Stratis is excited to announce it is now a Technical Service Provider for the Open banking technology platform. For those who are unaware of Open banking, current partners include CMA 9 (the nine largest banks in the UK) and over 6million active users in the UK. Open banking connects banks, third parties and technical providers – enabling participants to exchange data simply and securely to their customers’ benefit. They provide the trusted framework for collaboration, enabling the delivery of better value and innovative services.

The importance of standards for both interoperability and simplified integration is very much understood within Stratis and is why they sought to join Open banking. This membership enables Stratis to begin leveraging a worldwide banking standard for their stable-coin solution, removing complexities, and ensuring adherence to standards.

Stratis has now completed the development of the solution, enabling a stable coin to be issued upon the public and decentralized Cirrus Blockchain. Now, with access to the Open Banking directory sandbox, Stratis can begin to further integrate into the service and provide great value for future clients and partners. As highlighted previously, Stratis’ vision for a stable coin is not based upon new age algorithms, instead its solution ensures that tokens are minted as collateral becomes available, thus ensuring that each token represents its intended value.

Stratis plans to release an GBPT Portal on its test network (CirrusTest) to demonstrate how simply and efficiently tokens can be minted by mocking deposits in a banking account. This is a fantastic step forward for Stratis and it’s exciting to see what the future holds.

Our fourth instalment of the SDA update blog sees continued progress from projects in DeFi, NFTs, blockchain games and core infrastructure. The Stratis Decentralized Accelerator (SDA) allocates capital to promising ideas, teams and projects building applications that add value to the Stratis ecosystem. New ideas are funded based on votes cast by Stratis Masternode operators.

Opdex

As discussed in previous SDA updates, Opdex is a decentralised exchange built using Stratis blockchain’s native C# language to make DeFi accessible for users and easy to integrate for game developers. Opdex is extremely interoperable as an exchange because it is compatible with tokens based on both Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric, making it highly attractive to users and developers alike.

The latest news from Opdex reveals some interesting statistics: the current network staking rate is just over 33 million ODX with a network participation staking rate of 44%. Beyond this, total liquidity is, as of July 2022, sitting at $385,000. Many thousands of token swaps have now been completed using Opdex, bringing significant additional utility to the Stratis ecosystem.

You can follow Opdex on Twitter @OpdexProtocol for more insights into this Stratis-powered, open-source decentralised exchange.

CoinVault

CoinVault passed the SDA vote back in October 2021 and, since then, the non-custodial and browser-based wallet has introduced several new features and functionalities to enhance its user experience.

Users will see several new features in the next release, such as the ability to display NFTs and tokens. The update will also see users able to login to both Opdex and Stratisphere, enabling transfers on both platforms directly from the CoinVault wallet.

In addition, the update will see different indexers integrated with the wallet to highlight NFT and smart contract endpoints for projects that require access to blockchain data.

That is to say, there are certain use cases that will require source blockchain data relating to the assets in one’s wallet, both to verify ownership and to understand where the asset itself resides. For example, if a CoinVault user wished to secure a loan against an NFT they need to verify that they own the NFT itself.

The inclusion of different indexers means any lending application would be able to verify NFT ownership using underlying on-chain data in such use cases, improving wallet functionality.

Hashbattle

Meanwhile, Hashbattle, a blockchain gaming platform powered by Stratis, has shifted its focus to three core tasks to further develop its ecosystem.

Firstly, the platform is developing its NFT website for the Hashbattle NFT series, which will allow users to browse available collections. The launch of the website will be accompanied by the release of the platform’s first NFT series with 10K Deadwarrior NFTs.

Hashbattle has also been in the process of introducing eight exciting new games to the platform. These new games will add greater versatility to the game segment and provide new options for users to heighten the gaming experience.

Finally, to secure the first complete version of the platform following its public beta launch in May, Hashbattle will introduce the platform on the Cirrus mainchain. Watch this space for more Hashbattle updates as the first complete version draws nearer.

Corgi Dash

Next up is the latest proposal to pass the SDA vote: Corgi Dash, is a game inspired by Mario Run, in which players earn coins through gameplay and contributions to the ecosystem.

Corgi Dash is the latest game from Mild Beast Games – the platform behind At Sundown: Shots in the Dark – and it passed the SDA vote in early July with 112 votes in favour of the proposal, resulting in 72,500 CRS in funding.

Corgi Dash is comprised of 8 fast-paced levels in which players must complete increasingly difficult ‘Dashes’ over obstacle courses of platforms and animals, with the goal of reaching Corgi House. Each ‘Dash’ costs 150 Corgi coins ($CC) to enter, which are then added into the Game Rewards wallets for future players.

