AWNS (AW Name Service)

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What is AWNS?

AWNS, which stands for Autonomous Worlds Naming Service, introduces a novel approach to digital identity with its unique domain ending, .aw. It serves as the foundational layer for the AW ecosystem, enabling users to effortlessly traverse Autonomous Worlds, participate in on-chain games, and engage with the broader web3 landscape. While conventional Web3 naming services like ENS provide comprehensive usernames associated with wallets, AWNS takes this concept to the next level. Notably, AWNS redefines the concept of a username by transforming it into a tokenbound account (TBA) which is an NFT integrated with a wallet powered by ERC-6551. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the range of applications and opportunities made possible by AWNS.

AWNS Use Case: On-Chain Gaming

While AWNS is versatile and not confined to Autonomous Worlds (AW), its primary focus remains on seamless integration with the AW and gaming ecosystems. In-game assets transcend mere ownership symbols; they symbolize a player's reputation and progress within the game. Yet, the separation of assets and accounts can complicate the tracking of their origin.

Consider the convenience of logging into various applications with your Google account, where Google securely stores your data for a smooth onboarding process. However, this centralized approach comes at the cost of privacy. On the other hand, signing into games with AWNS provides a universal username, akin to Google accounts, without compromising privacy. This offers both convenience and data security.

Unlike traditional web2 games, where transferability and interoperability present significant challenges, AWNS offers a solution that strikes a balance between preserving historical data and consolidating account management. This innovative approach ensures users can maintain a clear record of their in-game achievements and assets while enjoying the flexibility to utilize them across different gaming platforms and applications in the web3 environment.

What truly sets AWNS apart is its integration of NFT wallet functionalities powered by ERC-6551. Unlike most on-chain activities that occur at the wallet level, ERC-6551 empowers transactions at the NFT level. For instance, users can have multiple AWNS identities, each with its own unique history and provenance. These NFT-level activities enable the creation of multiple personas, a notable advantage in the web3 gaming world.

Imagine you have two different AWNS identities – let's call them "Sorcerer" and "Knight." Each of these identities has its own unique on-chain history and achievements. Sorcerer is known for mastering powerful spells and completing magical quests, while Knight is famous for protecting the kingdom and defeating menacing dragons. With ERC-6551, all your accomplishments, from the spellbooks you've collected as Sorcerer to the dragon scales you've gathered as Knight, are on-chain assets attached to your identities. These are not just ordinary usernames; they are your avatars in the gaming world, each with its own story and reputation. The best part is that you can switch between these personas whenever you want. This unique feature gives you the freedom to express your gaming prowess in a way that regular usernames can only dream of, making AWNS a game-changer in the world of web3 gaming.

Finally, games that integrate with AWNS will have the capability to store in-game data within AWNS, making it accessible for use in various other applications. This functionality essentially allows gaming data to be shared seamlessly across different platforms. For instance, a player in Axie Infinity could sync their in-game achievements, including wins and assets, to AWNS, and subsequently utilize this data in DAO governance or task completion in a reward platform.

Additional Use Case: DAOs and Governance

Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have traditionally relied on ERC-20 or ERC-721 tokens as a means of granting access and participation. However, the integration of ERC-6551 and AWNS ushers in a new era of DAOs. One standout benefit is the ability to directly detect and utilize activities within AWNS as conditions for participation within the DAO. For instance, DAOs may require a certain level of participation or contributions within AWNS before granting voting rights or decision-making power. The NFT identity can then dynamically update depending on the parameters, which enables dynamically changing gating mechanisms. This integration also streamlines token airdrops to the community. Tokens can be airdropped directly to the NFTs associated with AWNS identities, eliminating the need for complex token distribution processes.

Central Identity for the STP Ecosystem

AWNS marks the first step in STP's ambitious journey to open the portal to Autonomous Worlds. Looking ahead, STP has an exciting lineup of applications that will invite users into the world of web3 and AW. In the forthcoming phases of our roadmap, Steam has become our inspiration - you can anticipate the launch of a marketplace, rewards platform, knowledge center, and more. AWNS will continue to play a pivotal role in inviting the initial wave of users to this dynamic ecosystem. Furthermore, all forthcoming applications will seamlessly integrate with AWNS as the core identity layer, ensuring a synergistic experience.

Conclusion

We invite you to explore the exciting possibilities AWNS offers in the web3 realm. AWNS redefines digital identity, introducing a unique .aw domain and TBA-based usernames, offering a seamless gateway to Autonomous Worlds, on-chain gaming, and the broader web3 landscape. It revolutionizes the gaming experience by ensuring efficient asset management and enhancing flexibility across various platforms.

AWNS represents just the beginning of a comprehensive identity solution, aimed at extending beyond a niche community. Future developments will include additional applications to foster broader adoption, such as a discovery layer for finding new games and social applications, marking a significant stride toward a more accessible and versatile digital future.