Session Key
In the context of blockchain gaming, a session key is a cryptographic key used to authenticate and authorize actions within a game session without requiring the player to sign every transaction individually. This mechanism is particularly relevant in blockchain-based games, where transactions are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency, immutability, and security.
How Session Keys Work
Initial Authentication: When a user starts a session in a blockchain game, they authenticate using their wallet. This initial authentication step is crucial for establishing the session key.
Session Key Generation: Upon successful authentication, the game generates a session key. This key is unique to the user's session and is used to sign transactions on behalf of the user during the session.
Transaction Signing: For any action the user takes within the game (e.g., moving a character, attacking an opponent), the game uses the session key to sign the transaction. This process is transparent to the user, who does not need to manually sign each transaction.
Session Expiry: The session key is valid only for the duration of the session. Once the session ends (e.g., when the user logs out or after a certain period of inactivity), the session key expires. This ensures that even if a session key is compromised, it cannot be used indefinitely.
Benefits of Using Session Keys
Improved User Experience: By eliminating the need for users to sign every transaction, session keys make blockchain gaming more accessible and enjoyable. This is particularly important for games with real-time or turn-based mechanics, where frequent transactions are common.
Enhanced Security: While session keys reduce the burden on users, they do not compromise security. The session key is still cryptographically secure and tied to the user's wallet. If a session key is compromised, the attacker would need access to the user's wallet to exploit it, which is a significant security barrier in blockchain ecosystems.
Efficiency: By handling transaction signing automatically, session keys allow games to process actions more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial in games with complex mechanics or high player counts, where transaction processing can become a bottleneck.
Types of Session Key
In Hokum, there are multiple tier of session keys
Client Session Key
The Client Session Key is a temporary key generated in the browser or client used by the game. This key is typically used for a single session of a game and is activated by the user's wallet at the start of the game. Since the private key is known to the client, it can sign any transaction without requiring user confirmation. This key is restricted to authorized transactions only, enhancing its security by preventing any unauthorized transactions.
Game Operator Key
The Game Operator Key is generated and stored in the game’s centralized database when a user signs up for the game or during specific events. Game developers use this key to execute background transactions on behalf of the user, such as periodic events, reward claims, challenge submissions, and actions triggered by other users or off-chain factors. Developers are responsible for creating smart contracts that securely restrict the Game Operator Key's scope and for safely storing these keys, potentially using Key Management Services (KMS) or Wallet-as-a-Service applications.
Farcaster Operator Key
The Farcaster Operator Key is a crucial key that allows nearly complete control over your Farcaster social account. This key is assigned when you log into a Farcaster client. It is essential to trust the Farcaster client not to perform malicious transactions with your keys. A non-custodial Farcaster client will store this key only on the client-side, whereas a custodial service like Warpcast will store the key on their server. The significance of this key increases with on-chain social gaming, as it allows anyone possessing this key to play games on your behalf.
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