Tl,dr:

. ZkSNARKs vs ZkSTARKs: Both powerful for zero-knowledge proofs and promising for Ethereum scaling solution . ZkSNARKs have smaller proof sizes and less computation time, but need a 'trusted setup', raising security concerns. . ZkSTARKs require no trusted setup, they're quantum-resistant but have larger proofs and require more computation.

ZkSNARK:

-In tech nerd language: ( written mainly by ChatGPT4)

ZkSNARKs, or "Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge," are a form of zero-knowledge proof protocol, which allows one party to prove to another that they know a specific piece of information, without revealing that information itself.

One of the defining features of ZkSNARKs is their "succinctness." They have the advantage of producing relatively small proof sizes and require less computation time for both creating and verifying the proofs. This makes them highly efficient and practical for applications, particularly in blockchain systems like Zcash, where efficiency and scalability are crucial.

However, a major downside of ZkSNARKs is that they require a "trusted setup." The trusted setup is an initial phase in which cryptographic parameters are generated; these parameters are used later in constructing and verifying the proofs. The security of ZkSNARKs heavily relies on these parameters being created securely and the related secret information (the so-called toxic waste) being properly discarded.

If, hypothetically, an attacker were able to gain access to the secret information from the trusted setup, they could use it to construct fake proofs, undermining the security of the system. This is why it's called the "trusted" setup – it's necessary to trust that the setup was done correctly and securely. It's a potential point of vulnerability in the system, raising serious security concerns.

While there are ways to mitigate the risks associated with the trusted setup (like using a multi-party computation to generate the parameters so that no single party has the complete secret information), the fact that it's required at all is seen as a drawback for some applications. It's a trade-off between the efficiency benefits of ZkSNARKs and the potential security risks of the trusted setup.

ZkSNARKs are like magic tricks used in online security. They can show you something is true without revealing any secrets.

-In simple language: ( rewrite idea by human, with the help of ChatGPT4)

Think of it as tiny and fast magic tricks. This makes ZkSNARK really useful, especially in systems like blockchains where we need things to run fast and efficiently. But here's the catch: ZkSNARKs need a sort of magic kit to work, which we call a "trusted setup." It's like the secret recipe to perform the magic trick.

This trusted setup has to be done properly, and all the secret details from it should be destroyed afterwards. If someone sneaky gets hold of these secrets during this setup, they can perform fake magic tricks that seem real.

Even though we can make this setup safer by having many people involved (so no single person knows all the secrets), the need for a trusted setup can still be a concern. So, while ZkSNARKs are great because they're tiny and fast, we also have to be careful because of this setup stage.

ZkSTARK

-In tech nerd language: ( written mainly by ChatGPT4)

ZkSTARKs, standing for "Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge," are another form of zero-knowledge proof protocol that have certain advantages over ZkSNARKs.

One key advantage is that ZkSTARKs require no trusted setup. Unlike ZkSNARKs, they don't need the generation of initial cryptographic parameters under secure conditions, nor do they rely on these parameters being kept secret. This removes a significant point of vulnerability in the system, enhancing security and transparency. This makes ZkSTARKs "transparent" as the 'T' in their name indicates.

Furthermore, ZkSTARKs are quantum-resistant, meaning they are designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, quantum computers capable of breaking current cryptographic systems aren't yet available. However, their development is ongoing and they could potentially pose a threat to many existing cryptographic systems in the future. The quantum resistance of ZkSTARKs, therefore, is a significant advantage for long-term security.

However, these benefits come with certain trade-offs. ZkSTARK proofs are larger than ZkSNARK proofs, meaning they take up more space. This can be an issue in systems where storage space is at a premium, such as in blockchain systems.

In addition, ZkSTARKs require more computational resources to generate and verify. This means they might be slower and more computationally expensive to use than ZkSNARKs, depending on the specifics of the implementation and the system they are used in.

-In simple language: ( rewrite idea by human, with the help of ChatGPT4)

ZkSTARKs are another type of digital magic trick used for online security. Just like ZkSNARKs, they can prove something is true without giving away any secrets.

One big advantage of ZkSTARKs is that they don't need a special magic kit to work, which we call a "trusted setup." This means there's less chance for sneaky people to mess things up.

ZkSTARKs are also ready for the future. They're built to be safe even when super powerful computers (called quantum computers) become common. This is a big plus for keeping things secure in the long term.

But there's a trade-off. ZkSTARKs' magic tricks are bigger and need more computer power to perform. This means they take up more room and could slow things down.

