splinterlands

Splinterlands is a digital, blockchain-based collectible card game established in 2018, initially under the name Steem Monsters. It was co-founded by Jesse “Aggroed” Reich and Matthew “Yabapmatt” Rosen. Reich, with a background as a college professor and in educational software development, and Rosen, a lifelong game developer who began programming at age 10, met on the Steem blockchain and combined their passions for gaming and blockchain technology. The company was self-funded initially through the sale of game card packs before securing strategic investments, including a reported $3.6 million private token sale in July 2021 with investors like Animoca Brands and Blockchain Founders Fund.

The business operates a play-to-earn model within the crypto-gaming market. Players acquire digital assets in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which they truly own and can freely trade, sell, or rent on various marketplaces. Revenue is generated from the initial sale of a "Summoner's Spellbook" required to unlock earning features, as well as the sale of card packs, land plots, and other in-game items. The in-game economy utilizes several cryptocurrencies, including Dark Energy Crystals (DEC), the primary in-game currency, and Splintershards (SPS), a governance token that allows holders to vote on proposals and earn staking rewards. This structure addresses the common issue in digital gaming where players do not own their in-game assets.

Splinterlands offers a fast-paced, strategic trading card game where players build a deck of cards to battle others. Battles are automated, with outcomes determined by the cards and strategy selected beforehand. The game features over 500 unique cards across seven elements, or "Splinters," each with distinct stats and abilities. Players can combine cards to level them up, enhancing their power. Beyond the core card game, Splinterlands is expanding its universe. A significant development is the "Secret of Praetoria" land expansion, which allows players to own virtual land, construct buildings, and produce exclusive new item and spell cards. The company has also launched a tower defense game, another auto-battler within the Splinterlands ecosystem, which utilizes existing NFTs and tokens, further broadening the gameplay experience.

Keywords: blockchain gaming, play-to-earn, P2E, NFT, trading card game, TCG, digital collectibles, Splintershards, SPS, Dark Energy Crystals, DEC, Jesse Reich, Matthew Rosen, Hive blockchain, crypto game, card battles, digital asset ownership, Splinterlands land, Secret of Praetoria, crypto gaming economy, NFT marketplace, governance token, staking, auto-battler, tower defense game, card renting