In recent years, the tech space has seen the rise of the metaverse concept, which is basically an attempt to replicate the real world digitally. Upland is one such project.

Upland is a layer 1 metaverse, which is the foundation on which other projects will be built. The project’s main aim is to build an economic system that is open to every type of crypto participant. It uses a gameplay format and GameFi earning methods to improve user experience when interacting with the platform.

History of Upland

Source: Upland Website

Idan Zuckerman and Dirk Lueth created and launched Upland in 2019. Idan is the head of research and development for Upland and a founding member of Rocketplay, which American Gaming Systems acquired.

Dirk and Idan initially conceived Upland as a virtual game that mapped out the real world, using the UPX token to conduct transactions. Since UPX was simply an in-game token with no real-world financial value, it had a steady value of $0.001 that users could buy using fiat currencies. If one had UPX, they could mint properties, transact, and upgrade properties.

By 2021, Upland decided to evolve. It converted into a layer 1 project for other metaverse initiatives, which meant it had to open its ecosystem to third-party developers and innovative individuals. So, the Upland team built and developed the functionalities and APIs needed for this.

This evolution brought tokenomic problems since the UPX token was designed not to be tradeable outside Upland. To solve the problem of incentivization, the project developed the SPARKLET token, which allowed developers to build, transact, and reward participation within and outside Upland.

Upland’s Core Components: Metaverse, NFT, GameFi, and Developer API

Metaverse

Source: Medium

The Upland project’s metaverse component is the foundation of its virtual world. The metaverse space is a collection of virtual realities closely mimicking the real world, down to its physics and interactions with components. The concept started as a new way to interact with technology and then evolved into a way to conduct digital transactions.

The metaverse ecosystem is built towards interconnected projects that allow people to move their assets from one project to another. While that sounds difficult to develop, the Upland ecosystem is trying to achieve that.

The Upland virtual world has land parcels and structures similar to how the real world looks and operates. Players can own properties corresponding to real-world addresses, explore virtual locations and maps, and even interact in community events. Once the right properties have been obtained, these users can build structures to earn or socialize.

After earning, they can convert these assets to tokens, which they can use in other metaverse projects in the Upland ecosystem.

NFT

Source: Upland Whitepaper

Upland uses NFTs in its platform to represent virtual properties and assets. Since Upland is a virtual representation of the real world, people can own and build on land parcels. The project needed to set up a mechanism for ownership while ensuring that land parcels aren’t digitally duplicated. The same is true for other forms of digital assets, like digital cars and private jets.

Since these NFTs store metadata, they carry the personal characteristics of the asset and allow transactions between users.

GameFi

Transactions on Upland revolve around the in-game UPX token and the native SPARKLET token. Users are expected to earn revenue from renting out their assets or minting assets, which can be exchanged for tokens. These tokens can be used to develop an already acquired asset, purchase new assets, or convert to Fiat.

It also allows the renting and staking SPARKLET tokens to shareholders or layer 2 projects in the Upland ecosystem. Since Upland is a metaverse project, it provides many other Means to interact and get rewarded.

Upland Developer API

The Upland project is a layer 1 infrastructure, which means developers and teams can build on it and take advantage of its functionalities. The Upland developer APIs and kits utilize this layer 1 infrastructure.

The APIs allow developers and users to stake, spend, and earn SPARKLET within their developed project on Upland. They also allow developers to establish a presence on the main Upland map using the dev shop. Once the layer 2 project launches its offering, either as a zero-code project or an NFT strategy, users can use SPARKLET to fuel that project or event.

Features of the Upland Ecosystem: Upland Metaverse, Upland Properties and EOS Bridge

Upland Metaverse

Source: Medium

The Upland Metaverse is the main platform in the Upland ecosystem. It has everything users need in a virtual, real-world replica, from land maps to player avatars and a prison for players who break the rules. There are two ways to get on the platform.

The first is through direct signing up, using the sign-up page. The second is through a referral from a friend. Once inside, players are usually ranked as visitors until they achieve the net worth milestone that makes them Uplanders. They can also choose the properties to buy, trade, and build on for rent.

The role leveling after Uplander is Professional (Pro), director, executive, and finally chief executive. These levels are determined by the net worth of the player’s avatar, which is calculated in UPX tokens. When players reach higher levels, they are given access to features like manufacturing, factory building, car racing, and the Metaventure shop.

Upland Properties

Source: Upland Whitepaper

The main goal of transacting on Upland is to grow one’s net worth. This is done by trading properties ranging from land parcels to structures and vehicles. The properties of Upland are differentiated using color, which can be minted or unminted.

Players own minted properties, but they can be traded if the owner is willing to sell. Unminted properties are digital lands that any user has not purchased. Each of these properties has a rarity level that determines the profit the user would get from holding it.

The rarity levels range from standard to ultra rare. Standard properties are commonplace on the metaverse platform and have no significant value. Limited properties are usually in choice locations. Exclusive properties are placed in popular communities and estates. Rare properties are situated in the top neighborhoods of the Upland ecosystem. And ultra-rare customized locations that have the highest yield in the metaverse.