So, while ZkSTARKs don't need a special setup and are future-proof against quantum computers, these benefits come with the cost of being bigger and needing more computing power. It's a balance between what's important for the task at hand.

CONCLUSION;

As we continue to explore the potential of these cryptographic tools, it becomes clear that both ZkSNARKs and ZkSTARKs have crucial roles to play in the future of secure and efficient blockchain systems. The choice between them isn't a matter of one being universally better than the other, but rather choosing the right tool for the specific demands and constraints of the task at hand. And as the landscape of cryptography and blockchain evolves, so too will our understanding and application of these powerful tools.

In this article, I will share my 5 cents thought, base on my own experiences and knowledge, about: “ What could be the next trend in GAMEFI” in term of technology.

First of all, while it may not seem like a flashy feature for games, integrating an AA wallet is essential for any strong blockchain gaming project in the future. The benefits are significant and cannot be overlooked, as I discussed in a previous article. In my opinion, an AA wallet is an indispensable aspect of blockchain gaming moving forward.

Secondly, traditional game asset integration. This could not be an actual game, but rather a third party project that are able to tokenized traditional game assets into special NFT. This could open up a whole new NFT market beyond art and collectibles, with no limits to the possibilities. These integration would allow players to tokenize their in-game assets or accounts earned from playing popular games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Elden Ring and safely trade them online for real money. While there are certainly obstacles to overcome, such as navigating legislation and regulations, as well as convincing traditional gaming companies to adopt NFT technology or technology barriers, the potential benefits are substantial.

Finally, a more realistic trend in GameFi is the integration of "dynamic NFT" (dNFT) technology into blockchain games. While dNFT is not the newest NFT technology, incorporating it into a gaming mechanism could be the latest development. With dNFTs, game developers have limitless potential to create gameplay that can be altered within the NFT itself. This allows for a more diverse in-game ecosystem and economy, which could be more appealing than a single NFT-based game. Furthermore, with dNFT tech, two different NFT can be integrate into one. This tech open up an enormous potential for projects to develop different games yet unite into one metaverse. The potential for dNFT integration in games is significant.

To sum up, while "Play to Earn" games have gained popularity, they also have their shortcomings. I believe there are still untapped trends waiting to be discovered in the GameFi industry. Although each trend discussed in this article comes with its own set of difficulties, the potential rewards are significant and there are no limits to what could be achieved. As the GameFi industry develops, it will be fascinating to witness how these trends and others will shape the future of gaming and blockchain technology.

However, despite being a great entry point for beginners that contributes to the mass adoption of crypto, EOAs accounts have certain drawbacks in terms of security and self-custody.

Interestingly, there is a more comprehensive alternative option available - the Abstraction Account Wallet (AA wallet), also known as the Smart Contract Wallet. This wallet provides enhanced security and self-custody features, making it a valuable option for crypto users.

So, what is Account Abstraction/ Smart contract wallet. Simply speaking, Account Abstraction allow user to flexibly program their own wallet controlled by a smart contract. This will bring several benefit: ( according to: ethereum.org/en/roadmap/account-abstraction/)     

• define your own flexible security rules

• recover your account if you lose the keys

• share your account security across trusted devices or individuals

• pay someone else's gas, or have someone else pay yours

• batch transactions together (e.g. approve and execute a swap in one go)

• more opportunities for dapps and wallet developers to innovate on user experiences

The possibilities are vast, and the crucial inquiry we need to address is: In what ways can a smart contract wallet benefit blockchain gaming?

The primary advantage that stands out is AUTOMATION. Yes, smart contracts wallet can provide greater efficiency for blockchain gaming transactions by automation transaction, which means they can execute themselves once the terms of the contract are met. This automation eliminates the need for manual intervention, reducing the risk of errors and delays. Additionally, this decentralization reduces transaction costs and speeds up transaction times.

For a fully on-chain game, each activity will require a transaction, and this poses a significant challenge as gaming typically involves thousands of activities. It would not be an appealing or optimal gaming experience for players to have to sign every in-game action they perform. Hence, smart contract wallets with its automation feature have a crucial role to play in the development of blockchain gaming.

Beside, transparency and security feature from smart contract wallet will greatly benefit players. The use of smart contracts eliminates the need for intermediaries, such as gaming companies, to oversee transactions. This decentralization ensures that transactions are conducted in a secure and transparent manner, without the risk of fraud or manipulation. Additionally, smart contracts are tamper-proof, which means that once the terms of the contract are set, they cannot be altered.

And lastly, the ability to recover your own keys access to your gaming account in a decentralization way that no need to be explained further. It is simply unparalleled compared to the tradition gaming natures.

