The Optimist Podcast - Kroma Network

In this episode of The Optimist Twitter Space, which took place on July 18, 2024, Charlie hosted Jay from Kroma Network to discuss innovations within the superchain ecosystem and Kroma Network, gamification in Web3, ZK fault proof systems, and more! Read our notes below to learn more.

Background

Charlie (Host) – Co-Leader at The Optimist

Jay (Guest) – Business Development and Research at Lightscale

Kroma Network – Optimistic Rollup utilizing zkEVM

Kroma’s Strategic Vision: Gamifying Web3 on the OP Stack

Jay explains his role in business development and research at Lightscale, the company behind Kroma. He shares his background in the credit card industry and his transition to the blockchain sector, highlighting his previous experience with a gaming-focused Layer-1 blockchain.
Charles asks Jay why Kroma chose to build on the OP Stack and join the superchain ecosystem.
Jay explains that they are bullish on the superchain for its technical and governance aspects. He praises the modularity of the OP Stack, which allows for customization and contributions, such as Kroma’s native account abstraction and ZK fault-proof system. He also commends the Optimism Collective‘s governance structure, which includes the Token House and Citizen’s House, making it a robust and battle-tested system.
Charles asks Jay about Kroma’s mission and where it fits within the superchain ecosystem.
Jay states that Kroma is an OP Stack Layer-2 designed to gamify Web3. He explains that Web3 is currently too difficult for many people to use, with less than 5% of the population utilizing cryptocurrencies. By adding game-like elements to Web3, Kroma aims to make it more accessible and enjoyable, drawing more Web2 users into the space. He cites examples of Web2 apps incorporating gamification successfully and introduces Kroma Creative Universe (KCU) to provide gamified Web3 experiences.
Charles acknowledges the importance of community and non-financial aspects in crypto, noting that many users are attracted by the interesting and fun aspects of the space. He asks Jay about the types of applications they expect to see on Kroma and the ecosystem’s development over the next six months to a year.
Jay responds that Kroma welcomes all types of dApps but prefers those with gamification features. He gives an example of adding visual elements to a perpetual deck to make it more engaging. He mentions the Kroma Foundation grant program, which supports developers with technical assistance, financial resources, and mentorship, focusing on projects that align with Kroma’s strategic goals.

Kroma’s Gamification Strategy, ZK Tech Integration, and User-Facing Innovations

Charles appreciates the idea of gamifying applications and mentions that it’s a smart direction. Jay adds that Kroma is now focusing more on mobile applications, noting that most of their 112 dApps are web-based but they plan to introduce over 30 new mobile games in 2024, including titles like Masala Express, Zapanki Swap, and Night Crows. Jay highlights the goal of integrating Web2 users into Web3 without them even noticing the blockchain technology.
Charles agrees, highlighting the importance of mobile accessibility to attract Web2 users.
Jay explains that Kroma is bringing a ZK fault-proof system to the OP Stack. He mentions that the OP Stack aims to support multiple proof systems, and Kroma is developing a ZK fault-proof system utilizing the SP1 ZK circuit and Tachyon, a fast ZK backend library. He highlights that Tachyon’s modularity allows for using various ZK circuits, making it 1.5 times faster than Scroll’s zkEVM. Jay envisions bringing ZK rollups to the OP Stack as the final goal.
Charles asks about the user-level impact of these technological improvements.
Jay states that while users may underestimate the complexity of fault-proof systems, these systems enhance the security of the superchain ecosystem. He highlights that a robust proof system benefits users by making the network more secure.
Charles asks Jay about the Kroma Creative Universe (KCU) and its user-facing applications.
Jay describes KCU as a hub where users can experience gamified Web3 interactions. Users can refine ores in KCU to earn gaming gear like monitors, mouses, headsets, and keyboards.
He mentions that the mobile version of KCU will be released later this year. Users can earn ores by participating in the Pro Gamers campaign on Tret, highlighting 12 different games. Jay shares a live demonstration of the KCU website, showcasing various features like airdrops, PFP minting, and participation in the Pro Gamer season.
Charles asks about the goal of KCU and the significance of Ores. Jay explains that the final version will feature gamer characters playing games, and the current version is their first test of gamified features, with plans to add more features in the mobile version.

Kroma: Gaming, Gas Fees, and the Upcoming Token Generation Event

Charles asks Jay about the Pro Gamer season and whether it involves competing in different games for rewards.
Jay explains that the Pro Gamer season is more of a campaign where users can explore the games available on Kroma. There are 12 different games, including Masala Express and Eternis Death Match, where players can compete with others. He shares his screen to showcase the various games and features of the Pro Gamer season, noting the competitive elements like leaderboards.
Charles asks about the gas fees on Kroma and how users can bridge assets to the network.
Jay confirms that gas fees on Kroma are paid in $ETH. He mentions that Kroma has a native bridge for moving assets from Ethereum and also supports five third-party bridges including Owlto Bridge, Orbiter Finance, and RhinoFi.
Charles inquires about the upcoming Token Generation Event (TGE) and the $KRO token’s role within the ecosystem.
Jay shares that the TGE is scheduled for Q3 of 2024. The primary role of the $KRO token is staking for validators. He highlights Kroma’s implementation of zkEVM to the OP Stack and their innovative hybrid roll-up approach, which made Kroma the first universal Layer-2 with permissionless validators. Currently, validators stake ETH as a bond asset, but post-TGE, they will switch to staking $KRO tokens.
Charles asks about the airdrop and how the $KRO token will be distributed to the community.
Jay explains that 17% of the total KRO supply is allocated to the community airdrop fund, with 7% for the initial airdrop. He lists the criteria for the airdrop, including categories like Kroma OG, Kroma Quest Master, WEMIX community member, Night Crows player, KGH spectrum contributor, KCU contributor, Tx generators, and Superchain contributors.
Jay highlights Kroma’s commitment to the superchain ecosystem, mentioning the Super Green initiative with other superchain projects like Mint blockchain. This initiative aims to encourage users to engage with multiple superchains and foster a collaborative ecosystem.
Jay also mentions Kroma’s efforts to contribute to the superchain ecosystem by hosting events in Asia. They have planned events at EDCON in Tokyo, Token 2049 in Singapore, and Devcon in Bangkok.

Major Events and Innovations: Kroma Advancements, and Community Initiatives

Jay adds that he will be in Tokyo for Edcon and invites attendees to their superchain event. He highlights Kroma’s contribution to the OP Stack with native account abstraction, aiming to make the wallet experience seamless for Web2 users. This feature reduces latency, lowers gas fees, and minimizes trust assumptions. Jay mentions that Kroma launched the account abstraction DevNet called Pioneer Alpha Net and plans to release a second DevNet soon.
Charles asks about builder incentives on Kroma.
Jay explains that the Kroma Foundation grant program supports builders, with details available on the Kroma Network website. After the TGE, a community impact fund, managed by Kroma DAO, will allocate 13% of the total $KRO supply to further support the community.
Charles inquires about Kroma’s upcoming milestones for the rest of the year and into 2025.
Jay outlines the key milestones, including the launch of the second DevNet for account abstraction in Q3, efforts to accelerate ZK proving time with Tachyon, and the release of the KCU mobile version. He expresses hope that Kroma will become one of the most active superchains in the ecosystem by 2025.

Check Out These Important Links

Show Information

Medium: Twitter Broadcast (Video)
Show: The Optimist Twitter Space
Show Title: Kroma Network – A Superchain Sleeper
Show Date: July 18, 2024