Confiction Labs, the developer behind the cooperative roguelite shooter game Riftstorm, has launched an innovative verification process called Proof of Exposure. This system, designed to integrate seamlessly with the in-game lore, is part of a broader strategy to combat the growing problem of botting in web3 gaming. By verifying and rewarding genuine users, Confiction Labs aims to ensure that the immersive gaming experience is preserved for real players.
Confliction Labs Cover Banner on X
Who Are Confiction Labs
Previously operating under the name Mythic Protocol, Confiction Labs is a software and entertainment company building what it calls Collaborative Entertainment — digital experiences where users help shape the content. The studio employs over 120 developers and designers who've worked on Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Fairy Tail, and Legends of Runeterra.
Their debut title, Riftstorm, is a multiplayer co-op looter-shooter action RPG with roguelite elements. Early playtests have drawn strong player interest. The next playtest window opens in Q4 2024, with full commercial launch targeted for 2025. Arief Widhiyasa, CEO of Confiction Labs, explained the thinking behind Proof of Exposure in a press release:
"Proof of Exposure is not only a safeguard against bots but a way for the community to immerse themselves in the narrative of the Occultical universe. A system like this ensures that passionate and committed community members are the ones who help shape our IPs moving forward. We want to build Occultical together with real audiences through verified achievements, honoring the authenticity and creativity that are core to Collaborative Entertainment."
Collaborative Entertainment
Proof of Exposure: A Deep Profiling System
Proof of Exposure is a verification method that identifies which community members get access to story-shaping content in the Occultical universe, including Riftstorm. To reach the allowlist, users apply for security clearance through the Mythic Protocol, a secretive organization within the game's universe.
Applicants submit evidence of their past achievements, which the system evaluates across several categories: influence, vocation, gaming accomplishments, on-chain value, and creativity. The highest-scoring applicants earn the right to mint NFTs from the upcoming XPSR-24 collection, which ties directly into the FICT ONE: Occultical universe. Holders of these NFTs represent humanity's elite, joining a restricted program to fight cosmic and eldritch creatures known as mythics.
Mythic Protocol Cover Banner on X
Addressing the Bot Problem in Web3 Gaming
Bots have become a major issue in web3 gaming, draining rewards intended for real community members into automated accounts. Research from web3 marketing platform Cookie3 found that 70% of airdrops typically go to bots. Bot prevention service Jigger estimates that 40% of users in web3 services — including NFT allowlists and games — are non-human accounts.
As blockchain games grow in market cap, Confiction Labs determined it needed a stronger defense against bots undermining the player experience. Proof of Exposure requires participants to complete a verification process using third-party APIs, large language models, data queries, and user-submitted information. The goal is to ensure only genuine human participants join the FICT ONE community.
The Third Wave of Gaming Innovation
A Foundation for Collaborative Entertainment
Proof of Exposure does more than block bots. It's a core piece of Confiction Labs' Collaborative Entertainment model, which encourages players to actively contribute to the game world. Players can submit user-generated content like writing, art, and music, which may be incorporated into the game's lore or future updates.
Player actions during in-game events will also influence how the story unfolds, embedding the community deeper into the narrative. The XPSR-24 NFTs include mechanics that let them level up and evolve through questing. Holders can participate in quests collectively, with higher-level NFTs potentially unlocking additional rewards down the line.
XPSR-24 NFTs
Progress and Future Roadmap
The application process for XPSR-24 is in its third week. Interested players can apply through the Confiction Labs Portal. The first week introduced Proof of Humanity, a verification stage that authenticates applicants by linking their social accounts, and Proof of Network, which evaluates their ability to build communities around the Occultical universe. These stages are woven into Riftstorm's lore, where XPSR-24 members must prove their humanity and establish global networks to support their mission.
Riftstom Logo and Character Art
Final Thoughts
With Proof of Exposure, Confiction Labs is attempting to set a new bar for integrity and community involvement in web3 gaming. By prioritizing real user accomplishments and fostering deeper participation in the game's narrative, the system tackles the bot problem while enhancing the player experience in Riftstorm's FICT ONE: Occultical universe.
As the XPSR-24 NFT collection application process continues, Confiction Labs remains focused on its Collaborative Entertainment vision, ensuring the future of its games and IPs is shaped by genuine, engaged players. More information is available here.
