The adoption of vector databases has surged in recent years, driven by their ability to enhance AI applications through contextual understanding, similarity searches, and efficient data retrieval. With the upcoming Mimir upgrade, Chromia is introducing a vector database extension that enables these embeddings to be stored on its relational blockchain architecture. This innovation will make Chromia one of the only Layer-1s to offer on-chain vector databases.
Today, we are introducing a demo of our vector database extension implemented by Aarda AI, a platform specializing in worldbuilding and character creation for video games.
Shadows of Harrow City
In late 2024, Aarda AI developed a mini-game called Shadows of Harrow City to showcase its technology. The game places players in the role of a detective solving a murder mystery through interrogations. Each NPC holds distinct knowledge, with responses dynamically generated based on the player's spoken input. Speech-to-text translation converts the player's words into structured input for the retrieval chain, ensuring that interactions feel organic and responsive.
Originally, the game's vector database was hosted on an AWS server. When Aarda learned about our upcoming extension, they created a retrofitted version of the game that hosts all of this vector data on an internal Chromia node.
“I was impressed by how easy the switchover was — using Chromia as a vector data layer was plug and play. For clients who require decentralization and transparency, it’s the most seamless and scalable solution available.” Kayna Oliveira, CTO of Aarda AI.
In the process, Aarda developed a method that allows any project hosted on Chromia to connect its vector database to Aarda’s engine. The demo serves as a clear example of how Chromia can function as a decentralized vector data layer.
While Shadows of Harrow City is a brief single-player experience, the same approach can be scaled to support multiplayer interactions, larger NPC populations, and more complex narratives.
How Aarda AI Utilizes Vector Databases
Aarda AI employs a unique system of 'knowledge bricks' - packets of information associated with key concepts and keywords. When a player interacts with NPCs, the system retrieves relevant knowledge bricks from the vector database based on similarity searches. The retrieved information is then refined through an additional layer that considers player history, personality traits, and past interactions.
This process enables fluid, natural conversations between players and NPCs without reliance on preset dialogue trees, making game narratives more immersive and dynamic.
The Decentralization of Data
As Web3 gaming and AI applications continue to evolve, the need for decentralized backend solutions is increasing. Decentralized data can enhance transparency, resilience, and interoperability across multiple platforms.
With the mainnet release of the Vector Database Extension, Chromia will be among the first Layer-1 blockchains to offer a fully functional decentralized vector database. This solution can be utilized by native Chromia projects, as well as external Web2 and Web3 projects and applications.
Shadows of Harrow City serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating how this feature can be integrated into existing applications. The extension will go live on mainnet on March 25th as part of the Mimir Upgrade.
About Chromia
Chromia is a Layer-1 relational blockchain platform that uses a modular framework to empower users and developers with dedicated dapp chains, customizable fee structures, and enhanced digital assets. By fundamentally changing how information is structured on the blockchain, Chromia provides natively queryable data indexed in real-time, challenging the status quo to deliver innovations that will streamline the end-user experience and facilitate new Web3 business models.
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