What is Dworld?
We've been looking at a few blockchain games lately, and would like to share a very simple but fun implementation of an Ethereum game: Dworld. The basic idea is very simple, plots of land in the game's map stand for Ether on the Etherum blockchain and can be bought and traded inside its interface. Unlike many blockchain games, this one is not handicapped by heavy transfer fees, exceeding that of normal transactions on the Ethereum blockchain. Due to the explosive nature of cryptocurrency fees, it is best to to either keep transactions on the blockchain a small part of gameplay (for example, when earning a reward), or to make the gameplay as equivalent to actual trading as possible, so as to reduce the threat of inflated gameplay fees. Dworld employs this second strategy well and makes an interesting connection between real life objects/locations and Ethereum. I went ahead and purchased a small section of my hometown for $2.50.
Gameplay
The game follows the logic of auction buy outs. The globe is divided into plots of land, which can be bought for specific Ether on the Ethereum blockchain. When you own a plot of land, it is possible for other players to "buy out" your plot of land by offering a greater price (the price of land rises with each purchase). When a plot of land is purchased, the previous owner gains a Ξ0.00625 dividend, plus the major share of the profits. Surrounding plots of land will gain 5% each from the sale. The owners of plots are given the opportunity to customize the appearance of their plot of land, as can be seen from a few "awkward sales strategies:
Overall, Dworld is an interesting idea that is fun to play, because it is a "finance game"--a little bit like Monopoly--where the fun comes from trading, rather than from gathering collectibles, like in most Ethereum games. It also has a very easy-to-understand gameplay going for it, which worked seamlessly, as far as I could detect. So if you are into crypto-gaming, I recommend you try it out.
