Splinterlands is a blockchain-based digital card game drawing inspiration from popular games like Magic the Gathering and Hearthstone. In this game, players build a collection of cards with various traits and compete against others in skill-driven battles. It allows players to buy, sell, and trade digital assets just like in traditional card games such as Magic the Gathering, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh!
Splinterlands was created in response to the loss of true ownership players experienced with digital games. Thanks to blockchain technology, players can freely own and trade their digital cards again. This technology also ensures that the game features real scarcity and transparency, as each card's supply and history can be verified.
Players can engage in battles by choosing either ranked or practice matches. Participating in ranked battles can boost a player's rating, with no risk of losing points for beginners under a 100 rating. Matches are typically between opponents of similar skill levels. During these battles, each player selects six monster cards and one summoner card to try and eliminate their opponent's monster cards and win.
While the game is free-to-play, purchasing the summoner's spellbook for $10 is required to unlock the full game. With this spellbook, players gain access to their account keys and the ability to earn Dark Energy Crystals, which can be exchanged for real money.
Splinterlands launched in May 2018, and by the end of July 2021, it introduced Splintershards (SPS), its governance token for the SPS decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). A private token sale raised $3.6 million, representing 6.6% of the SPS token supply. After amassing 100,000 players in its first three years, it added another 50,000 in just over a month from June 2021. Splinterlands plans further game development in late 2021 with oracle integration expected in Q1 2022.
Who Established Splinterlands?
The minds behind Splinterlands are Jesse Reich and Matthew Rosen, known as "aggroed" and "yabapmatt" on the Splinterlands Discord server. Both hail from Pennsylvania. Reich, with a background as a scientist and chemistry professor, entered the gaming world with Splinterlands without any prior professional gaming experience. In contrast, Rosen has worked as a developer for gaming companies like RockYou and Ryzing, although not in blockchain-based projects.
The Splinterlands team, according to their LinkedIn page, comprises 12 employees.
What Sets Splinterlands Apart?
Splinterlands seeks to tap into the increasing popularity of blockchain games that allow players to truly own unique digital assets. At the close of July 2021, it secured $3.6 million in a private investment round for 6.6% of its token supply.
Operating on the Hive blockchain, Splinterlands ensures all game activities are recorded transparently. Players can join the game by creating a Hive blockchain address, making it permissionless. This setup also guarantees a transparent record of all game actions, such as battle outcomes, promoting fairness.
Players start with a basic set of cards and can purchase booster packs or specific cards from others, which can then be enhanced and used in battles against other players. In ranked matches, players compete for Dark Energy Crystals (DEC), Splinterlands' in-game currency. Players can also obtain DEC by converting unused cards from their collection. DEC can be spent on in-game items or traded cards from other players in the Splinterlands market and can also be exchanged among players or on third-party platforms. As new features are introduced, the utility of DEC is expected to grow.
The Splintershards (SPS) token operates as a DAO on the Binance Smart Chain platform. This governance token will be incorporated into Splinterlands, allowing players to impact decisions about the game and its ecosystem. Players can even propose changes, such as adjustments to tournament schedules, battle settings, or the DEC inflation pools.
How Many Splinterlands (SPS) Tokens Are Currently Available?
The total supply will reach a cap of 3 billion SPS tokens. According to their distribution schedule, Splinterlands plans to airdrop 400 million tokens, which is 13.33% of the total, over a year to players with Splinterlands assets. This encourages players to hold onto their assets for longer. Airdrop points are earned for various assets, determining the amount of SPS each player receives.
In July 2021, 200 million SPS tokens, or 6.66%, were sold privately for $3.6 million. Investors include well-known crypto funds like Animoca Brands, Blockchain Founders Fund, Enjin, Polygon, Yield Guild Games, and others. These tokens will be released over 10 months.
The remaining tokens will be allocated as follows: 10% will be managed by the DAO, set for Q1 2022; 9% will be retained by the team and unlocked over 65 months, with 50 million available immediately; 1% is reserved for advisors, unlocking over 24 months; and 60% is set aside for staking and oracle rewards, and for play-to-earn incentives, to be distributed over 65 months.
How Does Splinterlands Ensure Network Security?
The SPS token for Splinterlands will operate on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC). The team chose BSC over Ethereum due to Ethereum's high gas fees, which could restrict participation. BSC offers fast transaction times and low fees and can also port smart contracts to Ethereum, facilitating potential future transitions.
BSC’s security relies on the proof-of-stake consensus method. Each day, 21 validators are selected to confirm transactions and uphold blockchain security. Validators must stake a certain amount of BNB coins with Binance to qualify. SPS token holders can stake their tokens in smart contracts to take part in governance voting.
Though the SPS token resides on BSC, the game itself is hosted on the Hive blockchain. Interactions between the two blockchains are managed by oracles, chosen by SPS holders, who relay relevant game information to BSC. This setup minimizes transaction fees while enhancing the gaming experience. In-game actions remain on Hive, but SPS token conversions are facilitated by oracles.
When Will Trading for Splinterlands (SPS) Commence?
Following its private investment round in July 2021, Splinterlands plans to initiate its airdrop and liquidity incentives in the third quarter of 2021.
Is It Possible for Splinterlands to Reach $1?
As of August 2021, Splinterlands is trading at approximately $0.40, so hitting $1 would mean more than doubling its current price. The recent private fundraising of $3.6 million indicates strong investor interest and support. With the game's new features and growing user base, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. Considering other popular NFT games have seen their initial trading values soar by ten times or more, $1 could indeed be within reach.
Where Can You Purchase Splinterlands (SPS)?
As of August 2021, SPS is available for purchase on Pancakeswap (V2), Gate.io, BKEX, and Bilaxy.
If you're interested in understanding how to start buying cryptocurrencies, you can find more information in our guide here.
