Build Enugu: A Collaborative City Quest in The Sandbox

CLOSED: The Sandbox DAO Grant Program CLOSED: Season Rewards & Game Creation
1

Please complete the form below to submit your game project proposal for consideration.

1. Who is your team?

  • Team Name: Build Enugu

  • Main Contact (Name & Role):

Samson Damian (Creative Director)

  • Web3 content strategist with a strong background in education, cultural storytelling, and hackathon organizing.

  • Volunteer content lead at EthEnugu and host of multiple community events in Nigeria focused on Ethereum, DePIN, and digital identity.

  • Deeply familiar with the local context and passionate about building African city stories into the metaverse.

  • Team Members & Roles:

Planned Hires (Grant-Funded):

  • Game Designer/Builder (with Sandbox Game Maker experience)

  • 3D Artist (to model local architecture + NPCs)

  • Quest/Narrative Writer (to support immersive gameplay scripting)

  • Are you a known builder in The Sandbox community?

Yes [ :white_check_mark: ] No

If yes, please list past projects and provide links:

  • Are you an existing studio?

Yes [ :white_check_mark:] No

If yes, please provide links to previous projects:

2. Project Overview

  • Game Title: Build Enugu

  • Game Genre:

☐ Platformer ☐ Arcade ☐ :white_check_mark: RPG ☐ Shooter ☐ Visual Novel ☐ :white_check_mark:Other: city-building RPG with social impact quests

  • Short Description of the Game (2–4 sentences):

Build Enugu is a collaborative city-building experience inside The Sandbox where players reimagine the Nigerian city of Enugu also known as the “Coal City” — as a futuristic, decentralized smart hub. Players engage with themed zones, local characters, and puzzle challenges to rebuild markets, tech areas, and university spaces while learning about the city’s infrastructure and innovation.

This project empowers African creators and players to see their own cities inside the metaverse and lays the foundation for replicable builds like Build Accra or Build Nairobi.

  • Do you have previous experience building this type of game?

Yes [ :white_check_mark:] No

Please share relevant links or examples:

3. Motivation

  • Why are you applying for support from The Sandbox?

I am applying to The Sandbox because Build Enugu embodies the core mission of the platform: empowering communities to create, share, and own the worlds they imagine.

This project gives African creators and youth a chance to reimagine their own cities through collaborative storytelling and game design. With Sandbox’s tools and visibility, we can transform a historically overlooked place into a living, playable vision of a better urban future, powered by culture and participation.

The Sandbox’s support will not only fund the technical production, but also validate Africa’s creative voice in the metaverse. We want to build something that resonates globally — but is proudly African at heart.

By partnering with The Sandbox, we hope to:

  • Increase retention through culturally rich, locally-rooted quests

  • Inspire other cities across Africa to tell their own stories

  • Onboard new builders into the Sandbox creator economy

With your support, Enugu won’t just be built, it will be remembered.

  • Why did you choose to build this project in The Sandbox?

I chose The Sandbox because it’s the only platform where storytelling, game creation, and cultural expression merge in a way that communities can truly own.

Build Enugu is more than a game, it’s a city-wide experience rooted in African identity. The Sandbox gives us the perfect environment to bring that vision to life:

  • No-code Game Maker makes it accessible for non-dev creatives like me to prototype quickly and focus on storytelling.

  • The voxel art style aligns perfectly with reimagining real African landmarks in playful, imaginative ways.

  • The platform already supports collaborative builds, custom NPCs, and quest systems, allowing us to simulate real city problems (like energy, trade, and education) in a gamified way.

  • Sandbox’s global audience and seasonal activations provide the right stage to amplify Enugu’s story to the world.

Simply put: The Sandbox makes it possible to build for purpose, not just play.

4. Timeline

  • Planned Milestones (include estimated dates):

  • GDD Submission: (July 30, 2025)

Submit the full Game Design Document (GDD) outlining “Build Enugu’s” narrative, quest structure, game mechanics, NPCs, map layout (Ogbete Smart Market, Digital Okpara Square, Coal Valley Labs), and required assets.

  • Vertical Slice: (August 6, 2025)

Deliver a playable slice showing one complete quest, interactive NPC dialogue, and a “godmode” co-creation moment that reflects the game’s core theme: redesigning Enugu together. This scene will demonstrate how players interact with the world.

  • Blockout Check: August 10, 2025

All major areas of the game map will be blocked out in Game Maker using placeholder assets. Navigation flows and quest logic will be visually mapped. Screenshots and a layout video will be shared for review.

  • Alpha Check: (August 15, 2025)

A rough but complete version of the game will be playable from start to finish. All quests functional, NPCs in place, and environment logic implemented. Testers will be invited to give early feedback.

  • Beta Check: (August 22, 2025)

Final version close to launch: bugs fixed, polish applied, voiceovers and ambient sound added, asset quality upgraded. Community feedback integrated.