In conclusion, the AA wallet is a significant advancement in the world of blockchain gaming. Its decentralization, user-friendly interface, low transaction fees, and cross-chain functionality make it a valuable tool for gamers who use blockchain technology for gaming. The AA wallet provides enhanced security for gamers, and its ease of use and affordability make it an attractive option for blockchain gaming enthusiasts. As blockchain gaming continues to grow, the AA wallet will undoubtedly play a significant role in its development and evolution.

Throughout history, the relationship between game publishers and players has been one-sided. Players spend countless hours playing games for their own entertainment, while game publishers reap the profits. Although some players can monetize their gameplay by streaming, it is a difficult and lengthy process, and not everyone can succeed. On the other hand, game publishers can easily generate millions in profits through various means such as game sales, in-game event sales, and package sales. They hold all the power, especially in online games that rely on centralized servers, which allows them to direct and control the game to their liking. This means they can ban players from the game for good or bad reasons, or even worse, shut down the server once the game is no longer profitable, leaving players with nothing to show for the hours of effort they put into the game and the in-game assets they accumulated

It is obvious that the balance is in favor of the game publisher.

However, there has been a gradual shift in this dynamic, thanks to players' awareness and the emergence of blockchain technology. It has become possible to restore a fair and sustainable gaming environment that benefits both parties in the long run.

The question that arises is: how exactly can blockchain technology address this issue?

Firstly, NFTs. Yes, NFTs have become a crucial element in every blockchain game project. They provide a foundation for blockchain gaming by tokenizing every in-game item and returning full ownership to the players. With this feature, players have complete control over their in-game assets after investing hours of gameplay. They can even sell their NFTs on third-party markets without any restrictions or control from the game publisher. Moreover, NFTs are traceable on the blockchain and can be limited, which makes it impossible for the game publisher to engage in fraudulent activities or exert undue influence over the in-game market.

Secondly, "Play and Earn" has become a viable option for all players. In-game tokens and NFTs now provide every player with an equal opportunity to monetize their in-game activities while still enjoying the game. This depends on various factors such as the game design, in-game tokenomics, and game inflation control. However, with careful study and planning, these factors can be addressed to achieve the purpose of creating a scenario where everyone wins.

Lastly, the DAO for in-game decision. The use of Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) ensures in-game decision-making is done through a consensus between the game publisher and loyal communities. DAO is a feature of every blockchain project, including gaming projects, that guarantees mutual agreement between both parties. Whether it involves adding new features, opening more servers, or shutting down the game, decisions are made decisions are made through voting between both parties. This system couldn't be more democratic than it is

In summary, things are not always straightforward, and there are numerous variables that can influence the outcome we desire. These variables need to be tested and experimented with in real-time, which we will discuss later. Nonetheless, we are confident that with careful research, thorough study, and testing, we can fully capitalize on the benefits that blockchain technology has to offer the gaming industry.

1. Improved Gaming Art: With application like MidJourney or DALL-E, the artworks for gaming can be greatly benefit. Game developers now no longer have to spend countless hours with artists and designers just to improve the general theme or artwork of their games. With a well-designed and complex code or specific requirement, AI can generate a vast collection of art for the game. This will save time and reduce costs, and the quality of the AI-generated art, to be honest, is really, really mind blow

2. Improved Gaming Experiences: First of all, with the AI support, games have the possibility to provide players with a more challenging gaming experience. The in-game villains, bosses, and other features now could improve themselves, learn players move and habit, analyze players and finally level up to defeat players, making the game more addictive and appealing to hardcore gamers who love a challenge. Secondly, AI can provide players with more personalized gaming experiences by using algorithms to analyze player data and make recommendations for game content, in-game purchases, and other player decisions. Finally, AI can be used to create more advanced and intelligent non-player characters (NPCs), leading to a smarter and more interactive gaming experience. This opens up opportunities for game studio and developer to be creative and unfold unlimited potential for gameplay features and experiences due to the support from AI.

AI is definitely bringing humankind to a new era. While some people may be wary of the negative consequences that AI may bring, like the apocalypse, there is no doubt that with AI’s power, significant changes and advancements are expected to be made, boundaries are set to be lifted and unlimited potential are waiting to be discovered, for every industries in general and for gaming industry in particular. These advancements include improved gaming experiences, enhanced virtual interactions, more efficient work processes, and reduced costs. The full potential of AI is yet to be fully realized, whether it is good or evil, it is completely up to us humans to use it in good will in order to fully advance from its benefits and revolutionize future generations. After all, we are the one who create AI, not vice versa

Yet, most of blockchain game currently building are not available fully on- chain due to a fact that scalability is still the biggest obstacles. The vast amount of metadata needed for high-quality and intricate games necessitates a significant amount of storage space.. Consequently, many games have adopted a "halfway" approach, such as Axie Infinity, where only their NFT pets are stored on the blockchain, while the majority of the gameplay still heavily relies on centralized servers. This goes against the decentralized essence of blockchain technology and could potentially harm players through server downtime or unfair adjustments from the company.

