If you've spent any time on the Internet in the last few weeks, you've seen tons of people experimenting with AI, especially ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is a chatbot by OpenAI.
Basically, you feed it a question, and it can give you some good answers.
People were using it to do their homework, launch projects, and even publish books written entirely by AI.
As a professional nerd, I wanted to see what the hype is all about.
But aimed to put a different spin on it.
Since I'm building a media company focused on web3 gaming, I wanted to create something in that space.
So, I settled on using AI to create the story and artwork for an NFT game.
It took me a day of work, but the results were astonishing.
As most nerds obsessed about gaming and crypto, I love traditional games inspired by a wide variety of popular intellectual property:
I played all Batman video games from the Arkham series. I spent countless hours playing all Star Wars games, including the Lego Star Wars games. I finished the Spider-man PS4 game three times in one month.
But I've also played a ton of web3 games such as Axie Infinity, Pegaxy, and Crabada.
These games use non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to allow players to own game assets.
So, I wanted to use AI to merge these concepts together – create an NFT Spider-Man game.
And I wanted that game to be inspired by one of the best Spider-man games I've ever played – Spider-Man: Web of Shadows.
Why that one in particular?
Cuz I love games with a darker tone.
And with that vague description, my gaming experiment with artificial intelligence started.
I started with a simple instruction:
Here's ChatGPT's unedited response:
"In the city of New York, a new threat has emerged. A shadowy organization known as the Syndicate has taken control of the city, using their advanced technology and powerful allies to rule with an iron fist.
As the streets of New York descend into chaos, a young man named Peter Parker decides to take action. Using his amazing abilities as the superhero Spider-Man, he sets out to take down the Syndicate and restore order to the city.
As Spider-Man, you swing through the streets and alleys of New York, taking on the Syndicate's minions and foiling their plans at every turn. But as you dig deeper into the Syndicate's operations, you realize that they are more powerful and dangerous than you ever imagined.
To take down the Syndicate, you'll need all the help you can get. That's where the NFTs come in.
As you progress through the game, you'll collect a variety of NFTs that represent different allies and allies from the Marvel Universe. Each NFT has its own unique abilities and powers, and by collecting and using them wisely, you'll be able to take on even the toughest foes.
As you gather your forces and take the fight to the Syndicate, you'll discover that the web of shadows stretches far beyond the streets of New York. The fate of the entire world hangs in the balance, and only you, as Spider-Man, can save it."
Okay, we are off to a good start.
Let's figure out the next step:
So, I guess I'll have to make the call here.
Let's make this a multiplayer game where you play as Spider-Man and aim to defeat the Syndicate.
But we need more info about that group.
Okay.
The AI is clearly pushing us towards a multiplayer game where we can play with different Marvel characters.
So, let's see who it has in mind.
Here's the unedited answer:
"In the story I wrote, the characters from the Marvel Universe that could potentially help the player are represented by NFTs that the player can collect and use throughout the game. These NFTs could represent a variety of different characters, each with their own unique abilities and powers.
Some examples of characters from the Marvel Universe that could potentially appear in the game as NFTs include:
1. Captain America: A patriotic superhero with superhuman strength, endurance, and agility, as well as a shield that can deflect bullets and energy blasts.
2. Iron Man: A billionaire genius inventor who uses a high-tech suit of armor to fight crime and protect the world.
3. Thor: The powerful Asgardian prince with superhuman strength and the ability to control the elements, as well as a enchanted hammer that can harness the power of the storms.
4. Hulk: A scientist transformed by gamma radiation into a giant, rampaging beast with incredible strength and durability.
5. Black Widow: A skilled spy and assassin with expertise in hand-to-hand combat, weapons, and stealth.
6. Hawkeye: A master marksman with superhuman accuracy and a wide array of trick arrows at his disposal.
These are just a few examples of the many characters from the Marvel Universe that could potentially appear in the game as NFTs and help the player in battle. The specific characters included in the game would depend on the choices made by the developers."
While I like these characters, they seem out of place for a Spider-Man game inspired by Web of Shadows.
So, who are we going to team up with to defeat the evil Syndicate?