  • Post Production / Launch:(August 28, 2025)

Final submission to Sandbox DAO: includes remixable template, trailer footage, screenshots, full quest documentation, and feedback summary. “Build Enugu” goes live.

5. Team Location

(Note: This does not influence acceptance. It helps us assess budget alignment and fair compensation.)

  • Country/Countries of Team Members:

Nigeria

6. Future Plans & Sustainability

  • What are your plans for maintaining or expanding the project after launch?

After the launch of Build Enugu, our goal is to expand the project into a living, evolving experience that celebrates community-driven storytelling, urban co-creation, and cultural heritage preservation through gaming.

Post-Launch Expansion

  • Episode Model: “Build Enugu” will evolve in seasons or episodes, with new quests, characters, and real-world challenges drawn from local communities (e.g., water access, transport, tech hubs).

  • Player Contributions: We will introduce player-submitted quest ideas and NPCs that reflect Enugu’s past, present, and imagined futures.

  • DAO Collaborations: We plan to partner with education- and Africa-focused DAOs to remix and expand the model in other cities across Nigeria and beyond.

  • Do you have a monetization strategy?

[ :white_check_mark: ] Yes No

If yes, describe it briefly:

We aim to sustain and expand the project through:

Remixable Templates: Offering “City Co-Builder” kits for other communities and creators to adapt.

Sponsored Quests: Collaborations with NGOs, education bodies, and local businesses to create cause-driven quests (e.g., climate, health, civic engagement).

Merch & Licensing: Characters, art assets, and storylines can be turned into collectibles, books, and visual campaigns.

Educational Toolkits: Deploy the game as an interactive learning tool in schools, with funding from educational grants or curriculum providers.

  • How do you plan to attract and retain players over time?

To attract and retain players, Build Enugu will combine local relevance, emotional storytelling, and community ownership:

Attraction Strategies

  • Cultural Relevance: The game is rooted in familiar places (like UNN, Ogbete, and Coal Camp), real challenges (e.g., broken infrastructure), and folklore — making it instantly relatable for Nigerian players.

  • Narrative Hooks: We use dramatic quests, deity encounters, and civic challenges to pull players into a meaningful experience — where their choices shape the city.

  • Local Hype & Launch Events: Partnering with DAOs like BlockchainUNN, Garage DAO, and Ohanaeze Gaming Guild, we will host on-ground and digital launch parties, tournaments, and demo days at schools and tech hubs across Enugu and Nigeria.

Retention Strategies

  • Seasonal Episodes: New quests, maps, and NPCs will be added every season — featuring current issues, new communities, and expanding player influence on the city.

  • Player Co-Creation: Players can submit their own quests, characters, or neighborhood legends via quests or DAO proposals, deepening their stake in the world.

  • Progression & Social Proof: Players earn in-game achievements, status titles, and creative badges tied to real-world impact (e.g., rebuilding a market, restoring water).

  • Remix Incentives: Builders and storytellers can remix Build Enugu into Build Ibadan, Build Nairobi, etc., growing the universe while keeping core players engaged as mentors or guild leaders.

7. Milestone Deliverables

For each milestone, please confirm your understanding and ability to deliver:

:round_pushpin: GDD Submission

$500

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] Synopsis of game

A concise synopsis of the game’s vision and core themes (urban restoration, civic choice, African futurism).

  • [ :white_check_mark:] Concept art, mood board

Concept art and a mood board representing the atmosphere of Enugu, referencing real-world landmarks and mythology.

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] Game mechanics

Clear documentation of core game mechanics, including questing, deity interactions, and player-driven upgrades.

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] Marketing & monetization plan

A focused marketing & monetization plan, leveraging local DAO partners and The Sandbox’s remix culture.

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] Budget breakdown

  • A budget breakdown detailing team roles, production tools, and DAO value.

Delivery Date: August 2, 2025

:round_pushpin: Vertical Slice $1200

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] Focused demo level including Gameplay, FTUE, Narrative, Fun, Art Direction, and Technical review

  • Delivery Date: August 9, 2025

:round_pushpin: Blockout Check $700

  • [ :white_check_mark:] Level-wide check of terraforming, pathing, interactions (, NPCs, quests)

  • Delivery Date: August 13, 2025

:round_pushpin: Alpha Check $600

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] First pass review of user experience, narrative, level design

  • Delivery Date: August 18, 2025

:round_pushpin: Beta Check $500

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] Final gameplay feedback with detailed grading

  • Delivery Date: August 24, 2025

:round_pushpin: Post Production $500

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] QA

  • [ :white_check_mark:] Trailer and screenshots

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] Community channels active

  • [ :white_check_mark: ] Monetization ready

  • [ :white_check_mark:] (Optional) Beta community playtest

  • Delivery Window: August 28–29, 2025

  • Where did you hear about the grant program?

[ :white_check_mark: ] This forum

Discord

[ :white_check_mark: ] Twitter/X

[ :white_check_mark: ] A friend or community member

Questbook

Other: ___________

2

Thank you @Damian, I will do my best to review your submission over the weekend and get back to you.

