Cartridge Controller: Let's talk about smooth UX for onchain games

Introduction

The gaming industry is undergoing a massive transformation with the rise of Web3, bringing true ownership, decentralized economies, and seamless player experiences. However, one of the biggest roadblocks to mass adoption is the complexity of blockchain authentication and wallet management.

Enter Cartridge Controller—a groundbreaking solution designed to make Web3 gaming as seamless as traditional gaming, eliminating the need for complex wallet interactions, gas fees, and private key management.

In this blog, we’ll explore how Cartridge Controller is revolutionizing Web3 gaming. It enables developers to create frictionless player experiences with account abstraction, session keys, and smart authentication.

Before we talk any further, try Art-Peace, an onchain game on Starknet, and don’t forget to log in via Cartridge to check for yourself how smooth the UX is!

Did you notice how the wallet never prompts you to sign every transaction repeatedly? And did I mention that the gas fees are also covered? It can’t get any better; it seems like a normal game, right? With no pop-ups?

🎮 The Problem: Why Web3 Gaming Needs Better Authentication

Web3 games introduce features like play-to-earn mechanics, NFT-based assets, and decentralized ownership. However, these benefits often come at a cost: complex user onboarding and frustrating blockchain interactions.

The Current Challenges in Web3 Gaming

🚧 Wallet Management – Players must set up wallets like MetaMask or Argent to access a game.

⏳ Gas Fees & Transaction Signing – Every in-game action (buying items, minting NFTs) requires a blockchain transaction, which means manual approval and gas fees.

🔐 Seed Phrases & Security Risks – Traditional wallets require users to secure seed phrases, which are difficult for mainstream gamers to manage.

🕹️ Interrupted Gameplay – Constant signing and wallet pop-ups disrupt the immersive experience of gaming.

This is where Cartridge Controller comes in. It simplifies Web3 authentication and transactions, making Web3 games feel as smooth as traditional games.

Introducing Cartridge Controller: Web3 Gaming, Simplified

Cartridge Controller is a smart authentication system designed to remove the friction of blockchain interactions in Web3 gaming.

🔑 How Does Cartridge Controller Work?

Instead of forcing players to sign every transaction manually, Cartridge Controller leverages account abstraction and session keys to enable gasless, passwordless, and seamless authentication.

🔥 Key Features:

✅ Walletless Authentication – Players can sign in using familiar methods (Google, Discord, etc.) instead of managing wallets.
✅ Session Keys – Allows automatic signing of transactions for pre-approved actions, reducing pop-ups.
✅ Gasless Transactions – Removes players needing to hold ETH for gas fees.
✅ Account Recovery – No need to remember seed phrases; accounts can be linked to traditional authentication methods.
✅ Security & Customization – Developers can set up granular permissions for transaction execution.

With Cartridge Controller, Web3 games can offer a frictionless experience, keeping players engaged without blockchain complexity.

🛠️ How to Integrate Cartridge Controller in Your Web3 Game

Enough bragging now; let’s dive into setting up the Cartridge Controller in a Web3 game using React.

1️⃣ Install the Cartridge SDK

Start by installing the required dependencies:

yarn add @cartridge/controller starknet react

2️⃣ Initialize the Cartridge Controller

Create a controller.js file and initialize the Cartridge Controller.

import { Controller } from '@cartridge/controller';

const controller = new Controller({
  app: 'your-game-id',
  network: 'starknet-testnet', // or 'starknet-mainnet'
});

export default controller;

3️⃣ Connect a Player’s Account

In your React component, add a login button that connects a player’s account.

import React, { useState } from 'react';
import controller from './controller';

const Login = () => {
  const [player, setPlayer] = useState(null);

  const connectPlayer = async () => {
    const account = await controller.connect();
    setPlayer(account);
  };

  return (
    <div>
      <button onClick={connectPlayer}>Login to Game</button>
      {player && <p>Welcome, {player.address}!</p>}
    </div>
  );
};

export default Login;

4️⃣ Enable Session Keys for Seamless Transactions

With session keys, players can automatically sign transactions without manual confirmations.

const enableSessionKey = async () => {
  await controller.authorize({
    actions: ['moveCharacter', 'claimReward'], // Pre-approved actions
    duration: 3600, // 1 hour session
  });
};

5️⃣ Execute an In-Game Transaction Without Pop-Ups

const purchaseItem = async () => {
  await controller.execute({
    contract: '0xYourGameContract',
    method: 'buyItem',
    args: [1], // Buy item with ID 1
  });
};

🎯 Real-World Use Cases: How Web3 Games Can Use Cartridge Controller

🕹️ 1. NFT-Based Games

Players can mint, trade, and equip NFTs without needing manual transaction approvals.
Session keys allow automatic weapon/skin upgrades without signing transactions.

🏆 2. Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games

Earnings can be claimed without gas fees interrupting the experience.
Players can stake and withdraw rewards seamlessly.

🎲 3. On-Chain Strategy & Card Games

Moves in turn-based strategy games can be auto-signed, keeping gameplay uninterrupted.
Deck management, trades, and upgrades happen in real-time.

🛠️ Resources and further reading:

🚀 Start by integrating the Cartridge Controller into your Web3 game today!