Confiction Labs, the developer behind the cooperative roguelite shooter Riftstorm, has introduced a pioneering method to combat the growing bot problem in web3 gaming. This innovation, named Proof of Exposure, is an in-game lore-integrated NFT allowlist verification process designed to ensure that only genuine, dedicated players gain access to exclusive content. By weaving this verification process into the game’s narrative, Confiction Labs is taking a bold step to protect its community and reward true players, setting a new standard for immersive, bot-free gaming experiences.
Proof of Exposure is more than just a technical solution; it’s a narrative-driven system that assesses and verifies players based on their in-game achievements and contributions to the community. Players who wish to join the exclusive allowlist for the upcoming XPSR-24 NFT collection must apply to the game’s secretive organisation, known as the Mythic Protocol, and provide evidence of their past successes. This approach not only keeps bots at bay but also deepens the connection between players and the game’s lore, making the process of joining the allowlist a meaningful part of the gaming experience.
The Proof of Exposure system delves deep into a player’s profile to identify those most suitable to advance Riftstorm’s storyline. As applicants progress through the verification process, those who score the highest will gain access to the XPSR-24 NFT mint, which is seamlessly integrated into Confiction Labs’ FICT ONE: Occultical universe. Holders of these NFTs will be seen as humanity’s elite, tasked with defending against cosmic and eldritch threats in the game. The path to joining this elite group involves demonstrating a player’s influence, gaming achievements, on-chain value, creativity, and overall commitment to the game’s universe.
According to Arief Widhiyasa, CEO of Confiction Labs, Proof of Exposure is a crucial tool in maintaining the integrity of the game’s community. “This system isn’t just about stopping bots; it’s about creating a more immersive and authentic experience for our players. By ensuring that those who help shape our IPs are genuine and passionate members of the community, we can build Occultical together, honouring the creativity and dedication that are at the heart of Collaborative Entertainment.”
Bots have become a significant issue in web3 gaming, siphoning off rewards that are meant for real players. A study by web3 marketing platform Cookie3 has revealed that a staggering 70% of airdrops often end up in bot accounts, while Jigger, a bot prevention service, reports that 40% of web3 users engaging in NFT allowlists and games are bots. With the market cap for blockchain games steadily rising, the threat of bots is only expected to grow, making measures like Proof of Exposure all the more vital.
The Proof of Exposure system employs a rigorous verification process that includes third-party APIs, large language models (LLMs), data queries, and user-submitted information. This multi-faceted approach ensures that only genuine human participants are allowed into the FICT ONE community, effectively preventing bots from sneaking into the allowlist. By imposing stricter requirements, Confiction Labs is laying the groundwork for its vision of Collaborative Entertainment, where players are not just consumers but active contributors to the game’s development.
One of the most exciting aspects of this system is the opportunity for players to contribute user-generated content that can become part of the game’s official lore. Whether it’s writing, art, or music, players have the chance to see their creations become canon within the Occultical universe or featured in future game updates. This level of involvement extends to in-game events as well, where player actions are recorded, and their outcomes influence the direction of the storyline.
The XPSR-24 NFTs, which players can earn access to through Proof of Exposure, offer more than just bragging rights. These NFTs can level up and evolve over time, with higher-level NFTs potentially unlocking more rewards in the future. Players who hold these NFTs will also be able to participate in collective quests, adding another layer of depth and engagement to the game.
The application process for XPSR-24 is currently in its third week, and interested players can apply through the Confiction Labs Portal. The first week of applications saw the introduction of Proof of Humanity, which verifies applicants through social account linking, and Proof of Network, which assesses their ability to build communities around Occultical through referrals. These stages are also rooted in Riftstorm’s lore, where members of XPSR-24 must prove their humanity and establish global connections to support their mission.
XPSR-24 is the flagship NFT collection for the FICT ONE: Occultical universe, offering holders exclusive access to a world of unparalleled opportunities and adventures. With features like questing, levelling, and evolving, XPSR-24 is designed to be more than just a digital asset—it’s a gateway to a deeper, more interactive gaming experience. The initial holders of these NFTs were selected through a comprehensive application process that evaluated their ability to contribute to Confiction Labs’ vision of Collaborative Entertainment.
Confiction Labs, formerly known as Mythic Protocol, has positioned itself as a leader in the emerging field of Collaborative Entertainment. With a team of over 120 gaming veterans from diverse backgrounds, including those who have worked on major titles like Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, the company is well-equipped to push the boundaries of what gaming can be. Riftstorm, their first major release, has already generated significant buzz, with two playtests under its belt. The most recent playtest achieved the highest pre-alpha engagement on Steam, with over 21,000 players, and topped the charts for most streamed web3 games, amassing 326,000 hours watched in a single week. With the next playtest scheduled for Q4 2024 and a commercial launch planned for 2025, Confiction Labs is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming world.
Proof of Exposure is not just a technical innovation; it’s a step towards a more authentic and engaging gaming experience. By ensuring that only genuine, passionate players are allowed to shape the future of Riftstorm, Confiction Labs is creating a community that is both committed and creative. As the gaming world continues to evolve, systems like Proof of Exposure could become the standard, ensuring that the digital worlds we inhabit are as real and immersive as the players who bring them to life.