Wait, I have an idea.
I know who fits the story – Daredevil.
Let's see how the chatbot will add him to the story:
Mmm, that's good, but I'd like to play with Daredevil as well as Spider-Man.
Let's use this prompt to figure out the full story.
Here's the unedited full version by ChatGPT3:
"In the city of New York, a new threat has emerged. A shadowy organization known as the Syndicate has taken control of the city, using their advanced technology and powerful allies to rule with an iron fist.
As the streets of New York descend into chaos, two heroes rise to take on the Syndicate: Spider-Man and Daredevil. Together, they must use their incredible powers and skills to take down the Syndicate and restore order to the city.
As a player, you can choose to play as either Spider-Man or Daredevil, each with their own unique abilities and playstyle. As Spider-Man, you can swing through the streets and alleys of New York, using your web-slinging skills and spider-sense to take on the Syndicate's minions. As Daredevil, you can use your superhuman senses and expert combat skills to take down your foes and defend the city.
Together with your fellow players, you'll take on a variety of missions and challenges, ranging from small-scale objectives such as taking down Syndicate operatives or rescuing civilians, to larger, more epic battles against powerful bosses or factions. As you progress through the game, you'll collect a variety of NFTs that represent different allies and allies from the Marvel Universe, each with their own unique abilities and powers.
The fate of the city hangs in the balance, and only you and your fellow heroes can save it. Will you rise to the challenge and bring down the Syndicate, or will you fall to their might? The choice is yours."
God damn.
Sounds epic!
Now, we need an awesome title.
Here are the unedited 30 titles:
1. "Spider-Man and Daredevil: Web of Shadows"
2. "Heroes United: Spider-Man and Daredevil"
3. "The Syndicate Showdown"
4. "The Fight for New York"
5. "Daredevil and Spider-Man: The Ultimate Team-Up"
6. "The Battle for the Big Apple"
7. "Defenders of the City"
8. "The Syndicate Wars"
9. "Heroes in Action: Spider-Man and Daredevil"
10. "The Ultimate Spider-Man and Daredevil Experience"
11. "The Spider-Man and Daredevil Chronicles"
12. "New York Under Siege"
13. "Heroes Assemble: Spider-Man and Daredevil"
14. "The Spider-Man and Daredevil Adventure"
15. "The Battle for Justice"
16. "The Syndicate's Last Stand"
17. "The Heroes of New York"
18. "The Spider-Man and Daredevil Epic"
19. "The Great Spider-Man and Daredevil Team-Up"
20. "The War for New York"
21. "The Spider-Man and Daredevil Mission"
22. "The Syndicate's Reign of Terror"
23. "Heroes Rising: Spider-Man and Daredevil"
24. "The Spider-Man and Daredevil Quest"
25. "New York in Peril"
26."The Spider-Man and Daredevil Showdown"
27. "The Ultimate Spider-Man and Daredevil Battle"
28."The Syndicate's Final Showdown"
29."Heroes Unite: Spider-Man and Daredevil"
30. "The Spider-Man and Daredevil Odyssey"
Why 30?
Cuz I've seen people experiment with these AI tools, and when it comes to headlines and titles, volume is the name of the game.
But here's the problem – I didn't like any of these titles – most of them don't make much sense.
So combined two of them, making the title of the game – "Spider-man and Daredevil: The Syndicate Wars."
Again.
DAT IS EPIC!
And yes, English snobs, I know the right word is "That."
I'm just excited.
Now that we have the main story and title of the game let's dig deeper into the Syndicate.
I asked ChatGPT how Syndicate members look – are they humans or superhuman?
Here's what the chatbot had to say:
That's not bad, but it's a little vague.
So I'm going to use my own creativity here and mold these guys in the image of the Joker.
Yes, I'm creating a Marvel game using DC characters as an inspiration for the villains.
Let's see how ChatGPT would design the Syndicate members.
Okay, this gives us plenty of room to play with.
Now, it's time for the billion-dollar question – how would ChatGPT design this game to maximize fun using digital assets like non-fungible tokens?