5,000 coins are up for grabs across each Dash and, if the player reaches Corgi House by the end of the final level, the coins they have collected will be added to their Stratis Wallet and become instantly tradeable on Opdex.

The Corgi Dash NFTs aren’t required to enter the game – just the app and $CC coins – but can be used in the game for aesthetic purposes and in-game utility. This collection of NFTs will include 30 ultra-rare figures that grant the players in-game abilities such as extra lives or increased rewards.

Follow @corgi_dash on Twitter for the latest updates.

Kiqqi Games

Kiqqi Games, the developers behind Trivia Legends, the knowledge-based game powered by Stratis blockchain technologies, recently released a ‘roadmap’ detailing planned updates to the game over the coming quarters.

Q3 of 2022 is set to see two releases (on the Cirrus mainnet and on Google Play, for Android users) as well as the introduction of tier-based animations and new NFT characters. Q4 will introduce more new characters and game modes, as well as the iOS (App Store) game release. Also in Q4, NFT merges, by which users can burn and combine NFTs, will be added to the game.

Finally, in 2023 and beyond, Trivia Legends aims to create new games with established characters and form its own immersive metaverse.

Time to start brushing up on our general knowledge!

Polycarbon Games

Polycarbon Games, the developers behind My XR Gallery, recently announced a series of developments that both the company and its products will undergo in the near future.

Beginning with My XR Gallery, Polycarbon Games will collaborate with a handful of experienced contractors to enhance the NFT gallery for its users through gallery landscapes and tools such as ‘the Curator’, designed to help artists and creators showcase their NFTs.

The demo of Polycarbon Game’s Sky Dream Mall is also now available on its Discord channel, and there are games to enhance the mall with an arcade for developers and their Unity 3D games, as well as an amphitheatre for events. Check out the demo to understand why Sky Dream Mall is seeing some serious hype at the moment.

Once the first edition galleries are in operation, Polycarbon Games has announced that users will be able to set up their personal spaces for NFTs through their Stratis wallet. We look forward to seeing these NFT displays and collections come to life as developments continue.

FileProtected

FileProtected now enables anybody to safeguard themselves from copyright infringement, have more control over what they make or own, and transact directly with marketplaces without the need for “middlemen.” Artists such as photographers, filmmakers, and consumers cannot monetize their IP independently since there are no simple means to verify and contract the transaction legally, or it is too expensive due to attorney costs, etc. To address this, we also created “Simple Legal,” which allows our customers to instantly construct a sales and license agreement at no extra expense.

The team at FileProtected continue to innovate so content creators can take greater control over their work. The system uses Stratis blockchain technologies so creators can license media like photos for use by others, without the need for traditional industry middlemen. Check-out this short video demo to see how easy it is for users to find and license an image with FileProtected – move over Getty Images!

The key to the future of the internet and Web3 is digital ownership. With blockchain technology at its core and digital IP as its foundation, FileProtected is now at the forefront of blockchain digital ownership, authentication, and monetization.

Dawn of Ships

Dawn of Ships is a blockchain game that sees players assume control of pirate ships to battle it out with fellow contestants to capture rewards.

 The team has been busy refining its core gameplay mechanic, including the addition of Team Level and Clan Level factoring for ‘plundering’ missions (when two players do battle). These new features assign higher attack points based on how developed a player or clan’s ships are.

Players can also now choose to repair their damaged ship in exchange for ‘$GOLD’, or to upgrade ships to a higher level by spending $OVIO and $GOLD to do so. Ships begin at level 1 and develop based on gameplay or ‘experience’ until they reach a maximum of level 10.

The team has also developed a weekly leader board so players can see how they compare to the wider player community, with prizes for first spot each week. The addition of ‘Achievements’, gives players something to strive for. For example, players are rewarded when they complete pre-defined achievements, like reaching specific map levels, returning to port X times, or beating their record after returning to port!

Players can also now earn ‘offline’ currency, with ships continuing to do battle and complete tasks even when the player is offline.

To stay in touch with the Dawn of Ships community, join the Astroverse Discord.

2022 has already been a busy year for Stratis. From launching our NFT marketplace, Stratisphere, in January, to collaborating with the charitable Foundation of King Oyo to launch a blockchain innovation centre in Uganda during May, we’re advancing the application of blockchain hand in hand with the Stratis community.

Stratis has a busy second half of the year in store too. Please read below for an insight into what’s next for Stratis over the coming months.

GBPT Stablecoin

Plans to launch a Great British Pound Token (GBPT) stable coin using Stratis technology are progressing with ‘Stratis Investment Group Limited’, a new entity created that will be used for the Stratis GBP stable coin. Stratis is currently working with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) to complete FCA Registration. We also expect this partnership to continue with PwC, whereby they provide auditing services for the GBPT stablecoin implementation.

