What is generative art?

In simple terms, “generative art” is a digital artistic expression, where the artist themselves do not produce the final work. Instead, each individual piece is generated by an algorithm’s unique combination and/or modification of creative assets and parameters defined by the artist.

The parameters can be anything that has a complex structure, creates a sense of experiential unpredictability and are usually set by an outside influence. These range from random or pseudorandom numbers to chemical structures, math formulas, data sets, mechanical processes like the wind, and many more.

The medium of the generated art can be any artistic medium. It is often visual art or music, but can extend into architecture, literature, and other areas of creativity.

To explore these ideas further, the following Wikipedia pages are a good place to start:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generative_art
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generative_music

Why is it cool?

Generating art through code is an extremely rewarding endeavour as it provides tangible and visually appealing results for your hard work that can often be missing in standard programming tasks. Even unintentional mistakes in your code can lead to some unexpected yet visually impressive images.

By breaking down the barrier of learning to use traditional art tools or complex digital design tools such as photoshop, a coder can easily create stunning visuals with only a handful of carefully crafted functions.

Where do I start?

Start by importing one of the premade libraries and drawing a simple shape. From there put it in a loop and change a few values for each iteration. Keep playing with the code and see how far you can take it.

What is Crypto Gaming?

In a nutshell, “Crypto Gaming” or “GameFi” are video games built using blockchain technology that work with a “Play2Earn” (or “Play2Own”) model, integrate NFTs and a native cryptocurrency.

The specific term “GameFi” refers to the incorporation of Games into Finance. Thanks to blockchain technology these games can sustain a “real” in-game economy, allowing players to receive rewards in the form of NFTs and/or cryptocurrency. Both types of rewards can be exchanged or sold, either in-game or in the open market, giving players the option to “cash out” and make a “real world” profit out of their play-time.

Why is Crypto Gaming important?

Crypto Gaming is the next frontier for the already multi-billion dollar global video game industry.

This new model allows players to receive rewards that are not just valuable-in game, but also in the “real world”, essentially paying gamers for the “work” they do within the game as they play.

This “work” can be anything from completing quests, to winning battles or matches.

Some GameFi projects also have DeFi (Decentralized Finances) integrations, allowing for NFT holders to receive passive income for lending their assets to other players.

What is Play2Earn (P2E)?

P2E is the most recent innovation for monetization within the video game industry that allows for players to earn in-game cryptocurrency and/or NFTs.

Where do I start?

If you are a Game Developer with experience in Unity, here are a few resources:

• Introduction to Unity in Nethereum
• How To Make an Ethereum Blockchain Transaction from Unity
• How to Install Unity Blockchain SDK for NFTs

What is DeFi?

“DeFi”, or “Decentralized Finances” are a set of blockchain applications and protocols that provide decentralized access to financial tools previously available only to financial experts.

Why is it useful?

DeFi enables “every-day-people” to be their own Financial Custodians (aka their own bank). This means that everyone with a computer/smartphone and an internet connection can lend their savings (in the same way that banks do) and receive passive income without having to resort to intermediaries.

DeFi and NFTs?

This article explains how NFTs are currently being used in DeFi applications and future opportunities: https://101blockchains.com/nft-and-defi/

How do I start?

• How to Become a Blockchain Engineer
• Solidity, Blockchain, and Smart Contract Course – Beginner to Expert Python Tutorial
• Ultimate NFT Programming Tutorial - FULL COURSE
• Charged Particles Developer Docs

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