Frobots is a unique application that allows people to play a fully-fledged online game while acting as an education platform. Built on the BSV blockchain it incorporates elements of NFTs, micropayments, rapid transactions, and the Metaverse, says Founder and CEO Jerry Chan.
Frobots sees users write algorithms for their Frobots, fighting each other to death for fun and profit. However, the original idea behind the platform came about from a desire to explore the general computational capabilities of the BSV blockchain, said Chan. ‘The monetisation models of the internet are changing and computer gaming monetisation has become anti-player.’
He added that gone are the days of simply buying a game and getting a full product with this system, replaced by in-game purchases and micropayments. Additionally, developers are incentivised to capitalise on players by designing in-game purchases that offer advantages. This results in a scenario where individuals with greater financial resources can achieve victory more effortlessly, such as by purchasing gems to enhance their gameplay, and so on.
At the other end of the spectrum, development around games has also changed drastically, as AI-making software development skills have become more important.
Frobots effectively imparts this knowledge engagingly and enjoyably. Chan emphasises the significance of this enjoyable aspect, as many proficient programmers naturally find it engaging. Enhancing this experience further through gamification stands to benefit everyone involved.
How Frobots gamifies education
In Frobots, participants craft programs and pit them against other players’ programs in a gladiatorial-style battle arena.
Creating code using blocks is exceptionally straightforward for players. Frobots utilises the LUA programming language, a widely adopted language in the gaming industry.
According to Chan, players will have the opportunity to enhance and refine Frobots, construct and exchange upgrades, partake in and emerge victorious in tournaments, and engage in gameplay with the objective of both enjoyment and learning. These Frobots have a ‘digital life’ and their singular purpose is to compete within the game and act as gladiators within a digital arena, Chan said.
While the move-sets of the Frobots are relatively limited, he noted that it is an opportunity for users to learn to program.
Chan added that web3 is often dismissed as merely a trendy term. But in his opinion, there is merit to the concept, especially when it comes to utility. He added that web3 signifies the transformation of data into valuable assets. In contrast to web2 platforms such as Facebook, where your data is controlled by the platform, web3 envisions a scenario in which you have ownership of your data. This vision relies heavily on the pivotal role of NFTs, provided they can be seamlessly transferred across various platforms to materialise this aspiration.
Learning economy vs a product
Chan emphasised that Frobots is designed as a learning platform first and foremost, and that it has not been designed as a product to extract money from players. He added that Frobots is following three basic tenants as it continues development and enters full release:
- Creating a game that is fun but also educates;
- Making a multi-dimensional platform, with advanced players moving onto higher forms of strategy and engagement, just like the real world;
- Entrust digital ownership of assets and their intrinsic value with the players – not the platform.
