by GalaChain | Mar 20, 2024 | GalaChain
The GalaChain Hackathon 2024 teams are currently heads down, with only 24 hours total to bring to life their best GalaChain visions. With an impressive panel of guest judges from all sorts of unique web3 perspectives, hundreds of participating teams (both remote and in person), and over $1 million in total prize value up for grabs, this event has the whole web3 world abuzz with excitement.
GALAthon Prizes
GalaChain Hackathon Announcement
What is a Hackathon?
Hackathons have long been celebrated as fertile ground for innovation, collaboration, and the rapid development of groundbreaking technologies. These intensive events are often compressed into short, adrenaline-fueled sessions, and our GDC 2024 event (co-sponsored by AWS and Alienware) is no exception.
Hackathons bring together the brightest developer minds to solve complex challenges or breathe life into novel ideas. You might be surprised at how many notable products and technologies began as hackathon projects, going on to transform industries and shape our interaction with the digital world. Here’s a look at some of the most remarkable innovations that started from the a hackathon:
GroupMe
GroupMe, a mobile group messaging app, was conceived at the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon in 2010. It allows users to create private chat rooms with friends, significantly simplifying group communication. The idea, spurred by the need for better group communication tools at festivals, quickly gained traction. Within a year of its inception, GroupMe was acquired by Skype for about $80 million, showcasing the potential of hackathons to generate viable, high-value products.
Firebase
Firebase, now a pivotal component of Google’s development platform, started as a hackathon project called Envolve. Initially, it provided developers with an API to integrate chat functionality into their own websites. However, the founders recognized the broader potential of their technology for providing real-time backend services, which ultimately led to the creation of Firebase. Today, Firebase offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing databases, analytics, messaging and more.
Oculus Rift
The Oculus Rift is a pioneering virtual reality headset that has become synonymous with immersive gaming and experiences. Development of this headset was significantly propelled forward by hackathons. Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus, developed early prototypes that gained attention and development momentum through community hackathons. These events showcased the potential of VR technology, leading to a successful Kickstarter campaign and eventually, a $2 billion acquisition by Facebook.
Easy Taxi
Launched at the Startup Weekend Rio in 2011, Easy Taxi is a prime example of a hackathon project that addressed a real-world problem—hailing taxis in busy urban centers. The app connects passengers with drivers, making taxi services more accessible and convenient. Easy Taxi grew rapidly, becoming a global brand operating in multiple countries and exemplifying the potential for hackathon projects to scale into significant business ventures.
Docracy
Docracy, an open-source platform for sharing legal documents, was first conceived at a hackathon hosted by General Assembly. It addresses the need for accessible, reliable legal documents, allowing users to find, sign, and secretly share agreements. Docracy democratizes access to legal resources, illustrating how hackathons can foster solutions to widespread challenges beyond the tech industry.
Building a Decentralized Future
By providing a space for creativity, rapid prototyping, and collaboration, hackathons have contributed to the launch of products and technologies that impact millions of lives worldwide. Given the right environment and resources, a simple idea can evolve into a revolutionary product, driving progress across various sectors.
We’re thrilled for the opportunity to host this GDC Hackathon, co-sponsored by Amazon Web Services and Alienware. We hope that for its participants, the experience is even more highly valued than the incredible array of prizes.
by GalaChain | Mar 20, 2024 | GalaChain
GalaChain‘s integration of TypeScript for smart contract development via the GalaChain SDK represents a monumental leap towards democratizing web3 tech, making it much easier to work with for mainstream developers. This move is a testament to Gala’s commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity and empowerment within the burgeoning web3 landscape.
“GalaChain allows you to write smart contracts in TypeScript, a programming language that is much more familiar to the modern developer. TypeScript is descended from JavaScript, which is practically mandatory for modern web application development and continues to be the most used programming language for eleven years running. Compared to something like Solidity (for Ethereum smart contracts) or Rust (for Solana smart contracts), there are MANY more developers that know and are comfortable with TypeScript. StackOverflow’s 2023 Developer Survey shows this very clearly. JavaScript is the most commonly used language with 63% of respondents using it; TypeScript is in 5th place with 38%. Rust is at 13% and Solidity at 1.3%.”
-Adam Price, GalaChain CTO
Traditionally, the complexity of blockchain development has created barriers to entry for many developers accustomed to more widely-used languages. GalaChain’s adoption of TypeScript invites a broader community of developers to participate in the web3 revolution.
TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript, brings the benefits of strong typing and object-oriented programming, making it an ideal choice for developing complex, large-scale applications. By leveraging TypeScript, GalaChain not only appeals to a vast pool of existing developers but also streamlines the transition from traditional web development to blockchain-based development. This approach aligns perfectly with Gala’s mission to onboard a billion users to web3, recognizing that empowering developers is equally important to empowering application users.
The significance of this development cannot be overstated. It opens the door for countless innovations in the Gala ecosystem, enabling developers to easily create decentralized applications (dApps), games, and digital assets on GalaChain. Furthermore, by reducing the learning curve and embracing a language familiar to millions, GalaChain is poised to catalyze a surge of creativity and participation in the web3 space.
In essence, GalaChain’s embrace of TypeScript is a game-changer, offering a bridge for web2 developers to enter the web3 world seamlessly. This initiative promises to enrich the Gala ecosystem with a diverse array of applications and experiences, driving forward the vision of a decentralized future where technology empowers and connects us all in unprecedented ways.
by GalaChain | Mar 20, 2024 | GalaChain
GalaChain.com
You’ve probably heard all about Galathon 2024, the epic GalaChain hackathon event co-sponsored by AWS and Alienware with over $1 million in total prizes up for grabs. With both remote and in-person participants at GDC 2024, hundreds of teams are currently scrambling in a 24-hour rush to build some incredible new things on GalaChain.
