Enhancing Splinterlands Integrity: The Role of KYC in Ranked Play

Greetings, Splinterlands Community!

I'm reaching out to share some thoughts on an essential topic for our game's future - implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) methods in opt-in ranked play to tackle botting.

We understand the crypto community's concerns about privacy and decentralization. However, in competitive gaming, especially in ranked modes, maintaining a fair and honest environment is crucial. Here's how KYC integration could significantly benefit mainstream growth, while still honoring the values of our crypto advocates:

Robust Fair Play: Botting has been a thorn in the side of fair competition. By introducing KYC as an optional feature for ranked play, we ensure a bot-free environment where player skill and strategy reign supreme.

Mainstream Appeal: Mainstream gamers prioritize fairness and transparency. Integrating KYC showcases our commitment to these values, potentially drawing a wider, more diverse player base concerned about botting and unfair practices.

Trust and Security: New players want assurance that they're entering a bot-free zone. KYC, particularly in light of laws like 18 U.S. Code § 1028 which mitigates the risks associated with fake IDs and fraudulent activities, provides a secure, trustworthy gaming environment.

Choice Respect: Offering KYC on an opt-in basis ensures we respect our community's diverse opinions. Those opposed to KYC on principle can continue enjoying other gameplay modes, preserving our community's inclusive nature.

Long-Term Growth: A fair, competitive environment lays the groundwork for sustainable growth, attracting not just players but also partners and investors who value a well-regulated gaming platform.

Our aim is to expand Splinterlands, respecting our origins while seizing opportunities to evolve and reach broader audiences. An optional KYC system for ranked play could be a pivotal move towards achieving this balance.

We're eager to hear your views. Do you feel this approach aligns with our community's direction?

Warm regards,
nardian