Here's the unedited version:
"There are a number of ways that you could design a game using NFTs to maximize fun and enjoyment for players. Some potential strategies include:
1. Offering a wide variety of NFTs to collect and use: By offering a wide variety of NFTs that represent different characters, abilities, and items, players will have more options and choices when it comes to customizing their gameplay experience. This can add an extra layer of depth and replay value to the game.
2. Adding NFT-based gameplay mechanics: You could incorporate NFTs into the gameplay itself, using them as a way to unlock new abilities, powers, or items. For example, you could have players collect NFTs to unlock new characters or abilities, or use them to access special abilities or abilities in battle.
3. Offering player-to-player trading: By allowing players to trade NFTs with each other, you can create a sense of community and encourage player interaction. This can make the game more social and engaging, and give players more reason to continue playing and collecting NFTs.
4. Providing NFT-based rewards and achievements: By offering NFTs as rewards for completing certain challenges or achievements in the game, you can give players extra incentives to keep playing and striving for progress. This can create a sense of accomplishment and give players a sense of progress and advancement.
5. Adding NFT-based mini-games or activities: You could also incorporate NFTs into mini-games or activities within the main game, giving players additional ways to interact with and collect them. This can add an extra layer of variety and fun to the game.
Overall, by designing the game to make full use of NFTs and incorporating them into the gameplay and progression systems, you can create a more engaging and rewarding experience for players."
This is a good start.
Now, let's add NFTs in the context of the Spider-Man and Daredevil game we discussed.
Here's ChatGPT's answer:
"There are a number of ways that you could use NFTs in a Spider-Man and Daredevil game to enhance the gameplay and provide additional depth and replay value. Some possible examples include:
1. Collectible NFTs: Players could collect NFTs that represent different characters, allies, and allies from the Marvel Universe. These NFTs could be used to unlock new abilities, powers, or items, or to access special abilities or abilities in battle.
2. NFT-based upgrades: Players could use NFTs to upgrade their character's abilities, powers, or items, allowing them to customize their playstyle and approach to combat.
3. NFT-based rewards: Players could earn NFTs as rewards for completing certain challenges or achievements in the game, giving them extra incentives to keep playing and striving for progress.
4. NFT-based mini-games: The game could include mini-games or activities that revolve around collecting and using NFTs, providing additional ways for players to interact with and collect them.
5. Player-to-player trading: Players could trade NFTs with each other, allowing them to collect and use a wider variety of characters and abilities. This could create a sense of community and encourage player interaction.
Overall, by incorporating NFTs into the gameplay and progression systems of a Spider-Man and Daredevil game, you can add an extra layer of depth and customization, as well as providing a way for players to collect and trade unique items and assets."
This answer gave me some ideas.
So here's what we will do.
We will use NFTs for character upgrades.
The more enemies we defeat, we gather XP, and we can use that XP to upgrade our characters.
Each upgrade we make gives a new NFT that represents the newest (and badest) version of our character.
Okay.
We've made some progress.
But I feel like something is missing…
Like a main villain.
Someone who will lead the Syndicate and match the darker tone of the game.
I know the perfect guy for the job – the Kingpin.
Hey, ChatGPT, what's his backstory?
Here's the full unedited version:
"The Kingpin, also known as Wilson Fisk, is a powerful and ruthless criminal mastermind in the Marvel Universe. He is often depicted as a major antagonist for characters like Spider-Man and Daredevil, and has a long and complicated backstory.
In the story I wrote, the Kingpin could potentially be the main villain of the game, leading the Syndicate and pulling the strings behind their operations. Here is a possible backstory for the Kingpin in this context:
Wilson Fisk was born into poverty in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. As a young man, he was determined to rise above his circumstances and become someone powerful and influential. He turned to a life of crime, using his intelligence, strength, and ruthlessness to climb the ranks of the criminal underworld.
Over the years, Fisk became known as the Kingpin, a powerful and feared figure in the criminal world. He controlled a vast network of criminal enterprises, from gambling and extortion to drugs and weapons trafficking. He used his wealth and influence to corrupt politicians, judges, and law enforcement officials, ensuring that he could operate with impunity.
