Introduction to Starknet’s New Era in Gaming
Starknet, a prominent layer-2 solution built on the Ethereum blockchain, is set to embark on an exciting journey as it introduces its first dedicated application chain. This innovative development marks a significant milestone for developers and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Introducing Nums: The First Layer-3 App-Chain
The new layer-3 application chain, named Nums, is crafted using the “SN Stack,” a versatile toolkit that empowers developers to create customized layer-3 blockchains based on Starknet’s robust technology. This cutting-edge framework provides the necessary infrastructure for complex applications to thrive.
A Game of Numbers: How Nums Works
Nums is an engaging on-chain game that challenges players to sequence a series of 20 randomly generated numbers. As players immerse themselves in the game, they have the opportunity to earn $NUMS tokens, which are issued directly through the Starknet network. This unique feature enhances player engagement and adds a rewarding layer to the gaming experience.
The Evolution of the SN Stack
StarkWare, the leading developer firm behind Starknet, first announced the development of the SN Stack in July 2023. This announcement followed the launch of similar technologies from StarkWare’s competitors, such as Arbitrum’s Orbit Stack and Optimism’s OP Stack, which debuted earlier in 2023. The SN Stack officially went live in January 2023, paving the way for innovative projects like Nums.
Why Choose Starknet? Insights from the Developers
Despite the existence of multiple layer-2 solutions and layer-3 games on other chains, the team behind Nums chose Starknet’s technology for its ability to support “computationally complex and more ambitious” applications. Tarrence van As, CEO of Cartridge—the main developer firm behind Nums—expressed in an interview with CoinDesk that Starknet’s architecture offers distinct advantages for developers.
The Advantages of Using Cairo
Starknet employs Cairo as its programming language, which van As notes is much more conducive to expressing intricate applications compared to other languages. In contrast, Ethereum utilizes Solidity, a different programming language that most layer-2 solutions also adopt. This distinction allows Starknet to provide a more flexible environment for developers.
The Role of Cartridge in Starknet’s Ecosystem
Cartridge stands out as one of the core developer teams actively building on Starknet. They are recognized for their release of the Dojo framework, a powerful tool engine designed to help developers create games and applications seamlessly on the network. This initiative further solidifies Starknet’s reputation as a fertile ground for innovative blockchain-based solutions.
Conclusion
With the launch of Nums and the support of the SN Stack, Starknet is poised to redefine the gaming landscape on the Ethereum blockchain. As developers continue to explore the possibilities of layer-3 applications, the future of gaming on Starknet looks incredibly promising, paving the way for more complex and engaging experiences for players.
