Virtuals Protocol is a decentralized infrastructure layer that creates co-owned, human-curated, plug-and-play gaming AIs. Virtuals Protocol makes use of inclusive AI technology to power blockchain games. Game developers can utilize AI via SDKs offered by Virtuals Protocol to seamlessly incorporate AI gaming elements such as Pikachu, John Wick, or Mikasa into their games.^[1][2][3]

Overview

Virtuals Protocol is the foundational framework for developing collaborative, curated, and easily integrable gaming AIs. Previously known as PathDAO, it secured a $16 million funding round in 2021 led by Defiance Capital, Merit Circle, and Kieran Warwick. The core team comprises former BCG consultants from esteemed institutions like Cambridge and Imperial College London. The current treasury of Virtuals Protocol stands at $16 million, with the imminent launch of its first AI DAPP utilizing the virtual platform.^[4]

AI Waifu, the pioneering DApp leveraging Virtual Protocol's technology stack, introduced its token on March 4, 2024. This innovative game combines aspects of Tamagotchi, anime, cryptocurrency, and AI to offer players a unique experience exploring different stages of a relationship with their Waifu, engaging in a dynamic game centered on themes of love and mystery.^[5]

How it works

Consensus Framework

The platform utilizes a customizable consensus system that disassembles an AI entity like Pikachu into distinct elements: the cognitive core (leveraging Large Language Models or LLMs), the visual components (3D/2D assets), and the character's vocalization. This segmented strategy enables individual contributors to concentrate on specific facets, such as refining the speech component for Pikachu or compiling voice data.^[6]

Contribution and Validation On-Chain

Whether it involves data or a model, every contribution is tokenized as an NFT and submitted as an on-chain proposition. Validators then evaluate these submissions against the existing iteration. If a new submission is deemed a superior depiction, it is integrated as the most recent iteration of the respective segment. Participation in the present iteration allows contributors to receive token incentives in $VIRTUAL.^[6]

Co-ownership

Contributors receive ownership rights over their submissions, entitling them to a share of the value generated by their contributions. This structure ensures that individuals enhancing the protocol receive due recognition for their input.^[6]

Human-Curation

The platform underscores human oversight by engaging human validators in the assessment of submissions. This process promotes transparency and alignment with human ethics, guaranteeing that the AI produced through Virtual Protocol is openly scrutinized and in harmony with human principles.^[6]

Plug and Play Accessibility

AI entities developed by the platform are easily accessible to game developers through a straightforward SDK. This functionality facilitates seamless integration of AI non-player characters into games on a usage-based payment model, allowing for hassle-free implementation without the need for specific permissions.^[6]

$VIRTUAL Token

$VIRTUAL is the main currency powering the ecosystem, functioning as a utility token for transactions, governance, and staking. It is an essential element of the platform, granting users access, usage, and involvement in the various features within the VIRTUAL environment.^[7]

Utilities

• Development Incentivisation: $VIRTUAL tokens serve as rewards for contributors who upload and maintain the Virtual agent stack, as well as validators who assess submissions and determine reward distributions. This system ensures a continuous enhancement of quality and innovation in virtual agents, with an allocated percentage (to be determined) of tokens allocated to each group.
• Support and Emission Decision: Token holders directly influence the development of virtual agents. The number of tokens staked determines the development support (i.e. token emission) a Virtual Agent receives, aligning resource allocation with community interest.
• Governance of Treasury: Token holders govern the protocol’s treasury, influencing financial strategies and ecosystem development.
• Buyback Scheme: A portion of revenue from DApps using virtual agents is used to repurchase $VIRTUAL tokens, enhancing the token's value and ecosystem stability.
• Airdrop Benefits: In line with the roadmap, token stakers receive airdrops for new token offerings related to virtual agents or DApps, encouraging long-term engagement.^[8]

Team

• Jansen^[9][10]
• Weekee^[11][12]
• Bryan^[13]
• Matthew Stewart^[14]
• Javier^[15]
• Ernest^[16]
• Viktor^[17]