Exploring Robot Cache: AMD's Blockchain Game Marketplace

Photo - Exploring Robot Cache: AMD's Blockchain Game Marketplace
AMD is in the final stages of testing its blockchain-based marketplace, Robot Cache. This innovative platform gives gamers not just the option to purchase but also resell their games after they're done playing. In addition to fiat, Robot Cache allows transactions in its native coin, IRON, which users can acquire through various loyalty programs.
As of now, Robot Cache is still in its beta testing phase. However, the "beta" label is expected to disappear after July 20, 2023. To celebrate this milestone, all Robot Cache marketplace users will receive a complimentary copy of the game Wasteland 3. All that's required to claim this offer is to register and create an account on the platform.

Understanding the Blockchain-Based Marketplace, Robot Cache

The concept of the Robot Cache marketplace was formulated by Brian Fargo, a notable figure in the gaming industry renowned for his roles as a video game designer, producer, and founder of Interplay and InXile Entertainment. The fundamental premise of this new platform is straightforward – it empowers users to buy and resell digital copies of games they've already played and no longer wish to revisit. This approach ensures that games don't become "dead weight," a common issue with game libraries purchased through platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Marketplace.

With Robot Cache, an "old" game can still be profitable for both the player and the publisher. Reselling a game grants the owner a "cashback" of 25% of its nominal value, while the publisher receives 70%, and a modest 5% is retained by Robot Cache as a usage fee. Registered users can track the current owners of various digital copies of games, thus fostering a dynamic fan community.
Robot Cache

Robot Cache's blockchain-based marketplace is on the verge of concluding its beta testing phase. Source: store.robotcache.com

IRON Cryptocurrency

Games can be purchased using either fiat or the platform's unique digital currency – IRON. Upon account creation, Robot Cache provides each user with a personal digital wallet for storing IRON. Funds from game resales are credited to this wallet in IRON, as it cannot hold traditional currencies.
Games can be acquired with IRON, using PayPal, or via credit/debit cards. Source:  store.robotcache.com

Games can be acquired with IRON, using PayPal, or via credit/debit cards. Source: store.robotcache.com

To encourage the active circulation of IRON within the platform, the marketplace creators have established a use-it-or-lose-it policy for this digital currency. IRON coins remain valid for a year from their issuance date. After this period, any unused IRON simply vanishes. This system is somewhat akin to token burn programs in other projects, designed to preserve their high value and demand.

Users can also accumulate IRON by performing various tasks or missions, participating in different marketing events or contests, inviting new users through a referral program, or by offering their graphics card for mining the platform's cryptocurrency. While the mining option (RC Mining) is currently unavailable, the developers assure that this is a temporary measure. It is highly probable that mining will be enabled for registered users once the beta testing phase concludes.

Overall, the existence of CPU or GPU mining, devised by the platform's creators, implies that IRON is a cryptocurrency that follows the Proof-of-Work principle. But strangely, no analytical platforms like CoinMarketCap present any information on an asset tagged with that ticker linked to AMD or Robot Cache. So, it's probably wise not to jump to conclusions and instead wait until the marketplace comes out of beta testing and starts operating.

Interestingly, IRON also acts as a stablecoin – its value is pegged to the US dollar at a ratio of 100:1, meaning 100 IRON equals 1 dollar.  

User Levels, Gamification, and Experience Points

Once users sign up on the Robot Cache platform, they instantly dive into a gamification process, earning experience points (XP) and advancing their levels for every activity they undertake or task they complete. To get a head start on XP, users might consider adding appealing games to their wishlist, buying their first game, or personalizing their avatar in their profile.
User level and experience points are growing through activity and purchases on the platform. Source: store.robotcache.com

User level and experience points are growing through activity and purchases on the platform. Source: store.robotcache.com

Countries Where Robot Cache Operates

The Robot Cache platform will only be available to video game enthusiasts in 47 countries, a list of which is provided below. However, the platform creators note that this list will gradually expand.
Countries where Robot Cache operates. Source: help.robotcache.com

Countries where Robot Cache operates. Source: help.robotcache.com