3D games are coming on Bitcoin as Ordinals recursive inscriptions remove the block size limit of 4MB from the Bitcoin network. This potentially offers applications for Bitcoin tokenization and NFTs and eventually paves the way for 3D blockchain games. The use cases are limitless ranging from saving data and fees and saving network bandwidth. People are experimenting with their entire websites hosted on the Bitcoin network.
Brandon Marshall
Hi! I’m Brandon. I write about Bitcoin and lead social media for Trust Machines.
This is a proof-of-concept to demonstrate what can be done on Bitcoin. This entire website, including every element referenced here such as my photo and various SVG files, is hosted on Bitcoin forever. As long as Bitcoin exists, this website will exist.
Go build something! 💪
Built on Bitcoin
Though recursive inscriptions can enhance efficiency and reduce costs by streamlining the storage of artwork and enabling the inscription of functioning computer code, can they directly address all the complexities involved in creating a comprehensive gaming or dApp ecosystem? Let’s find out.
What are Recursive Inscriptions by Ordinal Developers?
Earlier this year, Ordinal developers offered inscriptions enabling anyone to inscribe their files on the Bitcoin network. People could inscribe their data but each of these inscriptions was unaware of inscribed files and were self-contained.
There are different block sizes for different blockchain networks. Though the Bitcoin network had a block size of 1MBs, it can now accept inscriptions larger than 4 MB.
| Blockchain | Block Size Range (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Bitcoin | 1 MB (with SegWit) |
| Ethereum | 15 KB to 30 KB |
| Binance Smart Chain | Up to 16 MB |
| Polygon (Matic) | Varies (similar to Ethereum) |
| Cardano | 32 KB to 64 KB |
| Solana | 1 MB to 4 MB |
| Avalanche | 2 MB to 4 MB |
| Terra | Varies (dynamic block size) |
| Polkadot | 64 KB to 128 KB |
| Tezos | Varies (dynamic block size) |
Now with the introduction of recursive inscriptions by Ordinal developers, it is possible to inscribe data from prior inscriptions.
/-/content/:inscription_id
The syntax above enables one to request the content of other inscriptions, connecting them like a chain of data. The Ordinals recursive inscription pulls data from prior inscriptions and communicates recursively. This applies to tokens, images, and scripts saving massive amounts of data and fees.
So what changes with Bitcoin Ordinals?
NFTs are not stored like normal JPG images we see on the internet. These images reside on a server which gives the server centralized authority to change their metadata. To overcome this issue NFTs started using IPFS where data is stored in a decentralized manner. However, still doesn’t ensure the immutability of the NFTs based on the Ethereum network.
According to Ordinals Docs,
Ethereum NFTs can be immutable, but many are not and can be changed or deleted by the NFT contract owner. In order to make sure that a particular Ethereum NFT is immutable, the contract code must be audited.”
However, to audit a smart contract, you must have a deep understanding of solidity and EVM. This makes Ethereum NFTs a bet for non-audited projects. Luckily inscription content is always on-chain which makes it impossible to alter the data without changing the blocks. So, it’s safe to say Bitcoin started the true decentralized money, Bitcoin is starting the truest decentralized NFTs or Ordinals.
Conclusion:
Everything related to Bitcoin Ordinals is in the alpha stage. They can be used for Bitcoin-powered blockchain games, yes, but we can’t say how efficient those games would be. Since there are no marketplaces for the Ordinals aka Bitcoin NFTs, most of the use cases are just a theory for now.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
