Quick Dojo update:
As many of you know, NFT creation can be very expensive on gas — and ETH 2.0 scaling is likely still 18–24 months out. We have the Dojo contract as optimized as we can now for Ethereum, and its a bit hefty in the gas department. We currently have it down to about $3.50 per card — $26ish per pack (~0.0011ETH @ current gas price of 40 gwei) . This is high — but in consideration of the costs of other NFT projects such as BASED and ROPE, it is about the standard cost for these types of things. However, we feel like these costs might slow adoption. As such, we are working to implement a L2 solution using the MATIC network.
However, if you are ok with the transaction fees, you can choose to open your packs on Ethereum instead.
The goal is to provide an option that fits everyone’s needs and allows us to continue on a path that exposes as many people as possible to Toshimon and crypto in general.
Layer 2: holding us over until ETH 2.0
ETH 2.0 will bring cheaper and faster transactions, but not for a long while. Instead, the plan is to use Layer 2 solutions such as sidechains until ETH 2.0 is ready. (See Vitalik discuss this recently here: https://twitter.com/VitalikButerin/status/1267464298919534593?s=20) . There are many types of Layer 2 solutions, but sidechains are optimal for Toshimon’s application. Matic is a sidechain, which means that they run a Proof of Stake version of Ethereum that has a bridge to transfer assets back and forth. This means that assets created on Matic can be transferred back to Ethereum if desired — e.g. if you desire to sell on OpenSea.
Benefits of Matic vs. other chains
Matic has a custom RPC for both Metamask and Fortmatic. This is important — it means that people can use existing user interfaces that they are comfortable with instead of downloading new apps. Fortmatic integration alone is huge for bringing “nocoiners” into the fold, as they do asset management for those new to crypto. Transaction fees are also very low.
Using Matic, the total gas to open a pack of Toshimon cards is $0.0001 — compared to over $26 on Ethereum.
Concessions
In order to attempt to keep costs low for those that do wish to open packs exclusively on the Ethereum network, some changes in card and pack structure need to be made. This doesn’t change the game mechanics, and may actually make opening packs more enjoyable and help support the secondary market.
Instead of 10 cards with one guaranteed rare or better Toshimon, we have cut some of the fluff and made it 8 cards with one guaranteed rare or better Toshimon. Instead of packs of 10, pack size is now 8 cards.
Additionally, we have trimmed the built-in demeanors from the Toshimon. Instead of 6 versions of each Toshimon, we now have 1 standard version and 5 demeanor cards that you may attach during gameplay.
Toshimon all have 10 extra HP by default now, but those 10 extra HP points may be allocated to any of the other 5 stats by attaching the corresponding demeanor card. Demeanor cards can be used by any Toshimon. This brings our total card count down to 312 in generation 1, instead of 1062. No other cards were removed.
Conclusion
We really think that this solution is the best for everyone. Some of the larger Toshicoin holders would be looking at opening over 1000 packs — something that would cost about $26,000 on the Ethereum network. Offering a Layer 2 solution isn’t only the most efficient use of current technology — it is also the best for the community.
We are open for comments on this change.
