Parallel is a trading card game (TCG) developed by Parallel Studios and is part of the Echelon ecosystem. Parallel TCG offers Parallel NFTs, which are digital assets representing the game's factions, known as 'Parallels.' These assets are used in gameplay, as players use them to create and deploy decks for competitive matches. ^[1]

The game is still in development, but users can have beta access. ^[2]

Overview

Parallel NFTs

Parallel Cards were introduced through pack drops. The final pack drop took place on January 14th, 2023, marking the completion of the Parallel base set. The next anticipated release will be the expansion, Planetfall. ^[3]

Each card features original 3D art created by the in-house staff artist and is represented as an NFT (ERC-1155) on the Ethereum network. Possession of the NFT version of the cards is not a prerequisite for playing Parallel TCG. However, it might influence the in-game experience. Additionally, owning NFT versions of the cards may offer distinct experiences beyond the confines of the Parallel TCG game. ^[3]

In the Parallel universe, there are various types of NFTs, including Cards and Avatars, each serving different functions. 

Cards

In Parallel, Cards play a central role as NFT elements that significantly impact the gameplay. These digital assets are fundamental to the trading card game, providing players with the primary means to strategize and engage in competition. Each card, represented as an NFT, possesses unique attributes, including various types of actions, effects, and statistics, which can influence the outcome of matches. ^[3]

The cards are categorized under five distinct Parallels, or factions, which are center to the game's narrative. These Parallels contribute to the assortment of cards, each offering unique abilities and gameplay mechanics. Since these are NFTs, players have true ownership of these cards and can freely trade or sell them within the Parallel and Echelon ecosystem. The categories are divided into Augencore, Earthen, Kathari, Marcolian, and The Shroud.  ^[3]

Avatars

In Parallel, Avatars are unique characters that represent the five existing factions within the game’s universe. These Avatars, or Parallel PFPs (Profile Pictures), play a functional role by enabling access to various experiences within the Parallel universe. ^[4]

Using an Avatar as their profile picture allows players to earn extra PRIME tokens within the TCG when they secure victories, enhancing the value of gameplay. Additionally, Avatars provide priority access to future experiences within the Parallel universe, making them integral components of the ecosystem. ^[4]

Sinks

The PRIME token can be used for sinks, which are token-gated products, services, and experiences available for the PRIME token. There are five sinks in total: Artigraph, Payload, Echos, Terminals, Avatars, and Governance.  ^[5]

• Artigraph: An Artigraph in Parallel TCG is a digitally-signed card that displays its signature when entering the game field. Each card has a limited number of signed versions. ^[6]

• Payload: PRIME can be used to acquire random Parallel TCG cards. Users submit their PRIME tokens and get random Parallel cards, ranging from playable cards to rare Assets. ^[7]

• Echos: Users can utilize PRIME to create Echos, which are replicated Parallel NFTs. NFTs are not necessary to play Parallel, but they are required to earn PRIME from gameplay. ^[8]

• Terminals: Terminals facilitate communication between the systems and outposts of each Parallel. Players can use PRIME to refine Shard Fragments into Batteries. These Batteries can then be used to activate Terminals, revealing unique in-game rewards. ^[9]

• Avatars: Avatars are characters of the five Parallels. Users can use these 3D models to interact with the Parallel universe. ^[10]

• Governance: Users can use PRIME to submit governance proposals or grant applications. ^[11]

PRIME Token 

Parallel TCG operates using the Echelon Prime (PRIME) token, a utility token within the Echelon ecosystem. Running on the Ethereum blockchain, its main functions are to facilitate gameplay, distribute rewards, and support community governance. ^[12]

PRIME tokens are earned by players for winning matches and also serve as a form of currency for purchasing collectibles, services, and in-game enhancements offered by Parallel Studios. ^[12]

The PRIME token system operates in a circular manner. Instead of being removed from circulation after use, tokens are redistributed into different contracts to maintain the game’s economic balance and promote scalability. ^[12]

The total supply of PRIME is fixed at 111,111,111,111. These tokens were made available for trading in March 2023 and can be traded on Uniswap and other exchanges. ^[12]

PRIME was introduced in July 2022 as a non-transferrable token. Following a community vote on March 1, 2023, it became 'unlocked'. Initial distributions were sourced from three channels: ^[13]

1. Prime Events - Rewards designated for Parallel TCG card holders.

2. Caching - Rewards allocated for 'cached' Parallel TCG cards and assets.

3. Unlocks - Distributions earmarked for the Parallel Studios Team and Investors.

In Parallel TCG, players earn PRIME by winning ranked games. The amount of PRIME earned per win depends on: ^[14]

1. Ladder Rank: This reflects the player’s skill-based matchmaking rating.

2. 'Keyframing' Multiplier: Certain Keys can impact PRIME earnings.

3. Number of NFTs in deck: More NFT cards lead to more PRIME.

4. Win Streak: Longer win streaks result in more PRIME.

There is a daily cap on PRIME earnings, currently set at 5 wins. Additionally, the Core provides one extra PRIME game per day. ^[15]

Sink Distributions 

When PRIME tokens are used in PRIME Sinks, a portion or the entirety of it is reallocated to the Sink Schedule. This includes the Gameplay Pool, Sink Creator (e.g., Parallel), Echelon Foundation Reserve, Prime Drives, and ParaSets. The process of Sink Redistributions started in August 2023. ^[16]

Governance

Users with PRIME tokens can participate in governance through governance proposals and emissary prime elections.

Emissaries Prime (EPs) are individuals selected by the community to act as representatives for PRIME holders and the Echelon ecosystem. They work in conjunction with the community to improve the ecosystem and support the mission of Echelon. ^[17]

Parallel Studios 

Parallel Studios, situated in Toronto, Canada, is the game development company responsible for the inventive Parallel Trading Card Game. The company specializes in the development of the Parallel sci-fi franchise, utilizing blockchain and NFT technology. ^[18]

Funding

The platform raised $50 million and received a half-billion dollar valuation from Paradigm. Other investors include YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley, Focus Labs, OSS Capital and Yunt Capital, among others. ^[19]