re developing a unified system for league events to occur on Arena.
With Arena League, teams can enter or qualify for leagues around games of their choice, climb the ranks, and compete for season-long rewards.
Be sure to follow us to stay up to date on our first League on Arena.
Organization Experience Enhancements — Q2
Our vision for Arena is to transform it into a versatile esports platform, empowering organizers to effortlessly create their tournaments. We are committed to enhancing the organization process, streamlining tasks for organizers, and simplifying the management of prize pools, leaderboards, and other processes.
This marks the initial stride in establishing the foundation to broaden Arena’s accessibility, enabling any player to create tournaments.
Gated Access Iterations — Q3
We’ll be introducing new forms of gated access for Arena tournaments, namely through tickets and keys. This will ultimately add a new level of exclusivity around Arena tournaments.
Arena API — Q3
The Arena API will streamline the process of reporting match scores and results, and also open the door to matchmaking within Arena. Our API will also majorly simplify integrations within games, streamlining both the players, and the developers experience.
The API release will not only simplify but significantly enhance integrations within games, offering a streamlined experience for both players and developers alike.
Factory Templates — Q3
Creating Uniqs and rewards can be a complex process, by creating factory templates, we will ensure we can easily guide organizers during this process so that they can fully understand the value and potential of Uniqs.
Whether you want to create rewards, merchandise, services, etc. Arena will allow partners to create it in a simple process allowing them to fully benefit from the potential of Uniqs.
Tournament Organization for Players — Q4
We’ll be making it possible for any player to host and create tournaments on Arena, whereby they can curate their own rules, prize pools, and tournament structures.
Arena Social Tools — Q4
We’re going to be implementing social elements within Arena, including:
- Player on-chain performance stats
- 3rd party SSO integration
- In-app chat system
- Team and players hub
The social features for Q4 are not set in stone, and prioritization for social tools will be updated as the year goes by.
UOS
Tokenomics Revamp — Q2
In 2024, we plan to restructure our tokenomics to further fuel and incentive growth of our ecosystem. This will aid in utilizing the UOS more effectively while providing transparency to our community.
We plan on kickstarting our development grant program this year with an initial investment of $10 million to incentivize developers to build on Ultra. This grant will enable the development of dApps, third-party applications, games built on Ultra, and more.
Since 2024 will be a year focused on acquiring quality and exclusive content, we’ll also be utilizing UOS from the content company wallet to secure important exclusivity deals. This is an essential step for Ultra to ramp up user acquisition and grow our games catalog.
There is the possibility of relocking tokens from these wallets once we have reached major milestones.
We’ll share a dedicated article that covers the specifics closer to the time.
Staking — Q4
To provide further utility to UOS, we’ll be launching a staking program this year. We envision the staking program as a way to grow the Ultra community and will provide rewards for those who use Ultra. We’re also looking into gamifying the experience.
The precise details relating to the staking program will be shared at a later stage.
What’s Next?
Whilst the above objectives will be our primary focus for the year ahead, we’ve got plenty features on our mind that will fit perfectly with what we’re currently building:
Social Features
We want to turn Ultra into a social hub for our players. We’re talking:
- Friend system
- In-app chatting
- User notifications
Marketplace Revamp
We plan to turn the Uniq Marketplace into the ultimate marketplace for digital items:
- Interface redesign
- Better content discoverability
- Uniq auctions
- Transaction history
About Ultra
Ultra is the first entertainment platform providing all key games industry services under a single roof, easily accessible through a single login.
Built around our PC games distribution store, Ultra provides access to countless centralized and decentralized services: Discover, buy, play and sell your games and in-game items, watch live-streaming feeds, interact with your favorite influencers, participate in contests, compete in tournaments, and much more.
Ultra has been built to provide endless value for players, a fair playing ground for developers, and a whole new world of opportunities for the games industry.
For more information, visit ultra.io and onultra.io and follow along on Twitter, YouTube, Telegram, Instagram, and Discord.
