A decentralized application, often referred to as a “DApp,” is a type of software application that runs on a decentralized network, typically a blockchain, rather than being hosted on a centralized server. Think of it as a new way of creating apps, where no single entity controls the data or the backend operations.
How is a DApp Different from a Regular App?
To understand a DApp, let’s first look at how a regular app works. Most of the apps you use every day—like social media, banking or gaming—are centralized. This means they are controlled by a specific company that owns the servers where all the data is stored. If these servers go down, or if the company decides to change how the app works (or even shut it down), users have little to no control over what happens.
A DApp, on the other hand, is built on blockchain technology, which is a network of computers (nodes) that work together to ensure that data is stored across many locations, making it decentralized. Instead of a single company controlling everything, DApps’ operations and data are distributed across this network. This new approach has the potential to give users more control, transparency and security than ever before.
DApps are crucial in the web3 world because they embody the principles of decentralization, transparency and user empowerment. Unlike traditional apps, DApps can:
Be censorship-resistant: No single authority can block or censor a DApp, making it more resilient to external pressures.
Provide greater security: Since data is distributed across a blockchain, it’s easier to fortify the application against attacks that could compromise the system.
Ensure transparency: All transactions and operations are recorded on the blockchain, where they are publicly viewable and able to be verified by anyone.
Centralized vs. Decentralized Applications: Key Differences
Let’s break down the differences between centralized and decentralized apps to make this clearer:
Feature
Centralized App
Decentralized App (DApp)
Control
Controlled by a single entity (e.g., a company)
No single point of control; governed by code or community
Data Storage
Data stored on centralized servers owned by the company
Data stored across a decentralized network of nodes
Security
Vulnerable to hacks if the central server is compromised
More secure as data is spread across the blockchain
Censorship
Can be censored or altered by the controlling entity
Resistant to censorship; governed by smart contracts
Transparency
Operations and data are typically hidden from public view
Fully transparent; all operations are on the blockchain
Downtime
Can experience downtime if servers fail
Minimal downtime as it relies on a distributed network
Examples of DApps
Uniswap: A decentralized exchange that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies without relying on a central authority or paying fees to intermediaries.
Aave: A decentralized finance (DeFi) platform where users can lend and borrow cryptocurrencies without needing a bank or financial institution.
Rep.run: A decentralized social media platform built on GalaChain, designed to restore data ownership and control to users.
GalaChain was first built by a centralized company (Gala Games) in order to power its growing ecosystem of web3 entertainment through the core brands of Gala Games, Gala Music and Gala Film. But in a unique approach to web3 ecosystem building, GalaChain’s long-term plan was always to move its network toward full decentralization as it continued to grow.
GalaChain is a primary blockchain (layer 1) built to host not only its own platforms, but an entire universe of decentralized applications that can exist within unique channels (layer 2) that are part of the chain. Each of these channels and all their DApps are powered by GalaChain, but also contribute to the network’s increased scalability, supporting the tokenomics of $GALA and enhancing consumer use of the blockchain.
Imagine a long train that travels at astounding speeds, never stopping. Each train car is independently managed by its creator, containing whatever cargo (data) is required for its goals. No matter how many cars are added to the train, it continues carrying all cargo with ease. In fact, as more cars are added, the train can even gain stability and speed. The train is called GalaChain and the train cars are its channels.
2024 marks the year that GalaChain shifted from a proprietary blockchain for an entertainment company to an open blockchain upon which new developers can build as they please. With easy-to-access tools and creator resources, GalaChain is a perfect place for traditional tech innovators to “get their feet wet” with web3 tech.
Decentralized applications represent a significant shift in how we think about software, offering new possibilities for user control, transparency and security. As the web3 world continues to grow, DApps are set to play a crucial role in this decentralized digital future.
Common Ground World has a new competition this week, starting onTuesday, November 5th at 9am PT and ending on Friday, November 8th. As always, top players have a chance to win $GALA, the token that fuels the entire GalaChain ecosystem!
To win a share of nearly a million $GALA per week, all you have to do is make it into one of the top 1200 places on the leaderboard!
CGW Town Hall Live
Every second Friday, join members of the Common Ground World team for a live Town Hall on Youtube. The strategic sands of CGW are always shifting with exciting new content, gameplay upgrades and new chances to win. If you’re not coming to Town Hall, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on some opportunities.
Check out the replay of the last Town Hall from Friday, October 25th at the link below and get ready for the next one this Friday, November 8th!
If you’d like to submit a question for the AMA portion of the next Town Hall, just fill out THIS FORM.