EOS Bridge

The EOS network is a blockchain network like any layer 1 network. It allows developers to build high-performing applications and scale their activities. Block. One created the network in 2018, allowing projects to build bridges connecting its ecosystem to other ecosystems.

The EOS Bridge is one such pathway connecting Upland to EOS. This interoperability allows players to move SPARKLET in and out of Upland, which gives the token more value and utility. The bridge allows players to move their SPARKLET assets to the Ethereum blockchain.

To fully utilize this bridge, the user must be a Uplander, have a meta mask wallet, and have no history of breaking Upland’s rules.

Upland’s Gameplay

Upland’s gameplay is engaging, and users earn digital assets and points from the in-game activities. Here’s how the gameplay works:

Collect Free UPX

Source: Upland.me

At the onset, users are rewarded with a free property. Users also have some UPX that could be used to acquire a Fair Start Act (FSA) parcel.

Free Sends

Source: Upland.me

Upland’s sends are needed for treasure hunts and city tours. Players have free sends at the onset, which could be utilized in the game. Players can collect free sends while playing. These free sends come in the shape of a paper airplane on the map. Sends are the only way to move block explorers around the gaming landscape.

Block Explorers

Source: Upland.me

Players have block explorers, which are on the move. Since block explorers are always on the move, they could easily be lost if players fail to attend on-screen activities. However, players can retrieve the location of block explorers by clicking the pawn icon, usually located at the bottom-left of the screen.

Upland’s Camera

Players can manipulate the gaming camera to their taste. To explore your surroundings from different angles, simply hold Shift and press the Arrow keys to tilt the camera. For a more dynamic view, right-click and drag to rotate the camera.

Increase UPX Yield Earnings

Every property in Upland generates passive UPX income, providing a steady revenue stream. To significantly boost earnings, players focus on completing collections, which are strategically curated sets of properties. Here are some easy collections on Upland.

• Newbie: A newbie can only own one property in Upland.
• City Pro: A City Pro can own five properties in the same city.
• King of the Street: A King can own three properties on the same street.

These collections are listed in the player profile. Players can also explore other opportunities to boost their revenue on the player profile.

Upland’s Activities

Upland offers various activities that are simple to join and offer substantial rewards. One such opportunity is the city tour, available immediately after a city’s opening. Completing this tour rewards players with complimentary Spark and a full registration fee reimbursement.

Treasure Hunts presents another thrilling opportunity for players to recover spent assets. With a stroke of luck, participants can recover the costs of Sends and potentially earn even more. This activity adds an extra layer of excitement to the Upland experience.

What is the SPARKLET Token?

Source: Upland Whitepaper

The SPARKLET is the native token of the Upland ecosystem, which was created using the ERC standard. It is designed to be launched on Ethereum and Upland layer 1. Players can use SPARKLET to develop land parcels, build virtual businesses, manufacture NFTs, and create assets.

Third-party developers also need the token to integrate into the SPARKLET ecosystem.

The token has a total supply of 1 billion tokens. Upon token generation (TGE), the project aims to keep an equal amount of SPARKLET on Ethereum and Upland. The move is to improve cross-chain transacting and interoperability between the two chains.

The tokenomics allocates 31% to the development of the Upland ecosystem, which would undergo a vesting period of 120 months, with 2.3% unlocked at TGE. 24% is allocated to rewarding participants, and it would undergo a vesting period of 120 months, with 0.1% unlocked at TGE.

15% is allocated as grants to developers in Upland’s ecosystem, which would undergo a vesting period of 48 months. 10% is allocated to advisors and supporters, and it would go through a cliff period of 12 months and a vesting period of 60 months. 14% is allocated to current Upland owners, and 10.9% would be unlocked at TGE.

2% is allocated to the launch campaign, and 2% will be unlocked during TGE. 4% is allocated to providing multi-chain liquidity for the token; it would undergo a vesting period of 12 months, and 2% would be unlocked at TGE.

Is SPARKLET a Good Investment?

Upland is one of the projects that has made major advancements in building a layer 1 network specifically for the metaverse. This means that the project is well-positioned to influence future developments in the metaverse space.

Participants and investors in the space are also well-placed to affect the direction of the platform through governance. This would give them a say in the long-term value of the Upland Metaverse project.

Competitive Analysis

The Upland and Decentraland projects are both crypto projects focused on building the next big metaverse platform. While Upland positions itself as a layer 1 network, Decentraland is a platform built on top of Ethereum.

The Decentraland project is dependent on Ethereum’s security protocols. Upland is a layer 1, which allows it to build its functionalities and security. This gives the Upland ecosystem more versatility to adapt to future changes.

How Can You Own SPARKLET Tokens?

Users can follow a simple process to own SPARKLET tokens and join the Upland ecosystem.

Setup a Wallet

One way to own SPARKLET tokens is to purchase them through an exchange. For this, the user must create a Gate.io account, complete the KYC process, and add funds to the account to buy the token.

Utilize the SPARKLET Tokens

Once users have acquired SPARKLET tokens, they can explore the Upland ecosystem by purchasing land parcels, managing assets, and participating in trade transactions.

Useful References

For the latest updates about Upland, visit:

• Official Website
• Twitter
• Telegram

Take Action on SPARKLET

Users can trade the SPARKLET token here.