Proof of Exposure: Confiction Labs’ Innovative Solution to Combat Bot Activity in Web3 Gaming

Are bots running rampant in your favorite Web3 games? You’re not alone. As Web3 gaming gains traction, a shadowy problem is creeping into the metaverse: bot activity. Imagine rewards meant for dedicated players being snatched up by automated scripts. Frustrating, right? Confiction Labs, the team behind the thrilling co-op shooter Riftstorm, is tackling this head-on with a groundbreaking new system called ‘Proof of Exposure’. Let’s dive into how this innovative approach aims to clean up Web3 gaming and ensure genuine players get the recognition they deserve.

What is ‘Proof of Exposure’ and Why is it Needed?

Confiction Labs’ Riftstorm is not just another Web3 game; it’s a universe where community and genuine engagement are paramount. To safeguard this vision, they’ve launched ‘Proof of Exposure’. But what exactly is it?

• NFT-Powered Verification: ‘Proof of Exposure’ cleverly integrates Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) into Riftstorm’s game lore. These NFTs aren’t just collectibles; they serve as digital badges verifying that you are a real player, not a bot.
• Combating the Bot Surge: This system directly addresses the escalating issue of bot activity in Web3 gaming. Recent reports, like one from Cookie3, highlight that a staggering up to 70% of airdropped rewards are being siphoned off by bots. That’s a huge chunk of rewards meant for the community ending up in the wrong digital hands!
• Beyond Simple Security: Confiction Labs isn’t just throwing up a firewall. They’re building a system that understands player behavior and rewards genuine participation.

Visual representation of Proof of Exposure combating bots in Web3 gaming.

The Tech Behind Proof of Exposure: How Does it Work?

So, how does ‘Proof of Exposure’ actually differentiate between a human player and a sophisticated bot? Confiction Labs is employing a multi-layered approach:

• Deep Profiling System: Forget basic captcha tests. Proof of Exposure utilizes a “deep profiling system” to analyze various data points. This goes beyond simple checks and delves into user behavior patterns.
• Third-Party APIs & LLMs: The system leverages the power of third-party APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and Large Language Models (LLMs). These advanced technologies help to analyze user data and identify bot-like behavior with greater accuracy.
• User-Submitted Data: Player input is also crucial. The system considers user-submitted data as part of the verification process, adding another layer of authentication.
• XPSR-24 NFT Collection: Think of the XPSR-24 NFT collection as the reward for passing the ‘Proof of Exposure’ verification. High-scoring applicants gain access to mint these exclusive NFTs, granting them entry into deeper aspects of the Riftstorm universe.

More Than Security: Building a Stronger Community

Arief Widhiyasa, CEO of Confiction Labs, emphasizes that ‘Proof of Exposure’ is not just about security; it’s about community. He states, “This system ensures that passionate and committed community members are the ones who help shape our IPs moving forward.”

Here’s how ‘Proof of Exposure’ aims to foster a stronger community:

• Rewarding Genuine Engagement: By filtering out bots, the system ensures that rewards and opportunities are directed towards players who are genuinely invested in Riftstorm and its universe.
• Shaping the Game’s Future: The “deep profiling system” isn’t just about identifying bots; it’s about finding players who are most aligned with the game’s vision and who can contribute meaningfully to its development and storyline.
• Collaborative Entertainment: Confiction Labs envisions “collaborative entertainment,” where players actively participate in shaping the narrative and evolution of the game. ‘Proof of Exposure’ is a key step in realizing this vision by ensuring the right players are at the forefront.

Will ‘Proof of Exposure’ Really Work? The Skepticism and the Potential

While ‘Proof of Exposure’ sounds promising, the Web3 gaming world is rife with bot countermeasures that have been bypassed. Skepticism is understandable.

The Challenges:

• Adaptive Bots: Critics rightly point out that bots are constantly evolving. They often adapt quickly to new security measures, potentially rendering them ineffective in the long run.
• The Arms Race: It can become a cat-and-mouse game, with developers constantly needing to update their systems to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated bots.
• Complexity vs. User Experience: Adding layers of verification can sometimes create friction for genuine users. Balancing robust security with a smooth user experience is crucial.

The Potential:

• Proactive Approach: ‘Proof of Exposure’ is a proactive and innovative approach that goes beyond traditional bot detection methods.
• Multi-Layered Security: By combining NFTs, APIs, LLMs, and user data, Confiction Labs is creating a more robust and difficult-to-circumvent system.
• Community-Centric Focus: The system’s focus on rewarding genuine community members could be a significant differentiator, fostering loyalty and long-term engagement.

Reports from bot prevention services like Jigger highlight the severity of the problem, stating that 40% of Web3 service users, including those in NFT allowlists and Web3 games, are identified as bots. This underscores the urgent need for effective solutions like ‘Proof of Exposure’.

Conclusion: A Step Towards a Cleaner Metaverse?

Confiction Labs’ ‘Proof of Exposure’ is undoubtedly a bold and innovative step in the ongoing battle against bot activity in Web3 gaming. Blending NFTs with game lore to verify players is a creative approach. Whether it will be the ultimate solution remains to be seen, as the bot landscape is constantly shifting. However, it represents a significant effort to prioritize genuine players, build stronger communities, and ensure that the rewards of Web3 gaming are enjoyed by humans, not machines.

As we watch Riftstorm and ‘Proof of Exposure’ unfold, it will be fascinating to see if this system can set a new standard for bot prevention in the metaverse and pave the way for a more equitable and engaging Web3 gaming experience for all.