So, the question is, is a fully on-chain game possible?

To fully understand the possibility of building a fully on-chain experience game, we need to address its advantages and disadvantages regarding blockchain technology as well as market conditions.

Simply speaking, the biggest advantages of blockchain gaming over traditional games is that players have a complete control over their assets which can be trade, sold or potentially used in other games. Imaging you spent over 1000 hours playing your favorite games, become top server player with lots of rare and legend items, but suddenly the game company decided to close down the game because they have more profitable new projects, or just banned you for no reason? Wouldn’t it clear that a fully on-chain game base on unchangeable smart-contract be the answer.

Yet, it is widely recognized that scalability is a major challenge in the development of fully on-chain games. Additionally, the gaming experience can be confusing and challenging for new users who are not familiar with blockchain and transaction signing.

Although scalability is considered to be the biggest challenge in building a fully on-chain game, solutions are being developed. Projects such as IMX, Ronin, and soon-to-be Starknet are working on resolving scalability issues specific to gaming. On-chain transactions are now expected to run faster and have the capacity to handle a larger number of transactions per block, opening up the possibility for building a fully on-chain game. Moreover, the popularity of cryptocurrency has increased globally following the bull run of 2019-2021, bringing attention and exposure to blockchain technology, making it more accessible and understandable for new users. Additionally, developers and projects are now focused on creating games where every transaction within the game is seamless and almost invisible, reducing confusion for new players.

Thus, the answer is YES. A fully on-chain game is possible even though the development will faces challenges and limitations. Despite that, the potential benefits of having a fully on-chain game, such as complete player control over their assets, trustlessness and transparency, makes it an exciting prospect for the future of gaming and worth pursuing. 

NFTs are widely used in the GameFi ecosystem, serving as the backbone for in-game economies and providing a way for players to own and trade digital assets within games. This creates new possibilities for monetizing games, as players can buy, sell, and trade in-game items and assets that are verified as unique and ownership-based through the use of NFTs.

However, NFTs do have its drawbacks when coming to gaming experiences. Once of which is unchangeable data ability once store inside the NFT. The immutability of NFT data on the blockchain can be a disadvantage for gaming experiences, as it can limit the ability to update or modify in-game assets and content over time. This inflexibility can negatively impact the overall gaming experience, especially in dynamic and evolving games where players expect continual updates and improvements, hence limits it’s growth potential and success

That is when Dynamic NFT are built to be a solution for addressing the limitations of traditional NFTs in gaming.

Dynamic NFTs, in short, are a type of non-fungible token (NFT) that can change its properties and attributes over time. This allows for greater variability and customization in blockchain gaming, as players can interact with dynamic NFTs in various ways and their properties can be updated based on the outcome of in-game events.

These Dynamic NFTs allow for the data stored on them to be updated and modified over time, offering greater flexibility and adaptability for in-game assets and content. This allows for game developers to hold the ability to evolve and change over time, better meeting the demands and expectations of the market as well as players and enabling more dynamic and engaging gaming experiences.

The potential for dynamic NFTs in blockchain gaming is significant, as they can provide a more immersive and dynamic gaming experience compared to traditional NFTs. For example, dynamic NFTs can be used to represent in-game assets that are able to change in value, rarity, or appearance based on player actions. This can lead to a more engaging and active gaming experience as well as in-game economy, where players are incentivized to take action and interact with the game world in various and meaningful ways.

Additionally, dynamic NFTs can also be used to create unique gaming experiences with unlimited gameplay model and storylines, as the properties and attributes of the NFT can be updated based on the outcome of in-game events. This allows for greater creativity and customization in game design for gaming project developers, leading to more innovative and engaging games.

In conclusion, dynamic NFTs have the potential to revolutionize the blockchain gaming industry by offering greater flexibility, improved player engagement, better monetization opportunities and increased accessibility. Surely in the year to come, Dynamic NFTs will be a lead technology that drive growth and innovation within the blockchain gaming industry. We sure does looking forward to it’s bright future.

If the value of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies decrease significantly, it could lead to a decrease in player interest and investment in blockchain-based games, as the value of in-game assets and cryptocurrency earnings would also decrease. This could make it more difficult for game developers to monetize their games and generate revenue, which could slow the growth and development of the GameFi landscape.