With entities like Visa increasingly willing to accept stable coin payments, there’s a huge opportunity to simplify cross-border and wholesale payments using blockchain technology. We also expect more UK equities and securities to be digitally issued in the coming months and years. This will likely drive the need for these instruments to pay out to holders using a GBP-denominated crypto stablecoin like GBPS.

Stratis NFT Ticketing System

Another exciting development to announce is that Stratis is currently developing a ticketing management system through which NFTs will be used to validate entry and store benefits and perks for specific venues and events.

NFT ticketing systems not only enable event organizers to enhance user experience; they also come with the advantage of blockchain immutability, proving the ticket’s authenticity and ownership status. The employment of NFTs for event ticketing becomes even more interesting where resale is permitted, from both a buyer and seller’s perspective, especially when there are associated perks and benefits. Stratis’ solution will be deployed onto the existing public blockchain platform, enabling the status of related perks and benefits to be easily verified in a trustless manner.

This system will initially be used at Stratis events; however, the team has kickstarted conversations with brilliant artists and several historic music venues in London about introducing NFT tickets for upcoming special events. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @stratisplatform for all the latest updates.

SDA Gaming Projects

Gamers get ready, as 2022 will also see the current gaming projects that passed their SDA votes go live on Mainnet.

These projects include Dawn of Ships, a swashbuckling RPG in which players earn tokens through looting ships and exploring the seas; Trivia Legends, a knowledge-based game developed by Kiqqi Games; and My XR Gallery, the metaverse NFT and VR gallery created by Polycarbon Games.

Also set to launch later this year is Hashbattle, a blockchain gaming catalogue powered by Stratis, including games such as Cops Clash, Zig Zag Zoom, Duck Dunk, Hurdle Hop, Stack Tower, Zombie Rage, Basketball Mania, Tunnel Trouble, Hammer Hero, and Counting Snakes.

Stratis is hugely excited to see these games launch, highlighting the power of Stratis’ Microsoft-based Blockchain Platform and the natural synergy for Unity developers.

Stratis Africa

As announced last month on our blog, Stratis has entered into a long-term partnership with the Foundation of King Oyo, the reigning monarch of the Tooro Kingdom in Uganda, to fund a blockchain innovation centre in the kingdom that will encourage the kingdom to enhance its blockchain-based knowledge and development skills.

A few weeks ago, building commenced at the innovation centre site, and there is set to be a press conference at the Ugandan government’s media HQ discussing the centre and its goals. Chris Trew, Stratis’s founder and CEO, will make a speech at this press conference outlining the impact of blockchain and how the concept and its uses can benefit Uganda as a nation. We look forward to watching this partnership evolve as the Foundation of King Oyo continues its commitment to technological development across the kingdom.

Brand Awareness and Marketing

A key to the ongoing success of Stratis and its feature product, Stratisphere, is ensuring continued growth and utilization of its technologies. Often, the term ‘marketing’ is viewed simplistically; Stratis understood there needed to be a solid strategy behind their marketing efforts and campaigns; Stratis sought to work with an industry leader in brand recognition and awareness. This mindset led to the partnership with SGK.

SGK, one of the largest global brand management agencies, has been working with Stratis to articulate the value of Stratisphere, a genuinely decentralized, sustainable and commission-less NFT Platform. The creativity and innovation that has unfolded with the growth of the Stratisphere community has been a pleasure to watch, and SGK will be working with traditional artists to create key visuals about the NFTs these artists are designing. In doing so, Stratisphere will put the artists centre stage as they share their inspiration and process.

The key visuals will focus on established artists and NFT creators, detailing the process behind their creative content, whether digital or physical artwork. A series of short videos and still shots will be utilized in a London-based out-of-home marketing campaign, with Stratisphere targeting high footprint areas within the city of London, placing our adverts alongside some of the world’s biggest brands such as Coca-Cola and American Express.

The focus is not only on out-of-home; starting this summer, a considerable effort will be concentrated on bringing awareness to Stratisphere and Stratis Blockchain Technologies. This will be achieved through employing several agencies, including paid media, and targeted outreach on social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Reddit.

This collaboration with SGK will also see the emergence of high street partnerships as Stratis launches a digital campaign to raise awareness about the functionality of Stratisphere. Keep an eye out around London once this project goes live!

 Monthly Meet-Ups

The Stratis community is often discussed, and while there is abundant value in its online presence, we look forward to Stratis launching a series of monthly meet-ups and events across London for community members to meet in person. There are also planned events targeted at developers and NFT creators, so if you are within travelling distance of London, do come along to a meet-up with your fellow members of the Stratis community.

Additionally, members of the Stratis team are attending various meetups across the city on a weekly basis, if there are any specific events you would like to see members of the Stratis team attend, be sure to let them know in their Discord channels.