The first blockchain-based game: Cryptokitties

As a copywriter, the agency I work at regularly receives its share of interesting clients. I love the Mavericks, the crazies, the out-of-the-box businessmen with unusual ideas. Being slightly uncertain about the guidelines around what I can and can not mention, I shall withhold the name of the client and his business, but basically, he has this incredible idea which would require me to learn about cryptocurrency. Since then, I have been drawn to any news and articles relating to the subject.

More recently I discovered a little gem that may appeal even more to the average man on the street, especially those who want to have a little crypto-investment but feel wary of it. Let's be honest, many people do battle to trust the concept, purely because it is difficult to understand. This is where Cryptokitties takes it cue and throws all sense of normality in the world of money out of the window.

Now I know that building wealth is not about fun and games. However, have you ever considered the possibility that the world of money could be fun?

Most of us associate this concept with stiff suits, formal ties, and more paperwork than a forest cares to provide. While Cryptokitties is not, strictly speaking, an investment platform, one could easily treat it as such, while keeping yourself amused.

It is the first game to be built using the blockchain concept, powered by cryptocurrency.

You would buy Ether (ETH), the currency of the realm, and purchase your first virtual cat. These kitties are cryptcollectables, meaning they carry value in cryptocurrency. You could choose to collect them (no one will judge you, for once you can have 26 cats and not be the crazy cat lady/dude), or, you could sell and trade with other collectors.

Another exciting option is breeding.

An intricate system dictates the genetic codes of the cats, making the game as lifelike as possible in terms of breeding, also ensuring each kitty is completely unique. A blue-eyed cat reproducing with a brown-eyed cat will result in the dominant gene being apparent in the kittens, as predetermined by there genetic programming. There is a high probability of the calculated outcomes, but there is never a guarantee of what you will get (kinda like real life). It's a real thrill!

The amazing aspect of this game is that is that it uses blockchain technology. Players are guaranteed that their cats, which hold real financial value, cannot be cloned, destroyed or stolen. The blockchain system ensures that each transaction is secure, as with all crypto transactions.

If 2018 looks like a good year to start dabbling in cryptocurrency, this is a fun way to get started. You will need Chrome or Firefox, MetaMask (your ewallet), and Ether, your currency. If you are based in the USA, you can buy Ether at MetaMask, for the rest of us, we need to purchase Ether via a currency exchange like Coinbase, which is the suggested service provider by Cryptokitties. There is no set price for any of the cats, so it is difficukt to say how much you should expect to pay for a kitty, it is left to seller to decide how much they are asking for each collectable.

If you have played, or decide to do so, let me know if you enjoyed it. You can find more info, or get stqarted here: https://www.cryptokitties.co/