As the leader of the Syndicate, the Kingpin uses his vast resources and connections to spread fear and chaos throughout the city. He is a formidable and ruthless opponent, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Only Spider-Man and Daredevil stand a chance of taking him down and stopping his reign of terror."
That's awesome!
So here's what we've got so far:
The main story, heroes, and villains of the game. The backstory of the Syndicate. Utility for our NFTs.
I think that's all we need from ChatGPT, storywise.
Now, it's time to go into the artwork.
We need to use AI to design the following characters:
Spider-Man. Daredevil. Syndicate members. The Kingpin.
Let's start with Spider-Man.
I liked #2 – makes the most sense for the tone we are going for.
Now, let's talk Daredevil.
Let's go with #1 cuz it sounds epic.
What about the Syndicate members?
Let's go with number #9.
Now, it's time to describe our main villain – Wilson Fisk, aka the Kingpin.
Here are the 10 descriptions by ChatGPT:
"Here are ten possible illustrations that could be used to visually describe how the Kingpin looks in the game:
1. A full body shot of the Kingpin in a suit and tie, exuding power and authority as he sits at his desk.
2. A close-up of the Kingpin's face, showing his cold and calculating expression as he plots his next move.
3. A shot of the Kingpin in action, using his vast resources and connections to manipulate events behind the scenes.
4. A dynamic shot of the Kingpin standing tall and proud, with his wealth and power on full display.
5. A dramatic pose of the Kingpin standing in front of a giant map of New York, plotting his next move.
6. A shot of the Kingpin using his intelligence and cunning to outmaneuver his enemies.
7. A shot of the Kingpin using his wealth and influence to bribe or coerce others to do his bidding.
8. A shot of the Kingpin in his private lair, surrounded by his loyal minions and advanced technology.
9. A shot of the Kingpin in his office, with a view of the city skyline in the background.
10. A shot of the Kingpin in a more casual pose, perhaps enjoying a drink or reflecting on his plans.
Overall, these illustrations could help to convey the character and style of the Kingpin in the game, and give artists a sense of how to visually depict him."
Let's go with number #3.
Okay, so we have the descriptions for Spider-Man, Daredevil, Syndicate members, and Kingpin.
Now, let's use the Midjourney to create the art.
Why that tool?
Cuz it's simple, easy to use, and free.
You feed it a short prompt and it generates high-quality images.
Here's an example for Spider-Man:
All look epic.
I'll take version #2 but will use version #1 for the main poster.
Can't waste images like that.
I want to see more variations of the second version.
Let's see what the tool gives us:
Fantastic.
I've settled on this design:
It's time for the man without fear – Daredevil.
I love version 1 – works best for our game.
Here's the final look:
Time to see how our villains look.
First, let's work on the Syndicate members.
The V2 looks great, so I turned it into this:
I wouldn't want to mess with that guy.
Now, it's time for the big boss – The Kingpin.
Following the same process with Midjourney, I've settled on this look:
So, we have everything for our game.
Let's recap.
Using ChatGPT, we created a story for a multiplayer Spider-Man and Daredevil NFT game called "Spider-man and Daredevil: The Syndicate Wars."
The game has a darker tone and is inspired by "Spider-Man: Web of Shadows."
The story takes place in New York City, where a shadowy organization called the Syndicate is running New York.
The man behind the Syndicate is Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin.
A powerful man who's controlling the city behind the scenes.
It's up to Spider-Man and Daredevil to stop The Kingpin and his Syndicate from ruining New York and, potentially, the world.
And let's not forget – this is an NFT game.
As you go around the city, defeating enemies, you gather XP, and using that XP, you upgrade your character.
Every time you upgrade your character, you get a new NFT that represents the latest version of your main hero.
So this is the main story of the game and using Midjourney, we created some epic artwork.
With a little magic from me and Canva.com, I designed our main poster for the game:
Don't know about you, but I'm astonished at how good these tools are.
I don't have any gaming, story, or design experience but managed to create a solid story and artwork for an NFT game using only AI.
And remember, it all started with the simple idea of creating an NFT game based on Spider-Man: Web of Shadows.
Can't wait to see how real game devs use these tools to create some epic web3 and traditional games.
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