Defi Miners: Idle Mining That Actually Pays
A Proof-of-Work Gaming Protocol
Abstract
A purely game-theoretic electronic mining system would allow players to earn real cryptocurrency based on computational contribution to a shared network. We propose a solution using proof-of-work mechanics adapted for idle gameplay, where mining power determines reward distribution from fixed block emissions. The system requires no complex DeFi knowledge, no NFT ownership, and no governance participation. Players build mining operations, optimize equipment loadouts, and compete for network share. A dual-currency model separates in-game progression (GOLD) from extractable value ($ROCK), creating natural economic tension between growth and profit-taking. Equipment degradation and repair costs establish deflationary token sinks.
1. Introduction
The idea is simple: you build a mining operation, upgrade your equipment, and earn $ROCK based on how much you contribute to the network's total mining power. Every 30 seconds, the game distributes rewards to all players. Your share depends on your mining power compared to everyone else's.
You start with a basic mine for 0.069 SOL, recruit miners, buy equipment, and watch your operation grow. Equipment breaks and needs repair, creating natural token sinks. The better your setup, the bigger your slice of each reward block.
There's a fixed supply of 1 billion $ROCK tokens. Early players capture value before competition intensifies. No complex DeFi mechanics, no NFTs, no governance tokens. Just mining gameplay with real crypto rewards.
2. Mining Power
Your mining power comes from three components: the miners you hire, the equipment they use, and your mine's facilities.
Pₘᵢₙₑᵣ = Pᵦₐₛₑ × Mₑᵧᵤᵢₚ × Bfₐcᵢₗᵢₜᵧ
Your total mining power is the sum of all individual miner contributions. The network's total power is the sum of all players' miners. Your share of each block reward equals your percentage of the network:
Rₚₗₐᵧₑᵣ = (Pₚₗₐᵧₑᵣ / Pₙₑₜwₒᵣₖ) × Rᵦₗₒcₖ
If you have 500 power in a network of 100,000 total, you own 0.5% and receive 0.5% of every block. Blocks occur every 30 seconds: 2,880 distributions daily.
3. Miners
Five miner tiers exist, each with different base power and costs:
| Tier | Base Power | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10 | Free | Starter, not upgradable |
| Novice | 25 | 50 GOLD | Entry tier, upgradable |
| Skilled | 60 | 200 GOLD | Mid-game backbone |
| Expert | 150 | 800 GOLD | Late-game competitive |
| Master | 400 | $ROCK | Premium, maximum power |
The upgrade path follows linear progression:
Novice → Skilled → Expert → Master
150 500 1500 (GOLD)
Higher tier miners benefit more from equipment. A 40% bonus on 25 base yields +10 power. The same bonus on 150 base yields +60 power.
4. Equipment
Equipment multiplies miner effectiveness. Four slots per miner:
| Slot | Basic | Advanced | Expert | Legendary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickaxe | +20% | +40% | +75% | +150% |
| Boots | +10% | +18% | +25% | +30% |
| Backpack | +5% | +10% | +12% | +15% |
| Scanner | +8% | +12% | +15% | +15% |
All equipment except scanners degrades. Each block reduces durability by 1. At zero, equipment breaks until repaired. Repair cost = 50% purchase price. This creates the core sink: earn GOLD → spend on repairs → GOLD exits forever. Legendary equipment requires $ROCK tokens.
5. Facilities
Facilities provide permanent bonuses to your entire operation:
| Facility | Bonus | Cost | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ore Wagon | +15% all miners | 400 GOLD | Mine Level 2 |
| Storage Shed | +10% all miners | 350 GOLD | Mine Level 2 |
| Power Generator | Enables Legendary | 800 GOLD | Mine Level 3 |
Bonuses stack multiplicatively:
Bₜₒₜₐₗ = 1.15 × 1.10 = 1.
A permanent 26.5% boost with zero maintenance.
6. Dual Economy
Two currencies create strategic tension.
GOLD is earned from mining and spent on standard upgrades. Exists only in-game. Cannot be withdrawn. Every miner, equipment, facility, and repair costs GOLD.
$ROCK is real cryptocurrency on Solana. Obtained by converting GOLD. Goes to your wallet for trading, holding, or spending on premium items.
Conversion is one-way and irreversible:
GOLD → Reinvest (compound growth)
GOLD → Convert → $ROCK (extract value)
Both strategies are valid. Aggressive reinvestment builds faster. Frequent conversion provides steady income. Optimal play balances both.
7. Tokenomics
$ROCK: 1,000,000,000 fixed supply on Solana. No inflation, no minting. Distribution rate depends on player behavior. If everyone reinvests, supply stays scarce. If everyone converts, distribution accelerates. Market collectively controls supply flow.
Token Sinks:
GOLD burning: Equipment repairs, upgrades, purchases
Premium purchases: $ROCK spent on Legendary items exits circulation
Self-Regulation:
$ROCK price low → Players hold GOLD → Supply ↓ → Price recovers
$ROCK price high → Players convert → Supply ↑ → Price stabilizes
8. Network Effects
Earnings depend on network share, not absolute power.
| Time | Your Power | Network Total | Your Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 100 | 10,000 | 1.00% |
| Week 4 | 300 | 50,000 | 0.60% |
| Week 8 | 500 | 100,000 | 0.50% |
Power increased 5×. Share dropped 50%. Network grew faster. Early players who scale aggressively capture value before competition intensifies. Late players must be more efficient to remain profitable.
9. Referral System
Invite players, earn passive income forever.
Rₗ₁ = 0.025 × Eᵈᵢᵣₑcₜ
Rₗ₂ = 0.0125 × Eᵢₙᵈᵢᵣₑcₜ
Level 1: 2.5% of direct referrals' earnings
Level 2: 1.25% of indirect referrals' earnings
10 referrals × 100 GOLD/day = 25 GOLD/day passive.
Referred players get free mine (saves 0.069 SOL).
10. Implementation
Frontend: React + Pixi.js (WebGL rendering)
Backend: Bun + Hono
Database: PostgreSQL + Redis
Blockchain: Solana
Block distribution every 30 seconds. Server calculates network power, determines shares, credits balances, processes referrals, decrements durability. All atomic. All server-side.
$ROCK conversion triggers Solana transaction. Standard gas fees apply.
11. Conclusion
Bitcoin mining economics. Idle game mechanics. Fixed supply. Proof-of-work distribution. Deflationary sinks. Network competition. Genuine incentives.
Dual economy separates gameplay from value extraction. Equipment creates sinks. Premium items create demand. Network effects reward early adoption and strategic efficiency.
No complex DeFi. No NFTs. No governance theater.
Just mining that actually pays.
References
Twitter: @defi_miners
Website: defiminers.io