OASYS – A DEEP DIVE

October 22nd, 2022

Short intro

“Oasys Architecture is built for game developers, offering a high-speed, zero gas fee experience to users by combining the best of public L1 and private L2 blockchain technology solutions.”

I read Oasys docs, so you don’t have to. A deep look at the Oasys blockchain, its structure & solutions.

PART 1 – Structure
PART 2 – Transparency
PART 3 – NFTs & Tokens on Oasys
PART 4 – Summing-up

PART 1 – Structure

Oasys is a combination of both layer 1 & layer 2 networks.

EVM compatible layer 1 forms the consensus layer of the protocol and is called Hub-Layer. Hub-layer is a sidechain of the Ethereum network which acts as a main layer of the Oasys network, responsible for its stability, scalability & data availability.

The layer 2 is called Verse-Layer. It actually consists of multiple layers – each project (a metaverse or a game) is able to run its own layer 2 on Oasys. Most of the communication, transactions and interactions lie here, while Hub-layer is used rarely. That’s the main difference between other layer 2 networks and Oasys. Due to presence of multiple executional layers all interactions are, by design, very prompt and gasless (gas is paid by Verse Builders; read further). That results in smooth & friendly UX what is obligatory for any web3 game. Let’s look closer to its structure.

But before, to learn more about basics of rollups and blockchain’s structure, read my detailed article here.

Verse-Layer is an optimistic rollup (similar to Arbitrum or Optimism) but with unique fraud-proof mechanism:

“Oasys' Optimistic rollups establish the network through trust in two factors: the Verse Builder that operates the Verse-Layer (Layer 2); and fraud-proof by the Appointed Verifier.”

First things first:

Verse Builder – a game/metaverse builder who is responsible for maintaining the Verse-Layer.

Appointed Verifier(s) – validators of Hub-Layer who are responsible for verifying transactions on all layers of the Oasys network. In return, they receive some incentives. Currently, there are 21 validators partnered with Oasys. However, anyone can become a public validator. That’s the matter of entry barrier – 10M $OAS tokens are required.

PART 2 – Transparency

Users in the Oasys network should trust that Verse Builder and verifiers maintain a sustainable & transparent network. However, being malicious on Oasys isn’t that simple. At first, anyone with 1M $OAS tokens can create a Verse-Layer, but not everyone is eligible to connect to the Hub-Layer. The Oasys team personally checks and controls possible partners. It’s called KYVD (Know Your Verse-Builder). Not sure whether it’s an official name or just a meme abbreviation though :P

Similar to other optimistic rollups and all rollups in general, data on Verse-Layer should reach its finality on Hub-Layer. As was said, it’s the main layer of the Oasys network. Thus, there is a 7-day period during which honest validators can challenge the data/block obtained by malicious party (in case there is any).

I haven’t mentioned that Oasys is a Proof-of-Stake blockchain, so there is a well-known stacking system. Validators stake tokens to validate transactions. If they’re caught being malicious, they’ll be punished by deducting their tokens. The penalty system is called slashing.

PART 3 – NFTs & Tokens on Oasys

There is an interesting system for assets on the Oasys network.

NFTs and FTs (fungible tokens; read general tokens) are divided into 3 types:

vFT/vNFT, Restrictive-Use Tokens

“vFT/vNFT can be minted on the Verse-Layer. The token can only be used with certain Verse-Layers. This type of FTs (e.g. in-game currency) and NFTs (e.g. IP) can not be cross-chain bridged.”

oFT/oNFT, Highly Interoperable Tokens

“oFT/oNFT can be minted on the Hub-Layer. The token is interoperable and is available on all Verse-Layers. Also, it can be sent to another network such as Ethereum by a cross-chain bridge.”

exFT/exNFT, Minted in External Network Tokens

“exFT/exNFT is a token minted on a network outside of Oasys. They are available on Oasys' Hub-Layer and Verse-Layer via cross-chain bridges.”

If I understand correctly (happy to discuss in comments though) the oFT/oNFTs are the main tokens of the network. While vFT/vNFTs are used for in-game mechanics. Similar to the idea of Verse-Layer, these different types of tokens help achieve the minimum latency and best UX on Verse-Layers.

“Wait a minute, it feels complicated. How do we deal with all these types?” You shouldn’t worry. There is or there will be an official bridge to transfer your assets between layers. My interpretation and possible scenario:

You wanna play the game? Transfer your NFTs to the Verse-Layer;
You wanna place your items for sale? Transfer them to the Hub-Layer and place it on a marketplace;
You wanna bring back your assets originally created of Ethereum f.e.? Go ahead, bridge it back and sell on Opensea.

Please note, that’s not confirmed info since the mainnet is not launched at the moment this article is published. In theory, it sounds fine. The bridge works on a simple “Lock & Mint” model.

PART 4 – Summing-up

I’d say the Oasys team provides a pretty clear and meaningful solution for game devs. However, the liveness and security of the network should be proved once the mainnet is live.

I haven’t covered some basic info about partners, the team, etc. 100% sure you can easily find that here: Website, Twitter, Discord.

Hope you found the reading interesting. Kindly ask you to subscribe my Twitter and support in any convenient way. And see ya soon!