This Week’s Competition
Time to make a splash! This week’s competition is all about selling Fish Tanks. Fill ‘em up, polish that glass and get ready to swim past the competition!
With a substantial Star boost from its normal trade value, crafting and selling Fish Tanks this week is sure to give you a better shot at that leaderboard!
⭐STRATEGY TIP⭐ While Fish Tanks are the focus, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the multitude of other craft options! You’ll find the complete list with current cash and star values HERE.
“Glass Half Full” – Meta Details
Goal: Sell Fish Tanks Trade: 50s, 1 Gasoline Biome: Forest N, Ocean E, Desert S, Ocean W Rewards: Standard $GALA leaderboard
Ingredients: 4 Molten Glass, 1 Limestone, 1 Salt, 25 Water, 2 Salmon Made in: Art & Decor Shop Stored in: Warehouse Craft time: 120s Affected by: Nothing Standard Cash Value: $101,350 Standard Star Value: 3523
Elevate with NFTs
There are tons of great ways to enhance your strategy by using well-placed Common Ground World NFT items like buildings and effect cards. NFT buildings can be placed and picked up for no in-game cost whenever you please, allowing you to move faster and enjoy a more productive town, which can make all the difference in a weekly competition.
You can get a free NFT each month just for playing! For November, we’re giving active players a special Lettuce Storage NFT! To qualify, be sure to play regularly throughout the month!
Introducing the Expert Fisherman
Inside his cozy little fisherman’s house, the Expert Fisherman is ready for any fishing challenge!
This angler is no ordinary fisherman. With twice the speed and a passion that costs you nothing in wages, he’s here to keep your waters lively and your production strong!
This Epic NFT hit the store last Friday, November 1st:
The results are finally in for the NextUp Contest. 😎
After our esteemed team of judges (featuring Macy Gray and PLS&TY among others) curated hundreds of submissions down to a list of the top 10, we put them up for vote to let the Gala Music community choose the winners.
This contest, co-hosted with our friends at LabelRadar, was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate decentralization in action through our state-of-the-art blockchain-powered voting system, NextUp.
The Prizes
First off, each of the top 5 winners received a $1000 cash prize.
The top 3 winners also received professional music production software packages from leading brands, valued at:
$1380 for 3rd place $1980 for 2nd place $5200 for 1st place
Finally, every top 5 winner will soon have their winning tracks featured in a special Mystery Box called the LabelRadar Mystery Box. Look for this Mystery Box release during the month of November.
The Winners
Very soon, these winning tracks will be added to the Gala Music platform in preparation for the release of the LabelRadar Mystery Box. Each box will have a chance to win one of the winning NFT tracks, along with various amounts of $MUSIC, $GALA and more. Stay tuned for more details on that upcoming release.
While you wait for their tracks to drop on Gala Music, show these winners some love on their social media accounts, linked below!
Beyond the Call is an electrifying musical ensemble hailing from Tweed, Ontario, with members bringing their diverse backgrounds from across Ontario and Canada. Comprised of Mick, the charismatic frontman, Brad on bass, Jimmy shredding on lead guitar, and Matt keeping the beat on drums, this dynamic group crafts a unique sound that defies genre boundaries.Their music is an exhilarating blend of rock, folk, funk, rap, and pop, showcasing their vast experience and eclectic styles.
RoofTalez is a German artist who has been releasing music since 2023. He started in 2014 as a hobby with hip hop instrumentals and then 2 years later he started tinkering with electronic dance music. RoofTalez mainly produces house, deep house, electro house and electronic with great passion.
Started music at the age of 12 and perfected my craft as the years went on. I make music to reach people in their darkest moments. It’s about making a difference and helping people heal and be heard.
Gindi is an enigmatic and talented Melodic Techno / Progressive House artist hailing from Didimoticho , Greece. With a passion for storytelling through music, he crafts emotive and captivating melodies that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level.Drawing inspiration from Art Bat , Tale Of Us , Kevin De Vries and more, Gindi creates a unique sonic experience that seamlessly blends classic progressive sounds with modern Melodic Techno vibes.
Hey there! I’m LEIA, a bass player, singer, and songwriter blending neo-soul, Latin pop, and R&B to create music that speaks from the heart. Music is my way of expressing my roots and the journey I’m on, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Congrats to Your Winners!
While the voting portion of this contest is a wrap, we’re all looking forward to the start of these artists’ journey in decentralized music. 🎧
Thanks for voting, and don’t forget… You can cast your vote every single week to make your voice heard as new artists and tracks are considered for the Gala Music platform. Help us decide what’s NextUp!
