Forget about CryptoKitties: Digital pooches land in China
Baidu unveils blockchain-based pet game just ahead of the Year of the Dog
You may have heard a lot about blockchain, the system underpinning cryptocurrencies like bitcoin or ethereum. But how does it work in a game?
Using CryptoKitties as an example, one of the key features of blockchain is scarcity. There are a finite number of cats, each with a different appearance, giving them a sort of value. And because blockchain keeps a permanent, inalterable record, it means none of the cats can be replicated or destroyed -- not even by the company that created the game. And any time a cat is bought or sold, the blockchain can track its ownership and pedigree.
Baidu says registered users of Laici Gou can adopt their first digital dog for free and will receive complimentary points to buy pets on the Baidu marketplace. People can earn more points by using other services from the company like Baidu Wallet.