Hello Dfinity community!
I’m excited to share ICP Hunt, a remake and redesign of the classic Duck Hunt game, now built on the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) blockchain. As a solo developer, I’ve poured a lot of effort into creating a fun, engaging, and innovative game that leverages the power of ICP. In this post, I’ll walk you through the key features of ICP Hunt, explain how it works, and highlight some of the unique innovations that make it stand out.
You can check out the project repository here: ICP Hunt Repository.
What is ICP Hunt?
ICP Hunt is a skill-based game where players pay 0.05 ICP to play a game consisting of multiple rounds. Each round includes smaller sub-rounds where players must shoot ducks within a time limit. To advance, players need to shoot at least 6 out of 10 ducks in the sub-rounds. The game features two progressive prizes: the Gold Pot and the Silver Pot, which are awarded to players who shoot special gold or silver ducks. Additionally, there’s a High Score Pot that rewards the top player on the leaderboard every week.
Game Mechanics
- Regular Ducks: Players must shoot ducks in each sub-round to progress. Missing too many ducks ends the game.
- Gold and Silver Ducks: These rare ducks appear randomly and, when shot, award the player with the respective pot.
- Gold Duck: Spawns approximately once every 300 games.
- Silver Duck: Spawns approximately once every 20 games.
- Progressive Pots: When a gold or silver duck is shot, the corresponding pot is awarded to the player, and the pot resets:
- Gold Pot resets to 1.5 ICP.
- Silver Pot resets to 0.15 ICP.
- High Score Pot: The player with the highest score on the leaderboard at the end of each week wins the High Score Pot, after which the leaderboard resets.
High Score Pot and Weekly Reset
ICP Hunt features a High Score Pot that accumulates ICP over the course of the week. The player with the highest score on the leaderboard when the weekly timer hits zero wins the entire pot. After the award, the leaderboard is reset, and a new competition begins. This adds an exciting competitive element to the game, encouraging players to aim for the top spot.
Dynamic Odds for Fair Play
One of the key innovations in ICP Hunt is the use of dynamic odds for the appearance of gold and silver ducks. These odds adjust based on the average number of rounds players are completing per game, ensuring that the spawn rates remain consistent:
- Silver Duck: Averages about 1 in 20 games.
- Gold Duck: Averages about 1 in 300 games.
This system is essential for maintaining fairness in a skill-based game. As players improve over time, the odds adjust to keep the challenge consistent. Similarly, if less skilled players join, the odds adapt to maintain the same average spawn rates. This ensures that the game remains engaging and fair for all players, regardless of skill level.
Pot Distribution and Sustainability
Each time a player pays 0.05 ICP to play, the funds are distributed across the three pots:
- A portion goes to the Gold Pot.
- A portion goes to the Silver Pot.
- A portion goes to the High Score Pot.
The exact distribution is calculated to ensure that, over the course of 1,000,000 games, approximately 95% of all ICP contributed is returned to players through the pots. This sustainable model ensures the game can continue to reward players while retaining a small percentage for operational costs.
Skill-Based Gameplay: Not Gambling
It’s important to note that ICP Hunt is a skill-based game, similar to arcade games found worldwide. The outcome depends on the player’s ability to aim and shoot the ducks, not on chance. This distinction ensures that ICP Hunt is not considered gambling, addressing any potential concerns about regulations.
Bounties Layout: Transparency and Engagement
The Bounties Layout in ICP Hunt provides players with real-time information about the game’s dynamics:
- Latest Bounty Wins: Displays the most recent gold and silver duck wins.
- Current Odds: Shows the odds of a gold or silver duck spawning in any given round.
- Average Rounds per Game: Displays the current average number of rounds players are completing per game.
This transparency helps players understand their chances and adds an extra layer of engagement to the game.
Innovations in ICP Hunt
ICP Hunt introduces several innovations that are not commonly seen in blockchain games:
- Ad Integration: Ads are served at the beginning of every 8th round via an ad network I’m developing. This network allows users to upload advertisements that can be displayed in dApps integrated with the API. It’s a unique way to monetize the game while providing value to advertisers.
- Promo Codes: Admins can generate promo codes that allow players to play for free. These codes expire after 7 days and act just like a 0.05 ICP buy-in, adding ICP to the pots when used. Players using promo codes are eligible for all rewards, including the gold and silver pots.
Authentication Methods
Currently, ICP Hunt supports authentication through:
- Internet Identity 2.0 (mobile and desktop).
- Plug Wallet (desktop and Plug’s mobile wallet browser).
Work is ongoing to integrate Oisy Wallet, as seen in the project files, to provide even more options for players.
Promo Codes: Free Play with Full Eligibility
Promo codes are a special feature in ICP Hunt, generated only by admins and expiring after 7 days. When a player uses a promo code:
- It acts as a free play, equivalent to paying 0.05 ICP.
- ICP is still added to the gold, silver, and high score pots.
- Players are eligible for all rewards, just like those who paid to play.
This feature allows for promotional events or giveaways while maintaining the game’s economy.
Built by a Solo Developer
As a solo developer, aside from some of the Game Assets and basic game mechanics I’ve worked hard to bring ICP Hunt to life, from dialing in the game mechanics to integrating blockchain features and ensuring a smooth player experience. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’m excited to share it with the Dfinity community.
Try ICP Hunt Today!
ICP Hunt is now live, and I invite you to try it out! Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to blockchain-based games, ICP Hunt offers a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, with the dynamic odds and weekly high score competition, there’s always something to aim for.
- Repository: ICP Hunt Repository
- Play Now: ICPHunt.com
Feel free to ask questions, provide feedback, or share your high scores in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think!
Thank you for reading, and happy hunting!