However, gaming industry as discussed earlier, is proving to be an essential part throughout history, and GameFI has a potential to revolutionize the gaming industry by enabling new forms of player ownership, in-game economies, and decentralized gaming experiences. 

So what exactly GameFi is?

GameFi is a relatively new concept that combines the worlds of gaming and finance. It involves using blockchain technology to create in-game assets that have real-world value, allowing players to trade and monetize their in-game items and experiences. This is done by using decentralized digital ledgers, like blockchain, to create a tamper-proof record of in-game assets and transactions, making it possible for players to own and trade their virtual assets as if they were real-world items

In the GameFi landscape, we can see the emergence of various projects, platforms, and initiatives that are utilizing blockchain technology to create new gaming experiences and business models. For examples: 

• Game tokens and virtual economies: Some games are using blockchain-based tokens to represent in-game assets, such as weapons, armor, and collectibles. These tokens can be traded on decentralized marketplaces, allowing players to buy, sell, and trade their in-game assets with each other.

• NFTs(Non-Fungible Tokens) : Non-Fungible tokens are unique digital assets that can be used to represent in-game items and virtual experiences. These tokens can be bought, sold and traded on the blockchain marketplaces and they can also be used to prove ownership of the digital assets.

• Decentralized gaming platforms: Some projects are using blockchain technology to create decentralized gaming platforms, where players can own and control their own data and assets. These platforms allow for new forms of gameplay, such as player-driven economies and decentralized communities.

• Decentralized finance (DeFi) in gaming : DeFi applications are being integrated into gaming platforms, allowing players to earn interest on their in-game assets, borrow or lend money using their virtual assets as collateral, and trade virtual assets using smart contracts.

With the exponential growth and success of Axies Infinity and Avegotchi in 2021, GameFi has proven its potential in applying blockchain technology in gaming industry. However, along with its advantages, there are also drawbacks that need to be considered

Advantages of GameFi:

• Player ownership: Players can own and control their in-game assets, such as characters and items, on the blockchain, allowing them to use and trade them across different games.

• Decentralization: Blockchain technology allows for decentralized gaming experiences, which can reduce the need for centralized servers and intermediaries, increasing security and player autonomy.

• In-game economy: Blockchain-based in-game economies can provide new opportunities for players to earn and spend cryptocurrency, creating new revenue streams for game developers.

Disadvantages of GameFi: 

• Complexity: Implementing blockchain technology in games can be complex, and may require a steep learning curve for developers and players.

• Scalability: The current limitations of blockchain technology, such as slow transaction speeds and high costs, may make it difficult to scale up and support large numbers of players. However, with the developments of many layer 2 projects as IMX, Ronin and soon Zk-Roll ups, this seem to be not a big impact. 

• Regulation: The use of cryptocurrency in games may raise legal and regulatory concerns, and could be subject to government restrictions in some jurisdictions.

On the summary note, GameFi landscape is still relatively new and constantly evolving, so it's important to keep an eye on the latest developments and trends in the field. Even in this tough bear market condition, the market value of Bitcoin and other currencies is dropping hard, the underlying technology of blockchain still holds significant potential for the gaming industry. Some blockchain-based games and platforms may find ways to monetize their services in other ways, such as through in-game purchases or advertising, which could help insulate them from the effects of a bear market.

The cryptocurrency industry has seen some turbulent times since the start of the 2022 Bitcoin bear market. Despite the market downturn, many game development teams have kept their efforts in building and creating new gaming experiences, build on different blockchains with new model, tokenomic and experiences . These developers have been working in silence, with little to no fanfare or promotion, honing their craft and pushing out new titles.

Generally speaking, the gaming industry has been a significant part of human culture throughout history. From ancient board games and card games to modern video games, people have always enjoyed playing games as a form of entertainment and competition. The gaming industry has also evolved over time and has become a major source of economic growth and innovation. Today, the gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that encompasses a wide range of platforms, including consoles, PC, and mobile devices, and continues to be an important part of people's lives around the world.

Therefore, as we enter 2023, it is becoming increasingly clear that the cryptocurrency gaming industry is here to stay. With that in mind, it is safe to predict that blockchain gaming will continue to grow in popularity and become a mainstream form of entertainment. Developers are creating stunning and innovative titles that take advantage of the blockchain technology, from the use of digital assets to decentralized storage and the rewards associated with playing games. This new form of gaming will open up a world of possibilities, which will provide gamers with even more engaging and truly immersive experiences.