SOM0
SOM0 is the initial set of protocols Somnia will launch with. These are designed to enable interoperability of people, places and objects and allow for commerce to flow across the Somnia network.
Object protocol - This protocol enables: (i) Users to create virtual objects that can exist and move between metaversal experiences that are part of the Network (and to store metadata about these objects); and (ii) where permitted under relevant licensing terms Users to adapt existing objects, such as NFTs, from outside of the Network to enable them to exist and move between experiences on the Network (and to store metadata about such objects).
Attestation protocol - This protocol enables attestations about places, objects, and people made by network participants.
Marketplace protocol - This protocol provides a global liquidity layer which allows Metaverse owners and developers to sell objects such as NFTs in any metaversal experience that is part of the Network.
SOM0 has adopted a blockchain-agnostic approach. This means that all of the Protocols are compatible with multiple blockchain networks, which we refer to as "omni-chain".
Object Protocol
The Object Protocol enables content creators to both: (i) create new, virtual objects compatible with all metaverses within the Network; and, (ii) subject to underlying licensing arrangements, import existing virtual objects from outside of the Network and adapt them so that they can be used within metaverses on the Network. Content creators will also be able to store and access metadata about such objects through the Attestation Protocol.
Once originated or adapted for the Object Protocol, the virtual object (for example, an NFT) is capable of being a tradable asset within metaverses on the Network. This is accomplished by creating a record within an on-chain registry contract that is connected to the applicable virtual object. The registry includes a metadata structure that provides crucial information, enabling the metaverse environment within the Network to understand the data assigned to the associated object. It allows for either linking to an existing object or minting a new one, both of which can represent the ownership of the object.
Making the Object Protocol “Omni-chain”
The Object Protocol handles the registration and management of virtual objects in the Network, allowing Metaverse owners to create metaversal experiences on various blockchain networks. It ensures that virtual objects from any metaverse in the Network can move smoothly between different metaverses, no matter the blockchain they originated from. This is achieved by indexing the registry across multiple chains through services from ecosystem members, enabling universal access to object details and interoperability across all metaverses in the Network.
Attestation protocol
Attestations allow network participants to attest to the authenticity of a virtual object by assigning particular properties to identities, places, and objects on the Network. These attestations can then be used by other network participants for any purpose. Examples of attestations and their value include:
A major brand attesting that a virtual object is an official virtual object (e.g., Nike attesting to say this object is an official Nike virtual shoe). This could then be used by Metaverse owners to ensure no counterfeit objects are in their metaverses.
A KYC provider attesting that the owner of an identity is over 18 years of age. This could then be used by Metaverse owners to ensure that no minors are in their metaverses.
Metaverse owners can use the Attestation Protocol to engage a third-party moderation service to moderate all virtual objects that Network Participants wish to bring into that Metaverse owner’s metaverse. The object moderator could attest that an object complies with the Metaverse owner’s moderation guidelines to determine whether or not such an object is permitted within the Metaverse owner’s metaverse. For example, a Metaverse owner of a family-focused metaverse could engage a third-party moderator to review virtual objects and confirm that they contain no violent material. The moderator’s attestation could then be used as a filter by Metaverse owner to ensure no violent content in its metaverse.
Making the Attestation Protocol Omni-chain
The Attestation Protocol is vital for proving the authenticity and ownership of virtual objects. This registry is also global in nature, using a cross-chain approach to verify and record attestations across all open blockchain networks integrated with the Network. This will ensure that all digital assets, identities, and places on the Network are verifiable, regardless of the blockchain on which they were originated.
Marketplace Protocol
Each Metaverse Owner that participates in the Network will be able to sell items within their own metaverse’s store, and each content creator within that metaverse will be able to sell their items in the Metaverse Owner’s store. Each Metaverse owner will be responsible for deploying, operating and maintaining these marketplaces. This includes making a front end (either web based on in engine), processing payments and other user facing flows.
The Marketplace Protocol enables all Metaverse owners/content creators to upload their items to an intra-metaverse marketplace, one where digital items from any metaverse can be uploaded and sold in the same place. This will be a “one-stop marketplace” for all items available for sale across all metaverses that are part of the Network.
The Marketplace Protocol will be “omni-chain” to allow for global liquidity and NFTs to be sold between two parties on any two supported open blockchain networks.
Technically, any NFT can be listed for sale in the Marketplace Protocol. Although in reality, we expect mostly manufactured metaversal objects (i.e., objects created using the Object Protocol) to use it.
It is important to understand that the Marketplace Protocol just provides a platform for this commerce. Metaverses built on top of this Protocol will determine a ruleset for what can and can’t be sold and the fee structures associated with permitted sales. The Marketplace Protocol only mandates protocol fees and original creator fee’s be upheld. Examples of how this could be used:
In a very permissive metaverse, all listed objects on the Marketplace Protocol may be sold in all experiences. With no additional fees.
In other metaverses it may be necessary for the Metaverse Owner to accept a listing creating a curated set of items for sale. With a 2% sales fee for the Metaverse Owner.
In another metaverse it may be necessary for the content creator to create a deal directly with the Metaverse owner in order to list their object. With a 2% sales fee for the Metaverse owner and a further fee for where the virtual object was sold (e.g. a content creator owning an experience selling virtual objects would get 5% of the item’s sale proceeds).
Marketplace Front End Example
To help Metaverse owners create their own marketplace front ends we have developed a template marketplace front end. This is web based and allows for all core functionality of a marketplace (listing objects, bidding, buying etc.). It integrates directly with web3 wallets for payment. This is backed by the Marketplace Protocol.
Making the Marketplace Protocol Omni-chain
The suggested approach for this is through the use of a LayerZero protocol, which provides a foundational layer for interoperability between different blockchains. This will ensure that all transactions on the marketplace are secure and that all digital assets retain their value and functionality, regardless of the chain they are moved to.
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