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Coinding Holds Global Bitcoin Hackathon for Game Developers with $5000 in Prizes

Last Updated March 4, 2021 4:42 PM
Dean Walsh
Last Updated March 4, 2021 4:42 PM
Bitcoin Game
A screenshot from an example game built by Coinding

Bitcoin API provider Coinding is running a global hackathon, challenging game developers around the world to integrate block chain technology into a video game. Over $5000 USD in prizes are up for grabs in total, including a top prize of $3000 cash for the best integration of block chain technology into a game.

Bitcoin and Video Games

Video games are often held up as one of the most interesting and important use cases for Bitcoin, but so far real world progress in this area has been limited, with few concrete examples to point towards. Sure, Microsoft has announced that it will accept Bitcoin as payment for games and apps, but this is really just the tip of the iceberg – the real potential comes from integrating cyrptocurrency directly into the game, for international in-game purchases, to allow players to earn real money directly within the game, or even to develop a fully-fledge player-to-player economy within a game. As Coinding CTO Fabio Panettieri says:

“There are endless possibilities for bitcoin games that will only be discovered if we allow developers to untap the potential of bitcoin, and we are working on that.”

The Bitcoin Hackathon

To enter the hackathon developers just need to submit a game which uses Bitcoin, in any way, by Monday February 2nd 2015.

Every game entered into the competitio will be featured on the Coinding homepage, and the top three entries will receive the following dollar amounts of Bitcoin:

  • 1st prize: $3000
  • 2nd prize: $1500
  • 3rd prize: $1000

Because Bitcoin itself is a global currency, it only makes sense that the competition is open to entries from anywhere in the world.

Developers do not need to use the Coinding API in order to enter the hackathon. But anyone looking for an easy way to integrate the cryptocurrency into one of their games may want to check it out.

More details and an entry form can be found on the Coinding blog.Bitcoin games hackathon

The Coinding API

The Coinding API is designed to provide a way for games developers to use bitcoin, without having to learn how to use bitcoin. It is capable of completing a range of basic actions on the Bitcoin network with simple API calls. It is fully compatible with the UNITY game engine, a popular choice today amongst video game makers.

According to CEO Emiliano Velazquez:

“The goal behind our project is to create tools that make the gaming ecosystem thrive. We’re looking to create better ways for game developers to fundraise their games, for esports players to earn money doing what they enjoy, and new ways for gamers to be rewarded in-game. We’re even looking to help casters and entertainers monetize their craft. The future is bright for gaming and bitcoin is here to help.”

The following actions can be completed using Coinding:

  • Send a tip, either to the game owners or to another player.
  • Send or request btc, using either a bitcoin address or an email address.
  • Get access to bitcoin network data.
  • Fetch random bitcoin information.

Additional features are planned for the future, including in-app purchases without fees.