2 Likes
3

Thank you @KamiSawZe

4

Hi @Damian,

Let’s move forwards with this! I’m eager to see your GDD and concept art.

Please submit your KYC here. Once milestone 1 is passed I will give you info on submitting your invoice.

@Geraldine can you kindly mark this project as accepted? :folded_hands:

2 Likes
5

Thank you

I have been trying to complete the kyc
But it’s says " registration closed".

6

@KamiSawZe

I have completed my first milestone.
Where can I submit it.

While I await your response towards the KYC issues

1 Like
7

@Damian you can submit all the info for your first milestone here if possible.

1 Like
8

Thank you @KamiSawZe

Here is a notion link to Build Enugu GDD

1 Like
9

Thank you, I’ll have the review done by this evening (early AM for me right now).

1 Like
10

Hey @Damian, GDD looks good. I look forward to playing it. I noticed that there wasn’t a mention of deities from the earlier Game Mechanics mentioned above. It’s okay if that idea was scrapped, just wondering if it’s still in there. Also I see that the plan has changed to no monetization. Monetization isn’t required, but I recommend planning something for premium content in your game that could potentially be connected to a treasure hunt with a player reward as this will help boost interest in your game and can help fund continued development. Happy to discuss ideas around this.

You mentioned having the city blueprint exportable. That’s not exactly something that’s possible at the moment. There is a tool supported by the DAO called Magic Palette which lets you turn terrain blocks into a MagicaVoxel VOX file, but it wouldn’t directly convert your project into something that could work in Unity, Unreal, or something like that. However, we could potentially strip the game logic out of your experience and publish it as a Game Maker template that people making a new project could use the same setting to create their own game. Not an urgent topic to discuss, but I can go over possible options with you at some point.

I’m still waiting on the new KYC link, so while I’d consider this first milestone met, I can’t move things along any further until we can complete the KYC process. In the mean time, have you had any progress recruiting experienced builders?

1 Like
11

Hi @KamiSawZe

Thank you for the thoughtful and quick feedback!

You are right, I decided to leave the deity NPCs out of this initial version and keep them in reserve for future upgrades and story expansion. I agree they could add depth to the narrative later on.

Monetization is something I’ll definitely consider again, and I like your idea of tying premium content to a treasure hunt with player rewards. I’d love to chat more about that when you’re available.

Thanks also for the clarity on the city blueprint export.

I’ll look into Magic Palette and see what’s possible. Publishing the logic-free version as a Game Maker template sounds like a good alternative too, happy to explore that at the right time.

Regarding the team, I’ve made some progress! I’m currently in discussions with a few experienced builders and feeling optimistic.

I’ll follow up on the new KYC link as soon as it’s available.

Thanks again,

1 Like
12

Hey @Damian, new KYC link!

1 Like
13

@KamiSawZe

Filled

thank you

1 Like
14

GM @KamiSawZe still waiting for an invoice DM sir

15

Screenshot_2025-08-06-05-13-52-415_com.google.android.gm
Screenshot_2025-08-06-05-13-52-415_com.google.android.gm720×1650 162 KB

I forgot to upload this here.

1 Like
16

Forgot to mention it here, milestone 1 has been approved. :tada:

1 Like
17

@KamiSawZe

GM sir,

Milestone 2 and 3 completed

Here is a drive link to screenshots of Build Enugu and a video of complete playable zone.

We had issues with bugs from game maker 0.12 and it’s new features.

Your assistance and prompt response was of great help.

1 Like
18

While heavy building is ongoing, we have also rolled out marketing through social posts and X spaces.

With 50+ attendance in our first X spaces and 500+ reach on socials.

Our Beta test form will also be made very soon!

Leveraging on the Sandbox Community within our vicinity.

Screenshot_2025-08-23-14-08-43-300_com.twitter.android
Screenshot_2025-08-23-14-08-43-300_com.twitter.android720×1650 175 KB

20250823_140831
20250823_1408312048×2048 391 KB

Screenshot_2025-08-23-14-08-04-404_com.twitter.android
Screenshot_2025-08-23-14-08-04-404_com.twitter.android720×1650 135 KB

Screenshot_2025-08-21-20-37-43-262_com.twitter.android
Screenshot_2025-08-21-20-37-43-262_com.twitter.android720×1650 121 KB

2 Likes
19

Hi @Damian, part of m2 goals mentions a demo level, and m3 includes terraforming check along with pathing and interactions. Is this shared in the Game Maker Gallery or published to a LAND where I can test it? If you want to gate the LAND so only I can join you can use this asset in the “access restrictions” part of the experience publishing flow on the dashboard.

image
image1681×492 94.9 KB

2 Likes
20

Hi @KamiSawZe

Yes, it’s demo ready which includes
terraforming check along with pathing and interactions.

It’s was shared as recorded video in the drive.

Will push it to the Game Maker Gallery and send you a link for testing.

1 Like