We’ve teamed up with some of the most respected and well qualified experts from across the web3 world to ensure we pick the best and brightest from this amazing group of contestants. Our panel of judges includes names like Snoop Dogg, Justin Sun, Edward Chen, Ciera Sun and many more.
We love the spirit of decentralization and cooperation fostered by massive events like these, which serve to bring us all together in a world that’s too easily divided. If you weren’t ready to participate this time, we’ve got a challenge for you that will get you ready for the next Galathon!
Started Building Yet?
Ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of web3 development? Even if you think you’re not, you may be surprised at how easy GalaChain is making the transition.
The GalaChain SDK offers a seamless gateway to the revolutionary possibilities of blockchain tech. If you’ve ever felt daunted by the complexity of blockchain development, it’s time to lay those fears to rest. Today, we challenge you, the developers and creators of tomorrow, to experience firsthand the simplicity and power of building on GalaChain.
Cutting Edge
The GalaChain SDK is not just a tool; it’s your entry ticket to the forefront of web3 development. With its user-friendly approach, GalaChain welcomes both seasoned blockchain developers and those who are just beginning to explore this dynamic space. The developer’s kit is designed to streamline the development process, making it more accessible, efficient and enjoyable.
Your Empowerment = Our Mission
At Gala, we believe in the power of decentralization to transform the web. Our mission is to onboard a billion users to web3, empowering them through unprecedented control, freedom and opportunity. The GalaChain SDK embodies this mission, providing a robust framework for developers to create innovative applications, games, and digital assets that champion the principles of web3.
The Simplicity Challenge
Here’s our challenge to you: Dive into the GalaChain SDK and start building your first project. From simple dApps to robust platforms, the SDK’s intuitive design and comprehensive documentation will guide you every step of the way. This is your chance to experience the ease of web3 development without the traditional hurdles associated with blockchain tech.
Step-by-Step Guidance
For those ready to accept this challenge, here’s a brief roadmap to get you started:
- Explore the Documentation: Begin with the ‘getting-started.md’ section of our comprehensive GalaChain documentation. It’s designed to familiarize you with the GalaChain ecosystem and the SDK’s capabilities.
- Set Up Your Environment: Follow the step-by-step instructions in ‘chaincode-development.md’ and ‘chaincode-client.md’ to set up your development environment. This foundation is crucial for a smooth building experience.
- Deploy Your First Smart Contract: Utilize ‘chaincode-deployment.md’ and ‘chaincode-post-deployment.md’ to learn how to deploy and interact with your smart contracts on GalaChain. This is where your creations come to life.
- Test and Iterate: Leverage the ‘chaincode-testing.md’ guide to test your projects thoroughly. This ensures your applications are ready for the real world, providing a seamless experience for users.
- Join the Community: Engage with other developers and the Gala team in the Discord community. Share your progress, seek advice, and collaborate on exciting projects.
Witness the Revolution
By taking on this challenge, you’re not just building on another blockchain; you’re joining the movement and empowering yourself. The simplicity of the GalaChain SDK does not sacrifice power or flexibility; it amplifies your creative potential, making it easier than ever to bring your innovative ideas to life.
We’re Here to Support You
As you embark on this journey, remember that the Gala team is here to support you. Our documentation is constantly updated to provide you with the latest tools, tips, and tricks for maximizing your development experience on GalaChain.
Are you ready to challenge yourself and see just how simple and empowering web3 development can be with GalaChain SDK? Dive in, and let’s build the future together. Your adventure into the world of web3 starts now.
by GalaChain | Mar 17, 2024 | GalaChain
Ali Hajighafouri joins the GalaChain Hackathon judges’ panel from the Games Startups Accounts team at Amazon Web Services. Ali and the AWS for Games team work tirelessly to ensure that every game team, from indie to AAA, can take full advantage of world-class cloud infrastructure to build, run, and grow their games. Ali has worked with teams running games ranging from a few hundred to millions of active players spanning all genres and platforms. He and his team are passionate about helping game developers and publishers realize their vision cost-effectively and in full readiness for global scale.
As an enthusiastic gamer and game maker, Ali brings the perspectives of a professional, a hobbyist, and a consumer to his judging duties, and he’s excited to see the Gala community take web3 to new heights during the GalaChain Hackathon and beyond.
While a lifelong gamer, Ali’s journey has taken him through sectors including healthcare, construction, and industrial services before he came home to supporting the gaming space full time. At every stage of his career he has leveraged technology to break down information silos, foster collaboration, and empower end users to own their virtual identities. He’s understandably excited about the transformative possibilities that blockchain brings to all these spaces.
As a hackathon judge, Ali will be on the lookout for projects that make web3 more accessible to game makers and players, minimizing the distance between mainstream gamers and ownership of their investment in play. He’d love to see projects that:
Accelerate game development and help creators de-risk their efforts in an ever more challenging industry landscape.
Immerse game makers and players further in their game worlds and blur the lines between virtual worlds and the real one.
Integrate play between game worlds, allowing players to gain further value from their time and money spent by carrying their loot, levels, and other gains from one game to the next.
Empower game makers, players, and fans to find each other and build welcoming, supportive communities.
Special consideration will be given to any project that somehow helps Ali get his two month-old to sleep through the night.
