Mekaverse

In March 2022, I joined Mekaverse, an NFT project launched by 3D artists Matthieu Braccini and Mattey in October 2021. The project features a unique collection of 8,888 robot warriors called "Mekas," each with its own set of traits generated by algorithms. These robots draw inspiration from the classic mecha of Japanese pop culture, ready for virtual battles. My role was to tackle various technological aspects, enhancing the project's infrastructure and user experience.

Three distinct collections have been meticulously crafted:

• Meka
• Mekabot
• MekaDriver

The Meka collection features the core set of meka warriors, each designed with unique traits and attributes. Mekabot expands on this universe with a series of mechanized companions, offering additional depth and character to the warriors' lore. Lastly, the MekaDriver collection introduces the human element, showcasing the pilots behind the mechas

The WorldMap game

In early summer 2022, Mekaverse unveiled a game concept, inviting Meka NFT holders to immerse themselves in a virtual world teeming with interactive missions. Players, through their Web3 wallets, can deploy their Meka or Mekadriver NFTs on treasure hunts across diverse map zones, each mission promising the chance to unearth digital or physical treasures. The game employs a dual-probability system, firstly determining mission success or failure, and secondly, the specific rewards players might secure, ranging from in-game credits to exclusive merchandise and rare NFTs. This nuanced probability approach is tailored by both mission location and potential rewards, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience.

In partnership with Amsterdam-based studio Antinomy, I led the development of a REST API in Nest.js, which serves as the backbone for the game's backend. This API is designed to authenticate players, manage NFT missions, and implement a probability-based win/lose system while integrating security measures to prevent cheating. By verifying NFT ownership through real-time Ethereum blockchain checks, ensuring NFTs are not listed for sale on platforms like OpenSea, and confirming their availability for missions, the API upholds the integrity of the gaming experience.

The Nest.js API that underpins our game is adeptly deployed on Google Cloud Run, showcasing its capability to scale seamlessly in response to fluctuating demand. This ensures that the game's infrastructure remains both robust and responsive, even as the number of players and transactions grows. The backbone of our data management is a CloudSQL Postgres instance, orchestrated by the Prisma ORM within the API, offering an efficient database solution that supports the game's complex data needs.

To maintain reliability and facilitate continuous improvement, a CI/CD pipeline has been established using GitHub Actions and Terraform. This setup guarantees that updates, feature releases, and bug fixes are rolled out efficiently and safely, minimising downtime and enhancing the overall player experience.

As of March 2024, this backend architecture have supported the successful dispatch of over 29,000 expeditions within the game.

Forest Admin

I set up an administrative interface powered by Forest Admin, enabling Mekaverse members to access comprehensive data, particularly from the WorldMap game. This platform facilitated seamless monitoring of expeditions, identification of potential cheating behaviors, and efficient resolution of player issues, enhancing the overall user experience.

Cinema 4d: auto-rendering solution

I crafted a specialized plugin for Cinema 4D, tailored for the MekaBot collection while maintaining compatibility across other Meka collections. This tool is a bridge between Cinema 4D and a Nest.js API, enabling artists to intuitively select and queue NFT assets like helmets, armor, swords, and textures for individualized 3D rendering.

Beyond streamlining the rendering process, this plugin introduces a seamless workflow, where upon rendering completion in Cinema 4D, the generated images are automatically uploaded to cloud storage. Subsequently, it leverages a REST API, developed by Miiinded, to update the NFT metadata (imageUrl, arm, body, background...)

A big thank you to Matthieu Braccini and Mattey for their confidence in this long and beautiful project! ❤️‍🔥